Crop Circle in Switzerland

Do you believe crop circles were made by visitors from other planets? Maybe you think they are made by people who like a joke and don’t mind some hard work to achieve a good hoax that attracts many people to see it. A lot of people take the circles very seriously and there is a large conference on the subject opening today.

Even many people who don’t believe crop circles are made by aliens are interested in them and get a thrill from seeing pictures of them or, better still, visiting them and seeing them first hand. I admit I’m a non-believer but I was delighted when I saw my first crop circle as we were driving on a small country road near Devizes in Wiltshire, UK.

Wiltshire is famous for its crop circles and each year often has more than anywhere else. They are particularly common near the county’s ancient monuments like Stonehenge, Silbury Hill and Avebury.

Crop Circle at Milk Hill, Wiltshire, UK

The conference takes place in Devizes, Wiltshire, and it’s official name is the Summer Crop Circles Lectures and, as well as talks by experts from around the world, there is a crop circle tour by coach (bus) and this evening (Saturday July 31st), there will be a vigil held throughout the night in the countryside.

Although people continue to discuss the authenticity of the circles, many people have admitted making them. The most famous are probably Doug Bower and Dave Chorley who, it is said, made the original circles near Winchester. Since then, other people have admitted making them and there have even been demonstrations on television of how they do it. There have also been competitions for the best circle. In particular, in 1992 a contest was held in Berkshire which was won by Westland Helicopters who made their circle using helicopters rope, a ladder and various other items. Some artists regard crop circles as a legitimate form of artistic expression.

Of course, there is always a middle ground. You don’t have to believe that every crop circle is made by supernatural forces or visitors from elsewhere in the universe. You can accept that not every crop circle has a logical explanation, or at least not one that we can understand with our present knowledge.  In the meantime we can enjoy the extravagant and beautiful patterns exhibited by many circles, however they are made.

If you want more information, Secrets in the Fields: The Science and Mysticism of Crop Circles is recommended by some knowledgeable crop circle enthusiasts.

Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron

While fighting the last General Election in the UK, Conservative leader, David Cameron, put forward the idea of the Big Society. During the election campaign he didn’t go into many details about it, perhaps he hadn’t worked them out at that point.

Now he’s Prime Minister in a coalition goverment with the Liberal Democrats, he has just launched his plan and told us how it’s going to work.

Instead of problems being solved by central government or local councils, volunteers will come together to work towards solutions. Each group will put forward their proposals to the ‘Big Society Bank’, and will receive funding if the ideas are accepted. The BS Bank will get its money from dormant bank accounts, ie those bank accounts that have had no transactions on them for at least 15 years. I wonder what will happen when a savings book or old bank statement is unearthed and the bank account holder or their heirs wants the money from the dormant account.

This is how it works, according to the transcript of his speech on July 19, 2010.

First, social action.

The success of the Big Society will depend on the daily decisions of millions of people – on them giving their time, effort, even money, to causes around them.

So government cannot remain neutral on that – it must foster and support a new culture of voluntarism, philanthropy, social action.

Second, public service reform.

We’ve got to get rid of the centralised bureaucracy that wastes money and undermines morale.

And in its place we’ve got give professionals much more freedom, and open up public services to new providers like charities, social enterprises and private companies so we get more innovation, diversity and responsiveness to public need.

And third, community empowerment.

We need to create communities with oomph – neighbourhoods who are in charge of their own destiny, who feel if they club together and get involved they can shape the world around them.

It sounds plausible, doesn’t it?

Or does it?

In the concluding part of the speech he says,

Whether it is in building affordable housing, tackling youth unemployment, inviting charities to deliver public services…

…the people in Britain worked out the answer to the big social problems.

This sounds like central government, the coalition of which David Cameron is Prime Minister, is washing its hands of social problems and public services. It’s up to the rest of us tax payers to work out the solutions and provide them. That’s while we continue to work, to pay our own rent or mortgages, bills, bring up our children, look after elderly relatives and the myriad other things required of us in our daily lives.

While proposing to use other people’s money in dormant bank accounts to finance the Big Society, this government is slashing local authority budgets leading to big cuts in services. It has cut all school rebuilding programmes leaving thousands of children in sub standard school buildings. At the same time it is rushing through its plan to expand academy schools and finding the money for them.

The poor and those on average salaries are going to get poorer and public services we have paid for throughout our working lives are being cut back. Meanwhile, banks are making big profits and bankers are again receiving large bonuses. There is no campaign to crackdown on tax loopholes used by the very rich nor to tax non-doms living in this country. It seems like David Cameron and his Conservative – LibDem Coalition government are doing more damage to Britain’s welfare state than Margaret Thatcher ever dared to do – and that is not a compliment.

Read what Alastair Campbell says about the Big Society.

A Bride and Her Bridesmaids

Although the bride is the star of the wedding, other people have their own roles too. These are the traditional duties of the various wedding attendants.
What do they all do or are they there just for show?

Matron of Honor (Bride’s right-hand woman)

• Is responsible for her own gown and accessories
• Arranges the hen party (guests, entertainment etc..)
• Keeps a record of wedding gifts
• Acts as official witness
• Helps to settles the bride`s nerves
• Helps bridesmaids on the big day
• Holds bride’s bouquet during the ceremony
• Looks after bride’s things at ceremony and reception
• Assists the bride when changing from her wedding gown to her going-away clothes

Bridesmaids

• Responsible for their own gowns
• Assist in all pre-wedding festivities
• Helps to prepare for the reception
• Fill cups with confetti, rice, or rose petals to throw for the getaway
• Decorate the cars

Best Man (Groom’s right-hand man)

• He’s responsible for his tuxedo
• Makes sure the groom arrives on time
• He sees that the ushers’ function runs smoothly
• Gives toasts and speeches at ceremony and reception
• Pays the officiant’s fee
• Keeps rings, license, and honeymoon tickets
• Acts as toastmaster at the bridal table
• Plans for reception exit transportation

Ushers

• Responsible for their own clothes
• Involved in all ceremony festivities
• Greet all guests at the ceremony, ask which family they represent and seat them accordingly.
• Unrolls the aisle runner after the bride’s mother is seated

Flower Girl

• Precedes the bride, tossing flower petals down the aisle

Ring Bearer (no, I don’t mean Frodo!)

• He walks down the aisle carrying the ring secured to a satin pillow.

Bridal Bouquet

The bridal bouquet has origins deep in history. The Roman bride and groom would wear garlands around their necks to symbolise long life and fertility. Strong smelling flowers, garlic and herbs would be worn to ward off evil spirits which were thought to be ever present and bad luck.

History of the Bouquet
During the plague in England when it was thought the plague was carried by the wind and bad smells, people would wear strong smelling spices and herbs to drive away the infection. The bridal bouquet symbolised a maid in bloom and the flowers she chose related to smell, colour and decoration, and could be recalled later on when the couple would come accross the same smell, to bring back memories of their happy day.

Today the flowers in the bouquet are a wonderful display of colour and smell, chosen carefully by the bride to enhance the look she wishes to create.

Throwing the Bouquet
This is thought to have originated in America and is usual in the UK nowadays too. The bride would throw the bouquet over her shoulder, to be caught by a single female friend and it would mean that she would be the next one to marry. Equally, the groom could throw his buttonhole over his shoulder towards his single male friends, and the same could apply.

This is a way of spreading the good fortune and joy of the happy couple to their friends.

The Victorian Bouquet
In Victorian times, the language of flowers was first used by lovers to send messages to each other using different flowers, each one having it’s own meaning.

For example, red roses are known as a symbol of love which everyone would recognise. Put them together with freesia which means trust and fern which means sincerity and fasciation, and there is a message for all to see. “I sincerely love and trust you and you fascinate me.”

Tip
When choosing your bouquet, make sure that the overall display does not obliterate the view of your wedding dress. Some of the traditional designs are very large and heavy to handle but look beautiful. Make sure that you can cope with the weight. After waiting while the photographer takes the numerous photos, your arm will get very tired. It is important that the bouquet is prominent in the pictures so you should be relaxed while carrying it.

There are so many different styles available to suit every taste. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Obviously you are going to think about the colours in the bouquet, and the co-ordinating effect with the bridesmaids, but also think about the smell. The lovely smell of freesias or roses will linger in the church, chapel or hotel, long after you and your guests have departed.

Garage Sale

A garage sale is a lot of hard work, but the returns can more than justify the effort.

Clean out your closets and anything that is useless to you or you don’t want – put it in the sale. Don’t throw anything away. What is one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

• First, set a date and time when you can devote your full time to this sale, for gathering up various articles as well as being able to attend the sale full time.
• Second, plan just what you’re going to put in this sale, if you are going to have the sale alone, or with two to five more families.
• Third, have plenty of change on hand – both silver and paper money.

Of course you need to advertise. Make sure you say it’s a Garage Sale (sometimes people forget!), give the date, times and address with brief directions if it is difficult to find.

Ideally, run an ad in your daily newspaper. If you run your ad one day only, have it in the Thursday paper but it’s better to run it for two days to appear in both the Thursday and Friday editions. If your sale runs through Saturday, your sale is about over before the paper hits the street on Saturday. Therefore, 2-day advertising is usually adequate unless your  Don’t forget that  word of mouth can be very effective so tell everybody you know. If employed, place signs on your company’s bulletin boards. Best days for your Garage Sale are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

What Can You Sell
Antiques and collectibles are very popular regardless of state of repair or condition. Capitalize on the season. Feature luggage at going-away to school or vacation time. Toys near Christmas. Include fads – today, bottles of all kinds are in demand: big bottles, little bottles, Jim Beam, Avon, Kara Brooks, Wheaton/Nuline, old medicine, Mrs. Butterworth, miniature – all kinds, old fruit jars, and insulators.

Here are some additional items that are in demand: baseball cards, lawnmowers, camping articles, guns, tools, coins, old books, salt and pepper shakers, needlework, jewelry and dishes. Doll clothing and accessories are always in demand and especially for Barbie and Ken or teen dolls. Toys go over big at any time. Dolls and stuffed toys make a hit with the kids and they, in turn, will finally persuade their mothers to buy something.

Don’t be afraid to drag out those outgrown items, old dishes, two-of-a-kind items you don’t really need and generally ‘clean house’. You’ll find the money in your pocket is better than all the clutter in the house. Homemade items are very popular. If someone in your household sews, then sew up aprons, doll clothes, dolls, stuffed toys from scraps of material lying around. You’ll make use of those scraps taking up space and make money too! Fresh produce such as tomatoes, green beans, corn, fruits, etc. will also sell, if you grow a lot of fruit and vegetables in your garden.

Display Your Goods

• Place tables so that shoppers can browse without feeling crowded.
• Display your wares attractively.
• Be sure they are clean, usable, and priced temptingly.
• People are looking for bargains. Don’t disappoint them.
• If you have any fragile, rare or expensive items such as crystal, cut glass or jewelry, be sure it is displayed on a sturdy table and up high out of reach of kiddies. They are curious and you might be too busy to watch them.
• Drinking glasses, dishes, cups will sell faster if you price them in sets of 6 for $1.00 instead of 15 cents each.
• Paperback books, magazines, records and items that have titles will sell more readily if they are marked separately. If they want them collectively, they’ll ask you. Then bundle them all up and sell them.

Take advantage of the space under the tables, if you need more display room. You will be amazed how buyers spot the smallest item under the table. Colorful table covers draw a lot of attention to your items.

You will save yourself a lot of time answering questions if you show a price on all merchandise. Use a heavy black felt marking pen for lettering. If more families go in with you, identify your price tags with a code such as G 75 cents or M 25 cents. The letters designate, perhaps, the first letter of the last name of the family who contributed items to sell. Keep all the tags and at the end of the sale, divide the tags according to code and total the sales. You may not come out right to the penny on sales and change you had on hand as anyone can make errors in making change for a customer.

Be sure you have electrical outlets nearby to plug in toasters, blenders, electric skillets, irons, hair dryers, electric razors, etc., to show people that your articles do work. If you have to use an extension cord, make sure it is in excellent condition and preferably a heavy duty one.

If you want to continue your selling of any items you might have made, you can let people know then and have future sales all lined up. A circular made up and passed out to each customer would help to obtain any future sales also. You will profit both from the present sale and any future sales also. In short, you should have received much money, future profits, some new acquaintances and a weary but happy body!

Garden Mint for Taboulleh Salad

In summer most of us want our food to be fresh and light. In hot weather we don’t want casseroles or stews, roast beef and potatoes or hot desserts, even if they are chocolate.

Luckily, summer produce gives us just the kinds of food we want to eat and, even better, it’s often quick and simple to make. Here are some suggestions.

As luck would have it, we have a really great recipe right here for Taboulleh Salad. I’ve eaten this on hot summer days and it was just the most delicious and refreshing dish, perfectly suited to the weather. The fresh chopped mint in it combines perfectly with the bulgar wheat, lemon juice, tomatoes, spices and seasoning. I recommend it most highly.

Still on the salad theme, Citrus Watercress Salad is another one that is cooling on a hot day. This time the base is brown rice (very healthy!) which is mixed with fresh orange and grapefruit. I’m sure you could add or substitute lemon if you preferred. Then watercress and flavorings are added.

Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean we’ve given up a desire for desserts. With all the fresh fruit around, there is a huge choice of summer sweet dishes ranging from a simple fruit salad to much more complicated recipes. Let’s keep it simple, though. I don’t want to spend time in a kitchen toiling over a hot stove. Here are three of my favourites: Summer Pudding - using fresh raspberries, it’s absolutely delicious; here’s a nostalgic favourite - Knickerbocker Glory – the king of ice cream sundaes; then there’s Blueberry Cake, using the ultimate summer berry with the advantage it’s a very quick easy recipe to make.

Finally, we want long cool, drinks in summer. Most are also quick and easy to make as long as you have a blender or food processor. If you still want a chocolate fix, you can’t beat a Chocolate Milkshake. If you prefer your summer drinks fruity, take a look at these recipes for Smoothies, all using fruit.

These Rice Crispy chocolate bars are a favourite with children of all ages. The recipe is quick and easy to make, the children can join in the fun. Makes 30.

Ingredients
60g (1/3 cup) soft brown suga
80ml (1/3 cup) light corn syrup (or golden syrup)
30g (2 tbs) unsalted butter
60g (1/4 cup) dark chocolate bits
125g (1/2 cup) of crunchy peanut butter
125g (4 cups)  Rice Krispies/Rice Bubbles
60g (2 squares) chopped baking chocolate – for decoration

Method
1. Brush a 12ins x 8ins (30 x 20cm) tin with oil or melted butter, thoroughly

2. Line the base with baking/ greasproof paper to extend over the two sides and then grease well

3. Place the sugar and the corn syrup in a small pan over a low heat without allowing to boil until the sugar is melted.

4. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat.

5. Add the chocolate bits and the butter and remove from the heat.

6. Stir well until smooth.

7. Add the peanut butter and mix thoroughly.

8. Put the Rice Krispies in a medium sized bowl.

9. Add the choclate mixture and quickly stir well.

10. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and press down well then allow to set

11. Place the baking chocolate in a small bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir constantly until melted.

12. Cool slightly

13. Place in an icing bag, seal the end and cut off the tip

14. Pipe fine lattice like lines over the top of the mixture or alternatively, just drizzle over the top

15. Leave to set completely then cut into small bars.

Cherries

These little cakes are ideal for a children’s party or for a formal afternoon tea.

Ingredients
1 cup (4oz) sieved self raising (cake) flour
2oz butter
1/4 cup (2oz) castor (fine grained) sugar
1 large egg
2 rounded tps cocoa powder
1 tbs warm water

Topping
Halved glacé (candied) cherries
1 cup (4oz) icing (confectioners) sugar
1 tbs lemon, rum or other flavouring
cold water

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 425 deg F (220 deg C). Layout a baking tray with about a dozen small paper cake cases.

2. Mix the cocoa and warm water until the cocoa dissolves.

3. Put the butter and sugar into a bowl and beat until it is light and creamy then beat in the egg and cocoa mixture.

4. Fold in the flour.

5. Divide the mixture equally into the 12 paper cases then bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

6. To make the topping just mix the icing (confectioners sugar) with lemon,  rum or other flavouring and enough cold water until it is loose enough to spread easily over the top of each small cake. Decorate with half a cherry on each one.

Polling Station in England

Well, it’s nearly the moment of truth. Tomorrow, Thursday, the polls will open at 7am and we will be able to vote to decide on the future government of the country.

I admit, I’m in the minority and do not want the Tories to get into power. I don’t trust them to look after the interests of ordinary people. I don’t feel that David Cameron is genuinely interested in us. I think he’s ‘Blair Lite’, just not as convincing as Tony Blair at getting people to like and trust him. I certainly don’t think that George Osbourne would make a good Chancellor of the Exchequer. Considering that the Tories have kept Osbourne under wraps for most of the election campaign, it seems they don’t think he’s an electoral asset – I agree with them.

Will Labour win? I don’t think so even though I hope I’m wrong. Gordon Brown has had such a bad press throughout the campaign and for a year or more before it. He’s not Blair – he’s hopeless at chatting to people he doesn’t know, he can’t smile without reason – when he tries, it doesn’t look natural. He’s just not a populist. It should be remembered, though, that his policies for getting the country out of this current recession were successfully adopted in countries around the world. We saw the real, passionate Gordon Brown in his speech at Citizens UK yesterday – see the video below. It’s just a pity that he didn’t do more of this.

Will there be a hung Parliament with no overall majority for any one party? This might be the best result for the country – who knows? Certainly the Liberal Democrats are higher in the opinion polls than they have ever been in a general election campaign. If there is a hung Parliament, the Lib Dems maybe the ones who decide who becomes the next government.

Nick Clegg, LibDem Leader

In just nine days, here in Britain we will be going to the polls to vote for a new government.

As General Elections go, this one has been fairly boring apart from the introduction of leaders’ debates. Because we’re a parliamentary democracy and we vote for individual Members of Parliament to represent our district not the Prime Minister, debates between leaders of the main parties has always been resisted.

In the run-up to this election, though, we’ve had two televised leaders’ debates featuring Prime Minister George Brown for Labour, David Cameron for the Conservatives and Nick Clegg for the LibDems. Undoubtedly, the dark horse Nick Clegg won the first debate but the winner of the second was much harder to call. All I can say is that none of the three did badly.

We have the final leaders’ debate this coming Thursday and I would be surprised if the three men are not much more aggressive than in the last two. The opinion polls show there is all to play for and that Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats could hold the balance of power if there is a hung Parliament, ie neither Labour nor Conservative have enough Members of Parliament to form a majority government but need an agreement of support with the LibDems and the smaller parties.

Judging by Twitter, other social networks and opinion polls, it seems that a hung Parliament is the preferred option for many people. Of course, the two major parties phophesize doom and gloom if this is the result but they would, wouldn’t they?

Well, in a little over a week we will know the result. Will it be more of George Brown or will we get Conservative David Cameron as Prime Minister? If the Conservatives win, it will be interesting to see if they manage to pull together a consistent set of policies – something they have failed to do so far, in my opinion.

If it is a hung Parliament and LibDem Nick Clegg has to make the choice of which of the two major parties he will support, can he really get LibDems to support a Conservative government? Considering they are on the liberal end of the political spectrum, it seems unlikely.

We certainly live in interesting times.

Picture above: Copyright © Nick Clegg, Creative Commons Licence