06.18.13
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My hearing…

For years I have suggested to my mother that, when she complains that she cannot hear something, she should perhaps get a hearing aid. However, a friend who grew up two houses to the north of us, this evening posted on Facebook that he had just had his ears irrigated.

Before this evening, I had no idea that such a procedure could be carried out. However, where it impacts my life, is that I have noticed that I have to have the television turned up higher to hear it; and I have difficulty hearing people when speaking to me on the telephone. I think that I shall be booking an appointment with my GP to discuss my hearing.

 

06.17.13
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“Lest we forget”

BIRMINGHAM SCOUTS Lest We Forget Emb b-1

Over on another of my blogs, I wrote about my thoughts on learning that I did have a male relative who fought in the Great War. Up until last week, I had believed myself to be of a family that didn’t have anyone to have fought. In this belief, I was wrong. But I was wrong in more than one way.

You see, I am not just a member of my biological family. No. I am also by virtue of a promise made when I was around ten years old, also a member of the Worldwide family of Scouts. Many, many Scouts fought bravely in the Great War, some of them only boys. Some were honoured by the nation: Jack Cornwell received the Victoria Cross for staying at his post despite being fatally injured by a shell in case he was needed. After him –and in his memory – B.-P. named a Scout award which to this day is awarded “in respect of pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage and endurance”. Jack Cornwell also received The Bronze Cross the highest award in Scouting for gallantry, the Bronze Cross.

But it is not just the well-known heroes like Jack Cornwell that we should be remembering, it is every Scout who served, every Scout who has done his duty to do his best.

I am pleased, therefore, to say that I will be supporting the efforts

“to raise funds to build and maintain a Scouting memorial to remember those who have given service to Scouting and their communities, especially those members of Scouting who have suffered through conflict.”

I am sure that many people here in Northern Ireland will recognise that Scouts as with the rest of our population have suffered greatly through the period of unrest and the terrorist campaigns of the 1970s onwards. Through all that period of time, Scouting continued to provide a safe haven for boys (and later girls) who wanted to have some fun and adventure in the great outdoors as well as in Scout halls across the Province.

If you would also like to support this cause, please look at the campaign’s new website.

http://www.tsmp.org.uk/

 

06.16.13
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Relationships…

I am very lucky, I share a relationship – nay a marriage — with Andrew. I know that we both could not survive and would not be where we are if it were not for the other. Surfing the Internet this evening, I came across the following quotation.

“Don’t let someone become a priority in your life, when you are just an option in theirs. Relationships are best when they are balanced.”

I do not know who said it. If anyone does, please let me know. What I do know is that it is very, very true. Thank you Andrew for everything.

 

06.15.13
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Those that didn't want to redefine marriage try to redefine marrriage...badly

Reblogged from LGBT Lib Dems Northern Ireland:

Click to visit the original post


Remember how just the other week opponents of equal marriage were saying you can't redefine marriage.

Well take a look at some of the amendments that they have been lodging in the House of Lords.

Clause 1

LORD HYLTON LORD CORMACK

Page 1, line 5, leave out “Marriage” and insert “Union”

Looks like a redefinition to me, of course this only applies to those of same-sex couples as can be seen by a withdrawn amendment on the same line:

Read more… 1,032 more words

Well said Stephen...
06.13.13
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Two modules done, more to come…

Arms of the Open University (400 × 397 px; 256...

Arms of the Open University (400 × 397 px; 256,136 bytes) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s the time of year when most students are getting the results of their exams — not their resits or resubmissions — but for me it is the time to get the result of my resubmission of the examinable content of the first year of Law with The Open University, W100 – Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law.

I have well and truly passed. And I am over the moon. In due course, the University should issue a Certificate in Legal Studies (Open) to me as well. It is the first step on the road to a Degree that has been coming for a very long time. It finally gives some credit to University study that I have undertaken. It’s just unfortunate that the postnominals are: Cert Legal Stud (Open)…

Further details about study with The Open University is available from its website shown below:

The Open University

06.11.13
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Time for me to stroke a pussy or two…

This evening, as a bit of rest and relaxation, my friend Sam took me out to Assisi Animal Sanctuary near Newtownards to volunteer to give some love to some cats. There were so many cats there it was almost heartbreaking to leave them behind, but I know that there they do get love and are looked after while waiting for potential rehoming.

One was pointed out to me, with only three legs, she has become rather timid and apparently shoots off before any new human can get near her. Well, I started off towards her. I took short steps, and finally was kneeling beside her and stroking and talking to her for ages. Another cat took offence that I was not stroking him, so bounced over to where I was and off jumped the three-legged one. I only have a photo of her sitting after this.

A new found friend at Assisi Animal Shelter, Newtownards.

A new found friend at Assisi Animal Shelter, Newtownards.

Hopefully I will get to go out there again, and meet more of the adorable felines that are there. I know that Andrew and I have talked about having cats in the future and hope that in the future we will be able to help cats who may be difficult to home including FIV cats – for somewhat obvious reasons. I really enjoyed it this evening.

About Assisi Animal Sanctuary

Founded in 1995, Assisi Animal Sanctuary is Northern Ireland’s largest independent animal welfare charity, providing shelter for up to 200 companion animals including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits and guinea pigs.  Last year we rescued over 2,300 animals.

The Sanctuary operates a ‘No Kill Policy’.  All animals are neutered, vaccinated, wormed and deflead and all our dogs are microchipped prior to rehoming. Assisi operates a strict rehoming criteria to ensure our rescue animals find the best possible home. Some of our cats and dogs are permanent residents, but all the others are waiting to find permanent new homes.

With operating costs of £400,000 and no government aid, Assisi is dependant on fundraising, donations and legacies. If you would like to support Assisi, please visit the link below and find out how you can make a difference.

(from Assisi-ni.org website)

http://www.assisi-ni.org/can-you-help/

 

 

 

06.11.13
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Stand tall: get snapped – photographic exhibition in Glasgow

Looks like there is going to be a great exhibition in Glasgow from 14 June 2013 until 13 July.

Photographer Edo Zollo presents a photographic portrait exhibition of 30 HIV+ people.
964480_632637020096947_817000052_o

Inspired by his own experience of taking PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) after potential exposure to the HIV virus, the intense feelings aroused and the unpleasant side effects of this medication, Edo was prompted to explore what it must be like to actually have a positive HIV diagnosis.

Determined to expose the still widely held misconceptions about the virus, and to offer affected individuals the opportunity to share their experiences, Edo travelled across the UK meeting people willing to share their stories. From the recently diagnosed of 3 months to the longest, 28 years living with HIV.

Previously exhibited in London and Manchester earlier this year this exhibition was created to also mark the 30th anniversary of the first UK diagnosis of the HIV virus.

Where?

Stand Tall Get Snapped: 30 HIV+ People is at
45 Virginia Street, G1 1TS Glasgow