@ Tuesday, 30. Dec, 2008 – 18:42:37
No doubt about it, as days go I've had worse.
On the other hand I've also had better.
Oh well... just take the positives and move on. 
Here's a little something just for Munzly...
How's everyone else today?
@ Monday, 29. Dec, 2008 – 11:32:51
I don't know about you, but I can think of a whole lot of people I'd like to see secured in a set of these...
You know it may not be such a bad thing if we started putting people in the stocks again... better than issuing ASBOs in my opinion... and I'm sure I could find sufficient rotting veg to do the incumbent justice! 
But I often wonder who had power to define the stocks location in days gone by... these ones at Redwick can be found right next to the church wall.
Share your thoughts... would you like to see the stocks reinstated and where would you locate them in your are?
@ Monday, 29. Dec, 2008 – 09:18:42
I mentioned the village press at Redwick yesterday and promised to post a few images...
As you can see, there are two pieces of ageing machinery here, a mill for grinding wheat etc and a press for extracting juices. Wouldn't it be great to know how many people have used these over the years?
@ Sunday, 28. Dec, 2008 – 19:00:02
And that's me for the night... time for some dinner and another glass of vino
@ Sunday, 28. Dec, 2008 – 12:28:24
@ Sunday, 28. Dec, 2008 – 11:02:57
He's to be found stuck on the wall of the village press at Redwick.
The village press?
The village press was a communal area where locals pressed apples for cider making and also ground their corn. I suspect the smile maybe cider induced... don't you?
I'll post a few images at some stage for anyone interested.
@ Saturday, 27. Dec, 2008 – 09:11:13
Flitting in and out, so to speak, and keeping a weather-eye on my Little Something for the Weekend.
Thought I might share something seasonal with you here...
Not exactly the Mona Lisa I'll grant you, but too attractive to ignore.
Hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas time
@ Wednesday, 24. Dec, 2008 – 10:22:31
Tomorrow I shall mostly be eating this happy chap...
Although given the size of its chest I s'pose it might be a chapess
Either way it'll be roasted to purfection or these two will know the reason why!
@ Wednesday, 24. Dec, 2008 – 06:38:52
@ Tuesday, 23. Dec, 2008 – 08:08:53
It's been another busy few days here in Uskyland... and sadly I won't be about much today either... 
...so this is just to let you know I haven't forgotten you all and will restore 'normal' service as soon as possible.
Take care everyone
@ Sunday, 21. Dec, 2008 – 18:26:47
Just thought I'd share this image with you... since this seems to be a nutty time of the year
@ Sunday, 21. Dec, 2008 – 15:37:55
Hello again Blogland....
I have a special treat for you this afternoon a picture of a very much younger Usky... and in uniform too... you lucky people!
There I am look... standing on the flight-deck... with all those other fit young blokes 
And look... there's even a picture of my rear! 
There now, don't say you're not spoiled this Christmas!
The above were taken way back in February 1972 as we steamed into Mayport, Florida for a jolly with our colonial cousins, who we put to shame in the PX that very same evening. 
@ Sunday, 21. Dec, 2008 – 07:48:03
No, not cacti or mother-in-law's tongue, although they can be prickly enough in their own right of course. No I'm actually thinking about religion... you know, the other subject you should never discuss with friends in a pub.
It's a funny thing isn't it, religion. An emotive topic. We all have our own views about what's right and wrong with it I suppose... and which religion is the right one.
Leaving serious matters aside for a moment, this made me smile
In June 2008, writer Ariane Sherine wrote a blog for The Guardian's Comment is Free site expressing annoyance at the number of adverts for Christianity appearing on London buses.
Having looked up a webpage mentioned in one of these adverts and read on it that she would probably 'spend all eternity in torment in hell', Sherine reasoned that some sort of balancing atheist campaign was in order. The resulting Atheist Bus Campaign initially aimed to raise enough money for just a few adverts with the aforementioned slogan; however, it went on to become the most rapid-growing campaign in justgiving.com's history, raising more than ten times its target amount in the first day alone.
The campaign began with a blog entitled 'Atheists - gimme five' calling for atheists to help support a short advertising campaign on bendy buses in Westminster. Political blogger Jon Worth set up a Pledgebank site for readers to pledge five pounds, but despite various offers of support for the campaign, The Telegraph was quick to run a story entitled 'Atheists fail to cough up for London bus ad'. A second Comment is Free piece, entitled 'Dawkin 'Bout A Revolution' set the record straight, and the campaign finally proved itself after numerous donations were made as soon as the Justgiving donations page opened.
Criticism
Naturally, the campaign has received criticism from all directions, with some antitheists calling for the word 'probably' to be removed from the proposed adverts. However, as Sherine has explained, the uncertain nature of the slogan is more to avoid the wrath of marketing regulations that allow religious claims but would probably not permit a fully atheist slogan. Meanwhile, the expected backlash from the Christian community took place and included a mixture of claims: a Methodist reckoned that the campaign would be good in that it would encourage an interest in religion, while one Christian pressure group moaned that 'people don't like being preached at'.
Success
At the time of writing (December 2008), the campaign has been covered by media from more than 25 countries and has even been commented on in an episode of Have I Got News For You. The Atheist Bus Campaign has now raised more than £125,000, whereas a rival 'Alpha Posters' campaign started a day later to support a Christian course has raised less than 1% of that amount. There are plans to unveil a number of atheist adverts in London and elsewhere – the organisers have been overwhelmed and are still working out how best to use the funds. Meanwhile, supporters of the campaign have mocked up various graphics of buses, bus stops and buildings adorned with the campaign's slogan. The first adverts are due to arrive in Westminster in January 2009, and there are rumours of a launch event.
Amazing isn't it? I could almost believe it was 1st April!
@ Saturday, 20. Dec, 2008 – 07:45:58
What is it they say about moving house? The second most stressful experience known to man? I'm not so sure about that personally, but it certainly can be a trying time...
Oh me? No, I'm not moving...
I was looking back at some of my images and came across this little chap... he doesn't seem overly stressed does he?
He seemed determined to move house, although it appeared his chosen new home wasn't quite as suitable as it could have been. It was fun to watch him struggle for a while though... even if the winkle thing that was still living in its shell didn't seem too pleased to welcome a new lodger!
@ Friday, 19. Dec, 2008 – 19:19:29
@ Friday, 19. Dec, 2008 – 08:30:32
Just thought I'd share this with you all while I'm drinking my morning coffee...
Sex On The Beach
An emotive title... a cocktail... something you used to do... something you wish for...
Sex on the beach means different things to different people
I took a series of images at this location in all innocence late one evening while on holiday... it wasn't until I examined them back in the UK that I spotted a young couple going at it like a pair of rabbits just beyond the third light... 
No, don't go rushing for your magnifying glasses, you won't see them...
Some people, eh? 
@ Friday, 19. Dec, 2008 – 07:29:07
Good morning Blogland...
I simply had to share this with the world
A fart a fart
Is good for the heart
It gives the belly a breeze
It warms the bed on a winters night
And suffocates all the fleas
(as posted by my Blog Pal Raving Mad in a comment yesterday)
@ Thursday, 18. Dec, 2008 – 08:17:15
I don't know what's come over me recently, I seem to have almost ignored my trademark images... fortunately though I haven't completely forgotten them 
Yesterday I posted an old friend revisited.... and this morning I'm in a very rusty mood
You lucky people... two in two days!
@ Wednesday, 17. Dec, 2008 – 08:07:03
'Morning Blogland!
Hope you're all bright eyed and bushy tailed?
Looks kind of chilly outdoors this morning... so I'm quite thankful I don't have to venture out just yet. The forecast says it'll be bright later on though so I'll have to see if I can manage a bit of a walk this afternoon.
This sort of thing always interests me...
Where did the netting come from?
Did the netting ever cover the rock?
...and if it did... who undid it?
Whatever, it's all undone now and the catch has escaped!
@ Tuesday, 16. Dec, 2008 – 19:40:51
Come in... own up... or you'll find yourself looking like Jack!!
@ Tuesday, 16. Dec, 2008 – 18:51:27
There's something missing in my life today....
...I just can't put my finger on it
@ Tuesday, 16. Dec, 2008 – 07:41:06
Just flying in and out very quickly this morning; it's a hospital day for Mum again today and they've changed her appointment time to 10:00, so we'll need to be on the road by 8:30 to make the trip on time. It's a bit of a bind attending outpatient appointments so far away, but there isn't any option sadly.
Anyway as I said... just a brief visit this morning... illustrated of course!
There you go... something for everyone... I hope!
@ Monday, 15. Dec, 2008 – 20:26:40
Sorry, I really couldn't resist the play on words...
I recently posted some images of the ancient Yews growing in the churchyard at Bettws Newydd. The trees are amongst the oldest Yews in Wales.
As well as wanting to photograph the Yews I also wanted to get a look at the 15th century village church, St Aeddan's, which has a rare late medieval rood screen and rood loft carved from Welsh oak.
Apologies for lack of focus on some of these images... for reasons best known to myself, I seemed to be a bit shaky the day I visited Bettws Newydd.
Those interested in such things may want to look at the images I took of the rood screen at Llangwm church.
@ Monday, 15. Dec, 2008 – 09:15:22
Never judge a book by its cover... that's what they say isn't it? And how true is that? First impressions are so often deceptive.
Take this image for instance:
I'm not a betting man, but I'd put money on your first thoughts being of pollution; would I be right?
Just to put the record straight it's steam you can see rising, not smoke or exhaust gasses. Not that I'm suggesting there isn't any polluting elements, but it's very easy to jump to the wrong conclusion...
Do you make snap judgements about people/things based on first impressions?
@ Sunday, 14. Dec, 2008 – 12:16:34
Just what the heck is this supposed to be?
@ Sunday, 14. Dec, 2008 – 09:40:30
This piece of artwork reminded me rather of the little sods who pull the wings off butterflies just to see them crawl...
Still it's quite a nice representation of a dragonfly's wing don't you think? Even if it does look kind of lonely displayed there all by itself.
@ Saturday, 13. Dec, 2008 – 09:00:09
Life is full of decisions isn't it? Some are much harder to make than others of course...
For these coots, today's decision is whether to walk or swim
When you're choosing your life path, what sort of things influence your decision making process?
@ Saturday, 13. Dec, 2008 – 07:42:57
I don't much like shopping at the best of times...
But at this time of year I really hate it... 
And this morning I simply can't escape it...
Wish me luck as you wave me good-buy...
@ Saturday, 13. Dec, 2008 – 06:54:37
Peeking above the reed beds, the old East Usk light...
@ Friday, 12. Dec, 2008 – 19:43:20
Thought you might enjoy this image...
@ Friday, 12. Dec, 2008 – 08:39:33
Mum always said life would turn out to be hard... but I didn't think it would be anything like this!
@ Friday, 12. Dec, 2008 – 07:28:22
'Morning all
Actually I've no idea what it's like outside this morning because I haven't poked my nose out the door yet... but it feels kind of cold today... in fact it feels colder this morning than yesterday and yesterday was frosty... so...
@ Thursday, 11. Dec, 2008 – 20:29:13
It isn't really...
It's just a bit chilly!
@ Thursday, 11. Dec, 2008 – 19:41:33
It was a lovely morning again here today, so I popped out with a camera... as you do...
@ Wednesday, 10. Dec, 2008 – 20:16:27
I really must go and see to dinner... it's after 8:00 already and I haven't even started preparing yet!
Where does the time go?
I dunno... I just can't keep up!
Whatever you do, listen to the above and take things easy this festive season...
@ Wednesday, 10. Dec, 2008 – 20:01:28
Roll up, roll up...
Bring your own glass...
The bigger the better...
There's plenty to go round...
More than enough for all...
Of course it won't taste of anything much...
But you can drink as much as you like...
You won't get even a little bit squiffy...
But it'll be fun watching you trying!
@ Wednesday, 10. Dec, 2008 – 09:05:40
Fairy holes, hedgehog homes, rat nests, high-rise bug blocks... so many creatures rely trees with holes for their living space
So okay, I know you didn't ask to see more of the yew at Bettws Newydd, but this is my blog and what I say goes, okay?
Take a peek through the holes in the outer bark layer and see if you can see what I see...
Maybe I'll get Merlin to mouse-size me...
@ Monday, 08. Dec, 2008 – 18:46:00
I really like yew trees... especially those that have been around a long time
Just look at this one in the churchyard at Bettws Newydd
Okay okay I know it's only a bit of the tree, but look closely... click the image for a larger view
What you're looking at is the bowl of a big old tree... hollowed by time (and many animals) to form quite amazing shapes.
@ Monday, 08. Dec, 2008 – 07:26:17
Can anyone top this?
I had a text message arrive yesterday from my niece.
Nothing strange about that you say...
The message was to inform me she'd just given birth to a 7lb 5oz baby girl - I didn't even know she was pregnant! 
I rang said niece's husband to offer congratulations, as you do... he was a tad confused to say the least!
The 'phone was passed to my niece, who I'd assumed was in hospital.
Niece questioned me about the text message so I read it to her... she laughed... then said the message had been sent 17 months ago after the birth of her second daughter... 17 months!!
Well done O2... that's some late delivery!
@ Monday, 08. Dec, 2008 – 06:45:36
Good morning all...
Here's the view from the other side of the river bridge at Newbridge-on-Usk; the river still appears to be full of tea, but of course it's only muddy from the run-off.
@ Sunday, 07. Dec, 2008 – 21:49:10
Just a brief note for my weekend teaser pals...
The weekend has been considerably busier than I'd expected and the promised clues for this week's Little Something for the Weekend simply haven't happened... my apologies for that. Anyway I've decided to let this week's teaser run on and promise I'll post a clue or two tomorrow...
Catch you all in the morning...
@ Sunday, 07. Dec, 2008 – 15:53:50
Another disrupted Sunday... plans flushed down the tubes... Usky time at a premium...
I had ideas about posting a few more images today... so here's one for you to be getting on with...
@ Sunday, 07. Dec, 2008 – 09:10:37
Good morning Blogland... and what a lovely sunny Sunday morning it is too!
Thought I'd start my day here with a landscape... part of the Usk valley... taken by yours truly of course... so this really must be an
@ Saturday, 06. Dec, 2008 – 09:30:25
Oh wait a minute...
@ Saturday, 06. Dec, 2008 – 09:17:53
@ Saturday, 06. Dec, 2008 – 08:25:52
Did you play Fivestones when you were a kid? I certainly did... it was a game you could play with nothing...
For those who don't know, all that is needed to play the game of Fivestones is five small stones. Alternatives to the stones can be pretty much anything of a similar size - originally sheep knucklebones were used, hence the game's alternative name Knucklebones.
Playing the game, the player throws the five stones into the air with one hand and tries to catch as many as possible on the back of the same hand.
Those stones that were caught are then thrown up again from the back of the hand and as many as possible are caught in the palm of the same hand.
If no stones end up being caught, the player's turn is over and the game moves to the opponent.
A simple game that kept us occupied for hours...
A more modern version of the game is Jacks; each Jack is a six-pronged, metal form which may have a bobble on the end of each prong - a sort of three-dimensional cross... or modern representation of the sheep knucklebone.
The modern version of the game, Jacks (pictured above) may also be played with a ball...
But what I want to know is...
@ Friday, 05. Dec, 2008 – 16:27:00
The lazy bugger who dumped this bed obviously was!
@ Friday, 05. Dec, 2008 – 10:29:03
This is one of those I wish I'd taken that shots....
Cute, huh?
@ Friday, 05. Dec, 2008 – 07:31:33
It's been a busy week in the Usky household and I haven't had much time to spend here... ironic since I was commenting only recently about the lack of activity in Blogland.
Shan't bore you with all the details...
I'm hoping things are returning to normal now, which should mean I have a little more time on my hands again. Don't hold your breath though... I've nothing interesting to say!
@ Wednesday, 03. Dec, 2008 – 08:53:57
Ah Bedrock... home of neolithic cartoon capers with one of the World's most famous of cartoon families...
Yes it's the Flintstones...
As entertaining as Fred, Wilma, Barney & Betty may be, it is not my intention talk about animation here
Indeed I'm here to focus on something I have very little or no knowledge about whatsoever... nothing new there then!
Geology...
Come on then, own up... what do you lot know about folding?
No, not bedsheets or towels... nor jeans or jumpers... ... rocks!
When rocks deform by plastic deformation they can bend and fold... a bit hard to believe perhaps, but true nevertheless.
As I understand it the process of folding occurs when rock is compressed, as it is along colliding plate boundaries... tectonic plates, not dining plates!
Upturned folds are called anticlines and down turned folds are called synclines.
Anticlines and synclines are geologic structures, that is, they are folds in rock material.
What we see here is a syncline within an anticline... available for all to see in the above cliff face at Southerndown. 
Interesting lines don't you think?
@ Tuesday, 02. Dec, 2008 – 08:28:35
A very wise man once said, to be like the bamboo in the wind and not break but bend is strength, not weakness. Well the wind is blowing and I'm trying to bend, but deep down in my make-up there is ramrod that strives to keep me upright and I'm finding it hard to lose my rigidity. 
I am incensed, frustrated, desolate... my sense of fair play is being tested to the limit and found wanting.
Official figures say one in four pensioners live in poverty; that is an undisputed fact.
The Government promised to put an end to pensioner poverty by 2020.
However in the mean time, this government is making some older people even poorer. Thanks to mistakes by the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP), a quarter of pensioners have been left either short changed or in debt.
Why has this happened? Because the DWP have made errors in the payments made to many of the people getting pension credits, which is a means tested benefit, to top up their state pension.
Frequently the first thing the pensioner knows of the error is an official letter demanding repayment. Demands for £1000, £2000, or £3000 from people who are already short of money and may be incapable of understanding why a claim for repayment is being made... for a mistake made by the DWP. Seems a bit heartless to say the least don't you think?
According to the BBC, the Government confessed to messing up a third of all pension credits in October this year alone... that equates to £290 million worth of mistakes! That's an awful lot of cock-ups isn't it? And an awful lot of overpayments to be reclaimed.
But what happens when the boot is on the other foot? When the DWP has made a mistake and underpaid pensioners, it's a very different story.
In one case, highlighted by the BBC, an elderly lady had her pension credits reduced by £63 a week back in 2005 following a visit from The Pension Service.
Some two years later the lady was reassessed, following a telephone call from her daughter, and pension credits were reinstated; the DWP had actually got it wrong and the pensioner should have been getting the payments all along.
The DWP's mistake cost this pensioner some £6000 in payments and you'd expect these would be reimbursed wouldn't you? You'd be wrong.
In cases of underpayment, the DWP will pay back no more than 12 months of payments, regardless of how long the underpayment has been continuing. The rule doesn't seem very fair to me... what do you think?
To make matters worse the rule changed on 6 October 2008. Now the DWP will pay back no more than three months of payments to pensioners it has been mistakenly underpaying.
What the hell's going on here?
I should perhaps point out that I am not directly affected by any of this, but that doesn't make me any the less bloody cross! 
I'll climb down off my soapbox now...
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