Conneticut and gun laws

TOday I would like to send my prayers out to the families of those who were murdered in the Connetict shooting. It is unbearably sad, awfully horrific and maddeningly angering that thsee lives were taken so violently, well, well before their time. I am truly sorry for their loss - that America is feeling, that the world is feeling.

It angers me that this is the third mass gun murder this year in the US. It is incredible that this is happening so often. People don't know why. I think that they must look at their gun laws. This need to have the right to bear arms goes bac to when the British ruled the US and is not longer a viable reason for keeping this law open.

Personally, I don't mind farmers and hunters having rifles and shotguns for hunting/protecting against predators but hand guns and anyone not using a gun in daily life should not be allowed to carry one. This horrific event will by continually perpetrated until these gun laws are changed. it appears to be far too easy for any crazy person, criminal and person with a grudge to simply but a gun and use it.

I think the other issue is the fact that the press give notoriety to the gumnen in these cases, so many people think I know how to become famous, I'll kill a bunch of people! It's horrible to think this way but it does seem to be a motive for several mass killers.

My heart goes outto all those Americans hurting right now. I hope that your leaders see that instead of giving platitudes when kids are killed, it would be btter to try to prevent these incidents from haapening in the first place.

Peace.


On another note, my second book, The Island of the Mist, is now available on both Kindle and paperback formats:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B0092TUS7U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346945410&sr=1-2

And paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346506656&sr=1-2

and in the US: http://www.amazon.com/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346946271&sr=1-2&keywords=the+island+of+the+mist

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Concert for victims of Sandie

I was watching the reports on the tv re the concert in New York for the victims of Hurricane Sandie. It is heartening to see so much money raised in such a short space of time. The report listed all the northern states affected but did not mention Haiti.

Haiti was hit at the start of the path of destruction that went acrossthe eastern coast of the US. I really hope that some of the funding will go to this poor island, who has been battered to buggery(excuse the language) over the last few years. this poor country is continually hit by hurricanes, then flooding, which brought on cholera, then earthquakes, such as the one in Jauuary 2010 (which killed approximately 220,000), and now Sandie. This country, poor in itself, cannot seem to get back on its feet and many thousands of people are dying.

It is my hope that a section of the funds raised, currently sitting (on Thu, 13th Dec) at around $32 million, will be set aside for this tiny country so that it can get the care it desperately needs.

I also hope that there are sufficient funds to rehouse those in the US who lost everything. My heart goes out to those in the US and in Haiti.


On another note, my second book, The Island of the Mist, is now available on both Kindle and paperback formats:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B0092TUS7U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346945410&sr=1-2

And paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346506656&sr=1-2

and in the US: http://www.amazon.com/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346946271&sr=1-2&keywords=the+island+of+the+mist

My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Could Salmond be losing the Yes Vote

Alex Salmond, in his bid to win the vote for independence could be going too far with new policies that alienate the NHS and legal systems alike, and all those who support both systems.

People who were intending to vote yes at the 2014 referendum are now not sure and it is likely that many who were sitting on the fence have now moved to the no side, as new policies sweep through both the legal and medical systems.

The NHS is under fire, especially in Ayrshire and Arran with new proposals making 'care' less and less likely and forcing nurses to choose between helping the sick or doing paperwork. The legal system is having such a shuffle that many hundreds of lawyers and their staff face losing their jobs. Legal Aid is also changing to the point where only those who can pay it back will be allowed it - a system that means only the rich get fair representation.

This is not how you encourage people to vote yes for independence. If Salmond wishes to win the referendum he needs to stop what he is doing and take a long hard look at these terrible policies his party are putting in place.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Leveson Inquiry

This week we have seen the publishing of the Leveson Report and now David Cameron, who commissioned the inquiry and the report, looks to be wanting to ignore Leveson's recommendations. So I find myself thinking, what the hell was the point in the first place?

At great expense to the tax-payer, this inquiry now appears to have been a big waste of time, money and the emotion of the victims of the press' unethical probing.

I say this because the illegal activities of the press are being, and would have been dealt with by the police anyway, so this inquiry really has been a waste.

Cameron says he wants to do things properly, to be fair - well letting the press off with their unethical and amoral behavior is not the way to go about that. In 1990 the Press Complaints Committee were faced with a similar situation and the press said they would behave, that those activities would never happen again - well they did and if Cameron does not bring in independent regulation, then there is a very good chance this is going to happen again in another decade or so. The press will behave for a short time (as they have done on the 6 previous occasions when something like this occurred), but that behaviour will slip and they will go back to their old habits.

Cameron needs to grow some testicles and talk the press by the bull-horn and bring in an independent regulator. Simple as that. this does not impinge freedom of the press, it does not prevent them from going after stories. It protects the public and prevents them from (or severely punishes them for) amoral behaviour.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a happy St Andrew's Day :D

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

A few things political

Firstly, congratulations President Obama - you are an amazing man who deserves to be re-elected :D

I meant to write this last week but was away. On last week's Question Time on BBC 1 and idiot in the audience wanted to know why, rather than using wind farming, we don't use nuclear fuels for renewable energy.

Sometimes the stupidity of people astounds me. Wind farms do not leave waste that we, as yet, cannot safely destroy. In fact, we have a job storing it safely and this is why there are not more nuclear power plants all over the place. I would ask this imbecile whether he would be happy to have one in his back garden. i know the answer would be no - the the politicians who make these idiotic suggestions would also answer no this this question. No, they would want these power stations somewhere like, oh I don't know - SCOTLAND, WALES< N ENGLAND, anywhere they think is out of the way. These people anger me on so many levels. They talk about wind farms being aesthetically unpleasing - who cares, they work and in a few years they will bring energy prices down. Like all new things, they need time to iron out the wrinkles, make sure they are working to their optimum. In the case of the nuclear power sugestion - we have been dealing with the same problesm for 40 years. A friend of mine is a nuclear engineer. She inspects power stations to make sure they are storing waste and other byproducts properly. She once told me that if the public knew what she saw they'd be terrified. THAT is why we do not want more nuclear power stations. The other thing I want to mention is this guff about ONE NATION that Labour and their ilk keep spouting. Nobody feels that we are one nation and how dare they try to make us so. Scotland is Scotland, N Ireland is N Ireland, Wales is Wales and England is England. We are all proud to be part of our respective nations and should not be made to feel like we are being imalgumated into this one nation nonsense. Leave the One Nation ideas to the Americans - they said it first. The Speaker of the Scottish Parliament today acidentally called Ruth Davis, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Lamont (mixing her name with Labour's Joanne Lamont's). This was, in so many ways, very apt as the two parties are practically walking together hand in hand in their opposition to SNP. The thing that angers me about this is the sheer betrayal these 2 parties are offering to the people of Scotland. I do feel that independence is on the way. I also feel taht we will need parties after this happens. I for one will not vote SNP again after we gain this, as I do not agree with a lot of their policies. We will need parties we can feel secure in voting for (Personally, I don't feel anyone should ever vote Conservative but that's a personal opinion and I feel we are all entitled to vote for whomever we wish). Labour, in their denial of wanting Scotland to be independent, offer no alternative to this post 2014. Liberal Democrats also offer up this same betrayal. I find that hard to swollow as I was a LibDem voter until they declared they were against the referendum. The UK government got in on a 38% vote - that's no where near half the UK vote and yet they got in. none of these votes came from Scotland, which shows how little our voice is heard in Westminster. This is the main reason we need to have independence, so that we can choose out government and govern ourselves. On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback: The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Big business avoiding tax

Starbucks join the ranks of those large corporations avoiding paying Corporation Tax in the UK.

At a time when big business needs to pay their dues to counter the recession, at least three large corporations that we know of are avoiding paying their taxes.

Starbucks: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19967397 Who used 'legitimate' ways to siphon money out of profits as a means to avoid paying tax. While these loopholes are legal they are not moral. The system is as much to blame as the companies who use them to avoid taxes.

Boots UK (ironically calling themselves UK, and yet stabbing the UK consumer and country in the back) and finally:

Apple and Ebay are also on this list.

While these laws allow the corporation to dodge taxes, it is up to the consumer to make them pay - by avoiding these shops/products where at all possible.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Conservative Party Looking More and More Anti-Women

As the Conference progresses, The Conservative party are looking more and more to be 'old boys' together now than ever before!

To add to this, Cameron has stated he is for lowering the amount of time a woman can have an abortion and Jemery Hunt has advised 12 weeks! Many women don't know they are pregnant in the first 10-12 weeks!

If this was your daughter and she was 16, had been raped, would you condemn her to being a 'suitcase' for the rest of her term because you cannot abide the thought of a woman having control over decisions regarding her own body?

Women have campaigned for decades to have rights that men have had for a very long time. There is a definite backslide in the UK just now with regards to the rights of women. It is truly disgusting and I fear it will get worse.

All this from a government that Scotland/Wales and N Ireland did not vote for!

Shame on the Tories!

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Tax avoiders in big business

The overnmen are trying to cut the deficit by bleeding the poor dry, crippling those most in need and making them out to be criminals rather than tackling big business tax dodgers.

If anyone has been watching The Revolution Will be Televised on BBC3 (available on IPlayer), you will be aware of the fact that certain companies are making hundreds of millions in the UK but avoid taxes by putting ter offices in other countries, such as Switzerland etc.

These companies include Apple - a company that pays pennies to havetheir products made in China and charges hundreds of pounds in the UK (and elsewhere) to custom. Their profits are astrnomical!

I was surpised to learn that Boots the Chemist was also in his group of cmpanies that leech from the British public and do not give back. I have therefore stopped buying fom Boots and will not buy anoher apple product until tis is rectified.

These companies, and many others, should be charged with tax avoidance and billed. The figure given in the above show for both compnies was smethng in the region of £100,000,000. That wouldo quite a way to helpin bringhe economy in the UK back into balance.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Today is the beginning of the Lib Dem Conference and we have seen MP after MP waxing lyrical about the state of the nation and what has been happening since they joined the coalition.

No one has, so far, mentioned (on the record, on the stage) that Nick Clegg should resign. They laud his apology, mas though this is enough to make up for the bare-faced lies the Lib Dems uttered to get the votes they received in the last election.

In order to survive beyond the next election, the Lib Dems must face up to the fact that Nick Clegg is viewed not only as damaged goods, but falty goods at that. No longer will the general public look on this man as honest, decent or anything other than the sell-out he is.

Here in Scotland, as I said in my previous post, the Lib Dems must break away from the national party if they are to survive beyond 2014. This is more than simple opinion, this is stating fact. They lost so many votes to the SNP and Labour that they will not gain any seats and will probably lose most if not all of their current seats in Parliament. This is what happens when you so blatantly go back on your word.

As I also mentioned in my last post, the fact that they are so against the independence referendum, let alone independence, is another blow to a great many Scots, given the show of force at the March for Independence in Edinburgh on Saturday, 22nd September. More and more people are now moving to a yes vote for independence, given what the tory government has done to the whole of the UK, a government that Scotland did not vote for. We have fewer tory seats than almost any other part of the UK.

Finally, I would like to mention the disgust I have for both the PM and for the minister, Andrew Mitchell, whom no one had heard of prior to today, for the latters outburst at the police and for the PM backing him.

Mr Mitchell verbally attacked 2 police officers who were DOING THEIR JOB by not letting him in to Downing Street. They did not recognise him and followed procedure. He verbally attacked them, calling them 'plebs' in a show of utter disregard.

Many people may have noticed an increase in police activity in the last week, after the 2 WPC's were so awfull and sadly murdered. They have been putting on a show of strength and solidarity and this minister shows with audacity and unrespectful disregard how little he thinks of the police force. Shame on you Andrew Mitchell, Shame.

On another note, my second book, The Island of the Mist, is now available on both Kindle and paperback formats:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B0092TUS7U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346945410&sr=1-2

And paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346506656&sr=1-2

and in the US: http://www.amazon.com/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346946271&sr=1-2&keywords=the+island+of+the+mist

Politics in Scotland today

I was watching the Daily Politics today and of course, Thursday is Scottish First Minister's Questions. I would like to say that I am glad these parliamentary pieces are far less like a tantrum and more like actual politics.

One thing that continually gets me is Joanne Lamont's use of a script. I understand the need for paper notes re statistics and quotes from other people but she blatantly reads a script as though there are no original or intellegent thoughts in her head. I'm not trying to have a go at her, I just think she needs to understand the issues (real issues, not having a go at one stupid point, but real issues) and know what stance her party has on it. I do think that this lady is a completely ineffectual party leader for Labour. I personally would not vote for them given her argumentativeness.

The average person wants our politicians to get along, to actually agree with good judgements and good policy and politely put across their own ideas if they don't agree. The spirit should be co-operation.

The Liberal Democrat Party and the Labour Party need to learn something. They cannot blindly ignore many voters and categorically state that they are against independence because they are starting to look more and more like ostriches with their heads in the sand.

I will let you in on a secret - I used to vote Liberal. When they stated they would not back independence I switched to SNP. If we gain independence there's a good chance I won't vote SNP ever again (that depends on the parties and their policies for the country's future). I also vote Green as my second choice, because I feel that we need to look after our environment if we want to continue to breathe lovely fresh air.

Willie Rennie is a great Liberal Party MP, he is intellegent, articulate and, well, liberal. I agree with a few of his views but I really feel that the Scottish Liberals need to cuts themselves away from the national party or they will never gain seats again. In fact, I would go as far as to say that there is a very good chance the party will cease to exist after the next general election given the betrayal everyone feels in their siding with the tories.

Later in the programme, Andrew Neil spoke with Leanne Wood, Party Leader of Plaid Cymru. She had a lot of interesting things to say but one thing I really picked up on and loved is that she said regardless of the outcome of the Scottish referendum everything would change after it and that we needed (by we she meant Scotland, England, N Ireland and Wales) a standing of equality. I thought this was a wonderful thing for a politician to say.

This is the main issue a lot of people do not realise. They assume that Scotland is anti-English and we want to break away from the union for that reason. This is utter rubbish. We want independence because we want to take responsibility for ourselves and to be on an equal footing with the rest of the UK. I have several English friends, some of whom will vote for independence and some who possibly won't. I do think that many English people in Scotland will feel somehow threatened if we gained independence. Scotland is a modern liberal country, we want equality in all forms and no-one is going to be excluded.

I also think that Labour, who are curently in majority in the Welsh Assembly, are not benefiting Wales in any way, shape or form just now. in fact, I feel that the voice of the Welsh is being lost in Westminster even more than that of the Scottish.

I have not seen anything recently re Northern Irish politics so I cannot at present comment on this area. I hope they are in a better position than the rest of the UK at present.

On a final note, England needs representation as England, not just as Britain. I do feel that the voice of the average English person is also being drowned out in Westminster. It seems to me that Westminster is filled with upper middle-classed men who are concerned first and foremost with their own money issues than anything to do with doing the right thing for the UK.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Tory PM anti-women?

I was watching the Prime Minister's Question Time at lunchtime today and was, yet again, disgusted at their toddler-like behaviour. I do get sick of these twats acting like children in a playground, jeering at one another and not (in the PM's case) answering questions put to him. I think both sides are as bad as each other and I think that it is appalling that the world can see our politicians acting in this manner!

It does not bode well on the global view of the UK.

Something else I'd like to mention is the point a member of the opposition made. Cameron has put 5, yes, 5, of his former minsters (men) up for Knighthood but has not put a single female former minister up to receive dame-ship(?).

While I don't think Cameron is a mysoginist I do think he is a fully blown, public school chauvenist. He doesn't appear to hate women, I just feel he thinks they belong in the kitchen. Figures also show this, given that there are far fewer women in jobs than there were 3 years ago under the last government.

The government is not pro-women. It appears to be pushing women back into 1970's standards.

On another note, Tory MP's are coming out against the T-shirts celebrating Thatcher's inevitable demise. Currently 86, the iron lady is said to be in poor health. Tory MP's have used words like 'sickening' and 'monstrous' to describe the t-shirts, some of which state RIP Thatcher, with a tombstone on them, etc.

This shows how far removed from the nation these MP's really are. No one north of the Scottish border likes her, or west of the Welsh border, or north of Croydon for that matter. This woman brought pain and ruination to the whole of the UK, with the exception of the SE. She is almost univerally hated in the UK. I would use words like 'sickening' and 'monstrous' to describe what she did to our industries, NHS and a whole host of other issues. Two words that the Tories will NEVER be forgiven for - POLL TAX.

Enough said.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

And you can still obtain the first book, The Stone in the Sword: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Rain and more rain

A new report has emerged that states that the bad weather this summer has 'cost rural britain £1bn'!

A report by the BBC's Countryfile has cost up to £1bn - as a result of rotting crops, wet fields, diminished tourism (countryside and stately homes, gardens etc).

One of the biggest worries about this is the low crop yields. This, alas, has not been restricted to the UK, and many countries that support our food industry have also suffered.

This is one of the main reasons that food prices are creeping up - low rice yields in China, damaged crops in E Europe for wheat/bread broducts. Even the cost of feeding animals has increased. The wet weather has meant mud in fields instead of grass and so many farmers have had to buy in more feed than usual. This is in turn added on to the sale price of the animals as they go to market.

As someone who lives on a garden, open to the public, and also which grows its own veg, I too have noticed issues. Fewer visitors, much heavier rain, tomatoes which did not grow at all and several other veg that had to be ditched as they were not good enough for consumption.

Here's hoping next year will be kinder!

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Iran and Women

Iran is facing world disaproval over its current decisions. It has moved to omit women from universities and there is now a bill going through parliament to allow girls under the age of 10 to marry!!

This is beyond horrific - it is the legaisation of paedophilia! There is currently a petition circling facebook to stop this - going to the Iranian Parliament. However, it is expected that the views of anyone outside the country will be taken into account.

The truly disgusting thing is that the proposer of this latter law is saying that this is according to Islamic law. This is, quite frankly, a load of shit. Islam does not agree with this. This is the personal view of a sick individual who is pushing Iran back into the times of barbarians.

Some countries around the world are looking for reasons to invade Iran. They seem to be doing there damdest to give them a reason!

Islam, according to several Islamic friends of mine, does not hate women. It does not think women are second class citizems. Why then is Iran so set on dehumanising woemn, on pushing women to the back of the line and treating them as nothing more than property? This is not a country living in the 21st century.

I was so pleased to see Iran in the Olympics and Paralympics but this has jaded that pleasure. This was not a show of inclusion, this was a show that they won't back down from anything. I am sadly but utterly disgusted by the events taking place ina country I was hoping would be trying to join the rest of the world.

I pity the women of Iran.

Petition

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Elvis passed away 35 years ago on the 16th of August 1977. Millions mourned his death. This was, after all, the death of a legend. He has been immortalised as the King of Rock and Roll.

This week is Elvis week – a week commemorating his passing. Thousands flock every year to Graceland, his home and burial ground, to be near to him and to one another, consoling each other and remembering with fondness how he changed their lives.

The extraordinary thing about this is that many of those attending are young people who were not alive when he was. The parent’s love of the ‘King’ has been passed to the child, or they came to this adoration themselves through love of his music and or films. The charismatic soul that was Presley continues to leave his mark in the modern world.

I will not write a biography here, more informed people have already done so. I offer this link to his wiki page, and the request to think about why he is still so beloved by adoring fans. How has his legacy lasted beyond all others?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

Peace.

As you may be aware, I have written a novel. It is available on kindle, and now paperback as well. It is available worldwide.

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

and US: http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Sword-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338752368&sr=1-3

Paralympics & Winter Olympics

The olympics are over but the paralympics are heading our way. They begin on the 29th of August and end on the 9th of Spetember this year. London 2012 is looking to be a truly excellent year for athletics and sport for the UK and for a great deal of other countries.

If you want more information on events, times, how the classifications work and for tickets etc, the official site is : http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/sports/

We in the UK have a wonderful team this year and I hope you will support them.

On a slightly concerning note, ticket websites have been having issues with keeping up with demand!

The Winter Olympics of 2014 are to be held in Sochi, Russia. They begin on the 23rd of February 2014. These will be the 22nd official winter olympics and President Putin of Russia really pushed for Sochi to hold this prestigious event. Very few people have heard of Sochi but there is a strong feeling that this Black Sea town will soon be under great scrutiny.

A little concerningly, it is now being released that they are beginning preparations 'already'!! Most countries begin preparations within days of learning they have won the bid to hold them. Will this small Russian location be ready in time? We shall soon find out.

Wishing them, and London the best of luck for the upcoming games!

As you may be aware, I've written a book available on kindle and now paperback:
UK (also available globally on Amazon): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

US: http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Sword-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338752368&sr=1-3

Dr Who actress passes away

Mary Tamm passed away, aged 62. Mary played Romana, companion to Tom Baker's Dr Who. This was the time I was first watching the show and I loved both Tom and Mary.

Mary passed away, after fighting a long battle with cancer, in hospital in London.

Romana was a different kind of companion to the Doctor as she herself was a TimeLaday, from the Doctor's planet of Gallifrey and they were joined by K-9.

For more information, please see the BBC news report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18995370

As you may know, I have written a novel which is available on kindle and in paperback:
Amazon UK = http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Stone-Sword-N-Roy/dp/1477466347/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

and US = http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Sword-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338752368&sr=1-3

Ernest Borgnine dies aged 95

Ernest Borgnine passed away in Los Angeles yesterday (Sunday, 8th July) aged 95. He died as a result of renal failure and was surrounded by his family.

Borgnine was famous for his roles, often baddies, in many Hollywood blockbusters but won an Oscar in 1955 for his role as Marty in a film of the same title.

Born on the 24th of January 1917 in Hamden, Conneticut, to 2 Italian Americans, Borgnine married five times (including marrying Ethel Merman) and fathered 4 children. He spent some 10 years in the navy before eventually turning to acting.

He is best known for some of his more action based films, like The Dirty Dozen, The Poseidon Adventure, Red, The Wild Bunch, McHale’s Navy, Airwolf, Ice Station Zebra, From Here to Eternity and much, much more.

Borgnine was working up to and including this year, in the now completed The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vincente Fernandez. A professional to the end, Borgnine will be sorely missed.

I have written a book, which is now available in paperback as well as Kindle.

Kindle:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Paperback:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Stone-Sword-N-Roy/dp/1477466347/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/279-1528994-5900510?ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Also available from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Sword-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338752368&sr=1-3

Alan Turing

Alan Turing, born 100 years ago today, may not have commited suicide after all, according to Professor Jack Copeland, an expert on the man.

Turing was a mathematician, genius and codebreaker.

Copeland believes that it is just as likely that it will be ruled an accident. There was no evidence of anything other than a happy outlook from Turing prior to his death. he was 41 years old when he died, of cyanide poisoning. Apparently, the apple that was found half eaten with him was never tested for cyanide!

Copeland feels that the unhappy life that is painted around Turing has no evidence to support it and there was no suicide note. Indeed, there was a note to remind himself to do things over the bank holiday weekend following his death!

For more information on this fascinating story of a misunderstood man and his swept aside life, have a look at the BBC page for this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18561092


I have written a book, which is now available in paperback as well as Kindle.

Kindle:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Paperback:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Stone-Sword-N-Roy/dp/1477466347/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/279-1528994-5900510?ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3

Measuring happiness

Something in the news just now that makes me smile is the fact that many upper middle class people on tv discussing how money does not make people happy. This statement could only come from people who have never had to worry about money. Money cannot buy happiness and money not making people happy are two very different things. People are happy when they don't have to worry about debt, long waiting lists for operations (if they have money they can go private), they don't have to worry about whether they can feed their children, or if they are in a car accident that is not their fault but have an old car, their insurance writes it off, so they cannot afford to buy a new car. While money cannot buy the emotion of happiness, feeling financially secure can, at the very least, cut your worries back and allow you the opportunity to breathe. I would be happy going on an around the world trip, or being able to buy my mother a house in the country. these things would make me happy. I do get very frustrated when people who have never had to worry about their finances start telling the rest of the country (an beyond) that it cannot buy happiness. It can to a great extent. This country is falling into a hole. there are a few wealthy people on top of that hole but the rest of us are struggling to climb up that hole. We are deeply concerned about where our next phone bill money will come from, where our meals at the end of the month are coming from and how to get about when we no longer have a car. The gap between the affluent Londoners and the rest of the UK is now a gaping abyss. When is someone going to do something about this?

Stupid Prime Minister

We really are in a sorry state, are we not, the people of the UK, with a Prime Minister so stupid he causes mass panic and shortages of fuel!

What kind of an idiot comments like Cameron? And what kind of stupid person listens to him? For a start, if there were to be strikes, the public must be given 7 days notice and yet everyone blindly fell for his prattle and ran for the nearest fuel pump!

When will we learn to think before we act? When do we stop becoming sheep and start to think for ourselves. When, oh when do we tell Cameron to stick it and put someone with even half a brain in charge?

Most people seem to forget that we are the power. If the people want change then WE have to make it happen. Contact your local MP and tell them what you want done instead of following a stupid, blind and excessively ignorant twat!

Sad State of Politics in Scotland

There’s been so much in the news the past week or so, I don’t know where to begin. Well, I do. I was watching the Scottish Parliament today and was yet again disgusted by the behaviour of Johann Lamont. I have no idea why she was elevated to leader of the Labour Party. I just cannot see it. She lacks the intelligence required and (the reason I was so angry) rather than debating the issues, she simply flung insults aimed directly at Alex Salmond. Whether you like the man or not is irrelevant. This kind of behaviour should not be acceptable. It makes them look like children.

I think if Labour are to survive in Scotland, they need a far more articulate and intelligent leader, one who can rise above the mudslinging. Siding with the Conservative Party has made them even less popular. They truly need to look at where they are going before they end up going nowhere.

The issue she raised today was regarding unemployment in Scotland, regurgitating the 200 people a day are becoming unemployed in Scotland. I don’t know where she got this figure but it just is not correct. That is more than a thousand people a week and this would most certainly have made national news. Demanding to know what the First Minister was doing about it folly on her side. If Scots know one thing, it is that Salmond is bending over backwards to bring new business, and in the process, new jobs to Scotland, and so he is doing a great deal. The Labour Party are falling in the polls because people see them as ineffective, offensive, childish and lacking anything beneficial to bring to the table.

Equally ineffective is Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson. While she is highly articulate and clearly intelligent, all she seems to be able to talk about is when will Salmond meet with the Secretary for Scotland, rather than the Prime Minister. As far as the majority of Scotland are concerned, Salmond is on equal footing with the PM and should therefore be meeting him, not being handed down to Mr Moore.

What politicians continually fail to understand is that most people don’t care about ‘the party’ they care about their livelihoods, health, welfare and safety. If politicians would work together and not bicker like children, maybe they, as a whole, would be a little less disliked.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Shocking US Marine Video

The shocking images of 4 US Marine troops urinating on dead Afghans was released yesterday to outcries of disrespect, injustice and downright dishonour. A US military investigation followed and they have been identified. 2 of these men have been interviewed and are believed to be from a battalion from North Carolina.

At the very least, these men should be given dishonourable discharges and have charges placed against them. Surely this is a war crime. They are meant to be protecting and training Afghans, not killing and peeing on them. It is not known whether these men were Taliban or not but regardless, this kind of behaviour is not acceptable. When will they realise that the more they disrespect other cultures and individuals, the worse they look in the public eye? The American military has a great deal to do in appeasing the Afghanistan people after an act like this.

Independence for Scotland

At the moment I am angry at the current political situation in Scotland. We have Tories in Westminster telling us when we should hold a referendum on the future of this country and lying blatantly about the state of business in Scotland – stating that businesses are uncertain re the future because of the possibility of independence and yet we know for a fact that since the SNP obtained a majority, businesses have been knocking at our doors wanting in.

This is blatant scaremongering and it should not be allowed in a genuine debate.
I am also disgusted that the only thing Labour and Conservatives have ever agreed on is that we should stay in the union! Fair enough, the Conservatives (and indeed the near extinct Liberals) should be worried, they have how many seats in the Scottish Parliament? But Labour, to me, are simply betraying their constituencies by backing the union, backing a Tory government and clearly not supporting Scotland. I thought Johann Lamont would be smarter and brighter than that.
2 points for England here:
• Given the disdain among the people of Scotland for the Tories, and latterly the Lib Dems, the loss of six million votes against their parties in a British general election would only serve to increase their majority and chances of holding onto power for longer in Westminster.
• How do the people of England feel about Scottish MP’s voting on English/Welsh issues when English and Welsh MP’s do not get to vote on Scottish issues? This is a complete imbalance and not fair on English and Welsh citizens.
I find it laughable when people say that Scotland is not ready for independence, given that we have one of the best business records at present in the UK. We have international companies investing in us such as Amazon and Nissan, just to name a couple.

Another thing that really annoys me is that some people put the SNP on a par with the hideous BNP. This could not be further from the truth. The SNP are not in any way shape or form an exclusionary party. There are Asian and English members/MP’s who contribute greatly to the party, but this is never mentioned in the press. The SNP stands for Scottish National Party, NOT Scottish Nationalists Party. There is a huge difference. This is not an anti-English party either, as many people believe, it is simply pro Scotland.

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Every Little Helps? Shame on Tesco

Not shamed by being in the news at the end of last year, Tesco continue to rip people off at every turn!

While in Tesco's recently (the only reason I went was because it was the next closest shop since we can no longer get to Kyle with the road closure) to get a few essentials when I happened to spot a 'bargain' as I was leaving the shop. Walkers French Fries - stated to be normally £4.18 were half price for the 18 pack! Now who in their right mind would spend £4.18 in the first place on crisps, and especially for these little snack, I don't know. But What is more astonishing is that the last time I was in Morrison's in Inverness, the same make was selling 24 packs for £2.00! This is a huge difference in price. Clearly Tesco do not appear to care about their customers, telling the truth or genuine bargains.

Sure there is a branch of the trading standards somewhere who can look into this clear breach of conduct and force them to price fairly, honestly and in line with other supermarkets?

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Storms and binge drinking

Happy New Year!

Lets hope 2012 is a far better year than 2011 for everyone, and not the end of the world as some people seem to think :)

Storms continue to batter the UK, especially the north. Scotland faced more blizzards and high winds during the week, this not long after 'hurricane bawbag' ravaged the land. The news is full of images of the damage done by the winds across the central belt especially, where gales reached up to 102 miles per hour in the Edinburgh area!

And on another note, the government are trying to tackle binge drinking at the moment. An easy way of dealing with this is taxing supermarkets so they have to push prices up. It would bring in an extra income for the government and it would mean people can't buy as much - and hopefully head for a pub for a pint, giving them a bit more money too.