So, apparently there were some people in Africa who died today because of lack of access to basic clean water. Still, main thing is Tiger is sorry....
There is something very wrong with how news is broadcast sometimes.
These are just some of my random thoughts.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Monday, 15 February 2010
The Real Heroes Of Telemark - In Streetview
With the recent announcement that Norway has been added to Google Street View, I wanted to see if a location of great historical importance, and of interest to me was visible - it was!
That location is the Vemork Hydroelectric Plant in Vemork, Telemark county - site of the Norwegian Heavy Water Sabotage in World War II. The operation was a daring raid carried out by a small team of inspirational and dedicated Norwegian saboteurs to destroy the plant and therefore prevent Nazi Germany from being in a position to make heavy water - a key component in the making of nuclear weapons, which would have spelled disaster for the Allies.
The Vemork Hydroelectric Plant in 1935
I first became aware of the Norwegian heavy water sabotage operation after seeing the three part BBC documentary (also accompanied by a book) by author and TV presenter, Ray Mears, who incidentally I think I am going to put into Room Lovely.
Mears, known for his studies and teaching of Bushcraft and survival skills, holds a interest in the survival techniques of resistant fighters during WWII. This led Mears to make the documentary "The Real Heroes of Telemark: The True Story of the Secret Mission to Stop Hitler's Atomic Bomb", in which he examines the survival skills required and executed by the saboteurs in what turned out to be one of the harshest winters the weather could throw at the Hardanger Plateau (Hardangervidda) - from where the operation would be launched. In making the documentary, Mears also took the opportunity to focus more on the facts and less on the dramatization seen in the 1965 film "The Heroes Of Telemark" starring Kirk Douglas.
Having watched the television documentary and read the book, I could not help but be overwhelmed at the determination of this small, passionate, young group of men. The daily battles they endured to survive (a battle which became ever more acute as time went on), along with shouldering the responsibilities of an operation so crucial to the outcome of WWII make this account a true testament to these phenomenal men. It made me think just how much we have to thank them for - even though they just saw it as "their job to help free their country".
Below are a selection of Street View's showing the Vemork Hydroelectric Plant and the terrain they faced - though at the time of the operation, in a harsh winter and behind enemy lines.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
The television documentary Ray Mears made is available on YouTube in 16 installments. The first of which is below.
I highly recommend the book "The Real Heroes of Telemark: The True Story of the Secret Mission to Stop Hitler's Atomic Bomb". Alternatively, you can buy the audiobook on iTunes.
That location is the Vemork Hydroelectric Plant in Vemork, Telemark county - site of the Norwegian Heavy Water Sabotage in World War II. The operation was a daring raid carried out by a small team of inspirational and dedicated Norwegian saboteurs to destroy the plant and therefore prevent Nazi Germany from being in a position to make heavy water - a key component in the making of nuclear weapons, which would have spelled disaster for the Allies.
The Vemork Hydroelectric Plant in 1935
I first became aware of the Norwegian heavy water sabotage operation after seeing the three part BBC documentary (also accompanied by a book) by author and TV presenter, Ray Mears, who incidentally I think I am going to put into Room Lovely.
Mears, known for his studies and teaching of Bushcraft and survival skills, holds a interest in the survival techniques of resistant fighters during WWII. This led Mears to make the documentary "The Real Heroes of Telemark: The True Story of the Secret Mission to Stop Hitler's Atomic Bomb", in which he examines the survival skills required and executed by the saboteurs in what turned out to be one of the harshest winters the weather could throw at the Hardanger Plateau (Hardangervidda) - from where the operation would be launched. In making the documentary, Mears also took the opportunity to focus more on the facts and less on the dramatization seen in the 1965 film "The Heroes Of Telemark" starring Kirk Douglas.
Having watched the television documentary and read the book, I could not help but be overwhelmed at the determination of this small, passionate, young group of men. The daily battles they endured to survive (a battle which became ever more acute as time went on), along with shouldering the responsibilities of an operation so crucial to the outcome of WWII make this account a true testament to these phenomenal men. It made me think just how much we have to thank them for - even though they just saw it as "their job to help free their country".
Below are a selection of Street View's showing the Vemork Hydroelectric Plant and the terrain they faced - though at the time of the operation, in a harsh winter and behind enemy lines.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
The television documentary Ray Mears made is available on YouTube in 16 installments. The first of which is below.
I highly recommend the book "The Real Heroes of Telemark: The True Story of the Secret Mission to Stop Hitler's Atomic Bomb". Alternatively, you can buy the audiobook on iTunes.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
"Diverted"
Last weekend, I watched a sad, yet under the circumstances heartwarming movie titled "Diverted".
The Wikipedia article sums it nicely.
"The movie is a fictional story inspired by the true events of what what happened to the people of Gander, Newfoundland and the passengers on the planes on Sept. 11, 2001."
One of my hobbies is listening to pilots that talk to air traffic control, so I'm familiar with Gander for its role in oceanic crossing control and knew it had handled many passengers on 9/11.
I'm guessing that many of the stories within the overall story are the fiction part, but what really comes through is the opposing kindness - the phenomenal generosity given by the people of Gander, versus the horrific acts being committed just 1100 miles away. It reminded me a lot of my previous post about Mark Knopfler's song "If This Is Goodbye" and how on 9/11, the love and kindness given by humans ultimately always triumphs over evil.
My Uncle was also one of the people who's plane was diverted - he was in the US on business at the time and had just taken off from JFK bound for San Francisco and had a few nights in Salt Lake City, UT when the order to land all planes was given.
It's a film I'd recommend. It's very sad, but there's a certain 'Yeah take this terrorists!' (this being kindness) about it.
The Wikipedia article sums it nicely.
One of my hobbies is listening to pilots that talk to air traffic control, so I'm familiar with Gander for its role in oceanic crossing control and knew it had handled many passengers on 9/11.
I'm guessing that many of the stories within the overall story are the fiction part, but what really comes through is the opposing kindness - the phenomenal generosity given by the people of Gander, versus the horrific acts being committed just 1100 miles away. It reminded me a lot of my previous post about Mark Knopfler's song "If This Is Goodbye" and how on 9/11, the love and kindness given by humans ultimately always triumphs over evil.
My Uncle was also one of the people who's plane was diverted - he was in the US on business at the time and had just taken off from JFK bound for San Francisco and had a few nights in Salt Lake City, UT when the order to land all planes was given.
It's a film I'd recommend. It's very sad, but there's a certain 'Yeah take this terrorists!' (this being kindness) about it.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Unrequited Love
I have had unrequited love twice in my life (once when I was....wait I best not reveal the ages or it'll be obvious - especially as I still know both people!). Sure, in theory if you count 'crushes' as acts of unrequited love then I've had loads.
However, when I refer to unrequited love and what it means to me, I mean something long term - a profoundly emotional experience that has shaped you and one you will not forget. One experience was more profound than the other, and was the one that truly shaped me, but there was another that was significant enough to become the 2nd.
Oh...by the way, I don't have unrequited love at the moment (a crush yes!), so any reader need not be concerned! But if you are Angelina Jolie, then you may wanna be the concerned one over that crush thing....
I very much doubt this will mean much to anyone but me - or what you think it means, it'll probably be something else (usually is with me right!)
Anyhoo....
Four Words
Sprite or Tango with a butterfly bun please,
Tuesday nights, grapvine, lemon and lime,
Three beautiful stars, south east sky,
There for my gaze when you are not nigh,
Paramount pantomime, you're all dolled up,
Your beauty so bright, can't help but fill up,
Curry nights with laughter, great night out,
Every time we say goodbye, emotionally washed-out,
You smile so innocently, you've really no idea,
Tonight when I go to bed, I'll shed many tears,
I've thought so many times if I should tell you,
But always at that last minute, the fear ensues,
You tell me four words, I'll never forget,
My emotional state, off guard and beset,
My life in that moment has comes to an end,
Phil, guess what "I have a boyfriend",
I knew that one day, without you I'll move on,
And now that day without heartache has finally dawned.
You'll always be special to me.
However, when I refer to unrequited love and what it means to me, I mean something long term - a profoundly emotional experience that has shaped you and one you will not forget. One experience was more profound than the other, and was the one that truly shaped me, but there was another that was significant enough to become the 2nd.
Oh...by the way, I don't have unrequited love at the moment (a crush yes!), so any reader need not be concerned! But if you are Angelina Jolie, then you may wanna be the concerned one over that crush thing....
I very much doubt this will mean much to anyone but me - or what you think it means, it'll probably be something else (usually is with me right!)
Anyhoo....
Sprite or Tango with a butterfly bun please,
Tuesday nights, grapvine, lemon and lime,
Three beautiful stars, south east sky,
There for my gaze when you are not nigh,
Paramount pantomime, you're all dolled up,
Your beauty so bright, can't help but fill up,
Curry nights with laughter, great night out,
Every time we say goodbye, emotionally washed-out,
You smile so innocently, you've really no idea,
Tonight when I go to bed, I'll shed many tears,
I've thought so many times if I should tell you,
But always at that last minute, the fear ensues,
You tell me four words, I'll never forget,
My emotional state, off guard and beset,
My life in that moment has comes to an end,
Phil, guess what "I have a boyfriend",
I knew that one day, without you I'll move on,
And now that day without heartache has finally dawned.
You'll always be special to me.
To Bee, Or Not To Bee
As Buzz is the noise a Bee makes.
Well, this is just me testing to see if my blog has synced (I hate that word!) with my Google Buzz.
Well, this is just me testing to see if my blog has synced (I hate that word!) with my Google Buzz.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Forty Seven KitKats Per Second
I simply could not fail to mention this....
Snack stand-off: Banana v KitKat
"Gordon Brown is reportedly weaning himself off his four-KitKats-a-day habit and is now eating nine bananas instead to get fit for the election. So which is the best snack?"
Source: BBC News
I am slightly miffed now that I was not offered one when I went for my meeting at Number 10 !
Snack stand-off: Banana v KitKat
Source: BBC News
I am slightly miffed now that I was not offered one when I went for my meeting at Number 10 !
Friday, 5 February 2010
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)