Putin's peace process

Orwellian Doublethink  prevails in Russia. Little Brother is saying that there is a peace process in Syria. It is, however, evident in war, the bombing, the genocide, the war crimes. The devastation and the destruction in Aleppo must be helping to rebuild the city and develop the economy.

Wonderful Winchester is named the best place to live in the UK

It comes as no surprise to me that wonderful Winchester has been named the UK's best place to live in a quality of life study.

The factors considered in the study were: life expectancy, health, employment rates, crime, education, broadband access, population densities and the weather.

I love the medieval streets, shops, Cathedral, markets, surrounding countryside (that inspired Jane Austen and John Keats), museums, nearby National Trust properties, and cultural life in this city.

Aleppo will be a 21st century Guernica

We will remember the actions of vile violent men. Wicked men of death and destruction. War criminals have produced the fruits of their evil enterprises in bombing the innocent, killing doctors in hospitals, shedding much blood in winning territory but harming so many lives. We know them by their trail of slaughter, suffering and carnage. The damage done in Aleppo will be a terrible testimony to the Assad regime and Bashar the Basher's Russian allies.

The international community, the UN and democratic countries should be active now in bringing these political gangsters, war criminals and agents of genocide to trial, judgement and before the appropriate courts of justice.

The fall of Aleppo will take years to put right and to forge a worthwhile peace. Currently there is serious division, hatred, bitterness, resentment, iniquity and unrighteousness. Civilians have been lined up in the street and executed as Assad's troops are gaining complete control of this ancient city. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice and the rule of righteousness. Many people in Aleppo are now without the basic and necessary needs to ensure survival. Aleppo is a modern day Guernica, suffering under the horrendous bombardment.

Lord, in Your mercy hear the cries of the sick, the suffering, the seriously wounded, the people desperately trying to survive and get through the catastrophic conflict. Make haste to help them in their time of need. Please stop the mayhem and this madness.

Poppies are not political, but a cultural symbol of remembrance

FIFA, the international football federation, should be condemned and castigated for trying to prevent our footballers wearing poppies, therefore by interfering with our cultural and well established tradition that transcends politics.

The Football Association, the FA, should be commended for allowing and encouraging our national teams to wear the remembrance poppy at matches.

Well done FA.
 Shame on you FIFA.

Leavenworth, Washington, or was it Bavaria?

This place in Washington State, and I was there during Oktoberfest, was more like Bavaria than the US. What do you think?

Awesome Oregon on the West Coast, USA

Awesome is overused in the USA, but when you see the scenery and admire the grandeur, then you do get a sense of awe and wonder. It is a beautiful state and it is becoming a popular place to live, and it may be hard to leave. The standard of living is high, crime seems low and there is a healthy laid back approach to life that appeals to many people. In summer the weather is excellent, though the ocean is not that warm.

Mount Hood

Cannon Beach

Manzanita, Oregon

       From Highway 101 looking down to the beach on the coastal resort.

Manzanita Beach, Oregon

                  Looking back to Highway 101, from the beach below.

Sunset at Vista House, Crown Point, Columbia River Gorge

It is so good to chill out with family and friends

Laid back, but not sleepless, in Seattle.