Jottings from Tattonland

A New Look for a New Year

2012-01-10T21:08:00.001Z

Well, sort of!

Happy 2012.

Just Checking In

2012-01-07T16:39:00.008Z

Today I noticed, with some embarrassment, that my most recent post - with the exception of this one - was April, 2009. Methinks much has happened since then. Not least the fact that I retired at the end of December, 2010. And since approximately Feb 2010 I've been the proud keeper of an allotment plot.

A further major endeavour has been to have solar PV installed on the house roof: 14 panels, for a nominal capacity of a little over 3.2kW. That was last February, and so far, the signs are very promising indeed. Less than one year of operation, and we've already clocked up in excess of £1250 worth of electricity. It has to be said, though, that this is largely due to the rather generous Feed-in Tariff of 43.3p per kWh. If the current proposal to half this for new adopters is allowed to go ahead then I fear, as do many, that it could deal a fatal blow to this important, but still fledgling, industry.

However, to return to my original purpose: having made lots of rather scruffy notes of a diary nature relating to my various horticultural activities, I'm looking to find a convenient way of recording them on-line. I'm toying with the idea of using my blog site for this. The problem is, it would have to be retrospective. That is, I would need to be able to post up entries from the past. I would also want it to be searchable. For instance, I might want to know when I sowed leeks in previous years, so I'd put "leeks" in as a search term. I suppose the obvious way would be to use tags.

Anyway, ideas always welcome.

The Carbon-Capture Carbonundrum?

2009-04-24T15:50:00.008Z

Photo Credit: NASA

I posed this question in a posting way back in December 2007. It appears to remain largely unanswered (or possibly ignored?); but, in the light of the recent announcement by our government regarding proposals for a new generation of coal-fuelled power stations, I feel it could stand another airing. The unease I feel is this: quite apart from the whole raft of concerns raised by others in various places, there is the fact that for every 12 tonnes of carbon burned in fossil (or any other carboniferous ) fuel, approximately 32 tonnes of oxygen is extracted from the atmosphere. The scale of this "oxygen depletion" may, admittedly, be exaggerated somewhat because many fuels actually have a bound-in oxygen content to begin with, but still it is probably a good order-of-magnitude figure.

Now if the fuel is from a renewable source, then I suppose we can generally assume that the usual biological processes such as photosynthesis will eventually return the consumed oxygen to the atmosphere and, on balance, there is no adverse effect; if the fuel was from a fossil source, then although there will be an excess carbon dioxide input to the atmosphere, it is still conceivable that a proportion of it will also be "metabolised" by the ecosystem: for example, there may be accelerated/enhanced growth of vegetation, algae, etc in some land/sea areas, which could partially off-set it ...for a while.

Some of the excess carbon dioxide will surely not be recycled, though, and it is that fraction that we get concerned about with regard to global warming, of course. But as well as this hazard, there is the associated potential problem that a portion of the oxygen removed from the atmosphere by combustion is lost permanently. That would be bad enough in any case, but if all the carbon dioxide from a power-station were to be sequestered below ground then all of the oxygen consumed in its combustion process would go with it - for good; or at least for "... five thousand years at least ..." (which of course begs its own questions as regards the really long-term future of the planet).

So on this basis, it seems to me that what we should be aiming at, if anything, is true carbon-capture, and not capture of carbon dioxide. We should in other words be separating out the oxygen first and returning it to the environment.

And here we encounter a further little niggling problem: splitting carbon dioxide into its elemental components takes ... yes, you guessed it - energy! Logically (one assumes) this should not come from the burning of yet more coal, but maybe it could be provided by truly renewable sources such as wind, solar etc, or - if we really must - nuclear fuel.
So, why not just invest in them properly in the first place?

To be fair, there is now apparently an experimental plant in Germany that "cooks" sewage anaerobically to drive off the volatiles, which then become "new" fuel without comsuming oxygen. The only true waste is basically carbon black (charcoal) which actually has a commercial value in its own right, but does not present a global-warming risk. Of course, this approach is a rather different proposition from the coal-fired argument discussed above.

Now don't get me wrong - I am a firm believer that we face a lethal threat from human-generated global warming, and that all proposed solutions need to be examined properly and fairly. But that means identifying potential drawbacks too.

Perhaps I am being overly naive in my arguments relating to oxygen depletion, and maybe the effect will never be great enough to cause us concern. I just don't know. But I'd be really glad to hear other views. What do you think?

[Of course there are plenty of other arguments against this carbon-capture approach. For one thing, it doesn't avoid continued plundering of the earth's resources; and the supposed (by some) unsightliness of wind-turbines is surely as nought compared to the huge and visciously ugly scars left behind by open-cast mining operations? Then there is the matter of security of the energy supply. We would continue to be at the mercy of off-shore providers. Or am I very much mistaken?]

Mike

"M'aidez" call - already answered? A correction

2009-02-10T18:58:00.015Z

One of Knutsford Royal Mayday's most respected and long-standing organisers has pointed out to me an inaccuracy in the following item I posted back in March 2008, and for which I must put the record straight ...

Knutsford "Royal" Mayday under threat? Whatever next?

In it, referring to letters appearing in the local newspaper around that time, I wrote this:

I'm most grateful to my contact for letting me know that there is in fact a voluntary donation scheme for families taking part in the event: indeed it was devised by her, and already existed at the time I wrote the article. Moreover, she assures me that it has been very successful in raising additional funds each year. This is excellent news. In absolute terms I daresay it is still a drop in the ocean, and cannot hope by itself to guarantee the long-term future of the Mayday. But at the very least it does one exceedingly valuable thing: it demonstrates the considerable affection and high regard in which this unique festival is held by our townsfolk.

Long may it continue.

I do apologise for having got it wrong last March.

Mike

Happy Year of the Ox to All

2009-01-26T08:25:00.002Z

Boxing Day - vine-pruning completed

2008-12-26T17:12:00.007Z

Friday 26th December: another brilliantly sunny day. Ideal for completing the pruning, which this time (ie for the wall-grown grapes) entails climbing a ladder. First, a re-cap of what they looked like before pruning:

Ok. To work. For each "spur" you start by removing any old, dead wood:

In the example shown, that left two rods - last season's fruiting laterals. I pruned each of these to about two good buds ("eyes"):

The finished job:

I then repeated the process for all the spurs on all the vines. A certain amount of judgement is needed. If a rod is very thin and weedy-looking, for example, it is worth cutting it out all together to give the remaining one a better chance.

This is what the vines look like now:

Much neater, I feel.

So that's it for now. Next tasks will be in February, when I'll feed and mulch the vines. It's also a good time to plant the cuttings I prepared from the prunings.

Finally, if you're interested, take a look at this web page I set up with some FAQs on vine-growing and winemaking.

Cheers!

Christmas Eve - update on vine pruning

2008-12-24T16:39:00.008Z

Last night's weather forecast said we'd have to "wait until Boxing Day to see any sun".
Funnily enough, today was gorgeous. Hm.

So I thought I'd continue on with the vine pruning. Remember on Sunday I was starting to prune the ones in the "open ground"? Well I finished them. Not too difficult as there are only five plants.

This is what they look like now:

Again, the contrast isn't too good because of all the shades of brown.

The next task will be to prune the vines growing against the house wall. Here are a few more shots of them as they are now:

You can tell how sunny it was by the sharp shadows, n'est-ce-pas?

These vines are pruned according to the "rod-and-spur" system, which is more straightforward than the Guyot method employed in many open vineyards

For the wall-grown vines all that is needed is to take back the current year's shoots to a couple of strong eyes. One of these will be allowed to develop into a fruiting lateral, and the other will be rubbed out. Because this procedure is repeated annually, a knobbly spur gradually forms, from which the method derives its name (natch). "Rod" refers to the permanent framework of old wood.

I'll post some more pics when I've pruned them.

Meanwhile, have a great Christmas.

A Solstice job: pruning vines

2008-12-21T10:59:00.014Z

Sunday 21st December - the shortest day ... at last. I can't be doing with all this doom and gloom (and not just the economic/financial variety either!)

Anyway, it's been some time since I posted anything on my blog so I thought I'd do a bit of an update on the state of the vines. December is the ideal time for pruning them (in the Northern Hemisphere, that is!) and that's what I started doing this morning.

These shots should give an idea of what the vines look like before pruning. Note that vines are deciduous, and all the leaves have fallen by now:

In the case of the vines in the open ground (as opposed to against the wall) I've adopted the Guyot system. The idea is to remove all but two or three good strong shoots of the previous season's growth. One (for Single Guyot) or two (for Double Guyot) of these shoots - technically known as "rods" - are tied to the bottom wire. If two rods are used, then one will be taken to the right of the main stem, the other to the left. The pic below shows a plant that has been partially pruned, with only one rod tied in:

I'm afraid at this time of year everything tends to be the same colour, so the contrast wasn't too good. However, I had a brain-wave: why not put a white sheet behind the subject? That certainly helped:

The next stage was to tie a rod to the other side of the stem, and completely remove the surplus one (as it is not needed).

Here's the finished job:

Once growth starts again in spring, the rods that have been tied into the bottom wire will produce "laterals" (rather a daft name in this instance because they will actually be growing more-or-less vertically upwards!). The laterals will - hopefully - bear fruit.

You maybe noticed there's another rod, much shorter than the others, sticking up at the rear of the main stem. It is important to keep one rod pruned in this way, so as to leave at least three good buds ("eyes"). These should develop into three new rods which will form the basis of the following season's crop - and they will be treated in the same way at the end of next growing season. (During the coming season these rods will not be allowed to bear fruit, but will simply be tied into the vertical cane).

I reckon it's also a good idea to think about extending your stock of plants at this time, and the prunings make ideal cuttings. I just bundle them up with a label (VERY IMPORTANT if you grow more than one grape variety) and "heel" them into the boarder in the greenhouse like this:

Then, around February they can be prepared as for any other type of hardwood cutting, and simply pushed into a convenient bit of spare ground. The base of each cutting should preferably be in a sandy or gritty medium, but in my experience it's almost impossible to prevent them from rooting, no matter what kind of soil they're in, provided it doesn't get water-logged.

A couple of years ago I did just that with some Madeleine Angevine prunings, and today I dug them up:

As you can see, they're all nicely rooted. Again, I heeled them into the greenhouse boarder, and when I get a spare hour or two I'll pot them up into something like John Innes No.2. From then on they can be potted on progressively, until big enough to plant out in a "vineyard". Of course I don't actually possess such a thing, but I do have my name down for an allotment!

I realise I haven't mentioned how the wall-vines are pruned. If anything they are even easier to deal with, but as I ran out of time they will have to wait for another day. I'll post some more information then.

Meanwhile, Happy Solstice. Oh yes, and

Merry Christmas!

Mike

Cider MkII - update MkII!

2008-10-26T08:12:00.002Z

Sunday 26th October, and the ferment has been transferred to demijohns.
Slightly less unappetising than before, methinks!

Cider MkII - update

2008-10-23T18:05:00.002Z

Just thought you might like to know the second batch is fermenting away nicely ...

Yes, I know it looks disgusting, but just think of the story of The Ugly Duckling!

Cider-making Round 2

2008-10-21T17:31:00.008Z

Wow! Thanks to Karen we now have about 3.5 gallons of the amber fluid on the go!
Caroline, Karen and I spent a happy hour or two on Karen's allotment last saturday, completely filling a brew tub and a toy box with an assortment of wind-falls, conventionally-picked and "shake-fall" apples. (Hmm. Remind me we need to take cycle crash helmets next time!)

Here we are hard at work:

Karen.

The following day (Sunday), Caroline and I set to slicing pummelling and pressing.
I even made a specialist piece of equipment for the pummelling (officially known as "milling"). It's an ultra-modern hi-tech length of 3-by-2 with a length of broom handle through it. A kind of artificial foot - which I intend to use next year for "treading" the grapes!

The previous week's gallon I transferred to a demijohn, and I added a small sample of this fermenting "must" to the new batch, so as hopefully to preserve the generation of yeast. I'm still waiting for it to really get going, but it looks promising.

Here we are:

Caroline ...

... in somewhat more mirthful mode!

Me (well you know that!) with the amazing pummeller.

Assorted debris after pressing finished.

Beneath that piece of bubble-wrap (designed to keep the air out) is 2.5 gallons of apple juice.

Roll-on tasting time!

Please support the Ghurka Justice Campaign

2008-10-13T18:01:00.008Z

My father, Harry (1913-2005), served in Burma in WW2. He was a notoriously shy man, not given to hyperbolae, but he left us in no doubt of his immense respect for the Ghurka soldiers who fought so loyally alongside him. He never spoke much about their experiences either, and we lucky ones here at home can only imagine what they must have gone through together on our behalf; what it must have been like surviving and fighting in the jungle, sometimes hand-to-hand, for so many years.

To the best of my knowledge the Ghurkas' total support for our small nation, so many thousand miles away, has never once wavered. I hope you will agree with me (and Joanna Lumley) that full recognition of the incredible part played by these good people in safeguarding our freedom and way of life is long, long overdue. It would not, in my view, be an overstatement to say the fact it has not happened thus far is a matter of national disgrace. It certainly does not make me proud to call myself "British".

I do hope you will sign the petition, and ask as many of your family and friends as possible to do the same. Let's end this injustice. Please go to http://www.gurkhajustice.org.uk/ and register your support now.

Thank you so much.

Mike

... and Caroline's recipes

2008-10-12T20:28:00.005Z

Yet another post-script: several folks were asking about recipes for the snacks that Caroline dished up during the harvesting session. She says if anyone would like them please to email her. If you don't have her email address you can always send me a message and I'll pass it on.
Cheers.

First wine .... then cider!

2008-10-12T20:05:00.007Z

I forgot to mention this in yesteday's post, but many thanks to Richard & Linda for a grand supply of Worcester Pearmain apples. We'll be eating our way through them for the next month ... or two.

And special thanks to Karen who arrived (unfortunately too late to join in the wine-making festivities) also bearing a huge quantity of the rosy reds. So much so, it got us thinking: we probably wouldn't have much luck storing them, and it would be such a pity to let them rot, and since we have a press anyway, why not try cider? Ooo-aaggh!

So today (Sunday) morning, Caroline, Liz & I got to work slicing, pounding and pressing apples. Note to self: rolling pin not good enough - need 4x4 (not the SUV type, the timber type). "Milling" is best accomplished by bashing the sliced apples with such an implement.

Well much to my surprise we ended up with a good gallon-and-a-glassful of - it has to be said - distinctly suspect, muddy liquid. After much hmm-ing and haa-ing we all sampled said juice ... including Pete. Now Pete is definitely the expert when it comes to apple juice, and would you Adam 'n' Eve it? He gave it a hearty thumbs-up. So looks clearly aren't everything, as is often said.

The remaining gallon is sitting in a demijohn awaiting the addition of yeast. I'll do that tomorrow. It should be interesting. And with all these "free" apples that seem to be around, maybe we'll be able to do another batch or two before the season's over.

Karen: we owe you a few bottles. Cheers!

Can't wait to try it.

Grape Harvest 2008

2008-10-11T19:55:00.007Z

Another year, another harvest. I'm beginning to lose count!

Thanks to all who came and helped to make another highly successful afternoon of wine (and music) making.

And special thanks to Miles, Tina and Oli for loan of the very handsome gazebo!

We got about 11 kg of black grapes this time. These were added to previously-harvested-and-frozen green grapes (that would otherwise have been heartily consumed by my old pals the wasps), to make something around 9 litres of red-white (rose?) juice after pressing. Pressing, I might add, skillfully carried out by the youngest members.

Overall, the quantity was definitely down on last year, but no more so than I had anticipated, as I am re-organising several of the vines at present.

My viticulture FAQs.

And some pics from the "do" ...

Two gigs not to miss in Knutsford

2008-09-19T20:08:00.009Z

Just thought I'd mention a couple of gigs my friends and I are involved in next week-end. First, on Saturday 27th September at Knutsford Little Theatre:

We've got several superb musical acts lined up, including the brilliant duo, Jon Kerr & Ame Norwood and the extremely talented folk trio, Nelson-Peach, as well as the theatre's very own (and my) band, Green Rumours. Thanks to Bob Jennings for designing the most excellent flyer.

Then, on Sunday 28th there's the long-anticipated "Big Noted Concert" at the Legh Arms:

... featuring a veritable cornucopia of astral - nay, galactic - local talent!

Be there or be squa... (well, maybe not). Hope to see you anyway.

The Jotter et al Go West!

2008-08-02T03:41:00.007Z

Here's one to make you jealous - taken in the fabulous Colorado National Monument, near Grand Junction, CO.

You can find more of our Colorado pics here

Mike and Caroline

The "Family Firm" - 1992

2008-07-02T20:21:00.003Z

Start 'em early, that's my motto! This was taken in September 1992, when my son Pete was celebrating his second birthday. That's Dave in the middle. He was a ripe-old four-and-a-half. I'm not saying what age I was!

My 2007 Vintage - Cheers!

2008-06-30T18:32:00.004Z

First - if you're looking for the "Stonewell" post, its next down the page!

Now, for those who follow my grape-growing-wine-making escapades, here's the product of Autumn 2007's vintage; bottled yesterday.

Many thanks to Bethany E for designing such a handsome label.

I made no white wine this time around, but there were three gallons of red, blended from "Boskoop Glory", "Brant", "Black Hamburgh" and a couple of bunches of "Siegerebbe".
I sampled a glass yesterday. Not bad, even if I say so myself.

Click here for more detailed information about my viticultural activities.

Cheers!

My Big Brother Bill at Stonewell Tavern Lancaster

2008-06-21T18:34:00.018Z

I should have reported on this before now. Very remiss of me. Well, beter late than never.

On Sunday 8th June, Pete (Number-2 son) & I made an epic trip north up the M6 to Lancaster; a staggering 66 miles. This was to meet my Big Brother Bill, whom I don't get to see very often. Bill plays piano. BILL PLAYS PIANO. Where d'you think I get my "grand" ideas from, eh? Well, enough of the puns. Suffice it to say that Bill - 10 years my senior - was my inspiration to learn to play "proper" piano - ie jazz - from about the age of 8.

Bill has a regular Sunday lunchtime slot at the Stonewell Tavern in Lancaster, playing background piano for the punters. All the old standards are in there, and after approximately two hours solid he's still barely halfway through his repertoire. (Phew!)

That's him at the top of this column, at the Broadbent.

The Stonewell is run by an absolutely charming and talented couple, Rohi and Jerry who, among other things, serve up delicious home-made Italian dishes. Here's Rohi (centre - obviously), with Bill (right) and Pete:

And (below) Jerry (right), with Bill (left) and Pete (centre - obviously):

When I say "talented": Jerry is a formidable vocalist, pianist, guitarist, bongoist(?) ... etc etc. Not that I actually heard him on this occasion, as he was far too busy looking after his customers. But I have it on VERY good authority that he is one serious musician.

But back to Bill for a moment: I took a short video clip with my digital camera. Unfortunately that meant the sound quality left a lot to be desired, but at least it gives an idea of Bill's playing:

Pete and I were fortunate enough to be allowed to grace the stage after Bill's slot, and we did about four numbers. From memory, I think they were "Song for Margaret" (my composition), "Wish You Were Here" (Pink Floyd's), "Country" (Keith Jarrett composition) and another one. Can't remember what that was. We had a great time. The pub was still only just beginning to fill up, but those who were there seemed to appreciate it, and we weren't booed off. A few shots of us in action:

It appears Lancaster is a haven for musicians of all kinds, and many of the pubs put on live music each week. The Stonewell is no exception, hosting bands most evenings; and on Sunday afternoons there is a real treat - a jam session. It started soon after we and Bill had done our "turns". The jam was led by an extremely accomplished jazz guitarist named Sam. At one point there were some eight musicians on the tiny stage, including Sam on guitar, three saxes, a trombone, bass, drums/percussion and keyboards (not me, I hasten to add!).

Their ages ranged from "mature" (shall we say) to around 16, and their musical ability was, in my humble opinion, outstanding. Here they are ...

And a couple of video clips, for good measure ...

Not bad eh? And to cap it off, the atmosphere in the Stonewell is superb. If you get chance, do pop up (or down, across, whatever) and see/hear for yourself. Oh, and of course, tuck into a plate of delicious pasta!

In case you missed the URL above, it's The Stonewell Tavern.

Cheers
Mike

BAN CLUSTER BOMBS NOW

2008-05-27T15:31:00.009Z

It's a sad indictment of our "civilised world" that such frequent campaigns as this should even need to be contemplated.

I hope you will consider signing the above petition.

If you're in doubt as to its likely effectiveness, you can take it from me that Avaaz.com does carry considerable weight. You might like to read about them here.

Better yet, see the co-founder of Avaaz.org, Ricken Patel, being interviewed on the BBC programme Hard Talk .

Mike.

Burma Cyclone: an update from Avaaz.com

2008-05-25T07:17:00.003Z

You might be interested to read this report from Avaaz. It seems they have been able to get very significant amounts of aid into Burma - and successfully ditributed - via the monks.

Very welcome positive news in the midst of so much sorrow.

Mike

China Earthquake

2008-05-16T08:30:00.003Z

Photograph courtesy of The British Red Cross.

The disasters seem to be never-ending, and on such a monumental scale, but having made very good friends in various parts of China, I was especially affected by this heart-rending tragedy. It was also vividly brought home to me by a video clip, on the BBC News website, of the moment the quake struck. (When I visited China last year I changed flights at Chengdu, and I believe I may have stood at the exact spot where the cameraman was.)

Please be as generous as you can. Click here to donate via the British Red cross.

Many thanks

Mike

Early-morning bike ride in Tatton Park

2008-05-11T09:32:00.012Z

I'm trying to get fit by cycling through the park. But as I have to stop every few yards to take a photo I'm not sure how effective it's been. Never mind, it was a beautiful morning.

And here's the trusty machine that got me there. (No, I didn'tg mean "rusty" ... that's me!)

Cheers
Mike

Words are not enough - please help the Burmese People

2008-05-08T16:56:00.003Z

Venerable U Uttara, General Secretary, International Burmese Monks Organization.
Photograph: courtesy of Aavaz.org.

Please consider making a donation to assist the Burmese people following the devastating cyclone. Just click on the Aavaz.org link.

Many thanks
Mike

Still the same after all these years (?)

2008-05-04T14:34:00.012Z

Not for the faint-hearted, eh? The "Tattonland Jotter", aged umpteen ... before the beard and baldness had really kicked in! By jove, I was a handsome devil, was I not?

And just to prove the family connection with the Royal May Day, here I am again in several cunning disguises:

These were both taken in our back garden (but in different years, obviously) prior to the May Day festival. First as a Farmer's Boy; then as a "Cranford Gentleman" - with my mate Steve, who that year was a Coster (AKA "Pearly King").

In the procession; and on The Heath, after the trek, with sore feet, some kind of novelty toy and cousin Joe (right of picture).

Believe me, this really was me as a "Beefeater". Honest.

Cheers
Mike

Another fine Royal May Day in "Cranford"

2008-05-03T19:29:00.039Z

And the sun shone - in spite of dire predictions to the contrary.

Above: the (shortly-to-be) May Queen in her carriage, attended by her Ladies-in-Waiting. The two small gentlemen up front are Pages. Later in the afternoon, the May Queen will receive her crown. And here's the lucky lad who'll be officiating - The Crownbearer:

The "Queen" has an entire "Court" to attend her every need. This consists of numerous colourful characters, such as "Will Scarlet", Forresters, Yeomen of the Guard ("Beefeaters") ...

Heralds, "Robin Hood", "Maid Marian" (I'm not sure why, exactly!)...

"The Royal Falcon-Bearer" ...

Court Ladies, Trainbearers (similar to Pages) ...

Maids of Honour - and yet more Train-Bearers ...

In addition to all these there is a rich panoply of other splendid characters, portraying not merely traditional English culture, but also representing just about every country in the world! Far too many for me to do justice to, in a blog post. (It would take me all night uploading photos!)

Here are just a few impressions:

And here (above) are some of "King Henry VIII's wives" accompanied, as it happens, by my (only) wife, Caroline. She's the tallest one, by the way. Actually, she's a steward - one of several adults enlisted to attempt to keep order (some hope!). The procession meanders through the town, eventually ending up on The Heath (ie the common), for the crowning of the May Queen. The whole journey takes well over an hour, and as there are something like 450-500 children taking part things can tend to get a bit fraught. So the stewards are a necessary addition, acting as chaperones and givers of moral support; no doubt issuing such helpful encouragement as: "we're nearly there now". That sort of thing.

I remember (just about) pounding the self-same route myself as a little lad. The one thing that you never forget is the aching feet.

For those who aren't familiar with Knutsford's "Royal" May Day festival, incidentally, it got its regal title from the fact that (so the legend goes) it was once attended by actual real royalty.

Now for some video of the varied forms of entertainment en route:

The last clip above depicts a scene, and characters, from Mrs Gaskell's novel Cranford, which was adapted and broadcast by the BBC as a highly successful costume drama starring Judi Dench as famous local heroine, "Miss Matty". The novel described daily life during the Victorian era (late 1800s) in a fictional small market town that was in fact based on Knutsford: my hometown; one with which Mrs Gaskell had a particularly close relationship, and wherein she is buried. It is just such a great shame that Knutsford itself could not have been chosen as the location for filming. (That honour went to Laycock Abbey in Wiltshire which, while unquestionably a splendid location, is not even close to Knutsford geographically). There were all sorts of reasons for this, including the fact that Manchester Airport is less than 10 miles away, thus on many occasions, when the wind is in a particular direction, hardly a minute goes by without a low-flying aircraft scraping the town's roof tops and donating some 98dB of unwanted sound. Also, our town has changed out of all recognition since Miss Matty's days; for one thing, it now appears (at least to me) to be virtually gridlocked with traffic for much of the time.

A well, c'est la vie! Still, hopefully the subtitle to my blog will now make more sense to you (assuming you hadn't already worked it out).

You can see more about this year's Mayday festival here, on the website of The Knutsford Guardian.

And finally, for previous postings of mine relating to the Knutsford Mayday, try this link; or this one.

Bye for now.

Mike

A more serious post - world food crisis

2008-04-29T19:37:00.004Z

It can't have escaped anyone's attention that world food prices are spiralling out of control.
The situation is in danger of becoming critical, with many millions more people facing the prospect of starvation, especially in the poorest countries of the world, several of which are already suffering the effects of famine as well as armed conflict. I hope you'll join me in signing this motion submitted by Avaaz.org, to be presented to G8, UN and EU leaders.

Please be assured that Avaaz is a bona fide, and well-respected pressure group.

Thanks for your support,

Mike.

Can it really be just me?

2008-04-28T20:00:00.011Z

Or is there one Highway Code for motorists and an entirely seperate one for cyclists? One that expressly prohibits them from stopping at red traffic lights? Only this evening, whilst on my way home from work - but temporarily halted by a red light at an extremely busy (and yellow-boxed) "main-drag" junction - I espied such a specimen nonchalently weave his way perilously across two lanes of rapidly-moving traffic. He was heading in the same direction as me and hence his lights were well and truly on red.

So a supplementary question (and hopefully a hypothetical one!): suppose said cyclist were to collide with one of those vehicles. Who, I wonder, would be the one to get prosecuted?

Now don't get me wrong - I have a great deal of respect for cyclists: we (especially me) should be doing much more cycling for all sorts of very good reasons. But doesn't this kind of senseless and discourteous behaviour by a (I have to say sizeable) minority give the rest a bad name? At best it is mildly annoying; at worst it is highly dangerous - not least because I suspect it could well be a potential trigger for road-rage.

Sorry for this particular rant, but it literally makes me see red. That, and bikes with no lights at night.

That's it. I'm done.

M Grump
PS: it's OK - I counted to ten before engaging gear and setting off from the (by then green) lights!

Another great "Noted" night & Greenrumours at Harlequin

2008-04-21T19:16:00.008Z

Last night, Pete and I once again got the chance to play at the monthly "Noted" live music gig. He and I (Pete singing) did Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton), and I muddled through Country (Keith Jarrett) and Stormy Monday (T Bone Walker). As always, there was an eclectic mix of great acts. The event is clearly going from strength to strength. Fantastic. Congratulations to the team!

And ... I completely forgot to report this previously: Green Rumours' debut (well in effect) at the Harlequin Theatre, Northwich last Saturday. This was a fund-raising concert for the theatre, and again included several really brilliant acts.

For our own part, we played:
Song for Margaret (instr. by Mike Wilding)
She’s Not There (Zombies)
Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Magnum-Mercy3 (instr. by Green Rumours)
Route 66 (Bobby Troup)
Lady Madonna (Beatles)
Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd)
Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd)
Rosanna (Toto)

Encore:
Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison)

We were joined for this last one by the brilliant Amé Norwood and Jon Kerr.

Many, many thanks to Harlequin - and especially to Jon - for orgainsing the event, and for inviting us to play at the gig. We had a great night.

Mike

Wish I could play like Keith!

2008-04-19T19:27:00.008Z

The other day I chanced upon a Youtube clip of my greatest hero - Keith Jarrett - playing this improvisation in F major. Not to everyone's tase, admittedly, but it fair blew me away, I can tell you. So then - naturally - I thought: "OK, maybe it's not that hard. I'll give it a go". Oh yeah, right! I must be mad - but you know that by now already.

Of course my effort is nothing like KJ's. (Even I'm not that naive.) But his scintillating playing gave me the general idea. My attempt is much more of a balad; about 0.00001% the speed of Keith's! You'll find it's a one-finger-at-a-time job too, by comparison. With plenty of mistakes to boot. No. What am I talking about? It's improvised is it not? Therefore, by definition, it is 100% mistake-free. Ahaa! Anyway, here goes:

Mike's version of Keith Jarrett Improvising on F Major.

Ah well. I've been trying to play KJ's tune Country since approximately 1976, and failing miserably, so why should this be any better?

M:-)

Identity Theft on Facebook

2008-04-16T09:34:00.003Z

To all my friends - especially on Facebook.

Be warned, as your identity may be stolen. It happened to me on Facebook, and despite several attempts by my friends and myself, the imposter's profile has not been removed. As a result I have now deactivated my FB account.

If you see "me" on there from now on, it is not really me.

It's a sad, sad world.
Regards
Mike

Welcome to Spring in "Cranford"!

2008-04-06T07:53:00.003Z

What a sight to wake up to this morning. Absolutely glorious.
Global warming (??) Ah well ....

This is my favourite elm tree. My dad & first potted it up when I was about 18. I'm now 59.75! Well it's survived Dutch Elm Disease and many years of studied neglect, so I reckon it can deal with a few little snowflakes.

Cheers
M

So biofuels are iffy?

2008-03-25T08:41:00.006Z

With all the debate about whether biofuels are merely bad for the environment or just plain catastrophic, one can be forgiven for being confused as to what is the "right" thing to do. The same applies to a range of other measures intended to save the planet.

One strategy that is almost bound to be effective:

JUST USE LESS OF EVERYTHING!

Why not try it?

Incidentally - here's a hilarious "Chelsea-tractor" post (a little dated perhaps, but I only just discovered it).

Beware of malicous "comments"

2008-03-23T08:57:00.003Z

Friends,

A little warning: I've had a "comment" on one of my blog postings. This turned out to be a piece of malicious software ("malware"?).

PLEASE: if you open a comment on a blog posting, and there is no obvious readable message - only one or more active links saying something like "here" - DO NOT CLICK ON THEM.

I stupidly did, and had to spend the next eight hours or so doing a full virus scan.

Sorry for this one. It ought not to be necessary, but we live in a decidedly dodgy world, I'm afraid.

Cheers
Mike

Help Tibet

2008-03-21T07:36:00.004Z

Image courtesy of http://www.avaaz.org

Hi Folks,

This petition came my way. I hope you will consider joining me in signing it.

Many thanks,

Mike

The Mount Sinai Bedouins - a correction

2008-03-20T07:57:00.005Z

In a previous post (since corrected), I described the St Katherine Bedouin community as numbering approximately 25,000. Our collaborator on the project has pointed out that this is in error. The true figure is even smaller: closer to 4000. The entire Bedouin population of Southern Sinai is actually only about 25,000, but this covers a much larger land area.

Apologies. To make up for my mistake, above are some more examples of the Bedouins' beautiful work. I'm afraid my photos don't do them justice. You really need to feel the quality (as we used to say, in the trade!).

Mike

Knutsford "Royal" Mayday under threat? Whatever next?

2008-03-19T21:37:00.018Z

I see from my local paper, that a Knutsfordian tradition going back to 1864 is in danger of being allowed to die through lack of cash.

Knutsford Royal Mayday (the "Royal" part deriving from the fact that the event was apparently attended, on one occasion, by the actual reigning monarch) is something I and countless other townsfolk grew up with. Rumour has it that one of my great grandparents was once May Queen. Certainly, a cousin of mine (now, sadly, deceased) was Crown-bearer in the 1950s; and three generations of my family - from my late Dad to my sons - religiously took part. In fact, we've all been "Beefeaters" at one time or another.

Mayday is by far the biggest event in Cranford's social calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Admittedly, many of these come as much for the fact that the largest funfair in the Northwest is in town for the weekend (longer, actually). But the festival itself is very traditional, in the sense that- apart from the occasional horse-drawn brewery dray - it is entirely non-commercial. And it is almost exclusively children who take part in it, these being attired in a diversity of splendid costumes. I recently saw an estimate of as many as 600 children involved.

Having said it is non-commercial, it does act as a significant source of income for local charities, thanks to the army of eager collectors who generously give up their time on the day.
(And, incidentally, it also enables local hostelries to make an ABSOLUTE MINT!).

But the event itself does not raise money for its own survival. On the other hand, it is very expensive to put on. Much of this cost goes into policing, especially owing to the fact that routes through the town have to be temporarily closed.

The thought of Knutsford without its Mayday is a bit like the thought of Cheshire without Jodrell Bank (don't forget to sign the petition, by the way).

I read a good suggestion today that those taking part could be asked to pay a small fee - say £2. This seems to me to be a reasonable and modest amount, yet it could really make a big difference. Actually, I think it should be made optional, and the amount left to people's discretion: if we value the tradition that much then we will be willing to pay for it. Knutsford is famous for being pretty well-heeled, after all. On the other hand (and perhaps not so well-recognised by the outside world) it is also home to many much less well-off families for whom it would be totally wrong to impose any financial hurdle to their participation.

Surely, those of us who can afford it would be prepared to dig into our pockets to save this gem of ours?

See my blog post and the pictures I took of the 2006 festival here

Here's a thought: how about a local "Mayday Tax"?

What do you think?

Mike

Mount Sinai Bedouin Projects

2008-03-18T11:40:00.008Z

The picture above shows an example of the excellent embroidery and handicraft skills of the Mount Sinai Bedouin women.

Recently, some of my colleagues and I have been in discussions with a researcher who is coordinating various projects aimed at improving the life-prospects of this small (circa 4000) community, which is based close to the ancient monastery of St Katherine at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Originally nomadic, they were forcibly "settled" in the 1960's, since when they have faced many serious hardships including, in recent years, increasing severity of drought. As a result, their traditional lifestyles and livelihood are under threat unless ways can be found to help them promote their skills to the wider world.

If you are interested in learning more about the Mount Sinai Bedouins you can read about them here, on the website of the South Sinai Foundation.

M

It's been a quiet day in Lake Cranford ...

2008-03-12T17:11:00.009Z

I just couldn't resist passing on this highly informative little nugget of ace reporting, from today's issue of my local paper, relating to an alledged incident at a well-known spot in the town:

"One man, who could not see the [name of location] from his flat, said he did not hear the incident on Friday night."

Well blow me down ... that man could quite easily have been me! (He wasn't).

Puts one in mind of the old tagline: "Not many dead", does it not?

Only the best is good enough for the REAL Cranford.

Don't forget to sign the petition to save Jodrell Bank:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/jodrellfunding

M

JODRELL BANK TO CLOSE?

2008-03-10T11:39:00.013Z

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/jodrellfunding/

When Jodrell Bank radio telescope - brain-child of Professor Sir Bernard Lovell - was conceived and constructed, during the 1950s, it was the first of its kind; it soon became world-renowned: a unique and immediately recognisable icon of 20th-Century excellence.

It is barely possible to overstate the contribution Jodrell Bank has made to our understanding of the Universe and of space exploration. One need think no further than its role in tracking the first-ever artificial satellites launched by the (then) USSR and the USA, and in monitoring countless space missions, including the manned Apollo missions to the moon, to realise its historical significance. But the importance of JB goes way, way beyond - quite literally. It has long been at the forefront of the quest to understand "The Meaning of Life, The Universe and Everything" - not insignificant questions: the search for galaxies, black holes, supernovae, extra-terrestrial intelligence, not to mention the very origins of space-time itself.

So the plan to axe it, for want of some £2.7M - a figure described by one Radio-4 commentator this morning as "little more than loose change" in treasury terms - is, to be blunt, mind-boggling. It's virtually inconceivable that its closure would be contemplated at all - let alone for the sake of such a relatively small amount of additional funding.

What would the late Douglas Adams have made of it? The words "DON'T PANIC" in large friendly letters may not be enough. And what will be the next piece of national heritage to go? Could Stonehenge have to give way to a distinctly terrestrial highway needed to facilitate easier access to a planned gigantic out-of-town supermarket warehouse? (Surely not!)

Yes, I confess a personal interest: Jodrell happens to be in my "back yard"; and it is technically owned by my employer (The University of Manchester); both of which facts only serve to intensify my anguish.

A couple of further thoughts: which of the two, I wonder, would future generations be likely to look back upon as more worthy of retention: Northern Rock or Jodrell Bank? and which will been deemed to have given better value to UK tax-payers in the long-run?

As recently as December, 2001, Jodrell Bank appeared to have a bright future, as evidenced by this posting on the official Merlin/VLBI National Facility website.

But now we read this article in The Times about the proposed closure.

Please speak up, and exert any influence you can, before it's too late.

Don't let Jodrell Bank close without an almighty fight!!! At the very least - if you haven't already done so - please sign the petition:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/jodrellfunding/

Mike

Blues carp?

2008-02-22T09:05:00.004Z

I just read this interesting item in the New Scientist suggesting that carp can distinguish between baroque music and John Lee Hooker.

I wonder if they show a preference for Eddy Clearwater over Muddy Waters, and what they make of Handel's Water Music?

Makes you think, dunnit?

Ha-ha.

M

Noted.org.uk - at last a live music club for the Real Cranford!

2008-02-18T21:16:00.005Z

Hello again.

Finally, here's something of a less "ranting" nature, you'll be glad to hear!

Last night Pete and I went down to the Legh Arms, Knutsford, to sample a new live music club that has recently been founded - thanks to the initiative of a band of very talented local musicians. ("Amateurs" in name only!)

In a packed upstairs room, we were entertained by a diverse range of acts: mostly guitars and vocals, but with some electric piano also; and excellent drum accompaniments. There was no particular theme - any musical style being welcomed - and the "stage" was available to all-comers. (I mean, blimey - I even got to perform one of my own pieces in an "open mic" slot.)

I'm delighted that this looks - and sounds - to have the makings of a highly successful venture. It's certainly something that's been sorely lacking in Knutsford for as long as I can recall (and I was practically born here).

Bravo to one and all. Pete & I can't wait for the next gig, in a month's time.

Meanwhile, if you love live music and live in our area, you might want to check out Noted.org.uk's website.

Cheers,
Mike

Why?

2008-02-10T19:30:00.000Z

Photo courtesy of geekphilosopher.com

Simply that - WHY? What have these beautiful creatures and their relatives ever done to harm anyone? Except maybe Moby Dick - who never was, in any case. And even Jonah ultimately returned, having been spat out: apparently whales have taste even if humans don't! What a pity the countless innocent animals already (and continuing to be) despatched in the name of "research" don't have the option of coming back.

Don't just sit there ....

Stop this insane whaling NOW!

Mike

Sickening new pictures of whale-slaughter

2008-02-08T08:36:00.000Z

It seems the massacre of whales in the southern seas continues unabated, despite world-wide condemnation.

MAKE THEM STOP IT ... NOW!

Shout about it.

Mike

A message to the next President of the USA ...

2008-02-07T20:18:00.001Z

... whoever he or she might be.

Hello All,

For those of us who care about the future of the world but who are not eligible to vote in the election that will determine its de facto pesident, there is - thanks to Aavaz.org - an opportunity to send three clear messages on our behalf to the main contenders:

Help the world stop global warming
Respect universal human rights
Use diplomacy to prevent war and resolve conflict

The second two issues should be of prime concern to all decent citizens of the world, and we must urge whoever takes on the mantle of President to adhere rigidly to those principles.

With regard to the first message, many climate scientists and other experts are now convinced that we are dangerously close to at least one of several critical "tipping points" beyond which catastrophic climate change would be unavoidable and irreversible.

They also tell us that it isn't too late to avert disaster. Yet. But the time for dithering and lame excuses for inaction has surely gone.

DRAMATIC CORRECTIVE MEASURES ARE NEEDED NOW!

But without the leadership of the world's most influential (for now) superpower it is virtually certain that any measures taken will fall far short of what is needed.

If you want to add your voice, please follow one of the links to Aavaz.org in this post.

Lets' try and change - no, SAVE - the world. TOGETHER.

Cheers,
Mike

Could the Sun supply all our electricity?

2008-02-02T16:04:00.000Z

How feasible would it be to derive the world’s electricity entirely from the sun?

I recently read an intriguing interview in The Guardian given by Professor Sir David King , the UK government’s former Chief Scientific Advisor. Amongst other things, he has posited the notion that only a relatively small area of the Earth’s surface might be needed to collect sufficient solar energy to meet the entire planet’s energy needs. By “energy” I assume he means “electricity”.

Now I am most definitely an advocate of renewables as opposed to other “alternatives”, such as nuclear power; so I was, to say the least, curious to get some idea of just how feasible this might actually be. Of course it’s not easy to do more than a rough-and-ready calculation, but I enjoy messing about with figures, so here goes:

OK - according to Wikipedia, the world’s annual electricity demand from 2005 onwards has amounted to about 6 x 10¹⁹J.

The same reference gives a figure of 1.5 x 10²²J for the daily solar radiation falling on the Earth. I’m not sure whether this is the total energy flux striking the outer atmosphere, or the net energy reaching the surface. Let’s be conservative, and assume it is the former. So suppose, finger-in-the-air, that about one third of this amount is actually useful (ie could be collected by PV panels, say). Thus, we have about 5 x 10²¹J available daily.

We now need to find the power density corresponding to this figure – that is, the energy arriving per second per unit area. This should be something like:

5 x 10²¹/(A x 24 x 3600) Wm^-2

where A is the area (in m²) presented by the Earth’s disk to the incoming light. I do realise the light will be obliquely incident on the surface to varying degrees depending on latitude and (for a given time of day) longitude; but this is, after all, a guesstimate. In any case, it is partly for this reason that A is regarded as the area of a disk and not the area of a hemi-sphere.

The mean radius of the Earth (it isn’t quite a sphere) is roughly 6370km. Therefore:

A = Pi x (6370)² x 10⁶m²= 1.27 x 10¹⁴m²

This gives a surface solar power density of about 456Wm^-2. (I should point out, here, that there are other estimates of the “solar constant”, and thus plenty of room for error in this figure.)

The next thing to do is to convert the annual world electricity demand into an average power requirement. This will be approximately:

6 x 10¹⁹/(365 x 24 x 3600) W = 1.9 x 10¹²W

That is, 1900 gigawatts. (Does that sound about right?)

Then, we ask, what area of solar-collector could supply this? At this stage let’s conveniently neglect the inefficiency of solar panels!

The answer is about 1.9x10¹²/456 = 4.17 x 10⁹m² or about 4000km².

Now on the face of it this seems like quite a huge area. However, suppose it were divided up into 100 separate installations, strategically placed worldwide. (After all, one of the problems that would need to be solved is that of power distribution). Each power-plant would thus need to have a collecting area of 40km². This could be accomplished as a square array measuring about 6km by 6km - not all that vast, in the grand scheme of things.

If the scale still seems out of reach, think of this: suppose an average house or public building has an available roof area of 50m² (eg 10m x 5m). How many such buildings would be needed to do the job for us? The answer, on the above data, would be 4.17 x 10⁹/50

= 9.4 x 10⁷.

In other words: 94 million buildings. The population of the UK is only around 60 million, but then the UK is tiny by world standards. Spread across the globe, maybe it’s not so far-fetched.

So, is it conceivable that we could avoid non-renewables altogether, for electricity-production? In my view certainly; especially given that direct solar power is – and would increasingly be - supplemented by other forms of renewable – wind, tidal, wave, hydro-, etc.

Of course there are many associated problems, and we did neglect the inherent inefficiency of PV panels. Still, even allowing for these drawbacks, perhaps it could be a practical proposition given sufficient political and commercial will.

And incidentally, my own very modest solar electricity supply is working brilliantly (pardon the pun); at latitude some 53^oN, on 2^nd February. If it can work here, now, it can work practically anywhere!

I can always hope, anyway.

Cheers,

Mike

Jack & the Beanstalk - Congratulations to the Team

2008-01-28T22:42:00.000Z

Just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved with our annual panto at Knutsford Little Theatre. This year's show - "Jack & the Beanstalk" must rank as one of our best.

10 absolutely knock-out ("knock-about"?) performances.

Well done to one and all.

And for those who were there, here's a reminder of one of the dance pieces from the show - the "Scarecrow & Crows Dance". I've extended and re-recorded it. Hope you like it. And for those who couldn't make the show - hope you like it too!

Cheers
Mike

Help to end the Siege of Gaza

2008-01-23T21:39:00.000Z

It's seems it's one crisis after another. And in every troubled region, like Gaza, those who are most adversely affected are the ordinary people. Whatever the politics - and there is always a diversity of legitimate points of view - it cannot be right to allow whole populations to suffer like this. It's more than time for ordinary folk like us to stand up and say "enough is enough".

This kind of behaviour should not be tolerated in a so-called "civilised" world.

The good news is that People-Power has worked before, and it can do so again. Please help the desperate people of Gaza by following either this link or the one in the title above.

No doubt this will not be the last such appeal. It is sad indeed that it should be necessary with such depressing regularity, but we must not give up the quest to end inequaltiy and unnecessary suffering in the world.

Thanks for your help.

Mike

Maybe I'm just being naive, but ...

2008-01-23T10:39:00.000Z

... wouldn't a global economic slow-down be good for the planet?
It seems to me most of the world's problems are caused by the same thing that drives stock-markets: greed. Makes you think, anyway.

Help end the bloodshed in Kenya

2008-01-04T09:04:00.000Z

What an absolutely awful start to 2008.

If you, like me, were alarmed and appalled by what has been happening in Kenya since their elections and you'd like to have your voice heard, you might follow this link (or click below or on this post's title) , which allows you to send a message to your government's foreign minister (not restricted to UK residents).

Let's help to prevent the violence from spreading even further.

Regards
Mike

Happy 2008 - and a cosmic puzzle

2008-01-01T15:20:00.000Z

Sorry this is such a technical post, but it's something that's been bugging me for a while.

Despite being a physicist (albeit in the field of fibre science rather than cosmology), I still find Einstein’s theories difficult to get my head around. One aspect that bothers me is what is often referred to as “Lorentz contraction”: the notion that a rapidly-moving object, as viewed by a “stationary” observer, will be foreshortened in the direction of travel.

Now I can quite accept that the object’s length will appear to be altered relative to what it would be if it were not moving; but what I just can’t seem to sort out is why it should always appear shorter - irrespective of whether it is travelling towards or away from the observer.

The only way I can rationalise an apparent length-change is by using this (admittedly naïve) argument:

Imagine an immensely long “cosmic ruler”, as it were, consisting of two lamps joined by a rigid rod of length L_o. (And let’s make it a bit more interesting by making the lamps green). Now suppose the two bulbs are almost aligned as viewed by us – a long distance L₁, say, from the nearer light. Thus:

For the moment this “dumbbell” is not moving; we therefore judge the distance between the two bulbs to be L_o (which could be an astronomical distance, to make the process easier to accept).

Then, at some point, suppose the whole object begins to move at high speed towards us. (Ignore the fact that this is actually impossible without finite acceleration!). We’ll see no movement at this instant, but after a certain period of time – determined by the speed of light and the distance L₁ - the nearer light will appear to start travelling towards us. (It’s going pretty fast, so maybe it’ll be slightly blue-shifted, too!). However, because the other light is so much further away, it appears to stay where it is for the time-being - the signal indicating its movement not having reached us yet. It also remains green:

So what we would presumably see, to begin with, is the nearer light travelling towards us while the rod gets progressively stretched out.

Eventually we will see the second light begin to move - and it will then also become blue-shifted:

So we now see the whole thing moving towards us at constant speed. Its length will appear to be constant again but – crucially – longer than it was to begin with, not shorter!

Applying similar logic, but supposing the object to be moving away from us, we should find that it will indeed appear shortened (and also red-shifted)

Thus, according to my logic, we should have either contraction or expansion, depending on which direction things are moving.

I believe this to be incorrect though, so I'm clearly missing out something vital.

Help - can someone possibly tell me where I've gone wrong?

Oh yes ... Happy New Year, by the way!

Cheers

Mike

Packaging Directive - WHAT "Packaging Directive"?

2007-12-29T10:55:00.000Z

Hmm. Yesterday we visited a well-known high-street retailer (which shall remain nameless), in order to stock up on bits and pieces that have finally - after many years - worn out: in particular, handkerchiefs. (No, strangley I didn't receive any as a Christmas present!)

Well - I was under the impression that there's been a bit of fuss recently over the excessive packaging of goods. Is it just my imagination, or was there something called the "Packaging Directive"?

Anyway - we picked up a 10-pack of cotton hankies. The outer package was a clear-plastic/cardboard case. Fair enough. However, it then transpired that each INDIVIDUAL hanky had been wrapped around its very own cardboard tube and cellotaped into place.

Now I ask you - is that really necessary? Would it not have been sufficient merely to fold the hankies and stack them neatly inside the box? I mean, it's not as though they're exactly fragile. They aren't going to shatter into a thousand tiny pieces if the pack gets accidentally dropped are they?

Well OK - cardboard is recyclable I suppose; but what's the point of producing something solely for it to be re-processed? Even this "laudable" activity has a significant additional energy cost attached to it, for instance. And think about the extra weight of a product due to its packaging, and the fact that it's probably been transported halfway around the globe.

And the example I gave above is only the tip of a huge iceberg.

Recycling should be the next best solution - not the preferred one!

It fair makes my blood boil, I can tell you.
Humph!

M

Cataloguing Galaxies on Galaxyzoo

2007-12-26T19:08:00.001Z

Photo Credit: NASA
Linked mp3 file: "Mesmerised" by Mike Wilding

Thanks to the Christmas-Day posting on Brian's Soapbox, I've just been cataloguing galaxies on Galaxyzoo.org. It's fascinating "work".

With recent advances in digital imaging technology, astronomers are now being swamped with data from every part of the sky, resulting in countless galaxies that have yet to be identified; and most of them have never been seen before. They came up with the "bright" idea of enlisting the help of the general public in cataloguing these beautiful objects - each one of which is many thousands of light-years across and almost certainly many millions of light-years away from us. It's absolutely awe-inspiring.

You first register as a user, and then you take a little test in order to "qualify" to analyse the images. These are then presented to you one at a time, and you must decide on the type of galaxy you are viewing. You can choose between the main two types: spiral and elliptical, and can also give additional details.

Why not give it a go? I bet you'll get hooked if you do! And - just by sheer coincidence (honest!) - a couple of years back I composed this little ditty which, for no particular reason at the time, I named "Spiral Galaxy". I guess I just felt it evoked that kind of image.

Anyway, do have fun.

Mike

Climate Change - some nagging questions

2007-12-26T08:37:00.000Z

Photo Credit: NASA

Those who know me well will also know that one of my long-running "hobby-horses" is Climate Change. This dates back to the old days when it tended to be referred to simply as the "Greenhouse Effect". In fact, I have a claim-to-fame in having asked a question on the subject in a BBC Gardeners' Question Time edition way back in 1990 - and here's my trophy to prove it:

Hee-hee! (The question, by the way, was to do with whether or not it would be possible in the future to grow "exotic" plants, such as grapevines, in Cheshire. I can vouch for the fact that it is!)

I became increasingly curious about what would later be known as "Global Warming" (a bizarre term, suggesting that thus far the Earth had been a frozen lump of rock!). That interest, alongside my life-long fascination with contraptions of all kinds - and the idea of getting something for nothing - very quickly led me to build a "Micky-Mouse" wind turbine from bits and pieces as long ago as the early 90s. Here's the present-day model:

Still pretty tatty, what! The generator is an old bicycle hub alternator, and the blades are made from plastic guttering (thanks to an article I found on the internet). It produces about 5W in a howling gale - IF the wind catches it right. But, as you no doubt have observed, it is somewhat sheltered! More recently I've added a ramshackle collection of small solar panels.

Now I fully appreciate the fact that - in common with such measures as switching to low-energy light bulbs - the direct impact of this is effectively zero, given the enormous scale of the problem being faced; but there are essentially two principles at stake here. Firstly: if we are not prepared to do our bit, then we have no moral authority to "preach" to the rest of the world. Second: if you believe in something then tell people about it. By myself I can do very little, but with luck others will see what I have done, and maybe some of them will think about it and ... you get the picture. But I digress: that was not to have been my main focus for today. What I had intended to write about was some nagging questions I've had in my mind for a while about the likely severity of climate change and - more importantly - some of the measures that are being explored to cope with it. Now I don't doubt for one moment that the problem is real, and happening now, and that urgent action is needed to tackle it. Quite the contrary, in fact. However, there are three areas I'd like to explore.

1. The latent heat of fusion (of ice) in respect of moderating temerature rise.

Photo Credit: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

One aspect which is discussed in the climate-change debate is the moderating influence of polar- and other ice. What is generally being referred to here, it seems to me, is the fact that snow and ice are very good at reflecting solar radiation back out into space, thus limiting the warming effect on the ecosphere. This means that while there is still plenty of ice around, the temperature rise is pegged back relative to what it will eventually be, once most of the ice has disappeared. In actual fact, the melting process is driven mostly by the warming influence of the surrounding ocean - or underlying rock in the case of land-based ice - rather than by the sun's radiation directly. Be that as it may, I do agree with this point of view by and large; but there is, surely, yet a further factor: ie the latent heat of fusion of ice which, as every school child used to know, is about 80 calories per g.

Now having lectured to undergraduates on the subject of thermodynamics for many years, I'm keenly aware of just how mind-bogglingly complicated these things are - particularly when it comes to questions of heat-transfer under non-equilibrium conditions (which certainly apply in this case). Nevertheless, I reckon I do have a little knowledge of the subject. Now I may simply have missed it, but I don't seem to recall seeing this aspect mentioned. Am I being naïve in suggesting that once all the ice has gone the situation will be even worse than predicted, for the additional reason that the proportion of solar energy which would otherwise have gone into melting ice (thus merely increasing the overall entropy) will instead contribute directly to temperature rise?

Of course, in a hypothetical "steady-state", where the total amount of planetary ice is constant, there would be no net latent-heat effect. This is because while heat would be absorbed in the melting of ice in one place, the exact same amount would be released as new ice forms elsewhere (eg melting in the northern hemisphere - during its summer - would be balanced by freezing in the southern hemisphere). This might well cause local variations, but no global effect.

However, the fact is that the ice is gradually disappearing. Thus, more heat is currently being secreted away in melting ice than is being evloved in the freezing process. So, are we currently being protected to some extent? And will the rate of rise in temperature increase markedly at some point in the not-too-distant future?

2. Carbon-capture ... or oxygen-depletion?
Here's another one that bothers me a bit - carbon-capture ('sequestration'). The idea sounds simple enough: when coal, oil, gas and other fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide. (Actually, they also produce compounds based on nitrogen, sulphur and other elements which are equally, if not more, damaging than carbon dioxide; but that's another story.) If one can remove this greenhouse gas at source, and store it permanently in, for example, the subterranean rock, then it cannot contribute to the greenhouse effect. Problem solved. But is it? As far as I recall from my school chemistry lessons, combustion requires two components: the fuel itself ... and oxygen. When carbon dioxide is produced from combustion, the carbon part does indeed come from the coal, oil, or whatever, but the oxygen does not. Ironically, it is produced mainly as a byproduct of photosynthesis, in which a certain gas going by the name of carbon dioxide is imbibed by plants and tranformed into sugars etc. In the absence of carbon-capture, atmospheric oxygen is cycled and recycled indefinitely; but what about with it?

Now OK, oxygen is clearly abundant in the atmosphere, for now. But will it always be if we keep storing it underground?

3. The "neutral" influence of nuclear power on global warming.

Photo Credit: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Now for my third niggle: it seems to me that those who are opposed to the expansion of nuclear power may have overlooked a rather basic factor which could potentially strengthen their argument further - at least, I have not so far seen this point made: a recurring claim by the pro-nuclear lobby is that it is not a net contributor to global warming. As far as I can discern, what is generally meant by this is that nuclear power has a neutral carbon footprint. For the moment let's leave aside the contribution made by mining (of the ore), transportation and the other myriad operations surrounding the nuclear industry, and suppose that there is indeed no net emission of carbon dioxide.

In the Great Climate Change Debate, the assumption is always that the sole cause of additional global warming is the emission of greenhouse gases. But is this necessarily the case? Could even nuclear power-generation contribute to global warming? I think so, and in a very direct way. This is because - like coal, gas and oil - nuclear material is non-renewable. Just as with the burning of coal and oil, generating power using nuclear fuels not only puts out huge anounts of water vapour into the atmosphere (and water vapour is acknowledged to be a particularly potent greenhouse polutant - albeit it is at its worst at high altitudes), but also kicks out considerable quantities of something pretty obvious: HEAT.

Now, I accept that nuclear is a better option (if you ignore the rather compelling health- safety- and security issues) than burning fossil fuels in that it entails no significant greenhouse gas-emission, but all of these technologies clearly do produce heat which is additional to that provided by the sun. The only energy-conversion technologies that do not involve extra heat input into the ecosystem are those based on the sun itself - ie the renewables: wind-, tidal-, solar-, biomass-, etc.

Well, I guess you might say compared to the daily solar heat-input, that produced by non-renewable power-sources is insignificant. You could be right. I just don't know what the numbers look like, unfortunately.

Maybe I'm missing something blindingly obvious with these three issues. At any rate, it makes you think, doesn't it? If you have any thoughts or comments on this, I'd be very interested to hear - even if it proves me wildly off-beam!

Enough for today, methinks.

Bye
M

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T09:06:00.000Z

Do have a lovely Christmas and New Year.

But please spare a thought (and maybe something more concrete?) for the millions who, for one reason or another, won't be having such a good time.

Cheers
Mike

"Christmas-Eve Eve" in The Park

2007-12-23T17:14:00.000Z

Something a little less blood-pressure-raising today: a walk in Tatton Park. It's become a bit of a tradition in our family to take a stroll through the gardens on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, this year that falls on a Monday - when the park is closed. Hence, it has to be today instead. It was lovely and sunny; albeit a trifle nippy - as this pair of mallards would no doubt confirm if they could speak!

On the other hand, the famous Fernery was nice and cosy:

And back outside again - well enough chat. Just enjoy some fine views.

We are indeed priviledged to have all this on our doorstep.

Good news for the hump-backs ... for now

2007-12-22T09:46:00.000Z

No sooner (it seems) had I finished posting the previous blog, than I heard the rather better news that the hump-back whales have been given a reprieve. I know not whether this is likely to be "permanent", but it's nevertheless welcome. Of course, it's just a coincidence in my case, but it shows what the power of world opinion can do when properly mobilised.

The somewhat more depressing news is that there is as yet no prospect of the killing of other whale species (minke etc) ceasing. This is equally unacceptable. When it is justified as being "for scientific purposes" you have to wonder exactly what those purposes are.

If you're not particularly squeamish, you should take a peek at the abstract of this research paper by H. McLachlan:

The Use of Electricity to Kill Minke Whales: Humane Considerations

Don't let this obscenity continue unopposed

No more slaughter please!

2007-12-21T11:37:00.000Z

I heard on the news last night that Japan wants to cull up to 50 Hump-back whales in the name of "science". Their excuse is - wait for it - it's the only way they can tell how many there are (!!!)

Well not in my name they don't.

If you have any influence, please use it.

MAKE THEM STOP THE SLAUGHTER

Funding Crisis in Physics & Astronomy

2007-12-20T20:28:00.000Z

This post is a bit unusual for me, perhaps, but recently there have been very disturbing reports in the media concerning the funding of physics in the UK: in particular, particle physics and astronomy. These are fields in which the UK is world-renowned. They include such prestige facilities as the Diamond Synchrotron Light Source (Oxfordshire) which, quite apart from its importance in relation to fundamental physics per se, has the potential to revolutionise research in other crucial areas like molecular biology and the quest to eradicate hereditary diseases.

It would seem that these research disciplines are facing financial cuts of around 25% - unprecedented in recent HE history; and certainly bizarre, coming at a time when the government has stated its commitment to education in the physical sciences, and claims to want to redress the shortfall in student applications to physics (and related) degrees.

For more details about the government's proposals, you might want to read this "New Scientist" article. Meanwhile, one of my friends (and an astrophyscist) from my old Leeds-University days has contacted me to let me know about this on-line petition: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Physics-Funding/
As I'm a Member of the Institute of Physics I have, naturally, signed it; but any of you who are sympathetic to the cause can add your voice by clicking on the above link - and I sincerely hope you will. (You must be resident in the UK, so unfortunately my international friends will not be able to sign. Sorry about that).

Let's keep physics alive in the UK!

Cheers,
Mike

Is my "fame" spreading?

2007-12-15T22:10:00.000Z

At the beginning of December I added a handy (and FREE) "ClustrMaps" widget to my blog- and websites. (See above). Thanks Miles, by the way, for giving me the idea. Since then it's been fascinating to see where my "fame" has been spreading to. So far, between the two URLs, I seem to have had hits from the UK (not too surprising, that), north-east China (Beijing?) - south China (looks like Hong Kong), Pakistan, Brazil and central USA. (Now I wonder - could that red blob by any chance be located somewhere not a million miles from Denver?). Up to this evening I've had 65 visits to my blog, and 93 to my website. I'm willing to concede a fair few of those are yours truly himself, but not bad all the same.

Well, a short post again, this; but before I go, a word of congratulations to Knutsford High School, which this week has been presenting We Will Rock You - the Queen/Ben Elton musical. It's difficult to overstate how professional KHS productions always are. Following their Jesus Christ, Superstar a couple of years back, the local paper commented that their shows are worthy of the West End. I tend to agree. And each year they somehow manage to ratchet up the standard by at least another notch. No doubt about it, there's a phenomenal amount of talent at that school. Well done to one and all.

Finally - and a bit more down to earth (or maybe not, given its title) - don't forget Knutsford Little Theatre's pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk; coming soon - well January, to be more specific. And as we always say, tickets are going fast, so if you want some you need to get on the blower very soon. Check the KLT website for details.

Toodle-pip.

Knutsford Knouveau

2007-12-05T19:40:00.000Z

Cheers!
Just over two months ago these "grapes" were still on the vine: harvested 22nd September, 2007; first racking 25th November, 2007, and first glassful ce soir - Wednesday 5th December, 2007. And not bad it is, either, though I say so myself. This perhaps answers one of the wine FAQs - the one about how long it takes before the wine is ready for drinking.

Well, on 25th November I combined the original four jars'-worth into three:

... plus two half wine-bottles:

These photos were taken today (5th December), which has given time for a little more sediment to be thrown. The wine should ideally be racked another couple of times before it is really ready for bottling. However, this is being a bit perfectionist. Provided it is clear, I reckon it's probably as good as it's likely to get. We'll see, anyway.

A short posting, this, but I though an update might be appreciated.

Back in the UK - A Gig! (Rare event) - and PANTO

2007-12-02T17:12:00.000Z

Hi all,

Well, it's now just over three weeks since I returned from China. The same period of time for which I was there. It's tempting to say "and it's like I've never been away." Except this time it's not. It was such a remarkable experience, and I'm still remembering odd things about the trip. Also, I continue to communicate by email with my new-found friends there, which is really nice.

I realise I did promise to add some further comments on my trip, and I still intend to do that. But I think it will require a fair amount of thought. In the meantime, here's something from a little nearer home - Booths Supermarket, to be precise! Yes, Jamie (drums), Jim (guitar) and I provided a bit of background music for a special pre-Christmas tasting event held there this afternoon. In fact, I've only just got back from it.

Here are a couple of pics and a short video clip - courtesy of Margaret and Caroline:

But there's no getting away from it: at this time of year, my main "extramuriel" activity is preparing for Knutsford Little Theatre's pantomime. This time around it's "Jack and the Beanstalk", to be performed in January 2008. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to make it. If you're interested, see the KLT website. But be quick. Tickets go extremely fast.

And here are some of the toons wot I writ for it.

Now, some of you may be wondering how me wine's doing. Well, last week-end I racked it. That's the technical term for syphoning off the liquid from the sediment. If you don't do it you get "off" flavours. I started with four demijohns, each about three-quarters full. You always lose some when you rack, so I combined it all into three nicely-full jars. I had enough left over for two half-bottles and a gob-ful - which was very promising. I'd decribe it as a sort of "Knutsford Nouveau". In fact I reckon the wine is pretty-well ready for drinking even now. It's not for keeping, certainly. Well, maybe I'll give it another month or two!

That's all for now.

Al sithee.

Mike

Friday-Saturday, 9th-10th November, 2007 - Leaving China; Coming Home

2007-11-11T19:49:00.000Z

Friday morning has inevitably come around, and it's nearly time to leave China.

It's a particularly bright and clear morning and, for the last time, I gaze out from my 12th floor window across the Beijing skyline. I can just make out the red-roofed pagodas of the Forbidden City; further out, three distinctive oval-shaped pieces of modern architecture we passed on the outskirts of the city yesterday; and beyond - on the horizon - the rolling hills that, from this distance, conceal the Great Wall.

I think about the diverse places I've seen: Zhengzhou - the capital of Henan Province and the busy working city where I taught and, for the most part, felt I was the only waiguoren (foreigner) for miles around; Xi'an, the walled city with its superbly-preserved fortifications and beautiful bell-towers; and of course the breathtaking and mind-blowing Terracotta Army; Beijing - modern, sophisticated and cosmopolitan; proudly preparing itself to play host to the world in the 2008 Olympics. I also think about the excellent meals I've enjoyed and the absolute mayhem that passes for road transport.

But mostly I think about the people I've met. I remain overwhelmed by their kindness and generosity, and by the genuine affection each and every one has shown me; I'm still in awe of the way in which I - hitherto a complete stranger to them - am accepted almost as a family member. This, above all else, makes me sad to be going.

To be honest, though, the novelty of living out of a suitcase is finally beginning to wear off, and I admit to looking forward to a more familiar diet, to being in more familiar surroundings, and to returning to more familiar activities.

So, after tidying up parts of my previous blog postings, I collect together my various bags and baggage, hope none of it is overweight, and check out of the most luxurious hotel I have ever stayed in.

The taxi to the airport was 120 yuan. The taxi from the airport, two days previously, had been 100 yuan. At least positive inflation is something that is familiar to me!

China had one last little sting in the tail; one which, had I been thinking straight, I would have been prepared for: I had not even disembarked from the taxi at the airport by the time a woman had piled all my stuff from the boot into a luggage trolley and was heading off towards Departures. Fortunately, an official porter - with formal ID - was close at hand; he warned me I should not let her take it, and between us we wrested it from her. She was not best pleased!

The porter guided me through check-in and all the exit paperwork (customs declaration, health-check form etc), and accompanied me as far as security. I asked him how much I owed him and was told: "whatever you want to give me, sir". Now this is a hard one. In China tipping is not the normal custom, so I had no feel for how much would be right - not so much as to cause embarrassment, and not so little as to be insulting. I hesitated a bit, and passed him 10 yuan. A soon as I'd left him I felt ashamed, it having dawned on me that I'd just given him the equivalent of about 17p. But of course by then it was too late. Oh well, perhaps he would do better later in the day.

The flight left on time. I had a window seat, so I took advantage of the unusually clear conditions.

Above: this was shortly after leaving Beijing. It was not until I was studying the photograph after I returned home that I realised the light-coloured feature near the centre of the picture must be a dam. I've read about the massive scale on which such engineering projects are built, and this really makes the point I think.

Over the course of the next few hours I took further shots.

In time, the rugged brown mountains gave way to what appeared to be sandy hills or dunes. I assume this was the edge of the Gobi Desert, and Mongolia.

There appeared what looked to be icy lakes; presumably the fringe of Siberia. I wondered what kind of existence the sparse population down there had, and shivered.

Eventually it became too dark for the camera to focus, and I took a doze.

During the flight we were served two very acceptable hot meals. This being China Southern Airlines (code-shared with KLM), they were Chnese dishes.

The remainder of the flight passed without note, other than that my neighbour was a Dutch businessman who, while being talkative, was inclined to occupy more than his fair share of space, so that I felt pinned between him and the plane window. He was also, to my mind, rather conceited. It was clear he had travelled much in the far east, and he often spoke in mocking and quite disparaging terms about the Chinese; he even suggested that Chinese students were only recruited by our (the UK's and Europe's) universities because of the high fees they brought; that they were really not very bright, but were sent away with degrees anyway: pile'em high, sell 'em cheap, as it were. Mercifully, he spent most of the flight standing near the tail of the aircraft, chatting to some of his compatriates.

Wind forward to Amsterdam. I already had my boarding pass for the final leg of my trip, from Amsterdam to Manchester. I had a lot of time to spare, and made the mistake of passing through the gate's security during boarding of a previous flight. After I'd become the only person seated in the area, I was apporached by security staff and asked which flight I was waiting for. When I told them, they said that unfortunately I would have to go back outside the gate until an hour before my scheduled departure, as they were about to lock up. So then I had to go through it all a second time. Not that there was a problem, but it is a faff, involving the removal of belt, laptop, etc.

As it drew close to boarding time, a message appeared on the monitor screen to the effect that the Manchester flight would be delayed. It did not say by how much. Eventually though, the aircraft arrived, and everyone prepared for boarding. It was at this point the announcement came: owing to a "technical problem with the aircraft" the flight was cancelled. Just like that! I think in fact, it may have been grounded as a result of the attrocious weather that this part of Europe had recently been experiencing. That's as maybe, but when you are, metaphorically-speaking, within sight of your own front door, it comes as a sledge-hammer blow. It's the equivalent of having driven across Europe only to be stuck in gridlock just south of Junction 19 on the M6. Why, when every flight up to this point had gone without a hitch, did this have to happen?

Unfortunately, to make matters worse, in dealing with the problem, the KLM staff were totally disorganised. Initially they assured us that we'd all be looked after and switched to an alternative flight - the next day; that in the meantime we would be put up in a nearby hotel. But in fact, everyone seemed to be telling us something slightly different. In the end, we weren't sure whether we'd be automatically transferred, or whether we'd need to secure our own flights in the morning. In the end we were told we'd need to return to the airport at 6am to re-book our flight, which in practice would have to be Amsterdam-Birmingham-then

-coach-up-the-M6! Then they had us wandering around all over the airport from one wrong desk to another like lost sheep, to collect our free hotel vouchers. Needless to say, the airport was packed with people in a similar mess: when we did eventually find the right line (which for some strange reason was inside the excess-baggage area, entry to which we had to gain by ringing the doorbell!) the queue was so long it took me two hours to reach the counter. We would not be collecting our luggage. This would remain in the airport and be loaded onto the appropriate flight the next day. So I was without a few things. Fortunately, they did at least give us a tee-shirt to sleep in, a sponge-bag with accessories, and the number of the hotel shuttle-bus to catch.

At this point the staff all sugared off home to bed and left us to our own devices in an otherwise-deserted airport!! All this time I'd been lugging around my back-pack containing the laptop, power-supply, one of Liu Chi's heavy (of course!) presents, assorted books and other bits; plus a carrier bag with yet another of Liu Chi's heavy (of course!) presents and various sundries. I was absolutely shnackered, I can tell you, having been up since 6 am Beijing time (7hrs ahead). The idea of having to compete, at 6 the following morning, with all those other lost souls for a limited number of seats did not fill me with much enthusiasm! My original flight had been due to depart for Manchester at 9.05 pm. By the time I finally checked into the airport Ibis hotel it was already 00.40 am (ie 40 minutes past midnight). We'd been told we were entitled to a meal as part-compensation, and the restaurant would still be serving dinner until 1.15 am. There's safety in numbers, and I'd managed to team up with an Oldham woman from the "stranded flight" (official terminology). She'd only been to Amsterdam for a week-end conference, so this was rather putting a dampener on her outing. Neither of us could face the idea of dinner at that point, so we missed out on it.

She requested a 4.30 am wake-up call from Reception, and we swapped room numbers - the intention being she could phone me and we'd catch the 5 am shuttle bus back. Thus, I didn't bother with a wake-up; and anyway, I was confident there'd be an alarm clock near the bed, like there is in all hotel rooms. There wasn't. And my own travel alarm clock was ... in my suitcase. At the airport. I set the alarm on my mobile, but wasn't confident it would go off. So not a lot of sleep was had: I awoke approximately every half hour petrified in case I'd over-slept. I woke up for the final time at 4.15 am, and decided to get up. Just after 4.30, and on a whim, I rang the room of the woman who'd asked for the wake up call. Good job I did. She hadn't received it, so until I rang had still been fast asleep!

We skipped the (complimentary) breakfast of course, in order to make sure we got back to the airport early enough. When we did, it turned out we had been switched automatically to the Birmingham flight. If they'd made that clear to begin with, it would have saved us a lot of stress. I was seat number 2A, which I thought was rather intriguing. She was in row 20.

Although it had never been suggested to me, it became evident that I and several other passengers had been upgraded to Business Class. I presume we were ones that had flown into Amsterdam from elsewhere. In the end I had a lovely flight. Plenty of leg-room, a good view from two adjacent windows, and a jolly nice brunch - including real coffee in a real mug - plus a refill.

Birmingham airport is tiny. Much easier to operate than Manchester. We were through baggage collection and out the front door in no time. The coach was waiting and we set off. Other than having to stop twice on the hard-shoulder for the driver to close the luggage bay door that kept falling open, it was a trouble-free ride.

So - being stranded in Hampster Jam may actually have been the icing on the cake, in effect. (Is that a mixed metaphor?)

Caroline and Pete met me at Manchester airport, and I drove home. And that's nearly the end of the story; but not quite, because I intend to publish one more post with some of my overall thoughts about China.

Meanwhile, thanks for staying with me during my adventure.

Mike
(Wei Bo)

Thursday 8th November, 2007 - Beijing: Ming Tombs, Great Wall and Farewell

2007-11-09T01:56:00.000Z

As in my previous blog posting, I'll leave comments till I'm back home. Meanwhile here are some of the pictures from today.

Above: Shelly (left) and Yu (right).

Jerry and me.

Wednesday, 7th November, 2007 - Beijing: Bai Yu, The Forbiden City & Tian'anmen Square

2007-11-07T23:25:00.000Z

As I write this, it is 9.20 on Friday morning and my flight departs at 2.20pm; so I will leave any detailed commentary until I'm back home. Except for this: Shuai had kindly contacted her friends, Shelly (with whom she was at university in Hull) and her husband Gerry (who studied at Sunderland university). They live in Beijing, and she thought it would be nice if they were free to show me around. As it happened, they were to be busy at work, but Shelly's younger sister, Bai Yu, bravely stepped into the breech. Although her English is at about the same level as my Chinese, she was very keen to accompany me around the City and to the Great Wall. Here she is:

As my friend Graham might say: "Lovely girl"! How could I possibly refuse? Now you may wonder what exactly it is I have, that enables me to keep landing on my feet like this: wisdom, maturity and charisma I reckon. (Hah!)

By the way, you'll notice the virtually-compulsory peace-sign that keeps appearing on photos of my friends in China. I'm not sure why they always do it. It's probably regarded as "cool". Nice, anyway.

Wind back to "today" (ie Wednesday 7th): we visited the The Royal Palace Museum (The Forbidden City) and Tian'anmen Square. I then treated us to Beijing Duck - cheap at three-times the price.

Anyway, for now, I leave you with some of the photos I (we) took.

Bye for now.
M

Tuesday, 6th November, 2007 - Xi'an to Beijing

2007-11-07T13:56:00.000Z

Well actually my flight wasn't until 1.25 pm, so we decided to visit another museum en route to the airport: the museum of the Western Han - the people who settled this part of China way back. It turned out to be a variation on the Terracotta Warriors theme. The Han dynasty was more recent than the Qin, but here too was a burial chamber for the emperor, with outlying pits containing countless figurines. This time, the archaelologists were better clued up. It was not pure chance that led them to excavate this site, but the similarity of the situation and appearance of the royal burial mound; they expected there to be something, based on their experience of the Terracotta Army. They weren't wrong. Before 1974 nothing was known of this practice, but now it looks as though it may have been common amongst the ruling class.

There was an important difference though between the Qin finds and the Han. These figures were also made of clay, but they were much smaller (about 18 inches tall), naked and, curiously, armless; every single one - and again, thousands have been unearthed.

Again, many clay animals were included in the ranks of figures

And some of the figures were supposedly female cavaliers.

(The horse in the above is modern, but the rider is genuine.)

There were some figures, though, that were complete, clothed, and painted.

This type of figure was moulded all in one piece.

However, the majority had peg-holes in their shoulders to which, it is assumed, wooden arms were fitted. It's generally supposed that they would have actually been dressed. The wood and fabric has rotted away over the years. The figures seem also to have been virtually set in concrete - or at least a slurry of mud.

There are so many of the figures that the museum happily re-clothed a few of them to illustrate how they might have looked. Very impressive - for something that was meant to be buried never again to be seen:

And as well as the figures, there was every conceivable piece of military hardware and domestic appliance. Again, the idea seems to have been to give the ruler eternal life.

Well, back outside, you can see in the background the unopened emperor's mausoleum.

And here we all are in the carpark - back to present-day reality

And so onward, to the airport. On the way, Chi rang the Regent Beijing to check that they were expecting me. Luckily, they were.

Now it's just as well I made Chi take back the two large apples and two large pomegranates that she wanted me to have (on the grounds that security wouldn't let me take them through): my suitcase was 3.9 kilos overweight. That cost 60 yuan - about four quid!

Unfortuantely, KLM won't be as generous. Their charge for long-haul is £15 per kilo overweight. I'm going to have trouble.

The flight up to Beijing was smooth and - as all the others have been - on time.

I joined the short queue for a taxi, and was at my hotel within about 35 minutes.

Now, if you thought the Hyatt Regency in Xi'an was posh, just cop an eyeful of this:

And the view from my room - on the 12th floor:

And just one shot from one of the many huge public areas of the hotel:

This is one of those joints where people like me never stay. Where they deliver you a newspaper every morning, and supply a complete office kit - hole-punch, staples, etc etc.

I'm rather glad I'm not paying for it. (At least I hope I'm not! But with Expedia who knows?)

I ate dinner in one of the hotel's several restaurants. I chose an Indonesian dish - Nasi Goreng - just to be different. It was quite delicious.

Later, I found an email from Shuai to say that she'd contacted one of her friends in Beijing. Her and her husband would be busy at work, but her friend's cousin (or maybe her niece? Or Sister? I'm not quite sure which) would be able to show me around. She left some phone numbers for me to ring, as she didn't know my room number.

So that should be good.

Bye.

Monday, November 5th, 2007 - Xi'an

2007-11-07T00:23:00.001Z

So guess where we're headed today, then!
I suddenly remembered - it's Bonfire night, isn't it? Blimey. Seems odd, that. Hope you have (had) a good one.

Above: the views from my window. Looks like Bonfire-night-weather ot there, too! Still, even if it stays smoggy, it won't really matter today.

Chi and the taxi driver collected me at 8.30. Another very pleasant and cheerful lad. He would stay with us all day. On the way to the Emperor Qin's Mausoleum (near where the Terracotta Warriors are located), we visited the Banpo Museum. This is built over a 6000-year-old stoneage settlement - which therefore pre-dates the Qin by some 4000 years! The guide book has quite a lot to say about Banpo, but in view of the large amount I have to get through today, I'm only posting a few photos. They show some of the burial chambers and a full-scale model of what part of the settlement may have looked like.

And so, on to the Warriors. The scale of the museum site is already large, but it's under continuous development to cater for the ever-growing hordes of tourists. There are those (Chinese mainly, I suspect) who say that this is now the most popular archaelogical site in the world. They could be right, but fortunately it's a Monday, and we arrived early. Always a good idea, that!

To begin with, this is what the Emperor Qin may have looked like:

Qin reigned from 246 BC but died young: aged 37. Nevertheless, he'd planned his burial down to the finest detail. The Terracota army was only one small part of his lavish preparations, intended to give him eternal protection and immortality. But his rule was a cruel one, it would seem. The thousands of common-labourers whose sweat and toil went into the enterprise were despatched without ceremony or gratitude. Many of their remains have been found in several "satellite" pits - crude burial pits, with one piled on top of another. It is even said that at least some of the warriors were literally modelled on live poeple - who obviously didn't remain in that state for long. Certainly, each figure does appear to be unique in its features and stature.

Above: the main entrance to the site.

The warriors that have so far been discovered are in three huge excavations ("pits") located some 1.5 km from the burial mound that marks the emperor's tomb (mausoleum). The tomb itself remains sealed at present: until the international archaelogical community is satisfied that it can be opened without fear of damage to its contents. This will depend mainly on the availability of suitable conservation techniques and technology. Mistakes were made during the initial excavations; for example, many of the original finds were brightly painted, but with direct exposure to daylight their colour has been largely lost.

Pit #1, where the initial finds were made, is housed in a vast hangar. The picture below fails hopelessly to convey the scale of it:

But maybe you'll get some idea from the fact that all those tiny dots along the side walls are people!

The figures were discovered by pure chance by a local farmer who, in 1974, unearthed part of one while digging a well. Prior to that nothing at all been had known of this amazing royal custom. Incidentally, here's a nice touch: apparently that same farmer often visits the museum. Of course he's getting on in years now. He's rightly treated as a national hero. Before 1974 Xi'an was a rather down-at-heel place, I gather; few lay people ouside of China had even heard of it. Now everyone knows about it. Not only that, but Xi'an's old city, with its impressive and largely-intact fortifications, is very striking indeed: the "magnet" of the Terracotta Army has triggered a thriving tourism industry here too, making Xi'an probably the most properous city in the region.

And at last, here are some of the shots you've been waiting for!

On the way round we met this charming retired gentleman from near Shanghai, who'd travelled here by himself to see the warriors.

Above: this is one of many figures from Pit #2, the roof of which is leaking. They had to rescue the finds, and some of them are currently on display in more conventional museum-type surrounds. There were not just warriors buried in the pits either, but ranks of horses and domestic animals, too. Even fully-rigged chariots.

These shots are merely the tip of a huge iceberg, of course. The number of figures discovered in Pit #1 alone runs into thousands. (I myself have taken a mere 250-or-so pictures today.)

And here we are outside again.

Then the three of us had lunch - noodles - on the way back into Xi'an. This is our driver:

Once back in Xi'an we took a walk in the old city. This is known as the Goose Pagoda:

And in the gardens of the pagoda ther is a series of moderb scultures depicting traditional life and customs. This chap is a fortune-teller. Notice the Yin and Yang sign on his tablecloth.

And here's a wider view of the area.

The haze never really goes aweay now, which rather spoils the effect.

Above: the approach to one of the city gates. We are about to ascend onto the walls.

Ont the top, looking back to the gate.

Looking down onto a new housing estate inside the walls.
As it startred to get dark, the loghts began to come on. This is looking along a main secton of wall. You can see the many gate-houses disappearing into the distance.

Looking at this picture should give you a good idea of how substantiual the walls are. The width of the road is the thickness of the wall. And the walls have been restored so that you can go right around the old city. There are little shuttle buses that, according to Chi, take an hour to do the complete circuit.

Gradually, the rest of the city's lights began to shine.

That was it. After a long but fascinating day, it was time to go and eat.

Then, something of a crisis struck: on returning to my hotel room I found a note from Reception had been slipped under my door. It said Caroline had phoned from Knutsford to say that Expedia had managed to mess up my hotel booking in Beijing, and could I check my emails.
You bet I did! Good job I had an Internet connection.

It seems that The Tianlun Dynasty - the hotel I had booked with them many months previously, and that had been confirmed - was now closed. Expedia were offering me an alternative which was (apparently) paid for, plus £40 in compensation. My new hotel would be The Regent, Beijing. I was to confirm my agreement to the switch by email which, again, you can be pretty sure I did - pronto. Bear in mind that my flight up to Beijing is the next day.

Then Caroline and I independently checked the Tianlun Dynasty's website. It clearly stated that - as from July 2007 - the hotel would be closed for refurbishment for several months and that they would not be taking bookings. July. But Expedia only discovered this on 5th November - the day before I was due to check in there? How competent that is, I leave you to judge. But it gets worse: remember that Expedia also booked me into the Hyatt Regency in Xi'an, out of which I had just checked, that very day. Yet on the phone to Caroline, they seemed to be completely unaware that I am actually in China now, and not at home in Knutsford!
Hmm. A change of operator for future trips, methinks.

Still, "The Regent, Beijing" sounds like it could be a half-decent hovel. Let's wait and see.

Nighty-night.

Sunday 4th November, 2007 – Zhengzhou to Xi’an

2007-11-06T13:42:00.000Z

Above: outside my modest hotel in Xi’an.

Well, last night I managed to re-arrange the packing. I put most of the tea into one of the boxes, which I then put in turn in a carrier bag. On enquiring, Shuai had discovered that the airline will allow me that in addition to my briefcase, which of course has my laptop in it. I placed another tin of tea, in its original box, in the suitcase, surrounded by “smalls” to pad it out. And - following a flash of inspiration - I left the final tin on my bedside table, with a thank-you note, for the cleaning ladies. [Tipping is not done in China, and if I had left money they would have been highly embarrassed.]

This morning I skipped breakfast. My car was due to pick me up at 7.30, and I didn’t really want anything. So I just had orange juice and some tea. After I’d checked out, and while I was waiting in the lobby for my driver, one of the receptionists called over to me in rather agitated tones. Something about my room. She was speaking in English of a sort, but it was some time before it dawned on me that they were worried because I’d left some tea behind! You can’t win, can you? With a bit of struggling in a mixture of English, Chinese and sign language, I think I got them to understand that: a) I already had sufficient; b) there was no room in my luggage for any more; c) I’d like them to have some as a gift.

The haze has returned. I’m relenting slightly about calling it “smog”; giving it the benefit of the doubt, since the past week has been so glorious.

The journey to the airport was in one of those swish black cars with tinted windows that the party- and local-government officials tend to cruise around in. One of Shuai’s colleagues came as well, to help with any problems I might have at the check-in desk arising from the fact that the flight-time had been changed twice since my tickets had been issued. (There was no problem, in fact).

On the way we encountered the usual traffic-mayhem, especially in the congested outskirts of the city. On and off throughout my trip I’ve been pondering as to why it is so bad. I may have said it before, but it’s as though once they get onto the roads and streets, Chinese people lose all traces of common-sense. This is unlike the west, where what is lost is not so much common-sense as consideration for other road-users. Here, there is no real aggression. (Although there is virtually continuous horn-sounding - even when it is plainly unnecessary. Para-phrasing from Peter Hessler’s “River town”, it seems to be essentially an unconscious reflex action; so ever-present that people have become essentially deaf to it. Therefore it has lost all purpose. Amen to that!)

Here, even vulnerable cyclists will venture blithely out in front of a hurtling juggernaut (or its equivalent), in the full knowledge that they will be OK. Usually they are. Sadly, some are not. Why are they like this? The only logical explanation I could come up with is their Buddhist culture. According to the Zen teaching, there is no past or future – just present. The over-riding principle is live for the moment. So is the reason for the chaos the fact that people don’t (or can’t) look ahead? It almost seems that way. I have a good deal of respect for Zen: we often waste time worrying about what has gone, and about which we can do nothing; and what may or may not happen in the future, so that we miss what is happening in front of our eyes. But, taken to extremes, it is clearly a perilous philosophy!

By contrast, the motorway was a haven of tranquillity; essentially brand-new, and almost deserted except for us. It is a toll road, after all. I was mildly amused by the English translations of some of the public-safety notices you see. Here are some examples:

“No drunken driving” (well, er, no: not a good idea is it?). “Buckle up” (which so far I have seen nobody but nobody doing; to the extent that, I’m ashamed to say, even I did not, since I felt it would appear too “girlie”! Yet here, of all places, surely is vital.)

Finally, there was; “Driving while fatigued forbidden”.

The flights to Beijing and then down to Xi’an were trouble-free. I had a window seat on the second leg, and wished I hadn’t left my camera buried in my briefcase in the overhead locker. The route takes you over what seems like endless ranges of mountains – mainly brownish in colour, as is most of the lanscape. The view down to the ground was severely hampered by the haze; the same haze had followed us all the way from Zhengzhou. We flew over rnge after rangel of rugged brown mountains. Then as we drew nearer to Xi'an the landscape changed markedly. It was still more or less brown, but now we seemed to be over a vast plateau. Itappeared to be perfectly flat as far as the eye could see. But it was puctuated with countless features that looked like scars or crevasses. I suppose these must be river valleys. Or some of them could at a pinch be archaelogical sites, with which this region is seemingly littered. The whole scene gave the appearance of having once been a mountainour area. But now it was just as though some great giant had sliced the tops of cleanly with a modelling knife. The flat upland areas were mostly cultivated, as far as I could tell. The brown colour would be the remains of the summer's harvest. Then I saw huge terraced areas, carved and sculpted from the slopes of the valleys. The scale of this man-made re-shaping of the land was truly breathtaking: these were on a massive scale, appearing to go on forever. Of course all this was impeded by the smog - as I am now convinced it is. It was as though we were skimming above a grey sea. We could glimpse the "sea-bed" dimly through the mirky waters, but much of the detail was blurred.

On arriving at Xi'an I was met by an eager Liu Chi. She is a former PhD student of one of my colleagues in Manchester. A lovely person. She has a son about the same age as our Pete.

Xi’an is a spectacularly beautiful city – especially the old part, inside the massive city walls; and especially by night:

Above: Liu Chi with yours truly; the Bell Tower is in the background.

This was after we’d eaten at a typical Xi’an restaurant, of course:

Above: I couldn’t begin to tell you what everything was, but it wasn’t half good. But we hadn’t realised quite how much we’d ordered – half of it went home with Chi in doggy-bags!

And a few more pretty sights. This is Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter:

Finally, have a peak at my room. It’s a bit more spacious than the JinJiang in Zhengzhou. On the other hand, the internet connection isn’t free of charge!

The Hyatt Regency is also a lot less personal, although helpful enough, and efficient. Of course it is a corporate hotel, catering for an international tourist and business clientelle. But, for example, at breakfast there would be almost more staff than guests, constantly hovering about, waiting to whip away an empty plate at the first indication you may have finished with it. I prefer to be left to eat in peace. On reflection, I liked the friendly JinJiang Inn better, with it's jolly team of lovely local staff. And their internet was free.

Well, it’s another big day tomorrow – off to see the famous warriors.

Night.

Saturday 3rd November, 2007 - Zhengzhou: last full day

2007-11-03T00:26:00.000Z

This will be my final full day in Zhengzhou. Boo-hoo! And yet again it's a beautiful morning (no - not a cue for a pantomime song!!!).

When, exactly, did I mention the word "smog"? Surely I didn't.

Yesterday I commented on the sounds I can hear in the morning from my hotel room window. Today I managed to capture some of the exercise music. It began at approximately 6.10 am. Yes I know I'm sad, but when you've been confined to one small room for a couple of weeks you start to contract cabin fever. Being couped up in a dormitory is fair enough while your no'but a youth - like my David - in a hall of residence at university, but when you get to be an old doddery blighter like me it's a different matter I can tell you. And I've got luxury facilities.

You'll have to excuse the poor sound quality, but I only had a crummy PC mic. Anyway, it all starts with what I will call "Exercise-1". So we get:
Exercise-1
Exercise-2

Note the very different styles. The first piece is what you'd expect - bright, jolly, regimental, but the second comes as a bit of a surprise. It kind of haunts me. (Remember, this has been my rigid alarm-clock for the past two weeks.) I feel I ought to know what it is. If anyone can identify it, please tell me; it may help to "lay the ghost".

Those two go on for considerably longer that I recorded. They alternate a couple of times, and are then followed by:
Exercise-3

And finally, the:
Announcements

I take it these are exhortations to the students to be good citizens and love the Motherland, etc, but as they are distinctly undistinct, and my understanding of Chinese so rudimentary, I can't tell.

Of course, it being Saturday there wasn't a soul in the parade ground which, if I am right, is part of a college almost adjacent to the hotel.

There will be more later. But I will have packing to do, etc. Last night Professor Suin and her the deputy Hed of School us (Jennifer, Judith, Yang Le, Gao Xiao Yu and me) for a final banquet. This was in a much lower-key establishment, and probably all the better fot that. Nevertheless, we had a private dining room again. This is very common with the restaurants here: downstairs is open plan; upstairs individual rooms for private gatherings. Needless to say, it was very nice, hard work and pretty messy (on my part, that is; how long do you reckon it really takes to master chopsticks - no, not on the piano; I can handle that!)

Anyway, the worst happened: afterwards I was presented with a second box of tea! Bear in mind that each of these boxes is about the size of a large briefcase. So my packing is going to have to be very inventive - or else some will get left behind. (I wonder if the hotel staff here would appreciate an extra cuppa?). I had the bright idea of ripping out the unnecessary padding, replacinjg the tins of tea, and filling the space around them with "smalls". How about that? Of ocurse the suitcase is still empty yet, so I'll have to keep my fingers crossed.

And Shuai is coming this afternoon to settle the remaining formalities. Then she has invited Nigel and me to dinner with her and her husband, whom I have never met. Whether this is to be at their home or at a restaurant I know not. Given I have to leave here bright and early tomorrow for the airport, I'm fervently hoping it won't be another chilli-based meal!

The morning would appear to be free, then. Another stroll in the park is called for, I think.
10.am, Saturday in Green City Park, and it's already busy with folk out enjoying the brilliant (really) sunshine. One thing I've noticed is that everyone is wearing quite warm-looking clothing. I think it is a mild day.

Of course I have to get there first. Crossing the road is bad enough with the doubtful assistance of the walking green person (he/she is animated), but without it ... ?

In the park, there are lots of families and red balloons and other festive things. Here are some impressions:

Looks like they're getting ready for another spot of jollification. They do enjoy that. It's probably the same stage I saw last weekend (or was it earlier in my trip? Seems like I've been here for ever).

By contrast to these colourful scenes, most of the men seem to wear dark clothing. Not black, necessarily; just dark. It's strange that: you wouldn't think it would be so noticeable, but somehow when they are gathered in largish numbers it's a sight that strikes me as unfamiliar, and occasionally vaguely sinister. It hadn't occurred to me that we wear particularly bright clothing, though.

And what are these folk doing? Could it be a Party convention or a trade union demonstration?

Nope. It's this:

A demonstration, certainly; but of calligraphy.

Speaking, as I was earlier, of the dark clothing worn here: as I was entering the hotel on returning from my photo-shoot, I had the distinct and uneasy feeling I was being surveyed by one of the "Men in Black". He was on the steps of the hotel, and certainly looked shifty in that way that "spooks" are supposed to do. But if that was indeed the case then he wasn't very good at it was he? Must have been my imagination.

So now, lunch over, I'm back in my room awaiting the call from Shuai and typing this - haven't been able to face packing just yet.

I had a slight problem earlier. As I left my room I heard a phone ringing and thought it might be mine. However, on returning to my room, I found my card-key wouldn't work. A thought struck me: it was just after mid-day. That's probably the time by which one is meant to have checked out. Suppose they think I'm leaving today not tomorrow! Fortunately I was somehow able to communicate the problem to the recptionists, one of whom re-programmd the card for me. Phew.

Well that's about it from here. When I first arrived in Zhengzhou it was hard to know quite what to make of it. It seemed an alien place, bathed in grime, noisy, with unintelligible street-signs, questionable aromas, traffic-anarchy and, of course, shrouded in smog. I've gradually been able to make more sense of it, even in the short time I've been here. Of course it has its dark side, no doubt; and crossing the road is still an activity fraut with danger; but on a day like today, with the sun shining, and the park - like the streets themselve - full of life and energy, it is clearly a handsome city in its own way. I won't forget it in a hurry. And I certainly won't forget its most important attribute - the wonderful people I've met; from the hotel janitor, reception and dining-room staff, to the taxi drivers, shop-assistants, restaurant staff, and of course my new-found friends at Zhongyuan Instutute of Technology - staff and students. New-found, maybe; but I suspect, if my assessment of the Chinese character is anything like accurate, already life-long.

Not goodbye, one hopes, but au revoir; Zai Jian ("see you again") Zhengzhou!

Friday 2nd November, 2007 - Zhengzhou & Yellow River

2007-11-01T23:25:00.000Z

7.00 am: it's yet another bright sunny morning. I almost dont believe that a couple of days ago I thought smog was all they got here!

Now, the sounds out of my window are quite a mixture. There's the bright-and-breezy military-style exercise music, but then there is also more of your power-ballad stuff.
I had a go at recording today's offerings out of the window. The regular swishing sound is the janitor sweeping the car-park below. Remember I photographed him yesterday with his broom? Unfortunately I was too late to get the exercises. I may try those tomorrow, although with it being Saturday they may not do them. Even this morning I couldn't spot anyone actually excercising, but the same music and shouted instructions were there. I assume it's just a recording they play automatically at that time.

Shuai phoned to say that unfortunately she won't be able to join us today, owing to meetings. But she has given instructions to Jennifer as to the whereabouts of the shop fo rmy electronic dictionary. She will see me tomorrow though.

Mid-morning, and I popped out to the supermarket for a couple of sticky buns and some fruit for my lunch - as a welcome change from all the real food! Here's a couple of random shots from my way back:

I'll report back again after our trip to the Yellow River.

Well, this is it - under the boat!

Doesn't look very yellow, does it? But Gao Xiao Yu filled a water bottle from it, and it is distinctly cloudy. They reckon it's about half-sand-half-water. That's a bit of an exaggeration though, I'd say.

The river is wide. Very wide; but only about a third of its former width, before they commenced dam-construction projects upstrream. I wonder how many million homes that flooded?

We were visiting a relatively new (ca. 10 years) recreation park about 30 minutes' taxi ride from the city. It has many simulated bits and pieces, and some impressive monuments.
Here's me and The Chairman, for example:

This pose was inspired by the famous photograph of Chairman Mao "inspecting the Yellow River":

Above: these two worthies generally credited with being China's founding fathers; they are the first two emperors, whose names are on the tip of my tongue - honest.

And a few general shots from the day out, in no particular order:

Above: the entrance to the park.

He's doing as "well" as can be expcted, I suppose (groan!)

Above: the horse-rides are farily popular. That vehicle is quite typical for China, incidentally.

Now this is a bit over the top as a dinner-gong, I'd say.

Above: although the river today finishes more or less at the first set of pylons, it used to extend at least to the far set.

A "Mao's-eye view".

Now this is some sort of hydro- scheme: possibly water-filtration; possibly power-generation; possibly both.

Naturally, it's also a children's playground.

I hadn't appreciated, before I came here, what a reare comodity natural green-space is in China. By our standards this park is nothing special; but it provides these city-dwellers with a much-needed breath of fresh-air and calm.

And this has to be one of my favourite shots from the day:

Thursday 1st November, 2007 - Zhengzhou: hotel & University

2007-11-01T02:55:00.000Z

I needn't have panicked: It's 10.30 am, the sun's shining brightly in a clear blue sky, and, in those immortal words: "My work here is done"! All lectures completed; all 67 students' scripts marked. Not bad eh, considering I only collected them last night.

In fact, I'm so euphoric and light-headed that here's an arty shot of my patented washing line:

Just because I could.

And a couple of slightly different views out of my window:

Above: that's the hotel janitor with his hi-tech car-park-cleaning equipment. Those brooms may be primitive, but by gum they don't half do the job. They're used everywhere. I was on the bus one day and even saw an automated contraption based on them being towed behind a tiny tractor - in much the same way that a rotavator or farrow might, in a farmer's field. It was efficiently sweeping one of the busiest roundabouts on our route to the univesity. Unortunately I didn't have the presence of mind to whip my camera out.

Well, this afternoon I'm making one last trip in to see the students and say goodbye. Maybe I'll show them a few more photographs as well. I'll be sad in a way, but at least a goodly number of them are destined to come to Manchester next year.

Other than that there's not much to report yet, today.

One thing I should probably mention though: once I leave Zhengzhou (on Sunday, for Xi'an and Beijing) I may or may not have a broadband connection, so if the blogs mysteriously dry up that will probably be the reason. But Even so, I'll try to keep a record for adding on my return home. So you haven't escaped that easily. I'm priviledged to have been able to make this trip, so I feel it is in a way my duty to report my experiences in as much detail as I can for those who might not get the chance to come to China (and maybe to prepare those who haven't yet got here!); try to convey something of what it's actually like to be here. That's my excuse anyway.

Lunchtime: it's a glorious day. Even the view from my window is quite striking today:

And still the temperatrure is holding up. The sun was burning through the windows of the coach to the south campus, and nearly all the curtains were pulled to provide shade. It is the 1st of November, isn't it?

Although I was going to the university for my "regular" Thursday slot, this time it was to say goodbye to the students. When I got to the building they were all there waiting for me. I couldn't believe the welcome I got. You may find this hard to believe, but they really didn't want me to leave them. They are so lovely. They took me for a walk around the campus, but mainly this was to get their photographs taken with me. So now for the commercial break: if any of my colleagues is reading this, and is having doubts about following in my footsteps to teach at Zhongyuan University, just have a shufty at these:

Above: the young lady on my left is Jennifer, their regular teacher.

One of the students said the most touching thing as I was leaving for the bus: "I'll miss you". Well I'll certainly miss them.

The bus-journey back to the city was long this evening owing to a horrendous traffic-jam. Given that Chinese driving is done primarly on the horn at the best of times, you can imagine what it sounded like. We were on our way to eat: Jennifer and the gang (Yang Le, Gao Xiao Yu and Judith) were taking me for a "hot-pot" at what is reckoned to be the best place in town. We got there though.

Above: Gao Xiao Yu (centre - the "dumpling chef" from a previous evening) and Judith.

Above left: Yang Le. "Yang" is of course his family name as they do things the other way round from us. "Le", he told me, means "Smiling". It's an appropriate name for him.

Doesn't look a lot like a Lancashire hot-pot now, does it?

Jennifer.

Now this is the way to make special noodles:

That's about it for today. I need my beauty sleep for the big trip to see the Yellow River tomorrow. (No singing, please!)

Good night all.

Wednesday 31st October, 2007 - A Walk in the Park

2007-10-31T06:17:00.000Z

Another bright morning, but this will be my last full day of freedom, as I my marking should arrive this evening. And here's where it will have to be done:

Dr Wilding's "Office" - there ain't much space between the bed and the desk.

None of my contacts has been in touch since Monday, and phoning from my hotel room has not been successful up to now. I always get the same signal after dialling: several short beeps followed by complete silence. I've had no replies to any of the emails I sent them either. I did wonder at first whether they might have a problem receiving Gmails, but when I saw the hotel staff at breakfast just now, it was clear they had received - and had enjoyed - the pictures I sent them.

I decided I might as well go out for a long walk. I'd spotted an area of green on the map which I hadn't visited before, and which seemed to be within striking distance. These are some scenes en route.

Above: I'm almost certain this is the place to which I was taken and banquetted on arriving in Zhengzhou. Of course then I had no idea of the lie of the land, and I just chanced upon it today.

The name of the park is "Bishagang", and it is yet one more memorial to the great people's revolution. Here is how the sign inside the entrance puts it, in its quaint-sounding English translation. You'll need to click on the image to make it big enough to read:

Notice they have no compunctions about breaking word
s at any point, without so much as a hyphen. I'd seen this in most of the exhibit-descriptions at the museum, too.

Bishagang Park is a haven of tranquility in a busy working city. "Tranquil" but by no means "silent". It was certainly bustling; full of ordinary people, some of them doing what to us might appear to be exrtraordinary things, but to them just part of everyday life: such as Chinese Opera (one assumes - I may be wrong on that point). The park had several medium-sized band-stands, most of which were occupied by good people like those in the following clip. (By the way - do watch out for the look of utmost contempt on the face of the gentleman seated right, when he sees and appraises the cameraman!).

A variety of instruments was in evidence, but the one I've mainly seen is the two-stringed fiddle. The performances are quite theatrical - choreographed even. Take, for example, the man on the left, singing, in the clip above - observe his very deliberate stance. Interestingly, until I arrived on the scene they had no audience. These displays are, principally, for their own pleasure. Of course they are very happy when they are appreciated, and at some of the bandstands, like this one, a little knot of attentive spectators gathers:

And people will just join in wherever they happen to be:

Now this is a curious one. These ladies line themselves up in ranks, with each rank setting off a few seconds ahead of the next one. They walk slowly, in time with the music, to the end of the area. Then they all march back again. It's hardly strenuous exercise nor - I would have thought - particularly interesting for them. I'm guessing it's some kind of re-enactment of "The Long March", although I've no way of knowing.

Then there are those who just like to sit on the benches and play their instruments ...

... or form a little choral ensemble, perhaps with sax-accompaniment:

Today is Wednesday and, as far as I know, nothing special. It's clear that scenes like these are commonplace - to be found every day in every suitable piece of green space across China. I've often heard it said that China is a land of contradictions. How incongruous these performances seem, when considered alongside the economic revolution taking place. But it is obvious to even me that the performers are retirees - of my, or even my parents', generation. Will such simple pleasures be as popular with the next generation? I doubt it, but to lose this - possibly one of the last vestiges of the old traditional China - would surely be a tradgedy. Not that I would say I found the singing "enjoyable" exactly, but that is hardly the point.

I will have to pause here: a short while ago I had two phone-calls. The first was from Shuai apologising for not having been in touch, but she's had a bad cold. I seem to remember she was suffering a bit when we were at the Shaolin Temple. Anyway, she'd just been invigilating my test and informed me that Jennifer was on her way to my hotel with the scripts. That was the second call. So now they are sitting by my elbow waiting for my attention.

Shuai also said she's located an electronic Mandarin-English dictionary and we can go and collect it from the shop on Friday (I intend to keep up the lessons!). We'll also be meeting up with Jennifer, Judith, Yang Le and the others for a trip to see the Yellow River. I'm looking forward to that as a treat after I (hopefully) finish my marking.

8.20 pm: I've finished marking all the answers to Question 1! There were 17 of them. That just leaves Questions 2-6. I think I'll start on those in the morning when I will hopefully be feeling more like it.

Meanwhile, to continue the earlier discussion: another thing that is most striking (to my eyes) is the total absence of antisocial behaviour - the sort of thing that we in the UK have become accustomed to, and that requires special laws to curb - which don't work. I'm sure I haven't seen a single example of really bad behaviour since I first set foot in this country. True, many folk do have some rather unsavoury habits (such as spitting in what we would consider inappropriate situations), but that is not the same thing at all. Everyone seems to be endowed with an unshakable honesty and respect for others. And when, as very occasionally happens, you pass someone in the street and they look at you and shout "hello" or even "waiguoren" ("foreigner") it is not in any sense of mocking; it is purely what it sounds - a desire to communicate, mixed with curiosity. You can argue the "educational programme" has made them the way they are. That may be so; and I do realise I am making sweeping generalisations to which I am not entitled: I've been here less than two weeks, after all, and I certainly haven't visited the very poorest areas, even of this city. But to compare (no - "contrast") the main thoroughfares of Zhengzhou at 11.00 pm any night of the week with their equivalent in, say, Manchester or Liverpool, Nottingham or London, Paris or New York ..... is to give you the picture. (In fact, by 11.00 pm lights are all-but out here)

And what British mother these days would allow a complete stranger to photograph her child?

I'd probably be hauled before a child-protection tribunal.

We've lost so much in our culture that they still have - for now. In their headlong dash towards capitalism (though strangely not away from communism - another contradiction) there is a definite danger of throwing this "baby" out with the bath-water, so to speak. I sincerely hope not. The world would be a happier and nobler place - global warming and all the other problems accepted - if the rest of us were to adopt their social principles rather than the other way about.

Still, is it for us to deny them their new-found freedom - especially freedom of thought, which we take for granted (or at least we did, until New Labour happened along)?

You can tell I'm being profoundly affected by this place, warts and all. I've heard others from the west say similar things. Until you experience it yourself, though, you are naturally sceptical; you don't quite believe it. But it's true. Ask anyone else who's been here.

Enough pontificating - let's just enjoy a few more photos.

Above: that orange mass in the water is one of several teeming shoals of carp.

Back on the road again ...

This seems to be a government building of some sort. There are lots of them in the city, usually with real guards (unarmed, as far as I can tell) standing to attention on podia either side of the gates. They are also quite massive (the buildings, not the guards!).

Life in and around the central bus depot:

And, closer to home, some of the many stree-vendors. These ones are selling roasted yams.

That's something else that sets China apart from many other countries I've visited: these street-merchants are definitely there for the benefit, primarily, of the customer. They don't hassle you as they might elsewhere in the world; but they're there if you need them. How they make a living defeats me. I only hope it doesn't defeat them.

Finally, for those who are interested in such things, here's the route I walked (clockwise, if it makes any odds).

Unfortunately there is no scale marked on my map, so I had a go at guessing, based on the little street plan in my guide book. Also notice that - apart from my own annotations - there's no Roman script: it's entirely in Chinese characters. You need to be prepared for this if you intend visiting!

Bye for now
Mike