http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/My thoughts, views, observations and rants about the world in which we live and my own involvement in it! en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/b6/16ed7d09ff2ad8b1596229cba7cf8a_160x200.jpg <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=744506"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/506/744506_c7a4d258a5_m.jpg" alt="Star Wars" title="Star Wars" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/08/11/skywalker_the_wuss~1031435/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/08/11/skywalker_the_wuss~1031435/Fri, 11 Aug 2006 12:50:51 +0200 <p> I've been following events regarding the alleged foiling of what would have been a horrific terrorist attack in the UK and must say it gives me some degree of assurance that UK intelligence operates as it does. Simply put they have to take the chance of their intelligence being wrong [like Forest Gate] because the consequences of them not acting and it being right is too heavy a price to pay. </p> <p> Of course the bleeding heart liberals of our country will bemoan the abuse of civil rights etc and put it all down to governmental conspiracies, or even worse try to justify the actions by saying it's got to be expected because of Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon etc but their voice is muted by the facts which they choose to ignore so they can play the martyrs of truth. </p> <p>Whatever turns out to be the case with the recent alleged threat this country was right to respond as it did in order to ensure our safety and protection as we go about our daily lives. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/08/11/muslim_extremists_foiled_in_terror_plot~1031400/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/08/11/muslim_extremists_foiled_in_terror_plot~1031400/Fri, 11 Aug 2006 12:40:46 +0200 <p>The other day I sat and watched George Galloway's interview with Sky on the Middle East situation. Following it I was compelled to email the station with the following:</p> <p> I am disgusted by George Galloway's aggressive, unjustified defence of Hezbollah and attack on Israel. He comes out with the normal diatribe about bias reporting and narrow thinking with of course the obligatory conspiracy theory about how it's the USA and the UK who brought this about politically. At some point he should take some time out of his busy life to sit down and actually read the facts of the situation, both historically and in the present conflict. If he did so he might actually be able to give a considered, informed view of the subject rather than his rant and personal attack on the interviewer. In the coming weeks the Big Brother housemates will put an evictee back into the house. If only it were George Galloway. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/08/09/george_galloway_s_ranting_interview~1025377/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/08/09/george_galloway_s_ranting_interview~1025377/Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:39:35 +0200 <p> At last Israel wakes up to the need to be as strong in the propoganda war as in their military war! The temporary cessation of air strikes, except where necessary, to allow the Lebanese people to evacuate the area is a stroke of propoganda genius. Let's see how many of the Lebanese people take up the opportunity and how many of them remain to allow themselves to be used by Hezbollah in their own propoganda war. When the cessation has lapsed how can they say that they could not get out? How can it then be said that Israel is not taking consideration of the Lebanese civilians in their fight against Hezbollah? And all the while Israel can continue its ground offensive to further degrade/destroy the terrorists of Hezbollah. Whether by design or accident this move by Israel can only shift world opinion back in its direction, especially in light of this mornings further rocket attacks into Israel. If the Hezbollah continue to fire those rockets then it will be a further blow to their propoganda. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/31/israel_begins_to_play_it_smart~1002363/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/31/israel_begins_to_play_it_smart~1002363/Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:57:52 +0200 <p>The Rules:<br> 1. You can only say Yes or No!<br> 2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks! </p> <p>Taken a picture naked? : yes<br> Made out with a member of the same sex? : no<br> Danced in front of your mirror? : yes<br> Told a lie? : yes<br> Gotten in a car with people you just met?: yes<br> Been in a fist fight? : yes<br> Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back? : yes<br> Been arrested? : no<br> Left your house without telling your parents? : no<br> Ditched school to do something more fun? : yes<br> Slept in a bed with a member of the same sex? : no<br> Seen someone die? : yes<br> Kissed a picture? : yes<br> Slept in until 3? : yes<br> Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? : yes<br> Played dress up? : yes<br> Fallen asleep at work/school? : no<br> Felt an earthquake? : no<br> Touched a snake? : no<br> Ran a red light? : no<br> Had detention? : yes<br> Been in a car accident? : no<br> Pole danced? : no<br> Been lost? : yes<br> Sang karaoke? : yes<br> Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? : yes<br> Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose??: yes<br> Caught a snowflake on your tongue?? : no<br> Kissed in the rain? : yes<br> Sang in the shower? : yes<br> Got your tongue stuck to a pole? : no<br> Ever gone to school partially naked? : no<br> Sat on a roof top? : yes<br> Played chicken? : yes<br> Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? : no<br> Been told you're hot by a complete stranger? : no<br> Broken a bone? : yes<br> Mooned/flashed someone? : no<br> Forgotten someone's name? : yes<br> Slept naked? : yes<br> Blacked out from drinking? : yes<br> Played a prank on someone? : yes<br> Felt like killing someone? : yes<br> Made a parent cry? : yes<br> Cried over someone? : yes<br> Had sex more than 5 times in one day? : no<br> Had/Have a dog? : yes<br> Been in a band? : yes<br> Drank 25 sodas in a day? : no<br> Shot a gun? : no</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/quiz_courtesy_of_tesuo2~1000728/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/quiz_courtesy_of_tesuo2~1000728/Sun, 30 Jul 2006 18:43:15 +0200 <p>The writing is on the wall. As usual the pathetic whimperings of Kofi Annan and his ilk begin to take effect. As usual Tony Blair begins to backtrack in fear of his political future [short as it will be]. As usual the media refuse to see the bigger picture and react with emotion rather than reason. </p> <p>Yes, the death of the people in Qana is tragic, [on the assumption it wasn't in part staged by Iran/Syria and Hizbollah to get the desired effect, and even with that excepting the children], but to not follow through on degrading/destroying Hezbollah, as per the UN resolution would be foolishness indeed. To succumb to a ceasefire that does not guarantee a sustainable resolution to the situation, that does not allow the fanatics of Iran and Syria to re-arm the Hizbollah, that does not restore Lebanon to its rightful democratic status and allow it to deploy its own military for its security is to basically say to those that have died in these events that it was for nothing. </p> <p>We seen the same in Iraq where they failed to deal with Saddam Hussein in the first Gulf War when they had him on his knees and now it seems that it is going to be the same with Israel/Lebanon. </p> <p>State terrorism [aka Iran/Syria] should never be surrendered to, NO MATTER what the cost in terms of human life. I fully applaud the strong position of Israel in this matter and hope that in the face of the snivelling cowards that should be remaining firm that their resolve will hold firm until they can retreat in the knowledge that its country is safe from Hezbollah and its borders secure. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/and_so_hizbollah_iran_and_syria_begin_to~1000689/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/and_so_hizbollah_iran_and_syria_begin_to~1000689/Sun, 30 Jul 2006 18:25:16 +0200 <p>When it comes to Scottish football I am a Rangers fan, albeit very much from the comfort of my own home so you'd think Martin O'Neill wouldn't be my favourite guy after the success he took arch-rivals Celtic too but I do think he's an excellent football manager. </p> <p>This being so, you can imagine my delight this morning when I read in the reputable News of the World [lol] that he is being lined up for a 1.3 billion three year deal to front Setanta sports as their football pundit. I did enjoy his punditry during the World Cup and think it'd be great for football if this story was true. </p> <p>All I need to do now, if the story is true, is sign up for Setanta sports! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/martin_o_neill~1000007/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/martin_o_neill~1000007/Sun, 30 Jul 2006 13:04:53 +0200 <p> I've been following the news fairly closely this morning on events in Israel/Lebanon and specifically the attack on Qana that has claimed the lives so far of up to 50 civilians, including 21 children. </p> <p>In doing so I've been pondering some possible motives on both sides and thought I'd share them for comment, criticism and/or correction:</p> <p>1. Given that Israel wants to degrade, if not totally destroy Hezbollah and that the diplomatic moves were fairly close to getting to the ceasefire stage is it possible that the attack on Qana was a deliberate tactic by Israel to destroy that diplomacy for ceasefire in order to give them more time to try to acheive their objective? </p> <p>2. Given that Iran/Syria/Hezbollah know that their best chance now of a ceasefire is to prevent the degrading/destruction of Hezbollah is world opinion on the civilian casualties in Lebanon is it possible that they are deliberately setting up situations like Qana in order to have Israel strike there and inflict the casualties that they hope will sway world opinion? Even more disturbing, how involved are the adult casualties with Hezbollah in setting up those situations? </p> <p>I look at both of these and find them horrific, yet by no means a stretch of the imagination [for me at least]. </p> <p>My conclusion on it is that Israel should be smarter. They should not continue to play into the hands of Iran/Syria/Hezbollah but find a way to expose the cowardly tactics of Iran/Syria/Hezbollah and their total disregard for human life. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/pondering_possible_motives_in_the_middle~999984/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/30/pondering_possible_motives_in_the_middle~999984/Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:54:56 +0200 <p>I have followed with interest the court case involving Tommy Sheridan against the News of the World and for all intents and purposes I cannot help but think that in pursuing the action he has committed political suicide. Colleague after colleague has spoken against his case and each time he gets further into conspirational theories that, like most of them do, stagger the mind. </p> <p>Now that isn't to say I necessarily think he is guilty but it is a simple fact that you cannot stand against so many witnesses and win your case *unless* you have more than simply your word against their word. </p> <p>And what will it cost Tommy if he does lose? His political career might be the least of his worries as his wife accompanies him each day to court and hears the case against him. At the end of it all, will he look back with regret at his decision to sue the paper, if indeed he had any choice but to if domestic pressure was of the effect, 'win this or we're finished?'. </p> <p>It's a sensitive subject for me... when do you let your principles go for the sake of damage limitation by those who would bring about your downfall? Or do you fight and fight and fight regardless of personal cost to yourself and those around you? </p> <p>Whatever the result of the case I think that Tommy Sheridan is a loss to British politics and most assuredly to the SSP that I now think will disappear into a void for a time before trying to reinvent itself. </p> <p>Such a shame. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/21/the_political_suicide_of_tommy_sheridan~977072/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/21/the_political_suicide_of_tommy_sheridan~977072/Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:32:51 +0200 <p>Well, in it came with the post today... my first rejection letter for a new job. Just a standard letter with the usual 'unfortunately on this occassion' phrase but nevertheless a good indication that finding a new job at age 39 with little qualifications is not going to be an easy task.</p> <p>My mind turns again to the most probable solution... self-employment but it is such a big step into unknown territory. Whatever the case I have to get something going soon before the shortfall in income really begins to kick in and do damage. </p> <p>Anyone got any jobs to offer? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/21/first_rejection~976802/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/21/first_rejection~976802/Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:41:42 +0200 <p>As little as it means to the brutally snuffed out lives of children Nathalie Mahy and Stacey Lemmens, their murderer Abdallah Ait-Oud has been charged with their kidnap and murder [also the rape of Nathalie]. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=660544"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/544/660544_60eea54689_s.jpg" align="" alt="belgiobombe" title="belgiobombe" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>What penalty can possibly suffice for their deaths? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/18/update_on_belgian_murders~968371/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/18/update_on_belgian_murders~968371/Tue, 18 Jul 2006 11:44:48 +0200 <p> Labour MSP Duncan McNeill wants drug users to sign a 'social contract' saying they won't have a family whilst coming off drugs, a breach off contract leading to their benefits being stopped. </p> <p>Is he mad? </p> <p>Worse still Labour are going to consider the proposal!</p> <p>Are they insane?</p> <p>Don't politicians ever think through all the possible consequences of their proposals?</p> <p>What if it leads to drug users not registering for methadone treatment? How does that cure the drug problem?<br> What would drug addicts do if for whatever reason their benefits were withdrawn and they need a fix?<br> What makes the government think that when 'high' druggies think rationally or care about anything else except themselves?<br> How does it solve those drug families where there are already children? Are they going to propose removing them until their problem is solved?<br> Where does it stop? Will they next be extending said policy to alcoholics where I'd suspect more children and people are damaged than ever are as a result of drug abuse. </p> <p>Labour have lost the ability to think things through. They are looking for soundbite solutions to very serious, complex issues in order to gain back popularity in the country and votes.</p> <p>I say it is madness. What do you say? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/10/labour_madness~948231/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/10/labour_madness~948231/Mon, 10 Jul 2006 11:42:28 +0200 <p>Today I came across this website that seeks to list the weird, extravagant items that people actually put up for sale on Ebay! <a href="http://www.goofyauctions.com/">http://www.goofyauctions.com/</a></p> <p>So if you're bored or like me a nosey parker then check it out. </p> <p>The page 2 sections contains a whole load of humorous pics and jokes.</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/04/goofy_auctions_on_ebay~932260/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/04/goofy_auctions_on_ebay~932260/Tue, 04 Jul 2006 14:39:52 +0200 <p>Hi... it's 22:50 and I'm just about to look for a good film to watch before going to sleep but before doing so I thought I'd share with you this goldmine URL:</p> <p><a href="http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/">http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/</a></p> <p>If you like reading then you'll surely find something to interest you here <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Thanks<br> Matt </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/03/your_own_personal_library~930730/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/03/your_own_personal_library~930730/Mon, 03 Jul 2006 22:52:06 +0200 <p>I spent some time today trying to piece together some information about the rape and murder of two young girls [step-sisters]in Belgium. Their names:</p> <p>Nathalie Mahy [10]<br> Stacy Lemmens [7]<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=660544"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/544/660544_60eea54689_t.jpg" align="" alt="belgiobombe" title="belgiobombe" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>They went missing between 1am-3am on the Saturday 10th June at a street party with police attention being focused on a 39 year old paroled sex-offender that was seen in the same cafe the family was in.<br> Apparently this paroled man had been sentenced for 15 sex crimes, including one on an adult but still on parole [?]. Following the girls dissapearing he also has went missing. His girlfriend works as a waitress in a bar close to where the girls were last seen.<br> The mother and her boyfriend came under criticism for drinking heavily in the bar whilst the girls were outside on the street at such a late time.<br> Police called off an extensive search for them on Monday the 10th of June after no trace of them was found.<br> On Tuesday 13th the man - Abdellah Ait Oud - turned himself into authorities after seeing himself on TV.<br> On Thursday 15th June the police charged Oud with kidnapping the two girls.<br> On Wednesday June 28th at around 11am [0900 GMT] the body of Stacy was found by police under a sewer cap with Nathalies body being found later on at 3pm. Their bodies were around 600 metres from the cafe.<br> On Thursday 29th media reports were that the autoposy revealed they were sexually assualted and strangled. Later reports were that only Nathalie was raped.<br> On Saturday 1st July Nathalie Mahy was buried in a private ceremony.<br> On Monday 3rd July Stacy Lemmens will be buried.<br> DNA tests will reveal whether or not Oud, who remains in police custody was the rapist/murderer.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=660622"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/622/660622_2cce432e4a_t.jpg" align="" alt="Abdallah Ait-Oud" title="Abdallah Ait-Oud" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Why did I do this? </p> <p>Because I want to know more about these girls than simply their names. Because I want to bring attention once more to the negligent parole system that has apparently once more allowed a perpetrator the freedom to rape and stangle to death two young children. Because I want to feel the tiniest bit of pain that those girls endured.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/senseless_evil_and_preventable~927614/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/senseless_evil_and_preventable~927614/Sun, 02 Jul 2006 20:18:00 +0200 <p>Pages one, six and seven of the Sunday Mail carry the story about Frontline Scotland reporter Sam Poling receiving threatening texts from George Johnstone who not only served three years in jail for causing the death of a woman through careless driving in 1997 but was also controversially cleared of the murder of prostitute Jaqueline Gallacher one year earlier:<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=660401"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/401/660401_4f3da55c74_t.jpg" align="" alt="Picture 001" title="Picture 001" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> and has been interviewed twice about the death of another prostitute Emma Caldwell.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=660399"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/399/660399_3e550504cf_t.jpg" align="" alt="Emma Caldwell" title="Emma Caldwell" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Further it was revealed that he still has in his possession a police video showing Jaqueline Gallacher's body lying in a lay-by, something he got hold off in preparing his defence. </p> <p>I'm disturbed by this story for several reasons:</p> <p>1. What sort of nightmare must Sam Poling be going through whilst the cloud of suspicion hangs over George Johnstone?<br> 2. Is the man guilty or innocent of the murder of these prostitutes and how in the world is that going to be established, if indeed it is still a live matter in relation to his involvement?<br> 3. What utter pain the parent[s] of Jaqueline Gallacher must be going through knowing Mr Johnstone still has that tape. Imagine knowing that the possible murderer of your daughter/son had in their possession a police video of their body. The thoughts of what such a person would be doing with such would be horrific and, since it is of no value or use to Mr Johnstone why does he retain the video despite a Procurator Fiscal request for it to be returned? Is this the action of an innocent man?<br> 4. When is prostitution going to be recognised as the individual choice of adults or is that view mistaken? Would such recognition make the profession safer or will it always be the case that those who live that life must accept the risks attached to it?<br> 5. Why do we forget the victims of crimes so quickly? I remember the case of Jaqueline Gallacher on tv/news when it occurred but it needs a national newspaper to remind me of its horror!!<br> 6. What personal stories lie behind these women going into prostitution?<br> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> Update:</p> <p>In relation to #3 I have emailed the paper with the following request:</p> <p>"I would like the Sunday Mail to pose this question [possibly through it's letter page] to Mr George Johnstone:</p> <p>If the tape of Jacqueline Gallacher's murdered body is of no legal use to you then why do you insist on retaining this material? Surely the decent and right thing for you to do would be to return this video to the appropriate authorities and to destroy any copies made of it? Would this action not be some very slight consolation to the still grieving family of Miss Gallacher"</p> <p>Although aware of the ease by which the tape could be copied I still think it would be a minute token gesture.</p> <p>Comments, criticisms appreciated.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/title~926937/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/title~926937/Sun, 02 Jul 2006 14:42:40 +0200 <p> Sometimes when I get up in the morning I just have a bad gut feeling about the way the day is going to go. This morning was such a day but by 1200 it looked like it would be mistaken. At 1205 the buzzer went to the excited voice of my oldest boys friends informing me that he 'had hurt his arm'. Having already broken both arms in falls at different times of his short life I suspected that this meant it was another break. I went in and told my wife who went downstairs to see what was happening [she's a care assistant so better at these things than I am] and I went to the window [10 flights up] to shout down to my son as to whether he thought it was broken. He replied 'Yes'. When my wife got to him a couple of second later she immediately said to phone an ambulance. It was another break. The ambulance duly arrived and off he's gone for what will at least be a cast if not an operation to put a pin in. </p> <p>Now I sit by the phone whilst watching my youngest to await news on the severity of the break and what's going to be done. It's one of those moments you want to swap bodies with your son so that you feel any pain but alas such is not possible. </p> <p>The thing is he is so brave about it, not a tear in his eye, no screaming and very factual with the ambulancemen about what happened and how he is feeling etc. </p> <p>I have great expectations for both my son that they will do far better in life than I. If his bravery is anything to go by he certainly will. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/24/a_perfect_start_to_the_weekend~907456/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/24/a_perfect_start_to_the_weekend~907456/Sat, 24 Jun 2006 13:00:45 +0200 <p>The released video footage of the unprovoked assault and murder of Daniel Pollen brought home to me the stark reality of murder in a very powerful way.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=642683"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/683/642683_f5271f2196_t.jpg" align="" alt="_41292843_pollen203" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I tried to put myself in the mind of the murderer Michael Lynch but failed to come up with anything that would even begin to explain his actions.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=642688"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/688/642688_8c339eb77e_t.jpg" align="" alt="_41804560_lynch203" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>What kind of world are we now living in where such a senseless murder can take place, where a young life can be snuffed out with such blatant disregard? </p> <p>I read that his remorse, low IQ and other personal problems were taken into account in the sentencing and ask myself when any of those and even those altogether can be considered legitimate mitigation for the act. Again, I come up blank. </p> <p>Most despairingly I look around me for something that will be an eradication of this kind of mindset.. where is it to be found? In religion, with its myths, its hypocrisies and it's own violent nature [whether past or present]? In politics, with it's double standards, self-centered and power-hungry nature? Or in philosophy, with as many proponents of one form as the other? </p> <p>What a sad prospect the current situation in the UK presents for us all, and perhaps most seriously for the growing generation. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/23/the_stark_reality_of_murder~905875/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/23/the_stark_reality_of_murder~905875/Fri, 23 Jun 2006 18:37:25 +0200 <p>I have a small collection of magazines that include, Bizarre, Maxim, Men's Health and Computer Pro. These tend to take up a lot of space and my wife regularly points out that I should bin them after I'm finished reading them. The problem is that most of them contain at least a few pieces of information that I want to retain, and being too lazy to just cut that out I keep the whole magazine! However, today I put them all into piles with the thought in mind to work through them and keep anything of interest and also make a note of any subjects raised that I might want to do some internet follow-up research. </p> <p>Now that in itself is a brilliant idea <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"> but even better I thought I'd share in my blog a list of the subjects that I've retained or took a note off AND even put a picture along each subject where I can!! So here is the result of a couple of Bizarre magazines for your interest, entertainment and/or amusement <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Mucormycosis - <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=641764"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/764/641764_e3ae999df6_t.jpg" align="" alt="mucormycosis" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> Mongolian contortionists <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=641810"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/810/641810_786775f6d7_t.jpg" align="" alt="a_ooka2" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Body modification <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=641833"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/833/641833_2ba016978d_t.jpg" align="" alt="images" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> Tarantulas <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=641834"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/834/641834_685940c3f1_t.jpg" align="" alt="tarantula" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> Ya Ba Drug <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=641836"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/836/641836_a966a75431_t.jpg" align="" alt="methrage" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> and<br> Sadhus <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=641846"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/846/641846_b47e0dd5df_t.jpg" align="" alt="sadhus" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p>What an interesting, weird and bizarre place the world can be <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/23/some_bizarre_time~904819/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/23/some_bizarre_time~904819/Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:31:26 +0200 <p>I'm as familiar as most people with the phrase, 'crime doesn't pay' but sometimes I think this is just an old worn out cliche that doesn't reflect reality. </p> <p>Take the front page news of the Daily Mail:</p> <p>"Godfather Girl's £10 million fortune".</p> <p>The story reveals how the daughter of crime lord Arthur Thompson has taken control of his fortune. </p> <p>Given that a vast majority of this fortune is the result of his criminal activities how can it be said that it doesn't pay? </p> <p>Sure, it's high risk and probably more lose out than win in the long term but can't the same be said for the local bookies, or casino etc etc?</p> <p>It amazes me that for many crime does pay and there seems little is done about it by the government of the day or the law. </p> <p>Gripe over. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/crime_doesn_t_pay_or_does_it~870919/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/crime_doesn_t_pay_or_does_it~870919/Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:35:10 +0200 <p>Front page story in the News of the World today is that of Heather McCartney apparently having hidden a live of vice as a high-class hooker from Paul McCartney from whom she recently split. </p> <p>If such a story is true then it makes me wonder whether the whole marriage was just a get-rich-quick scheme by her but more seriously it makes me really feel for Paul McCartney. </p> <p>Betrayal is a horrible thing as any of us who have been at the sharp end of it can tell but for most of us we have the saving grace of it being a relatively private matter, at most affecting only our own immediate social circle. Not the case for Paul, who has to find a way to confront this humiliation and move on with his life in public. </p> <p>The question is whether or not he will deal with it in good measure or whether he'll crumble under the stress and end up adding to his woes but immediately hooking [no pun intended] up with another woman young enough to be his daughter. </p> <p>Whatever the case I for one extend to him my deepest sympathy and urge him to go about his life with his head held high but having learned the lesson this must surely contain. </p> <p>The moral of the story - hire better private detectives before you go public on a relationship</p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/did_mccartney_get_conned~870709/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/did_mccartney_get_conned~870709/Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:17:44 +0200 <p>It's 1029am. </p> <p>I am sat in front of my computer with the sun shining brightly in through the window. </p> <p>My mind wants to do something but I can't figure out what. </p> <p>I need to get a job but presently can't find one.<br> I need to do something productive but everything seems to be without value.<br> I need to go out but there's nowhere to go.</p> <p>At times like this wouldn't it be good if you could hibernate until something of worth came along? </p> <p>Matt </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/09/what_to_do~865137/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/09/what_to_do~865137/Fri, 09 Jun 2006 10:34:26 +0200 <p>It's BB nomination time and I'm so hoping that Sam gets put up for eviction and the public kick her out. I mean it's bad enough that she's disgracing Scotland almost as well as Shahbaz did but she's also from my own hometown!!! </p> <p>On a side point I have figured out why people watch BB. It's pure voyeurism. We love to watch people under the spotlight, interacting with each other, whether through romance, sex, or arguing and fighting. Also I think there might be within most of us a desire to be in the house! </p> <p>Whatever the case it certainly isn't putting up a good advertisement for the human species as trustworthy, loyal individuals. </p> <p>Still, I'll keep watching <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/big_brother_nomination_time~855272/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/big_brother_nomination_time~855272/Mon, 05 Jun 2006 14:56:27 +0200 <p> I am Matt, a 38 year old man who lives in Scotland. I am married and have two sons, am currently unemployed and have a whole range of interests, which include, chess, snooker, debating, logic, philosophy, religions and their history, the internet, reading, movies and a whole heap of other things that no doubt will come out in my blog. </p> <p> I started this because I have a lot to say about the world we live in, about the people in it, and about my perspective and life in that world with those people. Also, I have a whole load of ideas that I want to put out into cyberspace to have tried and tested and also to hear what other people have to say and what they do. </p> <p> All in all I hope it will be a productive experience that will lead me into new experiences and that I will learn more about me, about the world and about the people in it, in perhaps a more positive way than my experience up to now tends to suggest is the norm. </p> <p> Anyway, enough for an introduction. Anything you want to know, or ask or say just let me know and if I can oblige, I will. </p> <p>Enjoy </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/introduction~854697/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://scotsmanmatt.blog.co.uk/2006/06/05/introduction~854697/Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:42:23 +0200