Talk to your partner

Spend some time learning these and repeating them to a loved one. Language matters little - it is the thought that counts. For translation - see the final one.

Afrikaans - Ek is lief vir jou

1. Albanian - te dua
2. Alentejano (Portugal) - Gosto De Ti, Porra!
3. Alsacien (Elsass) - Ich hoan dich gear
4. Amharic (Aethio.) - Afekrishalehou
5. Arabic - Ana Ahebak / Ana Bahibak
6. Armenian - yes kez shat em siroom
7. Assamese - Moi tomak bhal pau
8. Assyr - Az tha hijthmekem
9. Bahasa Malayu (Malaysia) - Saya cinta mu
10. Bambara - M'bi fe
11. Bangla - Ami tomakay bala basi
12. Bangladeschi - Ami tomake walobashi
13. Basque - Nere maitea
14. Batak - Holong rohangku di ho
15. Bavarian - tuI mog di
16. Belarusian - Ya tabe kahayu
17. Bengali - Ami tomake bhalobashi
18. Berber - Lakh tirikh
19. Bicol - Namumutan ta ka
20. Bisaya - Nahigugma ako kanimo
21. Bolivian Quechua - Qanta munani
22. Bosnian - Ja te volim (formally) or volim-te Turkish seni seviyorum
23. Bulgarian - As te obicham
24. Bulgarian - Obicham te
25. Burmese - chit pa de
26. Cambodian (to the female) - bon saleng oun
27. Cambodian (to the male) - oun saleng bon
28. Canadian French - Je t'adore ("I love you")
29. Canadian French - Je t'aime ("I like you")
30. Catalan - T'estim (mallorcan)
31. Cebuano - Gihigugma ko ikaw
32. Chamoru (or Chamorro) - Hu guaiya hao
33. Cherokee - Tsi ge yu i
34. Cheyenne - Ne mohotatse
35. Chichewa - Ndimakukonda
36. Chickasaw - Chiholloli (first 'i' nasalized)
37. Chinese - Ngo oi ney a (Cantonese)
38. Chinese - Wuo ai nee (Mandarin)
39. Corsican - Ti tengu cara (to female)
40. Corsican - Ti tengu caru (to male)
41. Creol - Mi aime jou
42. Croatian - Volim te (used in common speech)
43. Czech - Miluji Te
44. Danish - Jeg elsker dig
45. Dutch - Ik hou van jou
46. Dutch - Jeg elsker dig
47. Ecuador Quechua - Canda munani
48. English - I love thee (used only in Christian context)
49. English - I love you

Living a commoners life

The scum red top papers are at it again. Prince Harry slides away from Sandhurst with friends and goes to - shock, horror, end of World - a lap dancing club. Cue strong moralistic waffle. "How dare he...."
The club was registered. They all have a No Touch rule. He didn't choose a dancer - his pals did. What sort of night out would any of us have felt it to be if we were unduly constrained by the presence of a Royal? Caught in a lap dance club? I might have been more censorious if he had been caught in a lap-dancer.
This man - he's 21 for goodness sake - will soon have to go out and get himself accepted by a body of men who all share the likelihood of sudden death in the service of their country. I'm sure his attendence at such places is not a plan but, for sure, will not do him any harm with the lads. For sure, more than reports of him coming out of some stuffy affair of state accompanied by a pain in the arse cleric. I bet his new step-mother will not be looking down her nose at him either.

Food for thought

I used to be a driver who could cover long distances in a short period of time. From Kent to Glasgow and back in a (long) day was OK by me and then there was the 900 miles in a day drive in America to get us from Texas to Arizona with the least 'lost and wasted' time.
That has all changed. My days of being sure of covering a long distance have gone. I sometimes need to ger Norma to take over just from home toBerwick - what is that, 18 miles or so. This may be due to disturbed sleep or to the reduction of oxygen because of my breathing problems.
Anyway - I am well aware of the signs when something has to be done. Not a lot of choice in where to stop for a coffee i.e. none. Having a sleep at the side of the road is also out of the question. Generally, all I need is to get out and walk about until the oygen levels adjust. I think.

Nothing new under the sun.

I rather like the association between two stories that are big in America.

Two big stories in my local newspaper. In one, scholars announce that they have turned up a 1,700-year-old "Gospel of Judas,'' in which Judas betrays Jesus only because that was what Jesus wanted. (I wonder if Judas told himself, "hey, come on, think of all my years in public service. Nobody's going to remember this one mistake."') In this version, he wasn't an arch-traitor; he was doing his duty to fulfill God's plan.

In the other story, I. Lewis Libby says he leaked classified information in 2003 only after President Bush authorized him to do it. In other words, we wasn't a renegade; he was doing his duty to fulfill Bush's plan.

These are, of course, pretty much the same story: Virtuous disciple says he hesitated to do wrong. But his chief, who takes direct guidance from God the Father, cleared it in advance.

Of course, there are important differences. If you believe the Gospel of Judas, Jesus directed that a crime be committed against His own person, for the good of the world, and for this command He suffered. If you believe the Gospel of Scooter, Bush directed that a crime be committed against others, and for this command, he will endure . . . what?

Judas, in the other Gospels, endured much, but Jesus certainly endured more. Libby, in the newspapers, has left public life and could go to jail. But Bush will likely serve out his term unimpeached and get his hagiographic library. In other words, unlike his favorite philosopher, Christ, Bush will sail on in vast carelessness (F. Scott Fitzgerald's wonderful phrase for the manner of the President's forebears), while the sheep in his flock are fed to the sacrificial fire. Progress?

Sounds right to me

Bring on iron fist

Apr 4, 2006

The prisons are full. The law-makers in Whitehall have decided the best way forward is to de-criminalise crime.

Under instructions being sent to all police forces, a range of 60 offences including some incidents of theft, assault, arson and burglary, can now be dealt with by a caution.

If we needed any proof that the lunatics have taken over the asylum, it comes in the "mitigating factors" police are being ordered to consider.

For example, a caution may be given in a theft "because of poverty or need"or if an assault is deemed to be impulsive rather than planned. This is a liar's charter.

The policy defies belief. These cautions are intended for first offences. The aim is to keep tens of thousands of offenders out of the courts and possibly out of the crime statistics.

But this state-sponsored leniency will be paid for in untold financial loss, terror and anguish among the victims of these fearless offenders.

The lesson of history is that the softer we are on crime, the more crime we get.

The most successful crime initiative in recent times was New York's "broken window" policy where the police and courts cracked down hard on minor cases of vandalism in order to nip criminality in the bud.

England is moving in the opposite direction, virtually ignoring some crimes and then wondering why our prisons are packed.

We demand tougher sentences, not soft options. And we are not alone.

The abduction and murder of a baby in Italy brought widespread calls at the weekend for the reintroduction of the death penalty there.

A majority of Britons, too, want a system where the punishment fits the crime.

All over Europe, bleeding-heart do-gooders are passing laws which make life safer for criminals and more dangerous for innocent, decent, law-abiding people.

Where are the politicians with the moral courage to say enough is enough?

The kid glove has failed. Bring on the iron first.

Generous gesture teaches a lesson

A fortune shared is a fortune well spent. After a spell in the doldrums, Marks & Spencer is heading for massive profits and will share £60 million among its employees.

And why not? Millionaire bosses and consultants may draw up the grand strategy of success but the people who make it work are the managers, sales assistants, checkout girls and shelf-stackers.

They put in the hours. They deserve a share of the spoils. And nothing is quite as welcome as a bonus in the wage packet.

Well done M&S. What a pity more firms don't do the same.

Pope Catholic, bears defecate in woods Pt II

Denis Donaldson. Photograph: Paul Faith/PA
Denis Donaldson, the former Sinn Fein official who spied for Britain for 20 years and whose mutilated body was found yesterday, had been warned his life was in danger.

The Irish prime minister, Bertie Ahern, today revealed that, in January, Irish police had become aware that Mr Donaldson was living in an isolated, run-down cottage in Glenties, Co Donegal.

Mr Ahern told the Irish parliament that Garda officers had visited the farm to advise the 56-year-old that his life was at risk. This must have been the deduction of the century - the crime awareness of the Garda never stops amazing me.

Back once more please!

The Grand Canyon of course. Desert View Tower to be specific.
Some sadist sent it to me today. Here it is cold and damp. Reminder of the Canyon was just what I needed.

Aged wisdom

Following talks on Tuesday night at Westminster, Mr Blair and Mr Cameron agreed to continue negotiations

People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices.
Adam Smith - The Wealth of Nations I.x.c.27 (Part II)

Supporting Tone

At a meeting of the Greater London Council yesterday, T Bliar revealed he would become patron of a London community sports club if 100 other public figures joined him in supporting other clubs.
I do not know if there is a community club that sponsors standing on the bed of the River Lea whilst supporting a heavy weight on one's head but that is the one I'd like to see him joining.
Actually, the weight is optional. From my rowing days I remember that the River Lea is quite toxic and that should do it.

Expert advice needed

I had posted this on a forum of mine. Tied in to the suspicion held by women that men cannot talk to them without looking at their breasts. I opined that this guy was doing a pretty good job of keeping a straight gaze under trying circumstances.
Where expert advice is needed is whether this is a straight shot or Photoshopped? I leaned towards digital manipulation but it seems the man has a bit of a raunchy reputation and could have found himself in this undignified situation.
At least it is less sick making than the images of Jack Straw getting close-up with Dr Rice!

Finish it NOW

Don't. Vote. Labour.

Blair has to go.

Collectively, Labour MPs, councillors, members and activists have the power to make this happen, and right now we have a unique opportunity to unite them.

If Tony Blair is still in power on Thursday 4th May 2006 - DON'T VOTE LABOUR in the 2006 Local Elections. Under any circumstances.

No arguments, no exceptions, no diversions into the long grass.

Contact your local Labour candidate(s) and explain WHY you plan to take this action.

The Backing Blair site has been refitted for the 2006 Local Elections, and there's a brand new video to help you spread the word:

Backing Blair VII - Don't Vote Labour

Go. Do. Enjoy.

Cheers all.

Apache worry

As I sat on the edge of the bed this morning, trying to decide which leg showed the greatest potential to go about it's days business, a phrase suddenly came into my head.

Apache Dance.

I had no idea why. I still do not know what caused this to liberate itself from my brain's disk drive and come to the fore i n this manner. Oh yes, I knew what an Apache Dance was. Way back in the early '50s (19 50s that is), there was only a limited amount of home grown entertainment for the TV schedules. Programmes were put on which had a strong continental European flavour and Apache Dancing figured large in these routines.

It was a strenous dance with a woman dressed in our idea of a Parisian gangsters moll. Tight black skirt with long slit, low cut white blouse and a cravatte-like scarf. Her male partner wore equally tight black trousers and the horizontally-striped shirt of blue and white. Oh yes - we had colour TV. The girl would act as if seeking forgiveness and try to get the man to dance with her but he rebuffed her advances - viciously. Things progressed that he did dance with her but in a violent and abusive manner. He quite often finished things by throwing her into a corner and shooting her. To us - veryexotic and foreign. Just as we imagined those dirty French people would carry on.

All day, I've had my brain trying to work out what was the point behind this journey back in time. I had not been doing anything else that was related to the '50s.

Oh well - all come out in the wash I suppose. But it is puzzling.

Five things! Is that all it takes?

Five things likely to make you happier in the short term

Tuesday, 26 July 2005

Here is my list of things to give you a short-term "hit" of happiness. Of course, these things won't solve your long-term problems, but they are useful tricks to giving yourself some relief when it all seems too much.

Each is virtually guaranteed to give you some satisfaction, but they won't work unless you try them. Sometimes, misery and depression can all become a bit too comfortable. Taking action, however minor, can appear like too much effort. It's so much easier just to hang around the house feeling bad, than doing something about it. At least with your misery, you know what to expect - and even better - it doesn't take any effort. Right?

Wrong.

So before you read my list, make a promise to yourself that you will do one of the below right now. The lazy, miserable part of your mind will almost certainly dismiss them as useless. It will try to suck your energy and glue you to the chair, bed or couch. No matter how much your internal pessimist tries to talk you out of it, pick one of the below and go and do it the very second you finish reading.

If you choose not to, it's time to admit to yourself that you prefer being miserable to being happy, and that is the root cause of your sadness.

Here's the list...

1. Go out for a walk
If there's one thing that's virtually guaranteed to make you feel better, it's going for a walk. Walking is one of the most therapeutic things any person can do. The fact that so few of us do it anymore is probably a big factor for the growth of professional therapy.

I'm not talking about power walking, or a jogging, or even purposeful marching. What I'm talking about is an aimless wander somewhere. Walking for its own sake. Do so for at least half an hour. You'll be amazed how much better it will make you feel.

Preferably, choose somewhere picturesque, such as a park or a beach or up to a hill with a view. Everyone has somewhere nice like that not more than a short drive away. But if you can't make it somewhere picturesque for whatever reason, just go for a walk nearby, even if that means through a suburb or an industrial area.

In fact, promise yourself that you'll take up walking as a regular habit. Spend at least an hour and a half a week doing it. If you can, replace short car journeys with walking. Take a little longer to get where you're going and put it down to health time - both mental and physical.

2. Do something fun that you haven't done in a long time
We all have regular activities that are supposed to be fun. The problem is that sometimes we overdo them. They become so integrated into our routine, that their ability to thrill us shrinks.

Nothing excites quite like something new. So go out and do something fun that you haven't done for a while, or even something that you haven't ever done before. It could be bowling, going to the cinema, playing mini-golf, having a swim in the ocean, going kayaking, learning to sail, having a barbecue or going for a picnic. The most important thing is that it's something that gets you out of the house and that it's fun, not work or self-improvement. Look on the web, in the newspaper, or a book of local activities if you can't come up with something.

Make a day of it. Take a friend if you can, but if not just go on your own.

3. Do something creative
We are creative beings. Among humanity's first achievements were artistic - painting in caves, telling stories, making music, preparing nice food. It is something so deep inside us that it forms part of our souls. There are so many creative things you can do, that it seems silly listing suggestions for you, but I'm going to anyway. Here are some creative acts you can undertake right now:

• Draw a picture.
• Create a story, if you've got children, tell it to them.
• Paint something.
• Do some woodwork.
• Knit something.
• Make some music.
• Write a poem.
• Make some pottery.
• Sculpt something with clay.
• Cook something delicious from a book of recipes.

If you're still short of something to do, go down to your local art and craft store and look for something, they have hundreds of options. Stock up on some of the tools and get going!

Don't worry if you're not good at what your doing, and don't get hung up on trying to do it perfectly. Enjoy yourself with it. If you find you're no good at it, laugh and amuse yourself with how hopeless you are at that activity. If you're drawing, and find your skills are lacking, try to draw the silliest picture you possibly can.

4. Complete some minor chore that you've been avoiding
Now I'm not going to pretend that you're going to enjoy the chore - you're probably not - chores are chores after all. But a chore completed can really help to put your mind at rest.

Tidying and cleaning a dirty room is no fun. But, the feeling of satisfaction and achievement that comes with looking at the result can really lift your spirit.

5. Get in contact with an old friend or acquaintance you haven't seen for a while
You've got their number or email address and you know you really should have contacted them by now. So do it already!

You may feel a little uncomfortable about it - perhaps you've been neglecting their friendship. But what the heck, just give them a call. Ask them out for a drink, invite them over for coffee, arrange to go to a movie with them. You can have a great time with old friends. The warmth of a friendship rekindled is a wonderful thing.

So there they are, my list of five things to give yourself a happiness hit right now. You promised me at the beginning you'd do one of them, so please don't disappoint.

Don't spend too long agonising over your decision for which either. I'm not asking you to buy a new car or anything requiring serious consideration like that. Pick the first one that pops to mind right now and do it.

The alternative is to sit there and remain miserable.

Go on - get going.

Aah. Isn't that nice!

Yes, I know I'm a saddo. I still reckon there is more to this than meets the eye.

Youth of today eh?

Red squirrels being chased out

I think this must be the John Wayne of the squirrel world.

In a way, I agree

This article - here in full as it is on a subscription site - gets itself classified along the lines of the comment about foxhunting of the unspeakable chasing the uneatable.
Here I see it as the idiotic condemning the irrelevant.

Islamic militants have issued a statement denouncing MP George Galloway
for appearing in Big Brother.

The Saved Sect, a group of followers of the banned radical preacher Omar Bakri Mohammad, criticises Galloway’s appearance in the TV series as hypocritical.

The text, titled "There is no dignity except in Islam", claims that Allah caused him to appear on the show in order to expose him.

It also describes people who voted for Galloway at the General Election as "non-Muslims".

"One wonders how voting for Respect is any different from voting for any other kufr (un-Islamic) democratic party, such as Labour or Conservatives, as they all have the same agenda, ultimately being a government which rules by their vain desires and evil ideology (democracy)," it reads.