Thoughts of the day every day in 2014

[Anthea]

I had such a relaxing day today

Tomorrow I will be back to the realities of life - or rather the realities of RSJs

Glulam - Wood - Steel

decisions decisions decisions

At last I have finally decided on which colours to use

I have discovered the secret of fairground rides - and how they always look so bright and colourful:

The original paintwork was done many years ago when they were first made - then many layers of clear vanish were added on top of that paintwork

Every year the top couple of layers of vanish are scrubbed away and fresh layers of vanish added

I see the logic and practically - it would cost a great deal of money to repaint all the intricate designs - will I use this knowledge in my new venture to keep the shop paintwork looking pristine - a definite maybe

[Anthea]

I had a lovely day Saturday - it was much cooler - it managed 26c so I did not melt

My freckles are coming out in the sunshine

I intend to have a relaxing weekend - I am going to switch my phones off again tomorrow

Monday I have to pull rabbits out of hats again

[Anthea]

Have YOU read US Petition to Support Kurdish Independence?

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petiti ... e/wk7K9SSp

VIEW IT - SIGN IT - SHARE IT

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petiti ... e/wk7K9SSp

This is YOUR chance to do something POSITIVE for KURDISTAN

[Anthea]

Now the Islamic State has taken over one of Iraq's dams this gives IS the ability to flood major cities.

Does anyone know how large an area of Iraq this effects?

[Anthea]

Having just looked at the latest video information - it appears that the Islamic State are now in a position to FLOOD Baghdad

What I fail to understand is why such an important place as the Mosul Dam was not one of the strongest protected.- by holding the dam the Islamic State now have far greater control over Iraq than they had through all their previous conquests combined

They could issue an ultimatum to the population that either it comes under the Islamic State's control or it could:

Stop the supply of electricity
Stop the water supply
Flood areas

Worst of all contaminate the water supply:

Killing vast numbers of people
Killing livestock
Destroying crops
Leaving land contaminated for years

To say that things have taken a turn for the worst is a frightening understatement

[Anthea]

Personally I think it is VERY unwise for the Islamic State to take on the Peshmerga

It was one thing for IS to take of the badly organised and heavily divided Iraqi army - and another to take on the well trained and experienced Peshmerga - they will find that the have bitten off more than they can chew

What do YOU think???

[Anthea]

Yesterday I converted a Kurdish friend - he is no longer Turkish - he is now a Kurd

He has not looked upon himself as being Kurdish for many years but after I sent him the petition to Support Kurdish Independence - he found his Kurdish roots and is sharing it with everyone he knows

There are to be a lot of confused Turks out there who are about to get a shock when they read their emails from him in the morning

[Anthea]

Call for Urgent Prevention of Human Tragedy in Sinjar Region

Sinjar (Shengal), a town considered sacred by Ezidi Kurds, has been occupied by ISIS gangs since the night of 2nd of August.
When the gangs entered the town of Sinjar and hung up their black flags, the people were fleeing for fear of massacre. The occupation of the town has displaced about 200,000 Ezidi Kurds.

While most of the people are fleeing towards Duhok, Zaxo, some tens of thousands of people are heading for the hills, particularly the Jabal mountains of Sinjar. However, while the tens of thousands of people in the Jabal mountains are protected by YPG forces (People's Protection Force of Rojava-Kurdistan), a humanitarian tragedy will follow surely, as they have no access to water and food.

The full story is excellent

BUT

The acconpanying photo is a LIE



This is a photo of the Syrian refugees taken last year

The Syrian refugee crisis has exploded from about 270,000 people a year ago to today’s tally of more than two million who have fled the country. The pace of the diaspora has been characterized by the United Nations as the worst since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. In addition, an estimated 4.25 million Syrians have been displaced within their country, bringing the total number forced into flight to more than six million.

These are 2 terrible tragedies and the details should NOT be mixed up as this only adds even more confusion to already fast changing and confusing situations:

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013 ... .html?_r=0

[Anthea]

I have many friends in Kurdistan

Many of my ex-students have returned to Kurdistan

ALL are now at risk along with the MILLIONS of other Kurds there

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petiti ... e/wk7K9SSp

The people of KURDISTAN need OUR help and support

Kurdistan URGENTLY needs American support

Sign the petition and get everyone you know to sign it and share it with their friends

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petiti ... e/wk7K9SSp

All people signing the petition are helping to save Kurdish lives

[Anthea]

I sleep not
I write words
Yet there are not the words to write
How to express the pain and suffering
of a million breaking hearts
I am speechless
Words are not enough
Perhaps a few hours sleep
But what of those who fear to sleep
lest IS should make the sleep an endless one
So close to Independence
Now Kurdistan will fight to survive
It's people fight to stay alive

[Anthea]

Many of the American people will not be happy that Obama has decided to intervene in Iraq

The petition is important because it is asking the Obama Administration to support Kurdish Independence

and states that the support of Kurdistan is for the betterment of the region and the world

We at Roj Bash Kurdistan also believe that to be the case

We know that Kurds are by nature a warm friendly caring people

Kurdistan is probably the safest place in the Middle East

Within Kurdish borders many different cultures and religions live side by side

in peace - harmony and friendship

Kurdistan is an example of how people should live together

with tolerance goodwill and respect

Kurdistan MUST survive

[Anthea]

100,809 signatures

Onwards and upwards

Hopefully a lot further upwards with YOUR support

The news is still bad with the Islamic State only 20 miles from Erbil

WE must ALL PRAY that they get no closer

The most worrying things now is the threat from within Erbil itself

Kurdistan out of kindness took it large numbers of Arab refugees

there is now a VERY REAL fear that some of them are supporters of the Islamic State

There is already unrest on the streets of Erbil

how long will it be before that unrest becomes violent conflict

It would only need for one serious incident to take place

and the entire Kurdish population will turn against anyone Arabic

[Anthea]

Is there a coup taking place in Baghdad?

Maliki appears to be refusing to leave office and has now surrounded himself with troops - who in my mind - are needed to fight the Islamic State and protect the people of Iraq NOT Maliki

It does look rather as though a coup is taking place - because Maliki is most definitely attempting to remain in office and is desirous of continuing with his predominantly Shite government despite the many requests from both inside and outside Iraq - for the Iraqi government to become much more inclusive

There are also unconfirmed rumours that Maliki has surrounded Masum's office with tanks

At present there is very little actual truth coming out of Iraq - the internet is full of lies rumours and propaganda - we will have to wait and see if the current rumours about Maliki's taking control are true

[Piling]

The guards round Fuad Massum's house are his owns.

Now he has just to designate Haydar Al Abadi as PM. But Maliki still claims it is illegal. Let's wait if he refuses to leave the place.

[Anthea]

The guards round Fuad Massum's house are his owns.

Now he has just to designate Haydar Al Abadi as PM. But Maliki still claims it is illegal. Let's wait if he refuses to leave the place.

WHAT WHAT WHAT

Is Fuad Massum now the new PM???

Not suprised he has to have guards to protect him from Mad Maliki