My scroll ... December 2012

“History, whether bad or good, should not be forgotten.”

December 1

60 day old [bread]*Crocs physical [cracking]*8K [TV].Brussels Christmas [tree].Turner Prize [entries]

December 2

[We're][ so][Happy][for][Will and Kate] and [baby/s?] :-) *** [No 10] [Christmas] [tree]


December 5

PM to editors: Sort it [out]*French [reproduction].Pregnancy's morning [sickness].Water [babies]*Schools cut career [advice]*Mega in [Dubai]*Chinese web [dining]


December 7

Mursi will not [tolorate] [violence]*Brotherhood's HQs [torched]* Passport, a political [statement]*Nasa'a [Earth] at [night]*Monty the driver [dog]


December 8

Olympics [spirit] for [Christmas]*[Germanising] [Britain]*Origami [house]*[Planescapes].Cave [Art]*Women's sixth [sense]*[Meerkats]. A week with the [Telegraph]


December 9

Churchill's enthusiasm for [Europe]*[Patrick] [Moore] [RIP]*Banks [push]*Coral [reefs]*Fire [ball].Burj Khalifa [struck] by lightening*[Egguality]


December 10

University personal [statement].Childcare [change]*Porcupine [needles].Invisible [soldiers]*World's biggest [cities]*Christmas [home]


November 12

Look new democracies: British PM under the spot [light]*[PM] [DNA] plan.No change on Britain's drugs [policy]. Shale [gas]*Ban Helium [baloons]?*Bear [play]


December 14

HRH in[The][Bank]*[The][Euro][zone][banks][in][union].[Airbus] for [jobs]*UK online [universities]*Vitamin D for [health]* Courses for [dogs]


December 15

Our hearts go to our American brothers and sisters who lost a loved one in this sad incident



December 18

An Imperial [win]*Mayan [apocalypse].[Lost][world].Chasing [ice]Doctor's [new] [contract]**Instagram [London].Fat [duck]*Christmas [lights]


December 20

The Queen visits [No10]*[Obama]:Britain weaker without [EU]*Learning [languages].The Higgs going all [dark]*[The][Nutcracker]*Been to [Everest]?


December 21

DC keeping children [safe].[PM's][in][surprise][visit][to][Afganistan]*The maths of [juggling]*World's must [see]*Mayan [misunderstanding]*One wild [tiger].Dog faking [death]


December 22

[PM] in [Oman]*Pope: Future of [mankind] at [stake]*On classical [music]*Money [bar]*Top [spot]*Traffic [cop]*Father [hedgehog]


December 23

Poetry for [dementia]*Antarctic back on [track]*Turkey's [wonders]*Share your [photos]*i [finch]*Donkey [hat]*Christmas [dinner]


December 25

PM Christmas[message]*Tracking [Santa]*[Christmas] in [Bethlehem]*Brainy [sight]*Underground poster [Art]. [Ausssterity]*China [ice]


December 26

It was worth every [penny]*Kindness helps [business]*Punjabi Christmas [song]*Top Christmas [films]*A healthy Christmas [dinner]*Life on [hold]*Egg shell [art]


December 27

Graphine, the[super][material]*Scan sorts dementia by [type]. Spices for [health]*Beyond the solar [system]*Returning online [shopping]*Bullet proof [backpack]


December 28

PM:We need to [help] the [poorest].DC [wins] a [medal] on [endurance] [course:]*Obama to hold fiscal [cliff] [talks]*Learn 100 [things]*[2012] and a [quiz]*[Caterpillars]


December 29

[Obama] modestly optimistic on [fiscal][cliff]*Higgs [honoured].UK in [space].Year of touch [screen]*A year of [Sussex]*Water [droplets]


December 30

[PM's] New [Year] [Message]*A space message of [Hope].Star [struck]*Word of the year [2012]*[Animals]

We have differentiation from other communities. Our history is the critical differentiation. We should be out shouting it from the roof tops - we are an historic community. We are a real town

 

Along The Nile ...

We journey up the storied Nile;

The timeless water seems to smile;
The slow and swarthy boatman sings;
The dahabëah spreads her wings;
We catch the breeze and sail away,
Along the dawning of the day,
Along the East, wherein the morn
Of life and truth was gladly born.

We sail along the past, and see
Great Thebes with Karnak at her knee.
To Isis and Osiris rise
The prayers and smoke of sacrifice.
'Mid rites of priests and pomp of kings
Again the seated Memnon sings.
We watch the palms along the shore,
And dream of what is here no more.

The gliding Cleopatran Nile,
With glossy windings, mile on mile,
Suggests the asp: in coils compact
It hisses--at the cataract.
Thence on again we sail, and strand
Upon the yellow Nubian sand,
Near Aboo Simbel's rock-hewn fane,
Which smiles at time with calm disdain.

Who cut the stone joy none can tell;
He did his work, like Nature, well.
At one with Nature, godlike, these
Bland faces of great Rameses.
'T is seemly that the noble mind
Somewhat of permanence may find,
Whereon with patience, may be wrought
A clear expression of its thought.

The artist labors while he may,
But finds at best too brief the day;
And, tho' his works outlast the time
And nation that they make sublime,
He feels and sees that Nature knows
Nothing of time in what she does,
But has a leisure infinite
Wherein to do her work aright.

The Nile of virtue overflows
The fruitful lands through which it goes.
It little cares for smile or slight,
But in its deeds takes sole delight,
And in them puts its highest sense,
Unmindful of the recompense;
Contented calmly to pursue
Whatever work it finds to do.

Howadji, with sweet dreams full fraught,
We trace this Nile through human thought.
Remains of ancient grandeur stand
Along the shores on either hand.
Like pyramids, against the skies
Loom up the old philosophies,
And the Greek king, who wandered long,
Smiles from uncrumbling rock of song.

Henry Abbey

No idea if there is a Big Party for everybody, young an' old,  in the Big square for New Year or not, But I can't keep away, so I am off ...

Winter in Cairo and summer in London ... wot luxury!

Ah well, someone has to do it ....





... and if it looks like an ad, feels like an ad, then it must be an ad ... and it IS an ad! 

 ... and if Henry Abbey couldn't, can you keep away?! No, of course not ...

Soooo, see you soon in Cairo everybody, or Luxor, or Aswan, Hurgadah maybe? Or Sharm El Sheikh? Marsa Alam, Alexandria or even Suez ... or ...

Come to EGYPT anyway and we can sort that out later .... 

 :-)


Nile [cruise]

Henri 5 :-)

Or 'enri cinq. I hope you like him and his friends. He says he didn't 'ave a good Christmas, but don't you believe it! Watch the film ...

... and that's how you teach a foreign language to bi-lingual standard to young kids too. You make them relate the language to a pleasurable feeling. Either in a 'see it, hear it' or just 'hear it' alone, like in a nice song and the lyrics written on a piece of paper to read and learn while listening. I used to start them on films like this one as soon as they could watch, or only a few months old - as for hearing a foreign song, you start that from birth. You'd be surprised how quickly children learn a language or two this way and love it forever too. They also become always interested in learning more languages as they grow older. True

Relating learning a language to music and or a nice visual works for adults as well, try it.

I hope you like 'enri 5, il est manifique! ... did I spell that right? Oh, and there is 'enri 1, 2, 3, 4 on youtube too ...

Of course, as always, the BBC comes tops when it comes to learning  ...

Brilliant stuff! :-)

 ... et nnnoo, 'ee's not 'enrii ... but 'ee will do ....


Speaking two languages from childhood keeps brain in good shape as we [age]

A party for Egypt ...

Because of all the divisions and the resulting political instability, Standard and Poores have downgraded Egypt from a B to a B- with a negative future outlook.

Hey Egyptians, the need to UNITE is now a MUST! ... and you need to show that unity to the world too if you want that rating to go up again quick ... and get a bit more 'trust' all around too ...

By the way, Is there a Tahrir Square New Year party this year?

I hope there is, this would really help ... brilliant party it was last year though I wasn't there, but I won't miss it this year if there is one ...

Only five days left? So what?! I bet the Egyptians can fix a party it in two, and where there is a will, there 'definitely' is always a way!

Just like last year, nearly no cost Big Party for 'everybody' ... we already have the huge Cairo square, so,  all you need is a few volunteer singers, musicians and artists. I'm sure they would race to volunteer if they just hear about it, even recorded music and some party lights will do. And the stands and all the electrics are already there, a few army tanks and soldiers for security and to help the police, and to join in the party too ... and lots of people, from all 'sides', happily celebrating the new year 'together' ... just tell the people on TV, even on the day and that's enough to fill the square ... mind you the day before would be better to give the world notice of the happy ending to the 'Soap' ... a Big Party ... and make it LOOOOUD!

It will do wonders to you all, not just to change that gloomy mood but help bring back this much desired  unity, and helps dispel some of the fear of Islamism v liberalism too ... Besides,  it will do wonders to your credit rating and general outlook too ... All overnight! And no advertising costs either ... since the whole world is already watching!

A winner all round!

What an opportunity! Eh, Dr Morsi?! Dear brother ... Give us 'All' a Big Party, just like last year, please ... good for your rating too, either internal or external :-)

And ...

Sister, if you don't mind me, I won't mind you here, would not miss this year's 'together' party even if she has to walk it, you know! ... cos I am spontaneous like that, I wouldn't miss a Big Party in 'The' square for anything, noooo way! I am sure everybody in Egypt would love a party too

I hope Dr Baradei, Mr Musa and Mr Sabahi are listening, and would attend, if there is a party ... call it 'Reconciliation and Unity Party'  ... and let's show what the Egyptians people are like to the world again! ... I bet the tourists would be watching too ...

It's all about 'image' and who presents the Biggest and Best show, you know ... but, YOU, will mean it too ... to keep the resulting 'trust' ....

Let's hope


It was worth every penny [click]
Pound devaluation [fears]
Three banks [downgraded]
Crunch [looms]
Egypt far from bankruptcy, says [government]
President Morsi's speech celebrating the passage of new constitution [Arabic]
President's deputy [resigned], new constitution does not allow for [replacement]
Salvation front to democratically seek [amendments] to new [constitution]
Obama picks Mohamed [El Erian] for Global [development]
Egypt talks to reshuffle [cabinet] president calls for [dialogue]
Fiscal [cliff]: Like lemmings, the Americans seem hell bent on leaping off an economic [cliff]
Dr Morsi: The future is bright despite [difficulties]
IMF welcomes [currency][restrictions]

Season's greetings ... :-)

In your light

I learn how to love

In your beauty

How to make poems

You dance

Inside my chest

Where no one sees you

But I sometimes do

And that sight

Becomes this art

Rumi

Wishing you a Joyous Christmas

:-)

Christmas [message]: The [Queen]
[PM]Christmas[message]

Top Christmas [films]

Egypt: Time for dialogue

Egypt has problems, political, but more in focus now, economic.But fighting each other is NOT the answer, calling each other names, you know, infidel and traitor and all that unwarranted, untrue, and uncalled for trashing, is NOT the answer, standing against each other with stones, pullets and 'swords' is 'most definitely' NOT the answer ... @@

The answer now is, simply, 'Dialogue'; to talk 'together'! The president, the administration AND the opposition

"Morsy and his remaining Cabinet have paid little attention to critiques of the document so far, which experts say is a bad sign for any future cooperation over amending the document after its ratification. Instead, the president and his supporters have brushed off commentary, imploring for the country’s need of political and economic stability.

He has said the draft constitution should be passed by this week’s popular referendum to help the country stabilize and allow for a return in investment and economic growth."

All Egyptians now want an end to that unprecedented turmoil and a return to stability and prosperity for Egypt, myself included. All Egyptians now, instead of all the shouting, want to concentrate on pushing the economy forward from it's current stagnant stop to avert a possible disaster and to ensure a fair and dignified living for all.  Only stability will never return unless Egypt returns to an Egypt for 'All' Egyptians. That so long as any segment of society is feeling marginalised or excluded, which many still feel is the case now with all the anger still remaining, that stability will be fragile, hence, very likely to break again and again until all the current concerns are addressed. That without doing so, there will be a continuous hurt to all endeavours to help the economic recovery.  Therefore, it is best that this healing needs to be done now and in a calm manner, rather than have her subjected to any further turmoil. Not forgetting the cost of confrontation whether human or financial on an already tired country  too.

The civility of any group of people is judged by their diversity and culture. Of the latter, Egypt is a proud first. Then, the more diverse a society is, the more civilised it is as a rule of thumb.  Egypt's has been a beacon of civilisation for thousands of years now. Mentioned on numerous occasions and more than any other land in all  the holy books. Egypt was destined right from the start for this diversity and the resulting civility. Hence, that latest episode of what looked to the world like a rough and freebie daily soap opera did indeed harm that milliennia long reputation for civility. Not only that, but all those involved, on all 'sides', now realise that it will never be the case that her people, being also her Guardians as per all the scripture, can and will ever accept a change to that inheritance nor allow a blinkered approach that would threaten that very civility now. As for 'sides', in a healthy democracy, you do have that political  previlage, but never when it comes to the customary social cohesion for that should always be a red line to all.

This togetherness and unity is also a vital component for economic success. Hence, this civility and inclusivity Must always be sought and maintained through 'dialogue' rather than stones, and for the leadership to respond more positively to avoid confrontations.  That same communication needs also be the pillar of in every social endeavour including and above all, in education which does needs urgent  discussing now. I understand the new constitution wants to 'Arabise' the study and practice of the sciences in Egypt! I think that's clause 12 of the new proposed constition though I am not so sure, but I heard A female Dr something say that on Egyptian TV. She was a member of the Constitutional assembly and explained that during the middle ages, the sciences were taught and practiced in Arabic and that the world came to us for that excellence in teaching then and will return when the sciences are taught and practised in Arabic again. Forgetting that the world came then because we were good at the sciences then, but we're not the best now, and so, it's Egyptians that need to venture out more and not the opposite! And that's what Egyptians need to do; strive to advance or as The Lord instructed us to do, to READ, in any subject, and in any tongue, for what you seek is 'knowledge' to help you advance, better yourself and yours as well as contribute. That's also while the whole world is gearing towards global cooperation, hence, the majority of countries are now operating in English, exchanging information in English, widening scientific horizons by setting up teaching establishments in each other's lands for the same purpose, in English - and for the sake of advancement in scientific research too, the majority of which is done 'In English'.  When asked how she envisages doing that Arabisation, she said that those currently studying medicine, for example, will be allowed to continue in English, but new entrants to medicine will be taught in Arabic ... and how will the two then  communicate doctor to doctor afterwards?! No mention, but I dread to think of the consequences of the lack of communication for the patients first and foremost, and on scientific research too!

Science is the future and all Egyptians want to be part of that future, so please reconsider. To be honest, I can't even see how the sciences, let alone the science and application of IT, for example,  can be Arabised at all! Or, what about the English speaking and other foreign institutions who have already set up successful endeavours such as schools and universities in Egypt? Do those lock up shop and go?! Not forgetting the lost scientific opportunity and it's benefits for the advancement of those Egyptians those establishments of repute cater for. One has to also consider the harm to that very now suffering economy and the terrible consequences for Egypt's global scientific, and otherwise, reputation too if those institutions were made to stop! Again, and in time of a trend towards globalisation and mutual cooperation, please reconsider ...

Then there is a few political strings that needs tying while Egypt attends to the economy. The  president issued a decree that was regarded as unfair, but it was a good and promising sign that he was flexible enough to retract it again for the sake of the many people who voiced legitimate concern. He stated that he couldn't postpone the constitutional referendum because of a legal deadline, fair enough. The referendum is now done as the president wanted and, as expected, will result in a 'yes' vote ... but then the anger remains everywhere. The reason I sincerely hope the administration in Egypt will now realise the need for more flexibility to address the many disputed issues like that of eduction, for but an example. That a constitution, any constitution, is made for the welfare of 'all' it's people and hence, is NOT set in stone. That, for the sake of the desired and much needed peace, it can, and there should be,  a constant endeavour to better and tweek until suited regardless of the time that takes. That it will be ALWAYS amended or even changed altogether to suit 'everybody' as you go along and rebuild the country - or there will never be that much needed stability. 

For that, all parties need to calm down and start cooperating, and for the administration who happens to have the upper hand by virtue of being in power, to allow 'everyone' to have an 'equal' say as well as an equal input in how to amend said constitution as well as in how the country is governed and be included in that process too. Yesterday, for example, The Shura Council was augmented by Dr Mursi; 90 more names were added and 75% of which are non Islamist, but then the total overall is 279 members now, the rest being mostly Islamist, meaning a roughly 3-1 majority. 

If only for the very reason that the currently dire economic position will NOT change unless everybody cooperates to move forward under a fair umbrella Each and every Egyptian, more so those holding the reins, need to think 'Egypt First', and not me or what 'I' want first. For the good of all, sometimes it is necessary for each and everyone of us everywhere to say 'I do not matter' this time and feel it too -  to protect, 'unconditionally' and without expecting reward, for that reward is in the upholding of the well being of the whole of society, ie, the civility and prosperity of Egypt, and her reputation. That,  to every Egyptian,  should now matter the most.  

To do that,  think 'Egypt', that she was put in the hands of her people for 'safe keep', why it is only 'you' Egyptians who can redeem her. Think as the 'Guardians' you were always meant to be, then get your heads 'together', and work 'together' for 'a return to peace - and with that a return to 'investment and economic growth' as well as political stability, hence a return to prosperity, for EGYPT,  your mother, and mother of 'life on Earth'! 

Time to tell her: "Mum, it's not about me now, it's about 'you'; your prosperity, your welfare, your reputation,  you EGYPT is more important now, and that's what matters most to me"

They're making 'kahk' in this video ...

بلدنا امانة فادينا

Baladna amana f edina

Our country is in our hands for safe keep

 نعليها مدام عيشين

Ne'aliha madam aysheen

To endeavour to move her upwards 

For as long as we live

 نعيش فيها سنين و سنين و احنا مطمنين

Ne'eesh fiha seneen w seneen wehna metameneen

To live on her land, 

Peaceful and secure, for years and years

 مشربتش من نيلها

Ma shrebtish men Nilha

Haven't you drunk the water from her Nile?

 طب جربت تغنيلها

Tab garabt te'ghani lha

Or, have you tried singing to her?

 جربت فعز متحزن تمشي فشوارعها و تشكيلها

Garabt f ez ma tehzan temshi fi shwar'eha w teshkilha

And if you're feeling down, 

Did you try walking around her streets for comfort

 ممشتش فضواحيها

Ma meshtesh f dawahiha

Did you not walk her suburbs

 طيب مكبرتش فيها

Tayeb makebertsh fiha

Or, have you not grown up on her land?

 و لا ليك صورة عالرملة كانت عالشط في موانيها

wala leek soura alramla kant alshat f mawaneeha

Don't you have a photo sitting on the sand

 on her beaches?

 دور جواك تلقاها هي الصحبة و هي الاهل

Dawar gwak tel'aha hia elsohba wheya el'ahl

Look inside you, she's your friend, and family

 عشرة بلدي بتبقى

Eshret baladi betb'a

Her companionship remains 

 نسيانها عالبال مش سهل

Nessyanha albal mosh sahl

Never easy to forget

 يمكن ناسي لانك فيها

Yemken nassi l'enak feeha

Maybe you're now forgetful 

because you're on her land

 مش وحشاك و لا غبت عليها

Mesh wahshak wala ghbt aleeha

You don't miss her because you've not been away

 بس اللي مجرب و فرقها

Bass elly megarab w fare'aha

But for those who have experienced leaving her

 قال فالدنيا مفيش بعديها

Aal fedonia mafeesh ba'adeeha

They say there is nothing like her

 ان غبت بحنلها

En ghebt bahen elha

I miss her when I am away

 و انسى الدنيا و اجيلها

Wanssa eldonia wageelha

Forget the world and return

 و ان جيت انسى تفكرني

Wen geet anssa tefakarni

And if I am about to forget, she reminds me

 بمليون ذكرى القلب شيلها

Bemellioun zekra el alb shaylha

With a million memory living in my heart

 غالية بلدنا علينا

Ghalya baladna aleena

Our country is dear to us

 و هتفضل فعنينا

W hatefdal f eneena

And will always be in our eyes

 و مدام بنحب بلدنا تبقى هتتغير بادينا

Wemadam benheb baladna teb'a ha tetghayar beena

And so long as we love her, 

our hands will strive to change her [for the better]

 احنا اللي نعليها بادينا نخليها

Ehna elly n'aleeha b'edaina nekhaleeha

We were entrusted to forever raise her, 

and with our hands to make her ...

 اجمل لينا و لولدنا مهما العمر يعدي علينا

Agmal leena w leladna mahma el omr y'adi aleena

More beautiful for us and our children,

 and so long as we live 

Time not just to sing it, but to love Egypt, to let her live inside every Egyptian - inside, or out ...

Let's hope this image below will be a thing of the past soon.

Peace


WOT?! The sciences are not going to be [Arabised]?! :-)
Artists v Islamists [click]ialogue, no unsubstantial amendments to elections [law]
NSF to participate in [dialogue]
IMF welcomes [currency][restrictions]

Prime Minister's Questions .. 19 December 2012

Question-by-question guide

• Arctic Convoy medal
• Afghanistan drawdown
• Food banks 
• Taxation and budget deficit 
• Metropolitan Police
• Child poverty and the economy
• Green spaces in urban areas
• Disability benefits
• Record employment numbers
• Disability and welfare
• Immigration from EU countries
• Universal credit
• UK citizen jailed in Cuba
• Household energy
• NHS spending
• Young homeless ‘parliament’
• Helicopter service to Isles of Scilly
• Banking fraud
• Dementia care by Warwickshire County Council
• Hunting with dogs
• Benefit reform
• Christmas TV viewing 
• Banking reform
• VAT on Hillsborough charity single
• UK economy 
• Fuel poverty