@Wen@mastodon.scot avatar

Wen

@Wen@mastodon.scot

I am a climber, runner, cyclist and swimmer. In between that I run a small (but perfectly formed) analytics company, splitting my time between Edinburgh, The Highlands and The Borders, campaign for Scottish independence, bake bread and occasionally dabble in bad art.

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Wen, to random
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Julian Assange’s moment of truth has arrived – and the stakes are high

is a arse () and a self important one. Selective revelations were misguided and damaging to all. BUT amongst WikiLeaks material, 'These revealed details of US activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, including attacks on civilians. They also revealed details of the US treatment of prisoners in Guantánamo Bay’

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/feb/18/julian-assanges-moment-of-truth-has-arrived-and-the-stakes-are-high

We can not allow US hubris and indignation to rule us.

Wen, to journalism
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Julian Assange could be freed as US prosecutors ‘consider lesser charges’

http://archive.today/dekgZ (archived article, no paywall)

From The Times. I will believe it when I see it. This has gone on too long. I have no respect for much of Assange's behaviour and subsequent stupidity, but this has clearly been a malicious and dangerous prosecution/rendition with dangerous precedents for journalism and freedom of speech.

Wen, to coffee
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Can I say I f***g well approve and will continue to insist on a Black Coffee no matter what the confusion that causes behind the counter

Wen, to disability
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Rishi Sunak to strip GPs of right to sign people off sick

http://archive.today/2024.04.19-062257/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rishi-sunak-gps-sign-people-off-sick-ill-rr353jstv

GPs face being stripped of the right to issue sick notes, as the prime minister says doctors are too readily writing people off as unfit for work. Specialist teams linked to the benefits system will instead assess the sick and decide how best to keep them in work.

Be afraid, very afraid. Those will be the same private companies who have already stripped benefits with no due concern.

Wen, to running
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Morning run.

A lovely day, bright but a bitter northerly breeze. We ran along the road before climbing up to Fatlips Castle and from there cross country to Minto, over the Mintos and back along the old Borders railway. Damp, but relaxing. 24.5k, lots of climbing.

And better still, partner has been out for some emergency this morning, so we’ll meet in St. Boswells later this afternoon and get out along the Tweed. And a coffee. 🥳

#running #DogsOfMastodon #Collie #ScottishBorders

Wen, to Iceland
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Last Christmas in Iceland

Unfortunately we will not be working for a few months at least in Iceland - our small house is being lent to a family who have had to move because of volcanic activity and it really is not very big! But if you get the chance, it is a wonderful place to be.

And yes, a wetuit is not necessary if you choose the right pool.

Swimming in a warm(ish) pond about 20k outside of the capital.

Wen, to random
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Queen or Queen Consort? Inside the debate over Camilla’s title

http://archive.today/2024.05.03-185806/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/camilla-queen-consort-royal-role-title-xl9gc2zjh
We have a poverty and health crisis, we are going to be stuffed on the environment (having stuffed it), by this is the ‘news' being offered to placate the plebs. And we bloody pay for this charade.

It beggars belief. If people wish to be courtiers, then fine - on your own money and in your own time - that goes for the ‘Royal’ Family.
ps. Caption: Does my Arse look big in this

Wen, to UKpolitics
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Demonstration in London calling for ceasefire

The National reported ‘up to 250,000' to attend. Obviously that is pre emptive and we will need to count. BUT the BBC and the Guardian (to take two sources) are not even mentioning it at 17.25. I wonder why?

https://www.thenational.scot/news/24126454.up-250-000-attend-london-protest-calling-gaza-ceasefire/

Wen, to Europe
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Labour disown alleged plans to rejoin EU customs union

https://www.thenational.scot/news/24240459.labour-deny-report-stating-rejoin-eu-customs-union/

It comes after a paper from political consultancy Eurasia Group cited “senior Labour insiders” as saying the party would seek to revive a high-alignment deal in a bid to boost economic growth, according to the Financial Times.

http://archive.today/jq0WG

Full on Tory Brexiteers.

Wen, to cycling
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Ministers to consult on doubling the legal wattage of electric bike motors

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/feb/29/ministers-to-consult-on-doubling-the-legal-wattage-of-electric-bike-motors

And what, call them motorcycles? If passed, this will not end well.

I’m very keen on e-bikes, I see older and less capable people riding them all the time and it increases the number of people on the roads cycling rather than driving. Apparently they have no plans at the moment to up the maximum powered speed.

#cycling #ebikes #UKPolitics

Wen, to running
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31st half marathon, 31 days

Pheeew. Made it on Sunday with a last run from Galashiels, up to Maigle Hill, Torwodlee Broch and return. The Broch is one of three in the Borders and is overlooked by one at last weekends run.

A gorgeous day and a stiff run 480 metres of climbing and steep with it. Slowest run of the month. 2 hrs 5 mins.

A fundraiser with two colleagues (one cycling, one swimming) for the Borders Food Banks.

Photo taking a water break by the masts at Meigle Hill, bright day with the Collie waiting to get going again
Photo The view down towards Gala, blue sky, the neighbouring Broch can just be made out in the distance
Photo The remains of Torwoddle Broch, ditch and what remains of walls. More obvious on the ground

Wen, to Scotland
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Silent Sunday

Banchory last summer, and yes it is a real rainbow

Wen, to random
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Whoever attached their bike (probably pricy given the look of the wheels) really should have paid attention to the frame 😳

Wen, (edited ) to random
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Morning Run

I don't normally take the dug on the half (bad on his joints) but here he can run alongside much of the way on the moor.

27.5k, tarmac and concrete (for me) over Shap Fell. Good temperature, no rain, fast time for me (1 hour 41 minutes). Photos in the light, and unaltered. All a wee bit monochrome. Spot the

Corrected for real time

Wen, to Scotland
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is in decline because of ’s independence obsession, says

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/mar/02/scotland-in-decline-because-snp-independence-obsession-michael-gove

I’m not going take this article seriously enough to critique the shite. But it’s interesting that the really can’t help itself. Coverage of the SNP conference cursory, but in an edition of the paper that also has a full article outlining Gove’s mendacity and incompetence they publish this. There will be no discussion.

Their Scottish correspondent has form.

Wen, to privacy
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Jacob Rees Mogg is wrong: Britons do want ID cards

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/06/would-id-cards-be-such-a-bad-thing-if-they-could-make-things-work-better

Martha Gill is ill informed. Many ‘Britons' are wary of the growing collection of unified data on every ‘citizen’ and the way, when combined with image recognition it can and undoubtedly will be misused my a malignant government (and we have had many, all trying to push the envelope).

Wen, to environment
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We just can’t help destroying the things that make the world special

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/deepwater-sharks-are-threatened-by-demand-for-liver-oil/

Deepwater Sharks Are Threatened by Demand for Liver Oil
One in seven species of deepwater sharks and rays is threatened with extinction because of the liver oil and meat trade and emerging fishing technologies that make it possible to catch deep-sea fishes.

Photo a pile of dead sharks, caption Landings of gulper sharks (Centrophorus spp.) at Burmanallah in India’s island of South Andaman

Wen, (edited ) to environment
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Seven reasons you need a new laptop – from advances in AI to better wifi

https://www.theguardian.com/meet-the-galaxy-squad/2024/feb/26/seven-reasons-you-need-a-new-laptop-from-advances-in-ai-to-better-wifi

Another ‘consume’ message from the Gruaniad. I can provide more why you probably don't need one. The main being cost, waste and the fact that with a little care, a modern laptop (say up to 10 years) can provide a good service for years to come. AI - not necessary for most, WiFi - can be boosted with a USB stick, batteries - replaced.
(from a 2009 MacBookPro)

Wen, to UKpolitics
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Suella Braverman says no time to oust Sunak so he must ‘own this and fix it’

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/may/05/suella-braverman-no-time-oust-rishi-sunak-tories-local-elections

No question about owning some of it it yourself Braverman you miserable excuse for a a human being?

At the same time she is definite that she is not looking to replace him, of course not, let the bloodbath occur and then attempt to rally the troops under her banner. I am sure Badenoch will have the same idea - if they get elected again.

Wen, to UKpolitics
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Nadhim : We were wrong to oust Boris

http://archive.today/2024.05.18-173553/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nadhim-zahawi-boris-johnson-pm-d5xk8w3ps

'In his first newspaper interview since leaving the cabinet, the former chancellor says the ex-PM was the ‘most consequential leader since Thatcher’ — and reveals his own biggest mistake in the tax scandal that led to his sacking’

They just don't get it do they? Worth a read to get confirmation of the bat shit stupidity, arrogance and greed that drive them.

Wen, (edited ) to random
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O’Brian may be a pain sometimes, but he provides a master class in arguing against extremists, in this case a Tory Councillor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrE2LeJqJHk

edited to correct the link.

Wen, (edited ) to cycling
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The trailer has finally given up the ghost, so it was a hard packing & piling return from the local town after my morning ride. Needless to say, everyone else was asleep, although the dug woke up to remind me that I needed to provide coffee PDQ in the bedroom and then take him out (again!)

Wen, to random
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Almost sums it up. Only a million or so left to go.

Wen, (edited ) to UKpolitics
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‘Middle-class lefties’ won’t stop Labour using private sector to cut NHS backlog, Streeting says

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/08/middle-class-lefties-wont-stop-labour-using-private-sector-to-cut-nhs-backlog-wes-streeting-says

I am getting there quickly. From Tofu eating wkerati to leftie middle class supporter of a properly funded NHS in on quick change of government (in London).

What a despicable arse that man is (£165,000 so far this year in donations from private health care).

Wen, to delhi
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Wales to change guidance on 20mph speed limits, transport minister says

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/20/wales-to-change-guidance-on-20mph-speed-limits-transport-minister-says

And the troglodytes win. With help from the media - Guardian INCLUDED. No one ever looks at the very successful roll out in the Scottish Borders (Conservative council). Grumbles maybe, but I know of no one who wants to go back from safer, more pleasant towns and villages. But what can you expect from a Starmerite?

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