Sunday, 16 February 2025

Week 7 of 2025


It is another nice cool morning with the temp being 19C, but we are looking at another hot one, just not as hot. My BGL was 5.1

This morning, I changed the sheets and doing so caused me to break out in a sweat, I also washed the ones that came off the bed and hung them over the clothes hoist.

The heat didn’t set in till around 1pm when I turned the air con on.

Steps: 5,824

It is another nice cool morning with the temp being 21C, it is only supposed to reach 24C today.

I sent Sue message at 8am and when she didn’t reply by 9.20am I sent her another text. I rang her at 9.50am as I still hadn’t heard from her and was concerned, she was still asleep, as she had a rough night.

Tim home for a few hours as no work between school runs.

It’s started to rain around midday, so when I went to meet Sam at 2pm I wore my rain poncho just in case but of course it didn’t. Although at 1.30pm it pissed down for about 5 minutes.

Didn’t need the air con on at all today.

Steps: 9,588    

It is another nice cool morning with a temp of only 19C. My BGL was 5.1

Last night I started having terrible pain in my left hip, making standing and walking difficult I am wondering if I have bursitis in the hip again. I made a doctor’s appointment for Monday at 9am if things don’t improve.

I can hear thunder as I sit here but so far, no rain, also some lightening.

By 7am it started to rain, and it is heavy rain, so I had Sam ask his mum to walk up and wait with her this morning.

Tim came home as his sporty was cancelled, due to the lightening.

I had a phone call from Audika they changed my appointment from Thursday till next Wednesday as the tech is still off sick.

Not much in the way of steps as I am resting my hip.

Steps: 1991

It is another nice cool morning with a temp of only 19C. My BGL was 5.1

I slept well enough, had some pain with the hip.

I went to print something, and I was out of ink and when I went to change the ink, I realised I had ordered the wrong of the ink. So, I have had to order more.

Something I ate this morning has made me feel yuck, and I haven’t felt good all day.

I have hang a couple of photos

I walked down to post some letters, and it was exhausting but I did it.

I really don’t feel well so I expect I will be having an early night.

Steps 3,400

It is another nice cool morning with a temp of 21C. My BGL was 5.0.

I am feeling better this morning and the pain in my hip has lessened.

My printer is still printing but only in colour.

By 1pm it was it was 29C and I had to turn the air con on.

I lent Blain $50 he needed money for his lactase and to buy his girlfriend flowers for Valentine’s Day.

Steps:2,094

NATASHA’S BIRTHDAY

It is another nice cool morning with a temp of 21C. My BGL was 5.0 and I have no pain in my hip.

I gave Natasha a pair of earrings that look like her cat as well as a small hanging ornament that also looks like her cat.

It got to 29C and I turned the air con on at 11am.

I still have no pain in my hip.

Steps:6,398                   

Another nice start to the day, I didn’t feel like getting up at 5am but after I had a shower I felt better. It is currently 21C and it is 6am.

Tim and I went to Mount Hutton, Tim to cash in some bottles and me to do some shopping, for the first time in years I wore shoes and after a couple of hours my feet started to hurt, and I was happy to get home and take them off.

I cancelled my doctor’s appointment for Monday as the pain in my hip has gone.

I woke after a couple of hours sleep thrashing about dreaming that I was driving. This caused the pain in my hip to return. I laid in bed for an hour but couldn’t settle again. So I got up for a bit.

 

 

 


Friday, 14 February 2025

Jordan's National Anthem

 


The Royal National Anthem is the national anthem of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The translated name literally means "Peace be upon the King of Jordan". As-salamu alaykum is the greeting in Arabic, therefore the name of the anthem can also be regarded as a Royal Salute.

In 1946, the National Anthem was written by the late Abdul Munim Rifai, a renowned Jordanian poet who later served as prime minister. Abdul Qader Tannir composed the music.

The first version of the lyrics was very short, as it only contained the first stanza of the current version.  Since then, the anthem has been expanded. The abridged version of the anthem is usually used, while the full version is reserved for special occasions.

The lyrics are below.

 

Long live the King!

Long live the King,

His rank exalted,

His flags flying high,

In sublimity.

 

We realised our aspirations,

When you regenerated for us

A renaissance that motivates us,

A renaissance that towers

Above the high, rising stars.

 

O King of the Arabs,

You are greatly honoured

By being a descendent of

The best Prophet,

A great lineage

That all major books spoke of.

 

The glorified youth

Are your devoted soldiers.

Their resolve will never subside

And die away,

Because from you,

They learn perseverance.

 

O King of the Arabs,

You are greatly honoured

By being a descendent of

The best Prophet,

A great lineage

That all major books spoke of.

 

May you always be

A light, a guide

And a master among people,

Delighted and exalted.

And under your flags,

The glory of the Arabs

Rises high.

 

O King of the Arabs,

You are greatly honoured

By being a descendent of

The best Prophet,

A great lineage

That all major books spoke of.

 

Thursday, 13 February 2025

Phossy Jaw


This week we are looking at an old condition, called Phossy jaw, also known as phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, was a fatal occupational disease that affected workers in match factories. It was caused by exposure to white phosphorus fumes.   The disease affected the poor the most.

I heard about this in the book I just read called Factory Girl which was about a young girl working in a match factory in London in 1888.

This condition, clinically known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, vanished until it recently reappeared in the 21st century. More about that later.


Back in the 19th century these were the Symptoms: 

  • Pain, swelling, and debilitation
  • Dental decay
  • Periostitis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Unbearable abscesses in the mouth
  • Facial disfigurement
  • Brain damage

The condition was so bad that it was an epidemic from 1858 to 1906, with around  11% of those exposed to phosphorus developing the disease.  The average period from first exposure to diagnosis was five years. It was fatal in about 20% of cases.

The prevention and treatment at the time consisted of the following:

  • Regulations were put in place in Germany, Norway, and Sweden to reduce exposure 
  • In the UK, manufacturers were required to inform the Medical Officer of Health of any jaw swelling or necrosis 
  • Antibiotics, oral analgesics, and mouthwashes are often effective treatments 

Other names: phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, an epidemic of osteonecrosis, and a gangrenous condition of the lower jawbone. 

Phossy jaw in the 21st century is now known as bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, or "bis-phossy jaw". It's a condition that causes jawbone necrosis, similar to the 19th century disease of the same name. 

It's now caused by exposure to Bisphosphonates which are a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis and some cancers. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption. Intravenous bisphosphonates are associated with a much higher risk of bis-phossy jaw than oral bisphosphonates.

Symptoms exposed bone in the mouth, pain, purulence, sequestration, and osteomyelitis. 

When it comes to prevention, patients taking bisphosphonates should inform their dental provider before receiving any dental care.

 

 


Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Forth Scratchley Newcastle's Big Gun

 



 This week we are looking at Fort Scratchley which is where the big guns of Newcastle are located. It was built in 1882 to defend the city against a possible Russian attack. 

However, its guns were not fired in anger until 8 June 1942, when the Japanese attacked Newcastle. Although they were only part of the defence of Newcastle, which included heavy guns at Fort Wallace and Shepherds Hill along with searchlights, radar stations and observation post.

At the time there were some Novocastrians who had mixed feelings about the guns, although during live firing exercises they would crowd the hill to watch the gunner’s blast away at make-shift targets towed behind tugs or other boats.

Because the vibration of the guns would break windows and shake crockery from the shelves residents were given noticed of exercises so they could put fragile goods in safe places.    


After World War II the fort was home to 13 Medium Coast Battery RAA, a unit of the National Service Scheme, which was renamed 113 Coast Battery RAA in the 1960s. The army left the site in November 1972.

The 6-in guns were relocated to King Edward Park, 1.3 km (0.8 mi) away, as a memorial. However, after extensive lobbying, they were returned to Fort Scratchley in 1978.

In the first decade of the 21st century the site underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and reopened as a museum.


In 2014, History show TV presenter Sir Tony Robinson visited the Fort to produce a segment for his show Tour of Duty  which was aired in 2015.

In 2015, the Fort's sole Nordenfelt gun was restored to fully functional condition and is fired on special occasions from its position in the underground casemate

Fort Scratchley is owned by the City of Newcastle (CN) and managed by volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society.

There is a guide at the gates who can give you a map to explore the Fort.

Visit the Parade and Ceremony Grounds, galleries and museum collections, learn about our historic guns, however, you cannot tour the tunnel.

Guided tunnel tours are led by passionate Fort Scratchley Historical Society volunteers with a wealth of knowledge and provide unique insight into the history of the site.

Individuals, families and groups of less than 12 people can purchase tickets at the Fort Scratchley shop. Schools, clubs or other social groups of 12 or more people should email booking requests through our contact page.


Unfortunately, due to the narrow stairs and hallways, the tour is unsuitable for wheelchairs, walkers, prams and strollers.

 There’s also a shop with ice creams and drinks, souvenirs and gifts.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Crab-eating fox

 


This is week we are looking at the crab-eat fox, also known as the forest dog, wood fox, bushfox or maikong, is an extant species of medium-sized canid endemic to the central part of South America since at least the Pleistocene epoch. Like South American foxes, which are in the genus Lycalopex, it is not closely related to true foxes. 

They can be found in the ranges in savannas; woodlands; subtropical forests; prickly, shrubby thickets; and tropical savannas such as the caatinga, plains, and campo, from Colombia and southern Venezuela in the north to Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina at the southernmost reaches of its range.


They can be solitary but can also form couples or even families of up to disturbed by human activities. The species gets its name because during the wet season it searches for crabs on muddy floodplains.

Crab-eating foxes are omnivorous; their diet includes many fruits, vertebrates, insects, amphibians, crabs and other crustaceans, birds and carrion.


The crab-eating fox is predominantly greyish-brown, with areas of red on the face and legs, and black-tipped ears and tail. It has short, strong legs and its tail is long and bushy. The head and body length averages 64.3 centimetres (25.3 in), and the average tail length is 28.5 centimetres (11.2 in).

They reach sexual maturity within 9–10 months. Adult females give birth to one or two litters per year, depending on the climate and the availability of food. The reproductive period most often begins in November or December, and again in July.

The birth of offspring follows after an approximately 56-day gestation, typically in January, February or sometimes March then again from September to October. If giving birth to one litter, they typically give birth in the early spring. The parents are monogamous and raises the pups together, which are weaned at around three months old and become independent of their parents around 5–8 months old.

 

 

Monday, 10 February 2025

Jordan


This week we are looking at Jordan an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the "Rose City."

The population is around 12 million.


The capital is Amman, which is a modern city with numerous ancient ruins. It is one of the region's principal commercial and transportation centers as well as one of the Arab world's major cultural capitals.


The Jordanian dinar has been the currency of Jordan since 1950. The dinar is divided into 100 qirsh or 1000 fulus. It is pegged to the US dollar. The Central Bank of Jordan commenced operations in 1964 and became the sole issuer of Jordanian currency, in place of the Jordan Currency Board.

The country’s official language is Arabic, everyone in the country, including the minority communities, speak Arabic in their day-to-day dealings.

In addition to the Arabic language, English has become a significant component in the school curriculum. While Arabic remains the official language in Jordan, English has been taught in Jordan's schools and universities since the independence of Transjordan as a Kingdom.


The flag of Jordan is made up of three horizontal bands of black, white, and green, with a red chevron and a white seven-pointed star in the middle of the white band. The flag was adopted on April 16, 1928.

The colours and the star represent the following 

  • Black: Represents the Abbasid Caliphate
  • White: Represents the Umayyad Caliphate
  • Green: Represents the Fatimid Caliphate
  • Red: Represents the Hashemite dynasty and the Arab Revolt
  • Star: The seven points of the star represent the seven verses of the opening chapter of the Quran, the Al-Fatiha. It also represents the unity of the Arab people, faith in one God, humility, national spirit, virtue, social justice, and aspiration.

More than 92% of the population are Muslims and approximately 8% are Christians. Most Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church; but there are also Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations.


Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral National Assembly. The king is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The prime minister is the head of government and is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the executive branch. The judicial branch is independent of the other two branches. Which are the executive branch and the legislative branch.

The government operates comprehensive health facilities, including a national health insurance program. The government supervises and coordinates social and charitable organizations. 

The government has the power to block and censor websites. 

Although the constitution provides for the freedom to practise one's religion in accordance with the customs that are observed in the Kingdom, unless they violate public order or morality.

However, such things as wanting to convert from Islam to another religion isn’t allowed and are not recognised as anything other than Islam and are still considered legally Muslims and face immense societal pressure.

There are many restrictions against religious minorities such as.

  • Jordan's government may deny recognition to a religion.
  • Baháʼís are not permitted to establish schools, places of worship or cemeteries.
  • Aside from Christians, all other non-Muslim minorities do not have their own courts to adjudicate personal status and family matters.
  • Muslim women may not marry non-Muslim men, such as Christians, unless the men legally convert to Islam.
  • Since Muslims are prohibited from converting to other religions according to the Sharia law, converts from Islam cannot change their religion on governmental records. However, converts to Islam are required to change their religious identification to "Muslim" on governmental records and civil documents.


When it come to women’s rights, they suck, females over the age of 15 need a male guardian’s permission to marry for the first time. A marriage to a non-Muslim is not recognised.

They cannot travel abroad with their children without the consent of a male guardian or having judicial consent. They are subject to restrictions when it comes to employment and general prohibited from night work.

 

 

Week 7 of 2025

It is another nice cool morning with the temp being 19C, but we are looking at another hot one, just not as hot. My BGL was 5.1 This morni...