Kuwait National Anthem

 

The national anthem of Kuwait was written by poet Ahmad Meshari Al-Adwani with music composed by Ibrahim Al-Soula and arranged by Ahmad Ali. It was first broadcast on 25 February 1978. Prior to 1978, the "Amiri Salute" was used.

After the proclamation of Kuwait's independence, the Kuwait national anthem was written by the poet Meshari Al-Adwani and was broadcast for the first time on 25 February 1978. The music was composed by Ibrahim Al-Soula and arranged by Ahmad Ali. The Amiri Salute was composed by Yusuf Adees in 1951 and was used until February 1978.The National Salute consists of the first six bars of the National anthem. 

The anthem is played every day at the beginning of the day in most Kuwaiti schools and on TV and radio stations.

The words of Kuwait national anthem are: 

Kuwait, My Country, May you be safe and glorious!
May you always enjoy good Fortune! 
You are the cradle of my Ancestors, who put down its memory, 
With everlasting symmetry, showing all eternity, 
Those Arabs were Heavenly, Kuwait, My Country, 
May you be safe and glorious! 
May you always enjoy good Fortune. 
Blessed be My Country a homeland for harmony, 
Warded by true sentry Giving their soils aptly, 
Building high its history, Kuwait, My Country, 
We're for you My Country, 
Led by faith and loyalty, 
With its Amir equally, Fencing us all fairly, 
With warm love and verity, Kuwait, My Country, 
May you be safe and glorious, 
May you always enjoy good Fortune

 

Looking for some hodgepodge

 There is a new hodgepodge post over here: https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/its-hodgepodge-time.html

Women in uniform in WW11 Australia

 

Ok this we are going to look at the brave and strong women who decided to join the military during the second world war.  Three of the organisations that put these women into uniforms were The Land Army, The National Emergency Services (NES) and the Australian Women’s Army (AWAS).

The Land Army was voluntary group where women worked on farms, performing tasks like milking cows, harvesting crops, and tending livestock, to maintain food production while men were fighting overseas.

The AWAS was an official military unit within the Australian Army where women could enlist to serve in roles like driving, clerical work, communications, and even some combat support positions.  

The Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) was formed in August 1941 to release men from some military duties to serve with fighting units. Women worked in traditional roles such as clerks, typists and cooks.

The NES was a general term for civilian volunteer organizations that provide support during emergencies like fire, flood, or medical crises, not specifically related to wartime service

There was a network of searchlights and listening posts that formed part of Newcastle’s defences were largely operated by women. These women were carefully selected for good eyesight and hearing as they would be on high alert lookout for the distant hum of aircraft engines.

They also had to maintain the searchlights in a high state of readiness, constantly polishing the lights and greasing their mechanisms. The searchlights batteries were connected by telephone to headquarters and each battery had a command post with a plotting board to track the positions and courses of aircraft.

Some of the hardships the women had to deal with things like having to bunk down in unlined shed in the bush, they were given hessians bags and a pile of straw to make their mattresses. They also had to shower under a modified kerosene tin full of water. Just because they were women didn’t mean they got an easy ride, they had route marches with full packs and training with live ammunition on .303 rifles, bren and Thompson guns.

The Australian Women's Army Service served in New Guinea during World War II, making it the only non-medical women's service to serve overseas during the war. 

The Land Army and the AWAS were both disbanded shortly after the end of World War II, between 1945 and 1947.

 

Bat-Eared Fox

 

This week we are look at the bat-eared fox, another fox I hadn’t heard of.

The bat-eared fox is a species of fox found on the African savanna. It is the only extant species of the genus Otocyon and a basal species of canid. Fossil records indicate this canid first appeared during the middle Pleistocene.

As the name indicates, this fox has unusually enormous ears in proportion to its head, like those of many bats. Their bodies are generally yellow-brown with a pale throat and under parts. The outsides of the ears, the racoon-like “face-mask,” lower legs, feet, and tail tip are all black. 

They can be found living in groups of mating pairs and their young. They are a very social species and spend lots of time grooming each other, as well as playing and sleeping together.

Their hearing is remarkable, but bat-eared foxes are also known for their social nature. They often live in family groups of up to 15 animals. They do not mark or defend territories aggressively against other packs.

They seldom drink water as they obtain most of the moisture they need from their food; 3. Unlike other canids, the male undertakes most parental care duties, while the female forages for food that maintains her milk production

Termites and dung beetles make up about 80 percent of their diets. In addition to termites and dung beetles, they also eat other insects and arthropods, small rodents, lizards, the eggs and chicks of other birds, and plant matter. They obtain much of their water from the body fluid of the insects they consume.

Predators include cheetahs, jackals, spotted hyenas, rock pythons, African wild dogs, and leopards. Bat-eared foxes are named for their large ears, which are also used for thermoregulation. To escape from predators, bat-eared foxes rely on speed and their incredible dodging ability.

They typically live for 6 years in the wild but can be up to 13 years in captivity. 

They reach sexual maturity at 8–9 months old, both male and female. They usually leave their family groups at 5–6 months old. 

They breed annually, producing litters of 3–6 pups, with a gestation period of 60–75 days. 

 

 

 

Kuwait

This week we are looking at Kuwait, a country I have heard of but know bugga all about.

Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in West Asia and the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. It is situated in the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula at the head of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south.

The capital is Kuwait City it's located on the Persian Gulf, and is the country's political, cultural, and economic centre. The city has a modern skyline with skyscrapers, mosques, malls, and hotels 

The city features a mix of Western-style architecture and traditional Islamic architecture. It is home to Kuwait's Seif Palace.

The city's name comes from the Arabic word kūt, which means "fort", it underwent a transformation after the discovery of oil in the 1930s. 

As of January 2024, Kuwait's population was 4.91 million people. This includes 1.545 million Kuwaiti citizens and 3.36 million expatriates. 

The official language is Arabic.

The official currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar.

Their flag was adopted on 7 September 1961, and officially hoisted 24 November 1961. Before 1961, the flag was red and white, like those of other Arabian Gulf states at the time. Now the flag is a tricolour of green, white, and red with a black trapezium on the hoist side. It is the only flag in the world featuring an acute trapezium.

Kuwait is an emirate. The Emir of Kuwait, a hereditary monarch from the Al Sabah ruling family appoints the prime minister (who is always a royal) and other members of government, as well as members of judicial, police and financial institutions.

An emirate is a political territory ruled by an emir, a title used by monarchs or high officeholders in the Muslim world. The term "emirate" is similar to "kingdom" or "principality". 

The Cabinet of Kuwait is the chief executive body of the State of Kuwait. The 46th cabinet in the history of Kuwait was appointed on 12 May 2024. On 15 April 2024, Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assigned His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad as Prime Minister.

There has been some progress in women’s rights but there is still discrimination in many aspects of life. They have access to education, economic and political rights, and can serve in the military, police, and as judges.

Kuwait's personal status laws discriminate against women in matters of marriage, divorce, and child custody, including by requiring women to have male guardian permission to marry and by stripping them of spousal maintenance from their husband if they refuse to live with their husbands “without justification.”

In Kuwait, women should dress modestly and conservatively, covering their arms, shoulders, and legs. Tight-fitting clothing is not recommended.

Traditional dress consists of the abaya, a long, black cloak that covers the body except for the hands, feet, and face and the daraa a traditional Kuwaiti dress that is long-sleeved, loose, and floor length.

The hijab and the niqab are worn by some women, especially during religious occasions.

There's an increased risk of terrorism in Kuwait, including threats against military bases. Maintain a high level of security awareness and be aware of your surroundings.

It's illegal to buy, sell, import, carry and consume alcohol. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment and deportation.

 

 

Week 8 of 2025

 

What a night, I haven’t had a lot of sleep, but I am still up and dressed and starting my day. It is a chilly 17C only supposed to reach 21C, my BGL was 5.0

I sent Tim a short clip about Parkinson’s, and he couldn’t be bothered to look at it. This annoyed me, I am trying to help him, and others understand a bit about Parkinson’s.

I have been tired all day often dropping off for a moment while watching TV.

Steps: 5,238

I had a good night, slept straight through till the alarm went at 5am it is a coldish morning with the temp sitting at 15C only supposed to reach 21C again today.

Sam is starting a Tafe course this morning, so no school today, Tasha will drive her there, but she is going to catch a bus home, I hope that works out well.

Sue took me shopping as I wanted some stuff from Woolies and also needed stamps. While out we booked in to have a massage next Monday.

Dawson come over for a visit he was here for a couple of hours, it’s always nice to see him.

Sam arrived home while Dawson was here, she said Tafe went well but it felt like a long morning. There was no problem catching the bus home.

Steps:9,517

I had a good night, slept straight through till the alarm went at 5am it is a coldish morning with the temp sitting at 15C we are looking at a top temp of 26C today.

Sandy has got a rental place in Raymond Terrance,32k’s from me or a 41-minute drive from me. It isn’t somewhere she really wants to live but with only 3 weeks till she will be homeless she is just happy to have a place.

Steps: 7,533

I had a good night, slept straight through till the alarm went at 5am, after Tim left for work, I had a shower. It is currently 16C with a top temp of 26C.

Tasha was in a bit of a state as her ride to Tafe cancelled at 11pm and Sue isn’t answering her phone. She did eventually answer, and she drove Tasha to Tafe.

Sue took me to have my hearing checked and I got a quote on the basic hearing aids, $2,098. I will check with Tim and order them. I have another appointment on the 25 March.

We then went to the chemist to get scripts and webster pack for Sam, I rang on Friday to arrange the webster pack, it wasn’t done.

Steps: 9,760

I had another good night, slept straight through till 4.20am when I had to pee, went straight back to sleep till the alarm went at 5am.

It is currently 20C, we are looking at a top temp of 24C, with showers during the day.

While sitting up the front waiting for Sam’s transport we had so very light rain.

I have vacuumed twice, cleaned the bathroom, done a load of washing and hung it up to dry, I have also done 20-minutes of exercise, and I am exhausted.

It has been raining on and off all day and was raining when I went up to meet Sam at 3pm.

On the 6 March Jessica will have no power for a couple of hours while the neighbour’s meter is change.

Tim was an hour late getting home this afternoon due to a traffic accident.

Steps:9,657

SUMMER’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 12 TODAY

I slept well, woke once to pee but straight back to sleep.

Had a nice talk with Sandy this morning.

This afternoon I walked up to meet Sam but while I was waiting a white van pulled in and I just knew it would be a delivery for us, so I came back, and it was, and it was heavy so I was glad I could get the delivery man to carry inside for me. I then decided to take the scooter up as my legs were shaking and I felt unsteady.

It is 5.30pm and I am feeling like shit, I have a headache.

I am having a restless night.

Since I am up, I checked my emails and had one from Miller’s about a $5 sale so went into the site ordered 5 things, they had 2 of the 5 but not surprised as they are closing down.

Steps:13,170

After a rough night I still got up at 5am, had a shower and now I am ready to start my day. I have already vacuumed once, went to unpack the dishwasher only to discover I forgot to put it on yesterday.

I put the dishwasher on after breakie, then when it was finished, I unpacked it.

I am just not with it today, however, around 4pm, I managed to write 2 letters.

Steps:9,029

 

 

     

 

 

New post at Radom Stuff

You can find a new  post here: 

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/getting-to-know-me_22.html

National Anthem of Iran

 

The National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran was adopted in 1990, replacing the previous anthem used during the rule of Ruhollah Khomeini. It was composed by Hassan Riyahi, and the lyrics were written by Sayed Bagheri. It is the fourth national anthem of Iranian overall.

Due to the death of Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, Iran adopted its current anthem after a competition the following year.  At the time of its adoption, it was the second shortest anthem in the world; the first being the Japanese national anthem "Kimigayo" with seven lines.

The lyrics are in English

The sun of the east along the horizon

the believers of truth, glim of vision

Bahman, the zenith of our faith

Your message, O Imam, independence

and freedom on our souls engraved

O martyrs, your fervent cries

resound every generation

Enduring, lasting and eternal

The Islamic Republic of Iran

 

New Hodgepodge Post

 A new hodgepodge post is here: https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-flowery-hodgepodge.html

Corsac Fox

 

This week we are looking at the corsac fox, also known simply as a corsac, it is a medium-sized fox found in steppes, semi-deserts and deserts in Central Asia, ranging into Mongolia and northern China.

It is slightly smaller than the red fox with larger legs and ears. The coloration is predominantly grey or reddish grey on the upper parts with silver undertones, while the under parts are white with yellow undertones. Their body length is between 45-65cm and their tail is between 19-35cm long.

They like to eat rodents, such as partridges, snow buntings, ducks, pheasants, and geese insects and fruits, as well as large mammal remains.

When hunting thy like to leap into the air and drop down on prey, they like stalking prey and making short-distance attacks.

They live up to 9yrs in the wild and up to 13yrs in captivate.

They are nocturnal animals and, unlike most fox species, Corsac foxes are social animals that form smalls packs. They have excellent hearing, vision and smelling senses which they use to hunt. They are nomadic animals with no fixed territory and like to move from place to place.

They are observant and analytical, with a keen eye for detail. They notice subtle nuances and patterns that others might overlook, which helps them make well-informed decisions. Their versatility and multifaceted talents are also remarkable. They are monogamous and form pair bonds, however, before that males will initially fight for access to females. The breeding season starts in January and ends in March. The female creates a birthing den, which is sometimes shared with other pregnant females, but moves her young to new burrows several times after they are born. Typically, 2-6 kits are born after a gestation period of 52 to 60 days. However, the maximum recorded litter consisted of 11 kits. Newborn kits weigh around 60 g (2.1 oz) and have fluffy, light brown fur that turns yellowish as they age. They are born blind and open their eyes at around 2 weeks of age. Both parents assist in the raising of their young. Kits begin to eat meat at 4 weeks and emerge from the den shortly after. Corsac foxes reach reproductive maturity within 9 to 10 months and reproduce in the second year of life.

 

 

Iran

 

This week’s country is Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran it was once known as Persia, particularly in the Western world; however, the official name of the country is now Iran and the government requests that people use this term instead of Persia when referring to it formally. 

It was in 1935, that the Iranian government under Reza Shah Pahlavi officially requested that the country be referred to as "Iran" instead of "Persia". 

The country has a population of 89 million with 15,800,000 living in the capital.

The capital of Iran is Tehran, in the north of the country. Its central Golestan Palace complex, with its ornate rooms and marble throne, was the seat of power of the Qajar dynasty. The National Jewellery Museum holds many of the Qajar monarchs’ jewels, while the National Museum of Iran has artifacts dating back to Paleolithic times. The Milad Tower offers panoramic views over the city.

The official currency is either the rial or the toman when I looked it up I got rial but then I discovered that due to the rial's low value, the Iranian parliament voted to gradually remonetize the nation's currency from the rial to the toman between 2020 and 2022, with an exchange rate of 1 toman = 10,000 rials.  

Their flag is a horizontal tricolour of green, white, and red. The flag also has the national emblem in red and the word "Allahu Akbar" written in white. It was adopted in 1980 after the Iranian Revolution.

The colours and symbols have specific meanings: 

• Green: Represents Islam, growth, happiness, unity, nature, and Iranian languages 
• White: Represents freedom 
• Red: Represents martyrdom, bravery, fire, love, and warmth 
• "Allahu Akbar": An Islamic battle cry that means "God is great" 
• Kufic script: The word "Allahu Akbar" is written in Kufic script 11 times on each border of the flag, totalling 22 times 

The colours green, white, and red have been used in early versions of the Iranian flag. The flag was officially enshrined in the Constitution of 1906.

The flag is also known as the Tricolour Flag of Iran, these colours of the flag are symbolic and are also used in the flags of other Muslim countries. 

The official religion of Iran is Twelver Ja'afari Shia Islam. The Iranian constitution defines the country as an Islamic republic, and all laws must be based on Islamic criteria. 

Other religious minorities in Iran face discrimination and persecution. The Iranian government has been criticized for its treatment of religious minorities, including Baha'is, Christians, Sunni Muslims, Zoroastrians, and Jews. 

Iran is home to the second largest Jewish community in the Muslim world and the Middle East. The Baháʼí Faith is the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran. 

 The government arrests religious minorities on vague charges.

There are also limits regarding access to higher education for most religious minorities. 

The government screens applicants for public sector employment for their knowledge of Islam. 

The government criminalised proselytizing and insulting "divine religions or Islamic schools of thought". 

Under Iranian law, apostasy from Islam is punishable by death. Non-religious Iranians are officially unrecognized by the government, and one must declare oneself as a member of one of the four recognized faiths in order to avail oneself of many of the rights of citizenship.

Even most of the time and occasions, all female citizens, including non-Muslims, are required to wear Hijab as Iran is currently an Islamic republic.

Family in Iran is considered holy and being a mother is very important. In Iran everyone has to get married, and it is considered a sin if has a child out of wedlock. Everything in Iran is based on family. All the family members live together until they get married and are ready to begin their own lives.

 According to Sharia, romantic relationships between unmarried individuals are not permitted, and this extends to restrictions on cohabitation.

Iranian women and girls now face prison terms of up to 15 years and possible death sentences for failing to wear a hijab, through a new strict law on religious dress and behaviour.

The “Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab” came into force on 13 December 2024, according to Iran’s Speaker of Parliament. In a dangerous escalation, the law permits the imposition of the death penalty for peaceful activism against Iran’s discriminatory compulsory veiling laws.

The law, containing 74 articles, also imposes flogging, exorbitant fines, harsh prison sentences, travel bans, and restrictions on education and employment for women and girls who defy compulsory veiling laws. It also penalizes private entities that fail to enforce compulsory veiling, while providing impunity to officials and vigilantes who violently attack women and girls for defying it.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran known simply as Nezam is the ruling state and current political system in Iran, in power since the Iranian revolution.

Iran is a unitary Islamic republic with one legislative house. The country's 1979 constitution put into place a mixed system of government, in which the executive, parliament, and judiciary are overseen by several bodies dominated by the clergy.

Like many countries it is not a safe place to visit.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

New Posts at Random Stuff

 http://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/some-q-a.html

http://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-super-hodgepodge.html

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.

 

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 19^th 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.

 

 

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.