Saturday 29 August 2009

My first video podcast


From my trip to San Francisco... it's a bit shaky, but worked. I hope it posts here.

Tuesday 25 August 2009

A Message from Scotland


I post this blog as a Scotsman and I think I speak for the overwhelming majority of the Scottish public.

I have heard today that there are calls in the United States to boycott Scottish goods and I must say this is perfectly understandable in the circumstances. However, I would implore all of my American friends and colleagues not to take this action.

I completely understand your anger at the release of Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi and I completely agree with the sentiment that he should never have been released from jail, regardless of illness or suffering. This decision was taken by the Scottish Government and is certainly not compliant with the thoughts or wishes of the Scottish people who are outraged at recent events. EVERY Scottish person I have spoken to about this vehemently objects to his release and fully support the notion that he should not be free and, he should certainly have been returned to a heros welcome in Libya. Everyone I have spoken to agrees that the suffering caused to the families of the victims far outweighs the "suffering" endured by al-Megrahi.

I hope there is a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament and, I hope First Minister Alex Salmond is true to his word and resigns when the vote goes against him. I further hope that Prime Minister Gordon Brown suffers a similar fate, his refusal to comment on the matter is typical of his lack of leadership and buck-passing. The resignation of both would be a very small positive in what is one of the biggest mistakes made by this country in many years.

My thoughts (and that of all my Scottish friends and associates) goes out to the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and every other victim of acts of terrorism around the World. It's a great pity that the most notable thing our ineffective government has ever done is an act of outright betrayal.

I would ask all American readers of this blog to pass it on to your friends and family, the decent people of Scotland are 100% behind you. I would also ask any Scottish readers to link to the blog or paste it into their blog, it is important that the World knows that, like the bombing of Pan Am 103, this was the action of very few people but will leave a scar on so many.

Tags: abdul baset ali al-megrahialex salmondgordon brownkenny macaskilllibyalockerbiepan am flight 103scotlandscottish parliament

A Message from Scotland

Wednesday 12 August 2009

I love Peach Cobbler




When I was growing up, summers meant going to the beach, fresh strawberries from the roadside stands, and my mothers Peach Cobbler... She always made it with Bisquit mix, and used this for our strawberry shortcake too. I find she was ahead of her time, apparently, as I just got an email from

Eat Better America: Simple Solutions for a Healthier You
Here is their recipe for easy, health(ier) peach cobbler. yummmmmmmmy!!

Classic Peach Cobbler
Cobbler like mom used to make - now healthified and just as tasty!
280 calories
95% less sat fat
57% less fat


39% fewer calories • 57% less fat • 95% less sat fat fat than the original recipe—see the comparison. Cobbler like mom used to make – now healthified for more health-conscious times. You’ll feel just peachy!
prep time:15 min
start to finish:1 hr 30 min
makes:6 servings

1cup Bisquick Heart Smart® mix
1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon
1cup fat-free (skim) milk
3tablespoons canola oil
3/4cup sugar
1can (29 oz) peach slices in light syrup, drained
1teaspoon lemon juice
Vanilla reduced-fat ice cream, if desired
1.Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish, stir Bisquick mix and cinnamon. Stir in milk and oil with wire whisk or fork until blended.
2.In medium bowl, mix sugar, peaches and lemon juice. Spoon over batter in baking dish.
3.Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand about 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 49g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 35g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%;Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 3 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/2 c Fruits
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Recipe Tip
What is "Healthified"?
We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.
Substitution
If fresh peaches are available, use 4 cups sliced peeled peaches instead of the canned peaches. Or, you can use a 16-oz bag of frozen sliced peaches, thawed.
Did You Know?
The lemon juice used in this recipe adds a little sparkle that perks up the peach flavor.

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