This entry has little to nothing to do with Scotland, except perhaps the name MacGyver.
Saturday night found my parents, my brother, and myself in a small house in rural WV with no power, no candles, and only one battery-powered light, a smallish lantern. (It turns out I had a small flashlight in my car, but I didn't find it until much later.) The electricity went out just after dinner, giving us enough time until dark to figure out another light source.
After some brainstorming, we created our own oil lamp in an empty pickle jar. A strip of an old towel provided the wick, which protruded from the metal lid. The jar we filled with an inch or two of lighter fluid. A sheet of tin foil blocked drafts and reflected some of the light back onto our card game. It was brilliant! The only thing that needed adjustment was the length of the wick, ut turns out that it doesn't take much to provide a long-burning flame.
I wanted to make a candle with the plethora of crayons in the cabin, but we didn't even try that one.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Scots in DC
Last weekend I met up with my next-door neighbor from Edinburgh (who is American) and two Scots, who were all visiting DC. It was really nice to see them all, but also amusing to see the flip side of my situation in Edinburgh.
Though the week before was some 10 degrees warmer and much more humid, none of them cared for the DC weather at all. I thought it was pleasant, mid-80's and fairly dry considering the season. Boston and Scotland are both much cooler, though I feel Boston can't be much less humid.
Food. We spent a lot of time finding and eating American food. the BBQ pork sandwiches we had downtown were delicious, as was the Mexican we had for dinner. Apparently they've never had Mexican before! (Although after my experience with the Mexican place is Keswick, I can't blame them...) So I got to explain items like guacamole, enchiladas, and why refried beans look the way they do.
Also: these Scots love IHOP. Amazing!
They were pleasantly surprised to find that I could understand what they were saying without any problem. Most people they talked to in America could hardly understand a word, but it sounded perfectly natural to me, a clean---not cluttered---accent.
One of the Scots disappeared in the afternoon to watch the 'football' (soccer) on TV. Priorities.
Though the week before was some 10 degrees warmer and much more humid, none of them cared for the DC weather at all. I thought it was pleasant, mid-80's and fairly dry considering the season. Boston and Scotland are both much cooler, though I feel Boston can't be much less humid.
Food. We spent a lot of time finding and eating American food. the BBQ pork sandwiches we had downtown were delicious, as was the Mexican we had for dinner. Apparently they've never had Mexican before! (Although after my experience with the Mexican place is Keswick, I can't blame them...) So I got to explain items like guacamole, enchiladas, and why refried beans look the way they do.
Also: these Scots love IHOP. Amazing!
They were pleasantly surprised to find that I could understand what they were saying without any problem. Most people they talked to in America could hardly understand a word, but it sounded perfectly natural to me, a clean---not cluttered---accent.
One of the Scots disappeared in the afternoon to watch the 'football' (soccer) on TV. Priorities.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Back to the Land of Science.
If anyone is out there who misses my updates on physics, fear not. The glory of science is back.
On YouTube:
A two-part animation explaining how to imagine the tenth dimension. Pretty good, I thought, perhaps not wholly accurate, since scientists now seem to think we need to use eleven dimensions. Well, we'll see, after String Theory and all.
Part One
Part Two
If you don't like YouTube, you can view these videos at the author's website: TenthDimension.Com
I found two popular physics/science blogs, linked to the right of the screen. ArXiv covers a wide range of science, Physics&Physicists is mostly physics, both discuss current happenings in the World of Science.
By the way, today's P&P links to an article about a new novel. Particle Physics Thriller!. COOL!
Enjoy.
On YouTube:
A two-part animation explaining how to imagine the tenth dimension. Pretty good, I thought, perhaps not wholly accurate, since scientists now seem to think we need to use eleven dimensions. Well, we'll see, after String Theory and all.
Part One
Part Two
If you don't like YouTube, you can view these videos at the author's website: TenthDimension.Com
I found two popular physics/science blogs, linked to the right of the screen. ArXiv covers a wide range of science, Physics&Physicists is mostly physics, both discuss current happenings in the World of Science.
By the way, today's P&P links to an article about a new novel. Particle Physics Thriller!. COOL!
Enjoy.
Brought to You by the BBC.
I've noticed that since leaving Britain, I have watched a lot of British films/TV. "This is England" was a wonderful film that won some 2007 Independent film award, about a group of English Nationalists (much like neo-Nazis) in the 1980's. Depressing, but really good.
"Doctor Who". I didn't watch it at all in Scotland, but the DVD library here at UVA has the entire new series, at least as much as is released. It's a sci-fi show in which a girl from London and the mysterious Doctor travel through space and time, protecting planet Earth and vanquishing evil aliens.
The original "Doctor Who" series started in 1965 or so, this new series continues where the other left off.
The special effects are of questionable quality, and the acting is hollow at times, but it's enjoyable to watch and to have a laugh.
Speaking of "Doctor Who", I was reading a local weekly paper today that happens to have a cartoon in it called 'This Modern Life'. This week's cartoon features the Doctor in the first panel!
"Torchwood", which I followed this past year, is set in the same universe as "Doctor Who", but is set in present-day Cardiff, Wales. This time the aliens space-and-time-travel to Wales, and the Torchwood team are responsible for maintaining order.
I've found that many people can't understand the accent spoken in British program(me)s; last week my roommate asked, "Is that English?" funny enough, it was. And from England, too.
"Doctor Who". I didn't watch it at all in Scotland, but the DVD library here at UVA has the entire new series, at least as much as is released. It's a sci-fi show in which a girl from London and the mysterious Doctor travel through space and time, protecting planet Earth and vanquishing evil aliens.
The original "Doctor Who" series started in 1965 or so, this new series continues where the other left off.
The special effects are of questionable quality, and the acting is hollow at times, but it's enjoyable to watch and to have a laugh.
Speaking of "Doctor Who", I was reading a local weekly paper today that happens to have a cartoon in it called 'This Modern Life'. This week's cartoon features the Doctor in the first panel!
"Torchwood", which I followed this past year, is set in the same universe as "Doctor Who", but is set in present-day Cardiff, Wales. This time the aliens space-and-time-travel to Wales, and the Torchwood team are responsible for maintaining order.
I've found that many people can't understand the accent spoken in British program(me)s; last week my roommate asked, "Is that English?" funny enough, it was. And from England, too.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Summer in the City
I guess that travel can include Charlottesville. I am not sure. Either way, it's interesting to note what is different since coming back. Many of these things are particular to Cville, the plethora of summer construction, including the physics side parking lot, tearing up the main road through Grounds, and work as always and yet with little progress behind Cabell. I used to park behind Cabell a lot, it actually had spaces... I wonder where all those people got displaced to. The sculptures in the medians are mostly changed, as are certain restaurants/bakeries/cafes. I can't find anything in the grocery stores, but that is a problem wherever you go.
Even the Cville Kroger has a British food section, of two small cases at the end of the Frozen Pizza aisle. Most of the shelves are empty, but they have McVittie's Digestives. I'll be honest, I was tempted. I'll bet Harris Teeter has more, and Foods Of All Nations more still. The cider situation is worse than I thought, but it's nice to know exactly what's in the food I'm buying. Amazing how different packaging can be. As yet the only food I would like but can't find is haggis. No one understands haggis.
I'm slowly adapting to American currency, American prices, and American attitudes. Sometimes my friends tease me for using British phrases, but "half-seven" for 7:30, "queue", and "can't be bothered" will stick for a long time I hope. I know how to drive on the right-hand side of the road, and I'm getting used to looking left-right-left when crossing the street. Life skills, life skills.
Even the Cville Kroger has a British food section, of two small cases at the end of the Frozen Pizza aisle. Most of the shelves are empty, but they have McVittie's Digestives. I'll be honest, I was tempted. I'll bet Harris Teeter has more, and Foods Of All Nations more still. The cider situation is worse than I thought, but it's nice to know exactly what's in the food I'm buying. Amazing how different packaging can be. As yet the only food I would like but can't find is haggis. No one understands haggis.
I'm slowly adapting to American currency, American prices, and American attitudes. Sometimes my friends tease me for using British phrases, but "half-seven" for 7:30, "queue", and "can't be bothered" will stick for a long time I hope. I know how to drive on the right-hand side of the road, and I'm getting used to looking left-right-left when crossing the street. Life skills, life skills.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Keswick (reprise)
There's really no wonder that Americans traveling in Britain have such a hard time pronouncing certain words, especially place names. Even if the name is new, the rules of pronunciation are different. But ignoring that, we like to name cities and towns after ones in England or Scotland and then change the way they're said entirely. A sense of heritage with a large amount of independence.
Keswick. At first look it should be pronounced just so---Kess-WICK.
And indeed, there is a Keswick just outside of Charlottesville that is pronounced this way.
But the English town I visited in the Lake District was KESS-ick. No W.
Why put in a W if it's not to be used? I think the British are worse about this than the Americans.
Either that, or Americans take things more literally.
Another example:
Lieutenant is pronounced Left-tenant, but there's no f's in the word at all. And yet the American pronunciation is the one considered "daft". Isn't the French way our way too?
But then, we still use Colonel.
In summary:
-I discovered a Keswick in Virginia! Cool!
Keswick. At first look it should be pronounced just so---Kess-WICK.
And indeed, there is a Keswick just outside of Charlottesville that is pronounced this way.
But the English town I visited in the Lake District was KESS-ick. No W.
Why put in a W if it's not to be used? I think the British are worse about this than the Americans.
Either that, or Americans take things more literally.
Another example:
Lieutenant is pronounced Left-tenant, but there's no f's in the word at all. And yet the American pronunciation is the one considered "daft". Isn't the French way our way too?
But then, we still use Colonel.
In summary:
-I discovered a Keswick in Virginia! Cool!
Friday, May 30, 2008
American cars
I've had a little bit of trouble with American roads.
Mostly I'm fine but every here and there I have to stop and think about what I'm doing. Usually this is a problem when I'm out walking, say with the dogs, or running. I can't quite remember which side I should be on, where cars will be coming from, or how to cross the street. It's not instinctual, I have to give it conscious thought.
That doesn't surprise me; though I didn't drive in Scotland, and never adapted to driving on the left-side of the road, I'm definitely used to being a pedestrian in such situations.
However, I have since noticed a little trouble driving. Not always, but in strange situations.
Case in point.
I went shopping the other day and was driving (in the right lane) in the parking lot towards a space I wanted. Another car ahead of me, coming towards me, was in to my lane, presumably to make the wide left and snag the same space.
But for a few moments I stared blankly at the car head-to-head with my own. My mind raced. What country am I in? What side of the road am I on? What side of the road am I meant to be on?
And finally, So, if I'm in America, then why is he in my lane?
Too late. My parking spot was gone.
Mostly I'm fine but every here and there I have to stop and think about what I'm doing. Usually this is a problem when I'm out walking, say with the dogs, or running. I can't quite remember which side I should be on, where cars will be coming from, or how to cross the street. It's not instinctual, I have to give it conscious thought.
That doesn't surprise me; though I didn't drive in Scotland, and never adapted to driving on the left-side of the road, I'm definitely used to being a pedestrian in such situations.
However, I have since noticed a little trouble driving. Not always, but in strange situations.
Case in point.
I went shopping the other day and was driving (in the right lane) in the parking lot towards a space I wanted. Another car ahead of me, coming towards me, was in to my lane, presumably to make the wide left and snag the same space.
But for a few moments I stared blankly at the car head-to-head with my own. My mind raced. What country am I in? What side of the road am I on? What side of the road am I meant to be on?
And finally, So, if I'm in America, then why is he in my lane?
Too late. My parking spot was gone.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Keswick Adventures
We visited the Lake District for two full days: to be honest, three might have been about perfect, I could have used one more day to explore Keswick. Any longer would require a change in locale, and I've heard Lake Windermere is a good place to go on a two-stop tour of the Lakes.
The first thing we went to in the Lakes was the Cumberland Pencil Museum. Wikipedia is probably more informative on this, but in the 1850's or so, graphite was discovered in Cumbria. One particular pencil compant, Derwent, is still in business today and has had a factory in Keswick since the beginning of the Cumbrian Pencil Industry. Next to the factory is a pencil museum, documenting the development of the pencil industry throughout the world and in particular in Keswick, with special attention to the technology of the pencil and its materials. The colored pencil section was really informative about how the color dyes are mixed to create colored graphite pencils.
I learned a lot about pencils.
Unfortunately the information was a little bit outdated. Signs referred to the 1960's as "25 years ago" (phrases like that are never a good idea for a museum display) and Russia as the USSR. But it was pretty cool too, the wood for the pencil is cedar, and comes from "the Great American states of Oregon and California", hah! Clay was originally mixed in with the graphite to help lower production costs and was soon found to help writing quality as well: it is the clay:graphite ratio that determines the hardness of the pencil.
Cool stuff.
Two long walks were accomplished in our two days as well. The first was up Walla Crags, located just south of Keswick, which had an absolutely perfect view of Derwent Water. The second was up Skiddaw, elevation of about 3000 ft or just under 1000 m, and consequently the smaller peaks of Little Man, and 'bump' of Latrigg. Skiddaw is the fourth-highest peak in the Lake District but 'just short of the tallest', though nothing ever told me what the margin of difference actually is. I'm pretty sure that Scotland was visible to the north, though I can't be positive it was actually Scotland I saw, and we could see a lot of the lakes and ridges in all surrounding areas. Climbing up Skiddaw was great, it helped create a sense of the geography and geology of the area, the farming areas, the lakes, the treeless mountains. I'm still not accustomed to such a profound lack of trees.
If anyone is ever planning a visit to Keswick, I highly recommend dining at Bella Roma, which also has excellent desserts, and coffee/drinks at 26. I highly discourage patronising Salsa, a Mexican place. I know, I know, I shouldn't expect good Mexican food in England, but even bad Mexican food usually tastes of something. This was just bland. Unimpressive.
The first thing we went to in the Lakes was the Cumberland Pencil Museum. Wikipedia is probably more informative on this, but in the 1850's or so, graphite was discovered in Cumbria. One particular pencil compant, Derwent, is still in business today and has had a factory in Keswick since the beginning of the Cumbrian Pencil Industry. Next to the factory is a pencil museum, documenting the development of the pencil industry throughout the world and in particular in Keswick, with special attention to the technology of the pencil and its materials. The colored pencil section was really informative about how the color dyes are mixed to create colored graphite pencils.
I learned a lot about pencils.
Unfortunately the information was a little bit outdated. Signs referred to the 1960's as "25 years ago" (phrases like that are never a good idea for a museum display) and Russia as the USSR. But it was pretty cool too, the wood for the pencil is cedar, and comes from "the Great American states of Oregon and California", hah! Clay was originally mixed in with the graphite to help lower production costs and was soon found to help writing quality as well: it is the clay:graphite ratio that determines the hardness of the pencil.
Cool stuff.
Two long walks were accomplished in our two days as well. The first was up Walla Crags, located just south of Keswick, which had an absolutely perfect view of Derwent Water. The second was up Skiddaw, elevation of about 3000 ft or just under 1000 m, and consequently the smaller peaks of Little Man, and 'bump' of Latrigg. Skiddaw is the fourth-highest peak in the Lake District but 'just short of the tallest', though nothing ever told me what the margin of difference actually is. I'm pretty sure that Scotland was visible to the north, though I can't be positive it was actually Scotland I saw, and we could see a lot of the lakes and ridges in all surrounding areas. Climbing up Skiddaw was great, it helped create a sense of the geography and geology of the area, the farming areas, the lakes, the treeless mountains. I'm still not accustomed to such a profound lack of trees.
If anyone is ever planning a visit to Keswick, I highly recommend dining at Bella Roma, which also has excellent desserts, and coffee/drinks at 26. I highly discourage patronising Salsa, a Mexican place. I know, I know, I shouldn't expect good Mexican food in England, but even bad Mexican food usually tastes of something. This was just bland. Unimpressive.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Lake District
The Lake District, I have been told on many occasions, is the most beautiful part of England. It is located in the NW corner of England, just south of Carlisle and Hadrian's Wall, in the area known as Cumbria.
According to one sign, some millions of years ago, the continents of Europe and the Americas slammed into each other, and many mountains were created at this time, including those in the Lakes. After ages of erosion by glaciers, wind, rain, the mountains became rounded, lakes filled in some of the valleys, and the result is the lush green farming area today.
The Lake District was the famous retreat of many English artists, the more famous of whom are writers like Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Coleridge, the creater of Postman Pat (a British cartoon character). Back in the day, it was the summer home for loaded gentry, as one might find in Jane Austen novels.
Here, mountains are called fells.
Small lakes are tarns.
There were a lot of weird names. Keswick, pronounced Kez-sick. Just south is a lake called Derwent Water. Towns like Penrith, Cockermouth, Threlkeld. Lake Windermere, and the town Windermere, is a popular spot for walkers, just as was Keswick.
Keswick managed to cater to weekending tourists with its charm and remain genuine; it was also a Fair Trade and organic food haven. Almost every single house, even those outside the 'town centre', were B&B's. There were a few pubs and taverns, mostly associated with small hotels, and Keswick even boasts a nightclub open seven nights a week, though I didn't go inside. Most of the shops were either cafes, outdoor goods, or cute baubles (antiques & crafts).
The whole area was beautiful! More later; also, pictures coming.
According to one sign, some millions of years ago, the continents of Europe and the Americas slammed into each other, and many mountains were created at this time, including those in the Lakes. After ages of erosion by glaciers, wind, rain, the mountains became rounded, lakes filled in some of the valleys, and the result is the lush green farming area today.
The Lake District was the famous retreat of many English artists, the more famous of whom are writers like Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Coleridge, the creater of Postman Pat (a British cartoon character). Back in the day, it was the summer home for loaded gentry, as one might find in Jane Austen novels.
Here, mountains are called fells.
Small lakes are tarns.
There were a lot of weird names. Keswick, pronounced Kez-sick. Just south is a lake called Derwent Water. Towns like Penrith, Cockermouth, Threlkeld. Lake Windermere, and the town Windermere, is a popular spot for walkers, just as was Keswick.
Keswick managed to cater to weekending tourists with its charm and remain genuine; it was also a Fair Trade and organic food haven. Almost every single house, even those outside the 'town centre', were B&B's. There were a few pubs and taverns, mostly associated with small hotels, and Keswick even boasts a nightclub open seven nights a week, though I didn't go inside. Most of the shops were either cafes, outdoor goods, or cute baubles (antiques & crafts).
The whole area was beautiful! More later; also, pictures coming.
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