Well, Professor Tim Crane didn't write my essay for me. In fact, I disagreed with his thesis and, despite being in a a lecture hall full of professional philosophers and psychologists, had the temerity to say so. Surprisingly enough he didn't break down and cry as I revealed his entire life's work had been a sham - but I'm still not convinced. We share a lot with other primates - get over it!
Another talk yesterday from the Centre for Applied Human Rights. This time a controversial one by David Booth from the Africa Power and Politics project entitled 'Avoiding the dictatorship versus democracy debate'. Their research suggests that silly things like democracy and the rule of law get in the way of economic progress. Difficult to refute but a bit tricky for us liberal interventionalists to swallow, sounds a bit reminiscent of Mussolini getting the trains to run on time. Which of course doesn't mean it's not true, just a question of how much you are prepared to trade off. Thought provoking but unfortunately I couldn't wait to hear the debate afterwards as I had a game of squash lined up. Priorities, eh?
Much of that week was dominated by having Derek and Clive in to paint the hall. This involves lots of tea breaks with chat about motor bikes, guitar playing, long walks and other shared interests and I'm not sure if I was paying him for this time. So I'm taking Derek out sailing once the weather gets warmer. Sailing starts next week.
Fortunately got the hall finished just in time for the arrival of the Palestinian women, though in the end only one is staying with us. Margot has been working on this for some time, my role being chauffer and general gofer, and pleased to say it was a big success. Our guest, Sameeha, is from Gaza and because of Israeli travel restrictions this was the first time she had met women from other parts of Palestine or Israel ! The others were from Bethlehem, Israel, Beirut and Hebron. She is currently studying in Durham and does a Sameeha's Blog which is definitely worth a look. There were proper photographers there but I took some too and these can be seen via Picassa Palestine photos. While they were here I showed them the website Palestinians in Lebanon which is a very clever use of the 360 degree camera with a number of embedded links to interviews, maps and so on.
Part of the visit was a guided tour of the Mansion House by the Mayor and Sheriff of York (see the photos above). We've lived here for over 20 years and this was the first time. Very fancy.
Now we are back to normal, trying to put the pictures and bookcases back on the walls, tidying up Jim's house in Wakefield ready for sale and back in the training regime for the 10k runs. Yesterday I did a 10k cross country run in 1 hour and 8 minutes but I've got 3 months to get back under the hour so not too bad. After a long hot bath I had a game of squash followed by table tennis club. I slept well. This punishing regime is not typical or even desirable but I had to play all my mini-league games this week. Of 3 matches I won no (0) games. The mini-league has shrunk since I last played and it looks like all the other rubbish players have quit. I think I'll quit too (not squash, just the league) there is only so much humiliation a chap needs and I can play Jim who has only just started playing. On the upside my table tennis is improving and I must admit it is nice to be on the winning team now and again.
Matt came over at the weekend for a stag do. He went pot-holing (not my idea of fun) and then out on the town but as he got in about 3am and got up about mid-day we didn't see too much of him. Jim on the other hand is a regular visitor even though he has now moved into his flat around the corner. Whether this will continue once he gets his internet connection next week remains to be seen but its been nice having him around.
What else? oh yes, York Greenway Champions are gearing up for the new growing season, clearing brambles ready for more planting and carving a woodland walk at Stamford Bridge with the Brunswick Organic Nursery teamBrunswick team at Balloon Tree Copse. Once I got the chain saw going we finished in a couple of days and got enough timber for two truck loads. Once I've logged it it will be for sale as firewood at the Nursery. we have decided which projects to pursue this year so now I have to write up some proposals so we can look for funding.
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