MONDAY 31st JANUARY 2010 09:05 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (31.1.1941)
In Berlin... After consultations with army and army group staffs the Army High Command has now prepared the first operational plans for the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The deployment plan for the forces is also ready.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A double-postponement has given me some catching-up time to prepare a talk planned for Feb 8th, and to prepare thoroughly for a full day seeing five clients tomorrow. Still two to see today and possibly a third.

Hopefully in my absence, kitchen refurb begins today!
Twitter Followers = 1024 (down 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I am keen to become super-robust (though not invincible) and can only do this by putting my focus through its paces. Working on it!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Every word has power to affect your neighbour. Wield words wisely!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you ready to take today's opportunities?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Honk if you love peace and quiet. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter sandwich, 3 chocolate biscuits, chicken&chips, 1 packet crisps, 2 fondant fancies - you may have noticed so far that there's a distinct lack of greens in this diet. There's a simple reason for that - I don't like them! (: D) I take multivitamin and fish oil supplements to compensate for lack of 5 a day discipline. Plenty of fibre and protein though.

TRIVIA
On average women say 7,000 words per day. Men manage just over 2000, less than a third of a woman's utterances!

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Right now I will do what is right!

SUNDAY 30th JANUARY 2011 09:15 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (30.1.1941)
North Africa... Derna is taken by the 19th Australian Brigade.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some me-time in the morning before lunch and the central task of the day, gutting the kitchen ahead of the refurb beginning tomorrow. The back room will be turned into a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave, and washing up will have to take place in the bathroom. Should be an adventure!

The dehumidifier now pulling off just a cupful of water a day out of the air, so it's doing its job!
Twitter Followers = 1025 (no change)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Another big test after a raw nerve got trod on. I followed my own procedure and recovery was quick although not instant. With my attention growing hyper-strong I expect to achieve complete self-mastery in a few years.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Listening increases wisdom and calms the mind.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Do you really understand what's happening to your life?

TODAY'S ONELINER
He who laughs last thinks slowest. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwich, 2 chocolate biscuits, 1 can beef stew, 1 cream bun, 1 packet crisps.

TRIVIA
At the latest estimate, our Galaxy, the Milky Way, contains 250 billion stars and is 100,000 light years in diameter, and is only one of what is considered to be hundreds of billions in the universe, although so far only about 100,000 have been observed.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Everything's happening when it should!

SATURDAY 29th JANUARY 2011 08:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (29.1.1941)
In East Africa... Allied forces cross the border from Kenya into Italian Somaliland. General Cunningham is in command and his forces are 11th and 12th East African Divisions and 1st South African Division. The main attack will not begin until February 10th.

In Greece... Prime Minister Metaxas dies. His successor is Alexander Korizis. Korizis is less decisive than Metaxas and does not have as good a relationship with the Greek Commander in Chief, General Papagos. Although he is, if anything, more ready to accept British help. This change does not contribute to the smooth running of discussions with the British.

In North Africa... The Italians pull out of Derna and begin a retreat toward the west along the coast road.

In Washington... Secret staff talks begin between British and American representatives. The talks will continue until March 27th. They produce conclusions code named ABC1 which state that Allied policy in the event of war with Germany and Japan should be to put the defeat of Germany first. The talks mark an important stage in the development of cooperation between the US and Britain. As well as their important decisions they accustom the staffs to working with each other.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After an ironing marathon yesterday, tidying up is not getting much headway. Some more ironing this morning and possibly some tidying.

I have dumped the contractor I had earmarked and organised a new contractor for phases 3 and 4 of the house refurb, which is a big relief.

Dehumidifier is now pulling off less than 1/2 pint a day out of the air, and washing on radiators dries noticably faster!
Twitter Followers = 1025 (down 2)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I encountered two aggressive belligerent communicators yesterday and I was pleased with how I handled them. In times past, such encounters would have ruined my day, but I have since learned that my fulfilment comes from how I respond to what manifests rather than life mirroring preference. However I have also found life proceeding more smoothly since discovering the discipline of centering, as my outside experience bends towards my inside focus.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
NOW is the only time that will ever matter.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Can you see what makes you unique?

TODAY'S ONELINER
It was recently discovered that research causes cancer in rats : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwhich, 1 Feasters Burger, 3 biscuits, 1 small chocolate bar, 1 chocolate desert, 1 packet crisps

TRIVIA
On January 3 2007 Keth Ellison became the first ever muslim American congressman. He was sworn in on a Qu'ran once owned by Thomas Jefferson. He also became the first African-American congressman elected from the state of Minnesota

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
All is well!

FRIDAY 28th JANUARY 2011 06:40 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (28.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... The British submarine Rorqual lays mines off the Adriatic coastal port of Ancona, Italy.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
In a repeat of Wednesday, a couple of hours to tidy and move stuff. With vacuuming and cleaning done yesterday, phase 1 of the house refurb, hall/landing/box room is complete, meaning I can use these areas for temporary storage. The new dehumidifier is pulling off a slightly disturbing PINT of water out of the air every day!
Twitter Followers = 1027 (down 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Feeling deliciously content and grateful. I have learned that people can suffer for years in absolute misery with problems that involve quite simple methods to cure.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
It's fine to relieve the symptoms, but for a cure, treat the cause.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Can you succeed without trusting anyone?

TODAY'S ONELINER
A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing anything else : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 full English breakfast, 2 buttered rolls, steak+dauphinoise potatoes, 5 profiteroles, 2 biscuits. Everything was within meals except the biscuits which was due to post-*** munchies : D

TRIVIA
Only three women have ever obtained ultimate political power in England: Mary I, Elizabeth I and Margaret Thatcher. The queens Anne, Victoria and Elizabeth II were/are constitutional heads-of-state who do/did not wield political power.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I'm doing what needs doing!

WEDNESDAY 26th JANUARY 2011 07:20 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (26.1.1941)
Albania... There is an Italian counterattack near Klisura which has a slight local success.
North Africa... The Italians pull out of Mechili. The British blocking force from 4th Armored Brigade is carelessly handled and does nothing to prevent their escape.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After two very long but fulfilling days in the Consulting Room, I am faced with the reality of home life! Loads of stuff to move about, tidy up and vacuum, all the more pressing as phase 2 of my house refurb, the kitchen, has been brought forward to Monday. As I have the "supplementary job" to go to, I can only get in a couple of hours today, but can hopefully get a lot more done tomorrow afternoon.
Twitter Followers = 1028 (no change)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Inner peace reigns, firmly centred. I now fully understand that my outer world experience is dependent on right focus in my inner world.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
You are exactly what you believe.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
is your life a broad highway or a little circle?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The things that come to those that wait may are the things left by those who got there first. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl of porridge, 1 BLT, 3 biscuits, 2 fruit yoghurts, 1 curry+rice
I thought I would stop at the BLT but came home ravenous!

TRIVIA
Notables who were the only child in their families include Hans Christian Andersen, Raymond Chandler, Eric Clapton, Louis Gossett, Jr., Robert Englund, Charlton Heston, James Earl Jones, Ivan Lendl, Barry Manilow, Maria Montessori, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Charlie "Bird" Parker, Robert Edwin Peary, Lisa Marie Presley, Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jean-Paul Sartre, Frank Sinatra, Robin Williams, and Tiger Woods.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I don't need hope, I KNOW!

TUESDAY 25th JANUARY 2011 08:35 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (25.1.1941)
In the Balkans... In southern Albania, both Greek and Italian forces report many cases of frostbite among the troops fighting the mountains. Italian forces are reported to be suffering through an outbreak of typhoid.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A repeat of yesterday with a full appointment book, though with the appointments closer together, I can finish earlier. With phase 1 of house refurb complete, ie redecorated hall,landing and new Consulting Room, I was able to get my new toy going today, an Ebac 2650 dehumidifier. There's some damp laundry on the radiators to put it through its' paces! When I return this evening I will be able to see how much water it has collected!
Twitter Followers = 1028 (no change)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I can see my desires manifesting themselves! Exciting stuff!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
To find open doors stop banging on closed ones.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Where would your loved ones be without you?

TODAY'S ONELINER
If it's tourist season, why can't we shoot them? : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl of porridge, 1 can minced beef & onions, 1.5 bourbon biscuits
- back on track!

TRIVIA
The last public execution by guillotine was on June 17, 1939. Eugen Weidman was executed before a large crowd in Versailles, France.
The last nonpublic use of the guillotine in France, at Baumetes Prison, in Marsailles, was the execution of convicted murderer Hamida Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant, on September 10, 1977. France abolished capital punishment on September 9, 1981.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I am doing what I do best!

MONDAY 24th JANUARY 2010 12:50 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (24.1.1941)
In North Africa... There is a brief tank engagement near Mechili. The British 4th Armored Brigade and the Italian force suffer about equal losses before the Italians retire. The Italian forces in Libya are now split, with one group around Mechili and one on the coast at Derna. These positions do not give each other any support. The 19th Australian Brigade is moving on Derna while Mechili is to be encircled by 4th and 7th Armored Brigades.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Busy day with full appointment book 8am til late! New clients new issues! Almost all of them have come via the FIT FOR PURPOSE SCHEME
Twitter Followers = 1028 (up 3)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Feeling fulfilled, as I always do with plenty of clients to see.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Listen to all the advice but make your own decision.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What is the greatest priority?

TODAY'S ONELINER
if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
2 chunks buttered tiger bread, 2 choc biscuits 5 Chicken Drumsticks+Crisps, 1 packet crisps, 1 slice bread with peanut butter and jam
- I was hungry, honest! All consumption took place within meals.

TRIVIA
Australia is an island a continent and a country.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Ever forward!

SUNDAY 23rd JANUARY 2011 08:30 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (23.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... The emergency repairs to the aircraft carrier Illustrious are complete in Malta and the ship is able to make for Alexandria with 24 knots available if necessary. Later the Illustrious will proceed to the United States for full repairs.

In Sofia... The Bulgarian prime minister agrees to bring his country into the Tripartite Pact as soon as military arrangements with the Germans can be completed.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After looking like it could go on for a bit, the saga of thre lost mobile phones came to a rapid conclusion, when they arrived at the door last night!

Laundry, installing new lampshades and a dehumidifier and removing mould from the windows are today's jobs.
Twitter Followers = 1025 (up 5)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I've found I'm actually calmer when there's NO HOPE, when there's absolutely nothing I can do about a situation. Surrender and acceptance kicks in. It's when things are in the balance that I'm most cranky. I want to direct my focus in such times to a "what will be was inevitable" attitude.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Those complete in themselves make better partners.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is happiness found "out there" or "in here"?

TODAY'S ONELINER
I don't like to talk to my wife straight after sex, but I have to if she phones me : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwich, 1 can lamb hotpot, 1 Twix, 1 cadbury's mini-roll, 1 packet crisps, 1 chunk Tiger Bread, 1 glass wine, 3 chunky choc biscuits. Oops! Not comfort eating but "celebration eating" on the reurn of my phones. Oh well never mind.

TRIVIA
Every Friesian cow has a unique pattern on its hide.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
It's all working out as it should!

SATURDAY 22nd JANUARY 2011 08:20 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (22.1.1941)
In North Africa... The remainder of the garrison of Tobruk surrenders after demolishing some of the harbor facilities. There are 27,000 prisoners. Much equipment is also captured and in fact it will prove possible to put the port into service fairly quickly. The Allied casualties have been less than 500 men.

In East Africa... In Eritrea the Italian forces are falling back toward Agordat in the face of Platt's attacks. There is also some skirmishing along the border between Kenya and Italian Somaliland.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
I am currently embroiled in the saga of the mobile phones! I keep them both in a pouch which I left in the taxi that took us home Friday night, and the driver who has them apparently hasn't been at work since due to a bereavement. The trouble is I really want the phones back - they're essential for keeping in touch with missus and my Practice. Going to the taxi base this morning to try and ascertain their whereabouts. I will try and get to the phones from there wherever they are!
Twitter Followers = 1020 (up 2)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I have an obsessive/compulsive streak that can pull me off task but on the other hand can be exploited for making things happen.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Persistence pays!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Will you let fear stand in your way?

TODAY'S ONELINER
I am thankful every time I look in in the mirror - I think to myself: Amazing! I look like this and still get laid regularly! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwich, 1 can chunky chicken in white sauce, two canteen hot chocolate drinks.

TRIVIA
In the English FA Premier League, football managers tend to have short life-spans in any one club, but three have by football standards impressive longevity. Alex Ferguson, the most successful manager football has ever known, has been at Manchester united for 24 years. Arsene Wenger has clocked up 14 years at Arsenal, and David Moyes has so far survived 8 years at Everton.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I'll never stop!

FRIDAY 21st JANUARY 2010 07:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (21.1.1941)
In North Africa... The 6th Australian Division begins the attack on Tobruk. The town is already isolated by the advance of the British 7th Armored Brigade which is heading for Martuba and Mechili. The southeast corner of the Italian position is assaulted and after a heavy bombardment the Italian defense is quickly broken. Fort Palastrino is taken later in the day and General Mannella also captured.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After a mega laundry marathon, I can focus on some much-needed tidying downstairs. With a full appointment book on next week's practice days, I have to maximise the use of time at home.
Twitter Followers = 1018 (down 2)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I have come to believe that when my focus is in the right place, things work out, as they did yeasterday after a couple of minor setbacks. I believe in the Law of Attraction, but I believe focus should be not on a thing desired but on the difference you want to make.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Water always wins against the rocks, not because it's stronger but because it's relentless.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is it just a nice thought or do you have your heart set upon it?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Sex on television is clearly dangerous - it's very easy to fall off : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwich, 1 peanut butter & jam sandwich, 1 packet of crisps, fish & chips, 6 profiteroles. Thursday evening is a social occasion! Nothing between meals though.

TRIVIA
The world's first artificial satellite, SPUTNIK 1, was launched by the Soviet Union in October 1957. Only four months behind, the Americans launched their equivalent, the long-forgotten EXPLORER 1, on 31st January 1958. The Americans grabbed back world attention with the world's first telecommunications satelite, TELSTAR, in July 1962.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Damn the torpedoes!

THURSDAY 20th JANUARY 2011 07:30 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (20.1.1941)
In Romania... There is a revolt of the Iron Guard which is put down (by January 24th) on the order of General Antonescu with the help of the Romanian and German armies.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Box Room (future consulting room) refurb nearing completion - I need to clear the hallway for painting. Shopping and cleaning up to do also.
Twitter Followers = 1020 (no change)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Facing a dilemma on a cost/confidence vs. speed/closure issue. Since intuition is "present moment only" quality, I will have to see what I do in due course!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
If it's working keep doing it! If it's not working stop doing it!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is it worth doing?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently determined fool : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwich, 1 pint hot chocolate, 1 can lamb hotpot, 1 Daim bar.

TRIVIA
Perfect diamonds are completely clear, colourless and transparent. Structural deformities will make them red, nitrogen impurities turn them yellow, boron turns them blue and irradiation turns them green.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
My heart is always right!

WEDNESDAY 19th JANUARY 2011 08:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (19.1.1941)
In East Africa... The British forces in the Sudan begin their offensive against the Italians in Eritrea. The British force is led by General Platt and includes 4th and 5th Indian Divisions and units of the Sudan Defense Force. The Italian troops in the various border positions amount to 17,000 men and are led by General Frusci. There is the equivalent of four more divisions in the interior of the country. Kassala is taken immediately.

In Germany... Hitler and Mussolini meet at the Berghof (January 19-20). Mussolini is unwilling to accept German help in Albania but is prepared to accept some aid in Africa. Hiter says that he will attack Greece if it seems that Britain is going to come in.

In the Mediterranean... In further aerial attacks, slight damage is done to HMS Illustrious.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A morning of stuff to do online, get some laundry and tidying done before returning to the "supplementary job"
Twitter Followers = 1020 (up 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
In a kinda "just do it" mood. Grounded, centered, focused at the moment.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
The strongest are more aware of their power to affect others than they are about being affected.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you moving in the right direction?

TODAY'S ONELINER
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl of porridge, 1 can chunky chicken in white sauce, 4 cadburys chocolate fingers, 3 tangerines. Verdict = sensible eating

TRIVIA
Two London-based professional football clubs are named after buidings that no longer exist - Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Right here, right now, moving forward!

TUESDAY 18th JANUARY 2010 13:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (18.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... Malta's airfields heavily bombed by Axis aircraft.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Busy day client-wise, with four sessions. With planning and follow-up, that should keep me busy! Some blogging and bookwriting inbetween.
Twitter Followers = 1019 (down 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A defeat last night rudely awakened me from the complacency that inevitably sets in after a run of success. Defeat is another "raw nerve". Space, time, focus on the next battle is the only treatment I have at this point. There are always growth points in a defeat though, and this time I was reminded that rapport cannot be taken for granted. It needs to be nurtured with every new encounter.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Even the sun shall pass.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What was your most recent important lesson?

TODAY'S ONELINER
He who laughs last thinks slowest : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
In a new feature, I have replaced flaunting my Goth fetish with a successor to my defunct DIARY OF A SLIMMER blog. With Christmas, Silver Wedding Anniversary and associated indulgences in an uninterrupted string since mid-December, the pounds have somewhat piled on. To show I'm back in control, every day you can now read what I've been consuming. Weigh-ins to follow in due course.

Yesterday I ate 2 chicken fillets and 2 Fondant Fancies

TRIVIA
Bamboo is a giant grass. Some Bamboo species can grow up to a an amazing 1 foot per day and ultimately reach 130 feet tall

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I'm winning or learning more!

MONDAY 17th JANUARY 2010 07:45 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (17.1.1941)
The Franco-Thai War... A Vichy French squadron defeats a Thai naval force in the battle of Koh-Chang in the South China Sea. Three Thai ships are sunk.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Back home after a thoroughly successful albeit expensive weekend - well it was kinda significant being one's Silver Wedding Anniversary. Still need to put away the stuff hastily unpacked before bed last night, upload Sunday's snaps and maybe post the odd one in Facebook.

Decorator expected today - a few things to clear out of the stairs and hallway.

After Christmas and then much Silver Wedding anniversary related scoffing, I have between now and Summer to lose all the weight I put on! It should come off ok though.

At home in the morning to let the decorator in then, clients in the afternoon and evening.
Twitter Followers = 1020 (down 2)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I don't yet have the right response for when "raw nerves" are trod on, which seem to be rudeness, ignorance, ingratitude, insensitivity and underperformace in others, consciously or subconsciously. Once the nerves ARE trod on, at least I know what to do, but focus on the moment now needs to go to the next level to eliminate these sore points. Complete centredness elimnates expectation and thus disappointment. Because the subconscious reaction is so fast, the "all is well" counter-response must also be instantaneous. One great blessing I got from this contemplation was an idea how to explain centredness to the layman.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
What you're feeling is what you're looking at

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Which lacking quality will you address next?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Sex for money is a lot cheaper than sex for love : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Nicely posed

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51302432@N06/5357633857/in/pool-536840@N24

TRIVIA
The surface of Mars is not red but brown. Due to a combination of physical effects the planet looks red from a distance.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Mistakes will never stop me, only not doing!

THURSDAY - SUNDAY 13-16/1/2011

Due to my Silver Wedding Anniversary weekend, I'm having a few days off! Normal service resumes Monday 17/1/2011

WEDNESDAY 12th JANUARY 2011 06:30 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (12.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... British aircraft based on Malta attack Catania airfield on Sicily in an attempt to prevent German and Italian planes from attacking Malta while temporary repairs are carried out on the crippled aircraft carrier Illustrious.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A small island of monotony today in a week of absorbing activity. Some prep for tomorrow's business networking breakfast and then off to the "supplementary job"
Twitter Followers = 1022 (up 3)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Still centred, if somewhat bloated after last night's Silver Wedding Anniversary Blowout. I doubt I will feel hungry all day!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Remove concern for the future and condemnation of the past and all that's left is peace.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is what you're doing moving you forward?

TODAY'S ONELINER
You're wrong, I DO know exactly what I'm doing - I AM LOSING IT!!! : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Gothic Bride II - lite version

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5345736226/

TRIVIA
The LORD OF THE RINGS movies have several deviations from the books, the most major being the fate of the traitor wizard Saruman. In the TWO TOWERS movie he is slain at Orthanc. In the books, he escapes capture, tsavels to the Shire and through devious means and a private army of men becomes its ruler, until the four returning Hobbits lead a rebellion, overthrow him and he is slain by Grima who can no longer stand Saruman's continual humiliation of him. Grima is then slain himself by Hobbit archers. Saruman, being an immortal maia spirit, does not actually "die" but after his body dies shares Sauron's fate of becoming a powerless invisible spirit wanderer over Middle Earth.

The movies also completely omit the Hobbits' detour through the Old Forest and Barrow Downs, where they encounter the enigmatic Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry, described in the book version of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Today is working out just how it's ment to!

TUESDAY 11th JANUARY 2011 08:15 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (11.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... The British cruisers Southampton and Gloucester leave Malta for Gibraltar. Gloucester is damaged and Southampton sunk by a Stuka attack.

In Berlin... Hitler issues Directive 22 outlining his plans for limiting British gains in the Mediterranean. It includes the order for the establishment of the Afrika Korps.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Silver Wedding Anniversary today! 25 years and still no parole! : D
First thing, I'll be drumming up enthusiasm for the next Bradford PRONET meeting, then I have a child client. An early finish at noon so I can nip into town and pick up some new clothes and a computer mouse before nipping back home in time to meet enthusiastic wife, who should be returning from work with a bocquet fit for Elton John. We're off to a nice restaurant for a soiree for two in the evening.
Twitter Followers = 1019 (up 2)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Very centred at this moment!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Commitment deserves congratulations

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Who is your life about?

TODAY'S ONELINER
When we go out, we always hold hands. If I let go, she shops! : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
I do! I DO! Oh yes yes yes I DOOOOOOOO!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5345125215/

TRIVIA
The White Wedding Dress became the prevailing wedding dress of choice after Queen Victoria wore one when she married Prince Albert in 1840

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Delight in the wife of your youth - Book of Proverbs

MONDAY 10th JANUARY 2010 08:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (10.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... Off Pantelleria a British convoy is attacked, first by two Italian torpedo boats, one of which is sunk for no loss to the convoy, and then by 40 German Stuka and Ju88 bombers. The carrier Illustrious is hit six times by dive bombers. Warspite dodges several attacks but other ships are also damaged. This is the first action by the German 10th Air Corps. Illustrious retires to Malta. All the British forces from Gibraltar and Alexandria have been out covering convoys for Greece and Malta. More troops and 18 fighters are brought to Malta. The British destroyer Gallant is sunk after striking an Italian mine in the Sicilian Channel

In Washington... The Lend-Lease Bill is introduced to Congress. There is considerable opposition. Among the prominent opponents of the bill are Senators Wheeler and Nye, former Ambassador Kennedy and Charles Lindbergh.

In Moscow and Berlin... Soviet-German pacts on frontiers in Eastern Europe and on trade are signed. Food and raw materials are to be exchanged for industrial equipment.

In Albania... The Greek forces take Klisura after the four Italian divisions in the area are pulled back.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Back to it with a vengeance - EXTREMELY busy today with four clients booked - the most I can confortably see in a day. The FIT FOR PURPOSE scheme has proved popular!
Twitter Followers = 1017 (up 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A somewhat cranky start after a series of minor frustrations, but I have come to accept the fact that I can be wound up. I now know what to do about it and it dissipates rapidly.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Absolute perfection is very boring - nothing ever happens.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What are you going to do today to develop yourself?

TODAY'S ONELINER
To make holy water, take ordinary water and boil the hell out of it : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Fond of bats

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5326069707/

TRIVIA
The tongue is the only muscle in the body only attached at one end. And just in case you were wondering, a penis is made of spongy erectile tissue and is not a muscle. It depends on blood under pressure rather than muscle fibres to be rigid

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
All the necessary tools are at hand!

SUNDAY 9th JANUARY 2011 08:20 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (9.1.1941)
In North Africa... The first units of what will become the Afrika Korps begin to land at Tripoli. The advance guard is a battalion of light infantry and an antitank unit.

In the North Atlantic... The Admiral Hipper returns to Brest, having sunk a total of eight ships on its cruise.

In Germany... Hitler meets the Yugoslav Premier Cvetkovic and his foreign minister at Berchtesgaden to urge them to join the Tripartite Pact. They still refuse to commit their country, in the hope that Hitler will soon be preoccupied with relations with the Soviet Union and that they can get aid from Britain and the USA.

In East Africa... The 22nd East African Brigade takes Kismayu with fire support from the cruiser Shropshire and other smaller vessels. Elsewhere in Somaliland the British advance is also rapid

TODAY IN MY LIFE
With the laundry already complete and all project planning in place, I will have time to tackle long-neglected places where junk has accumulated, as well as participate in Marital Quality Time
Twitter Followers = 1016 (no change)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Peace Peace Peace

TODAY'S THOUGHT
If you have made enemies you have made a stand for something - not necessarily a bad thing.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What will you do to make life fulfilling?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The world's greatest oxymoron is MICROSOFT WORKS : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
The Dark Side is not stronger, just more seductive!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5319557600/

TRIVIA
Only double-jointed people can lick their own elbow.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
It's all here!

SATURDAY 8th JANUARY 2011 08:50 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (8.1.1941)
Over Italy... There is a British air raid on Naples by Wellington bombers in which the battleship Guilio Cesare is badly hit while moored in the harbor. The Vittorio Veneto is also hit but scarcely damaged.

In Washington... Roosevelt presents his budget to Congress. It outlines total expenditure of $17,500,000,000 with $10,800,000,000 going on defense.

In Albania... The Greeks begin to attack Klisura in their continuing offensive. Their progress farther north is less good, especially around Berat.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Today's major purchase will be a de-humidifier to counter a damp problem - self-inficted by drying the laundry on the radiators. With my box room becoming a consulting room, I can't expect clients to enjoy the sight of black mould on the walls, so I need to prevent it growing back.

Twitter Followers = 1016 (down 2)


TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
An intersesting day of negative synchronicity yesterday when everyone felt negative for their own reasons, but what was gratifying was the speed of recovery by everyone. By evening we all went to bed feeling better - a triumph of emotional management!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Others may provide tools, only you have the solution

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Where is your life going?

TODAY'S ONELINER
A successful politician has the strength of mind to rise above his principles : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
No matter how alternative you are, you'll find yourself doing stuff we all do
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5319557700/in/set-72157625600771731/

TRIVIA
Pringles successfully won a legal dispute over the status of their chips. They showed that their product was not a crisp (or "potato chip" which was eligible for tax) which is made of 100% potato, but a cake (tax exempt). A cake is defined as any dry food product produced from reconstituted edible material. It need not be either a sponge, flour-based or sweet-tasting to qualify as a cake.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I only have control over this moment!

FRIDAY 7th JANUARY 2011 06:55 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (7.1.1941)
From Berlin... The Condor 4-engined reconnaissance bombers, based near Bordeaux in occupied France, are transferred to the operational command of Admiral Donitz.

In the North Atlantic... The British corvette Anemone sinks the Italian submarine Nani northwest of Ireland.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Today I am catching up on all the jobs I didn't do yesterday! I WILL vacuum the house, and everything else not yet crossed off my list. I did take down all the Christmas stuff and I have now finalised all the arrangements for Paris, The Queen Mary 2 and Wacken.

A distraction has been an increasing number of people online seeking my counsel. That's fine with me, it's my principal purpose.
Twitter Followers = 1018 (up 2)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A fulfilling 24 hours has left me with a feeling of contentment. I have not forgotten however that all blessings experienced externally are only an expression of what's going on internally - it is there my focus remains.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
The greatest honour is to be trusted by another.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Where is your treasure?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Air is like sex - you take it for granted unless you're not getting any : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Attitude!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5318949175/

TRIVIA
It's a good thing the Earth has a molten iron core. The spinning of the Earth causes this core to rotate, generating a magnetic field. This field deflects highly charged particles from the sun (the "solar wind") bombarding the Earth. If that were to happen, our atmosphere would be stripped away and the radiation would in any case decimate all life on Earth. This may have already happened on Mars.

Jupiter has a massive magnetic field, generated by a core of liquid hydrogen, which at that temperature and pressure behaves as a metal.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Today people will benefit from my kindness!

THURSDAY 6th JANUARY 2011 06:55 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (6.1.1941)
In North Africa... Advance units of the Allied force reach the outer defenses of Tobruk after taking El Adem airfield to the south. Patrols to examine the Italian defenses begin immediately. The Tobruk garrison is 25,000 men with 220 guns and 70 tanks. General Mannella is in command. There are other Italian units still in positions farther west in Libya.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
It's one of those days where lots of little jobs have all arisen at once, and I've had to put them on a list. My intention to vacuum the house got postponed as I felt the onset of a virus, so I used the time instead to tackle some loose ends on my various planned excursions this year. but I woke this morning feeling better so my high-power Rottweiler immune system seems to have been on the case.

Vacuuming and shopping are the greatest chores today along with a plethora of other minor tasks to keep me out of trouble, such as dismantle the Christmas tree - it's Epiphany/Twelth Night.
Twitter Followers = 1016 (up 4)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I'm responding rapidly to negative emotion, but still dependent on a little space to recover.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
A focus on the ever-changing present moment makes you better prepared for change in general.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is your happiness ultimately dependent on you or everything else?

TODAY'S ONELINER
You can always count on an abacus : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Don't keep her waiting!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5319550056/

TRIVIA
The smaller the star, the longer it lives. This is because the lower gravity in a small star results in lower pressure at the core, so the rate of nuclear fusion is lower. Small stars consequently consume their hydrogen at a lower rate and live longer.

Gas giants like Jupiter are spheres of hydrogen too small to set off Nuclear fusion at the core, so they remain as stable spheres, so long as they're not too close to a star, which would cause all their gas to dissipate.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
What I need right now is in front of me!

WEDNESDAY 5th JANUARY 2011 08:30 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (5.1.1941)
North Africa... Bardia is taken along with 40,000 prisoners and large numbers of guns, tanks and other vehicles. General Annibale Bergonzoli is withdrawing toward Tobruk with the still considerable remnants of his force. There have been less than 400 Allied casualties in the attack.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Box room cleared! Unbelievable amounts of unspeakably horrid rubbish now outside, perhaps not that unbelievable considering a teenage boy was living in there! A serious vacuum is needed today that will be extended to the whole house. A trip to the jewellers is also needed to have my Silver Wedding Anniversary present (a nice new watch) adjusted in time to wear it for the day itself on Tuesday.

With missus not in until the later evening and a week off both my Practice and "supplementary job", bags of time to straighten up the house after Christmas slobbery,
Twitter Followers = 1012 (up 4)

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Most things you worry about never happen - there has to be a better use of thought!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What's your life agenda? Do you have one?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Black Widow spiders kill their males after sex to stop the snoring before it starts! : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
After the Black Mass

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5318949083/

TRIVIA
False eyelashes were invented by film director D.W. Griffith while he was making the 1916 epic, "Intolerance." He wanted actress Seena Owen to have lashes that brushed her cheeks.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
If I'm doing it, it's right for this moment!

TUESDAY 4th JANUARY 2011 06:20 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (4.1.1941)
Albania... The Greeks begin a new offensive. They drive westward toward Valona from their positions in the mountains. The Greeks are, however, outnumbered by the Italians and find it difficult to make significant gains.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
The party's over! I have immensely enjoyed a thoroughly relaxed slob-out, enjoying beer, chocolate, peanuts, DVDs and multimedia in excessive abundance, but now it's time to get serious! I have a precious four days alone in the house during the daytime to get the house straight and get the box-room (my future new consulting room)ready for the decorator who's scheduled to turn up on the 17th. I return to both seeing clients and supplementary job next week.
Twitter Followers = 1008 (up 1)

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Determination needs to be met either wih equal determination or surrender to save pointless loss.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you conducting yourself in the right way for your best interest?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Why is the word PHONETIC not spelt how it sounds? : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Something truly delicious from Eastern Europe
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5318891217/

TRIVIA
Almonds are the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used nuts in the world.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Now is the time!

MONDAY 3rd JANUARY 2010 08:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (3.1.1941)

In North Africa... The Allied force, renamed 13th Corps, has been increased by the arrival of the 6th Australian Division to replace the 4th Indian Division previously withdrawn to the Sudan. The new force leads the attack on Bardia which now begins. The 16th and 17th Brigades provide the assault units. They have considerable tank and artillery support. In addition three battleships of the Mediterranean Fleet also shell the Italian positions. The attack goes in against the west and southwest fortress and progress is very rapid. Around 30,000 prisoners are taken in the first 24 hours.

TODAY IN MY LIFE

This is the last "slob day" before I really get on with 2011 in earnest. Other than cook the missus lunch, I have no plans at all, and will follow my instincts through the day.

Twitter Followers = 1007 (no change)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

My sleep patterns suffer somewhat when there's no deadlines - you can have too much of a good thing. I expect the issue to sort itself out as I settle back into more regular routines tomorrow.

TODAY'S THOUGHT

There is no substitute for faith - no one would get out of bed without it.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

Are you studying to avoid the work the studying is supposed to prepare you for?

TODAY'S ONELINER

I'm an apathetic sociopath - I'd kill you if I could be bothered : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY

A moment in the shade

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5315739432/

TRIVIA

If atheism just ran in families it would rapidly die out! Atheists have on average 1 or 2 children - not enough to sustain them. The religious however have on average 3-4 children, more than enough to inherit the Earth. Since there is a strong conviction in most religions that prolific reproduction is a virtue, the survival of religions are assured.

However, since belief is an idea, and can be picked up outside family influence, the survival of atheism is also assured, as by the law of averages some people's circumstances will inevitably cause them to override their genetic predisposition and embrace atheism. History supports this conclusion: atheists have always been present in society and are always in the minority, even when as under 20th Century Communist regimes it was the official belief.

Ideas, like genes, need to keep being passed on in order to survive, and like genes they can mutate, in a process called rationalisation - a new idea is accepted but adapted to be compatible with the individual's existing beliefs. This explains why specific beliefs become diverse in intensity, from fundamentalism to liberalism. If an idea proves too incompatible with an individuals current worldview, it is either rejected outright or the individual dumps the old worldview to accept the new idea - a process called conversion.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

Let it be!

SUNDAY 2nd JANUARY 2011 08:30 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (2.1.1941)
In Washington... Roosevelt announces a program to produce 200 7500-ton freighters to standardized designs. They will be known as Liberty ships

TODAY IN MY LIFE
I will need to be slightly more active today, in charge of lunch, but still bags of "me time" - I can't remember the last time I had such a prolonged period of doing my own thing or having enjoyed it so much when I did - pure joy!
Twitter Followers = 1007(down 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
As I desired, my intention to live intuitively is extending to my leisure time with the same noticable benefit in peace of mind. After being terrorised by my own thoughts and feelings most of my life, I have the most profound sense of gratitude for both the circumstances of my life and this hard-won peace within.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
A tragic mistake is to pursue things that one thinks will produce peace of mind rather than peace of mind.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What's the most helpful thing to say for all concerned?

TODAY'S ONELINER
In the toybox today, Lolita, the nymphomaniac rag doll, was given a final warning after being caught sat on Pinocchio's face yelling "lie to me!" : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
A dash of violet
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57817019@N08/5315410016/

TRIVIA
According to the theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is 186,200 miles per second. Light travels slower through matter. When light moves from one type matter to another, eg air to water and hits the interface between them at an angle, the direction of the light gets shifted, a phenomenon called refraction. If the angle is too shallow, instead of passing through, the light will just bounce off, a phenomenon called reflection.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Things always work out right in the end!

SATURDAY, NEW YEAR'S DAY 2011 12:15 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (1.1.1941)
In the Mediterranean... The strength of the German 10th Air Corps in Sicily is now 96 bombers and 25 fighters. At this time the RAF has only 15 Hurricanes in Malta.
In Berlin... Ribbentrop, the German foreign minister, meets Filov, the Bulgarian prime minister, to discuss arrangements for allowing the passage of German troops across Bulgaria. No agreement is reached but Bulgaria is now nearer to acquiescing to German pressure to join the Tripartite Pact.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Three days of slobbery begin today! Between the beer and DVD's, I can see myself getting in some contemplation and writing, and keeping on top of the laundry.
Twitter Followers = 1008(up 7)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I have peace in my heart and a "this moment is all" attitude - a good way to start 2011.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Regardless of your position, all fear dispels when you know exactly what to do.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Who decides what you can do?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Why in baseball do they have a "world series" when only Americans play it? : D

GOTH GIRL OF THE DAY
Very posed but very nice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melanienicol/5155609750/in/pool-25698784@N00

TRIVIA
"Rhythms" is the longest English word without any vowels, and "queueing" is the only word that has five vowels in a row.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Peace starts with me.