CalumCarr's Take

Aberdeen Sheriff court was privy to a very strange case yesterday.  A 28-year old man was charged with, found guilty of, and fined £600 for assaulting a female police officer.

Nothing strange about this so far but this was no ordinary assault because he assaulted the police officer with his penis. 

The BBC website states,

“The court heard he had been drinking heavily and could not remember committing the offence at his home in Aberdeen.  Police were called to his home by his girlfriend, who had complained about him being drunk last November.

They arrived to find the self-employed engineer sitting on the sofa wearing a pair of underpants.

Fiscal depute Elaine Lynch said: "The accused got to his feet and was standing over the police officer exposing his penis and thrusting it in her face, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid getting struck."

Did she need to sit and simply take evasive action.  What is her baton for if not this?  Could she not have used her  handcuffs to restrain him?

Whatever, given that he was very drunk, this could not have been the hardest case she’s had to “handle”.

Busy in two senses: firstly I have been busy buying bits and bobs and  organising elder child who’s going off for a few days. We’re still not finished and probably won’t be until it’s time to walk out the door tomorrow morning.  I’m sure the time away will be enjoyable though.

Also my blog has been busy today – much busier than normal – and I’ve Traf .. etc to thank for this.  I don’t want to use their full name because some bloggers will come over thinking that there is story … and there isn’t.

Where would I be without Traf .. etc?

They’ve been very good to me – in terms of posts and visitors -  but I would much rather that I had never heard of them, much rather Compagnie Tommy had never been formed and much rather the scandalous dumping of waste had never happened but it did and the full truth needs to come out.  Enough of this.  This post is NOT about them.

Busy and with more busyness to come and some hassle, possibly lots of that, before my head hits the pillow.

A busy day but nice for that.

After my 3 very recent posts about Trafigura (1, 2 and 3) I’ve returned to asking Trafigura for the papers they have so far refused to release.

In January I asked for the Trafigura Reply in BBC libel case
and the  WSP environmental audit report based in and around Abidjan.  Despite many many reminders nothing was forthcoming but now with the publication on Wikileaks of the BBC case there is more reason than ever for Trafigura to put their side.

This is the email I sent earlier today.

“Dear Mr Cameron and Dear Sirs (of Press Office)

In January this year I asked that Trafigura forward to me two documents each of which Trafigura's website stated was available on request.  I have received none.  In fact, all I have received is "web silence" other than one standard holding response.  The papers I asked for were:

-  the WSP audit report of the environmental impact of the disposal of the Probo Koala waste in and around Abidjan

-  the Trafigura Reply in the BBC libel case.

Once again I ask that you send me copies of these papers. 

The publication of the BBC Case on Wikileaks presents an incredibly damning picture of Trafigura and it is this picture which readers will remember and which will continue to tarnish Trafigura's reputation.  That the BBC settled "out-of-court" doesn't necessarily invalidate all their claims: they may have made a mistake over claiming that deaths occurred because of the unsafe disposal of the waste but there is an immense amount of detail which damns Trafigura and its advisers.  Without Trafigura's response there is no balance and, so, this is an opportunity for Trafigura to provide that balance.  You may feel that Trafigura will be damned whether it responds or not: you may be right but keeping your head down and hoping this will go away is a PR disaster.  Trafigura would be much better off publishing its information starting with the two documents I have requested.

In fact the best decision Trafigura could make is to publish all documentation, describe what happened and why, recognise and apologise for its mistakes and vow to move on to higher standards.  I fear we will disagree on the best course of action.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely

CalumCarr”

Will I get a different response this time?

I doubt it but ………

Wikileaks has published the BBC’s 39 page defence in the libel suit brought against them by Trafigura.

The BBC settled out of court.

Many thanks to Wikileaks and, especially, to Don’t get Fooled Again for bringing this to my attention.

Sorry about the lack of details but I’m just dashing out. I may well comment on this later today.

JD has recently started to leave comments here, (s)he lives in Scotland but has no online profile.  Last week JD left me a link in a comment, I followed it, spilt my coffee and tied my legs in knots.

Tonight you have the opportunity to see how the music, which crippled me, affects you:  Ricky Skaggs and The Chieftains with two songs - Cindy, and Cotton-Eyed Joe.

Enjoy.

Wow!

Thanks, JD.

I stumbled across interesting information provided in writing by Alan Rusbridger, in October  last year, to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.  His entire evidence is available here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmcumeds/memo/press/m13102.htm

The really interesting parts are:

Part 2 - The activities of firms such as Carter-Ruck

Appendix 1 - Extracts from Carter-Ruck website

Appendix 2 -  Extract from a chronology of Carter-Ruck dealings with the Guardian on behalf of their client Trafigura

I quote 3 extracts from Appendix 2.

On 27 June 2008, Bell Pottinger sent a threatening message to the Guardian. They had previously sent similar threats and complaints to AP, whose agency dispatch had been published on-line by the Guardian. The message ended:

"Please note that in view of the gravity of these matters and of the allegations which have been published, I am copying Trafigura's solicitors, Carter-Ruck, into this email."

The letter demanded changes to the Guardian's website to include this information:

"The Probo Koala ... left Amsterdam with the full knowledge and clear approval of the Dutch authorities." It also stated that the disposal company in Amsterdam had asked for extra fees "without any credible justification" and that "ship's slops are commonly produced within the oil industry. To label Trafigura's slops as 'toxic waste' in no way accurately reflects their true composition."

On 16 September 2008, Trafigura posted a statement on their website claiming:

"Trafigura is in no way responsible for the sickness suffered by people in Abidjan ... The discharge of slops from cargo vessels is a routine procedure that is undertaken all over the world."

The company knew this was a misleading and false statement.

and

On 14 November 2008, Bell Pottinger responded "Please note that I am copying this correspondence to Carter-Ruck and to the Guardian's legal department". They added: "Any suggestion, even implicit, that Trafigura ... should have stood trial in Ivory Coast would be completely unfounded and libellous ... We insist that you refer in detail to the contents of the attached summary".

A closely-typed six-page statement was attached. In it the company claimed to have "independent expert evidence" of the non-toxicity of the waste, but refused to disclose it. Trafigura repeated the false claim that the waste was merely "a mixture of gasoline, water and caustic soda".

No Guardian article, once again, was published.

and

On 3 December 2008, less than 3 weeks later, Trafigura formally admitted to the High Court the true composition of the waste in its document "Likely chemical composition of the slops", [detailed above].

On 5 December 2008, Trafigura formally admitted their waste came from Merox-style chemical processing attempts, and not from routine tank-rinsing.

The whole evidence is well worth reading.

Legal action, or the threat of legal action, does not turn untruth into truth or, for that matter, truth into untruth.

Last week the Dutch Supreme Court ruled that the city of Amsterdam must face full responsibility for failing to supervise the Probo Koala whose waste was later dumped in and around Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The article, from Radio Netherlands Worldwide, continues

“Part of the cargo was initially accepted for processing by Amsterdam Port Services but the company then decided not to accept the waste and pumped it back into the ship's hold.

Amsterdam Port Services, the Probo Koala's captain and the cargo ship's owner, the Trafigura company, also face prosecution for allegedly breaching local laws governing waste export.

Dutch prosecutors have sought to hold the city of Amsterdam responsible for "ridding itself" of what turned out to be dangerous waste being offloaded from the Probo Koala in Amsterdam - by ordering that it be pumped back into the ship to be taken elsewhere.”

I await the future prosecutions with interest.

Yesterday just before kick-off in the Calcutta cup match (5pm uk time) I took these 2 pics.  They’re only OK but they’re still miles better than the rugby.

The first is with the low sun casting large shadows on the Pentlands.  The peak on the right is Allermuir (1617ft, 493m) and once a week I used to walk up there and then sweep eastwards (i.e left).  Not any more!  I must start again.

In the other the brilliant sun streams through a break in the cloud.

As with many of my sun / moon / hill pictures they’re taken from an upstairs bedroom window.

Jerry Douglas is the best (or, at least, one of the best) dobro players but, you may ask, “What is a dobro?”  Well, it’s one make of a type of guitar with a mechanical method of amplifying the sound.  Such guitars are called resophonic, I think, and the sound is amplified by a metal cone giving a louder and different tonal sound.  Dobros are played in a different position – flat – and with a metal bar rather than fingers on frets.  It’s much easier to watch than it is to describe and so let’s start with a solo piece. 

Get your coffee before the music starts.

A Tribute to Peador O'Donnell/Monkey Let the Hogs Out

This solo is taken from the DVD of an Alison Krauss and Union Station show and this shows his virtuosity.

_____

Jerry Douglas is a magician on his dobro but, although I’ve been aware of him for more than 10 years, I never really listened to his music until I was preparing for last week’s show.  Then I saw, I listened and was won over  …. totally.

I saw a video in which he said that he used to sing but once he took up the dobro seriously he stopped because he could express all he had through the guitar.

We move onto a song made famous by James Taylor but Douglas and Alison Krauss sing a lovely version: Douglas sings too! 

Carolina on My Mind

I think this performance was at a celebratory do for Taylor and it was he, the bald man, who was whistling at the end.

_____

So many of Jerry Douglas’ performances are like this in which he provides wonderful backing to others.  Despite this, he is worthy of special mention – a very special talent.  You may remember that he had this role in the Transatlantic Sessions last week.

One Winter’s Night 

Each instrumentalist is brilliant and this reminded me that so often this is NOT the case but when real talent gets together the results are amazing.

Played as the group, Strength in Numbers, who were:

Sam Bush - fiddle, mandolin
Jerry Douglas - dobro
Bela Fleck - banjo, guitar
Mark O'Connor - fiddle, guitar
Edgar Meyer – bass

_____

Another Morning

Virtuosity!  Don’t adjust your pc or your eyes: a strange effect was added to the video.

Who needs words with skill such as this?

_____

Choctaw Hayride

Here Jerry is part of Alison Krauss and Union Station and we have another brilliant exhibition of magic!

[No words needed]

_____

Jerry has played on more than 1600 records and he recalls  -somewhere – that once, when moving house the phone rang and Ray Charles wanted him to play in a session.  In demand because he is bloody brilliant.

Untitled  with The Chieftains

A master can play anything anywhere anytime!  And The Chieftains aren’t bad either.

_____

We’re almost finished but the virtuosity goes on and on.  Our second last video has a very young Jerry with Bela Fleck (banjo) firing off each other.

Cincinnati Rag

Don’t you just love those glasses!

_____

 Patrick Meets the Brickbats

We finish with Jerry’s own band from 2002 performing what was for them the last tune in their set at Merlefest.

Jerry’s brilliance shines through but we mustn’t forget the other musicians around him who are, in their own right, fabulous performers.

_____

I forgot about you for more than 10 years, Jerry, but no more.  You are up there with the best.  Thank you for opening my eyes and ears.

Well, that’s it for another week. I’m off to listen to this music again.   I hope you enjoyed your coffee and the music.   Tune in again next week and thanks for listening.

I noticed that the doyen of British political tabloid blogging – Mr Dale – claims that his blog is now Europe’s No. 1.  He may well have his facts correct this time and the claim carries much more weight because Wikio’s blog has the story. Had the result come from an organisation with which Mr Dale has associations then doubt and mystery would have surrounded his claim but, unfortunately, there can be no doubt.

What a sad day! 

The smug become smugger; the bugs become buggers; the hams become hammers!

Mr Dale whose blog is to quality as Lord Ashcroft’s earnings are to HMRC is undoubtedly a worthy winner   :(   but also a reminder that pap “sells”.

Were I in his position I would remain quiet and dignified; not qualities one expects to see at his home; not qualities one sees at his home.  But I’m not in that position and, therefore, I don’t need to remain quiet and dignified.  I can go and cry in my coffee and throw my toys around.

I need to be satisfied with:

Europe's Number One Blog written by CalumCarr !!!!

Note: I make no link to his blog.  He’s far too successful already.

Earlier today  I wondered what colour the Calcutta Cup would be tonight – white or blue.  After that game I think this is most appropriate:

Neither white nor blue.  Grey is too much and so black it has to be.

Will it be

or

Hopefully in a couple of days I’ll get back to normal posting: have a Trafigura post to finish from a week or so ago.  I’ll fill the gap with this Allison Moorer song which I must say has absolutely no meaning for me. I like it, that’s all.

There are so many celebs who could do with following the sentiments.

I had a phonecall about an hour ago now in which I was told that the Local Authority has granted our wishes without going to the Appeal Panel tomorrow.  I was due to be a witness and now I can relax.

No need to Appeal!!!

God is smiling on us!

Nerves are (or nervousness is) growing because tomorrow is a very big day. 

Will I be as prepared as I need / want?

Are there any new arguments for us / against us?

I need to read and re-read my notes.

What if I forget?

Remember, our case is just; our case is fair; our case is urgent. 

We need a “YES!” now.

Gotta go.  Reading to do.

The reason I’ve been posted less over the last few days is that I’ve had a huge job to complete.

Painting this structure took bloody ages.  I never realised how large it was!! 

I’ve taken some of your comments on board and toned down the colour a wee bit.

I had a surprise ring at the front door this morning.  I had forgotten that we were getting cavity wall insulation done today on the cheap not that it was a cheap job.  We took advantage of a government scheme – I imagine it is UK-wide but could be only Scottish – to have this done at about 5  -10% of the full cost.

Apart from a glass vase falling from a shelf from the vibration of the drilling of the outside wall all went well.  We should be warmer for less now.

Finally I come to the reason for this post. 

Of course, I don’t need any additional insulation to keep warm!  I already have mine – FAT!

BACH  -  AIR

Such beauty
Such peace
From within

I see no beauty
Feel no peace
Within

Broken
Ugly
Staggering
Falling

Beauty  - are you mine?
Peace - do you walk with me?
Tell me truthfully

Yes! Yes!
You're eyes are but closed
And fall you must

Take my hand
Trust me
Let the eyes of your Self see
Set the eyes of your Self free

Such beauty
Such peace
From within
Yours will be

A mountain of work to get through before Thursday and today has been one of the highest of high stress days.

And now I am unfocused but a myriad of thoughts and subjects flash through my brain every second, each one pulling me from my work, each one stabbing me to the core, each one …… !

Ain’t families wonderful?

I’m going to be very busy this week all the way through to Thursday which is, itself, a very important day.  I have masses of reading, writing and preparation to do before I am a witness in our appeal against a local Authority decision. 

Wish me luck!