18/02/2010 by admin.

We have another example of a lamb with extraordinary markings that can readily be linked to our project. Our readers will know how in Charles Lamb’s journal the boxer Bill Richmond teaches Charles Lamb to defend himself and toughen up for the challenges ahead on the understanding that someone tasked with helping to care for Mother Nature needs to be ready for the fight (pages 255-256). Well take a look at this little fella born 5 days ago on a farm in Durham…

He’s been named Miyagi after fictional martial arts expert Mr Miyagi from the Karate Kid films, he was born five days ago with a thick belt of black wool around his middle. A Lamb with a fighting flare - the little Haymaker!  Farmer William Herbert said:

‘I’ve been farming for over 50 years but I’ve never seen anything like this before. Some lambs have a spot of discoloured wool, but it’s very unusual to see a  full thick stripe. It goes all the way around. It looks like I’ve gone out to him with a paint brush.

‘He’s one of a set of triplets but he won’t be treated any differently to his  brother and sister. They don’t have any markings on them – he’s the odd one out.’

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you?, Q12 Is our Earth enchanted? | No Comments »

07/02/2010 by admin.

We have another remarkable coincidence to report where life is imitating events in our novel.  On 7 February 1823, Charles Lamb’s journal records ‘a magnificant deep white snow’ to fall that helps demonstrate the true majesty of Yggdrasil (pages 374-378) and the diversity of life - represented by the difference between each and every snowflake, the 12 snow angels and the 3 hearts to appear in the snow at the points of an equilateral triangle.

On the same date, we look across the Atlantic and find the East coast of America has experienced ‘Smowmaggedon’ through the heaviest snowfall in some 100 years! Unsurprisingly the East coast was home to a couple of the Blakesware Set - Ralph Emerson and Henry Thoreau. Most poignant! We’d better take better care of our planet.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YitaEluvmaM

Posted in Q68 Does the Earth have a spirit?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q53 Do you prefer to keep warm?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q21 Have you ever hugged a tree?, Q12 Is our Earth enchanted? | No Comments »

13/01/2010 by admin.

Our intention was to conclude the Watch at end 2009. However, events in Haiti have made us think again. On 8 November 2009, we covered a story about Lucy Jones a seismologist at the US Geological Survey and our anxiety about her working for an organisation looking at Earthquake prediction evaluation.  http://watch.thehaymakerssurvey.com/2009/11/08/x-factor-lucies-cruel-farewell/ 

Just 2 months after our story, we now have a state of emergency in Haiti. On January 12,  Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, the country’s most severe earthquake in over 200 years. Widespread damage resulted from the quake, with a majority of buildings collapsing due to poor structural design and construction. The capital city was devastated and up to some 100,000 people are feared dead.

Normally we would put the earthquake down as an entirely natural occurance, but the timining is odd given the phonetics of the country’s name: Haiti sounds like it begins with the word HAY probably the only country in the world with such phonetics. Did we somehow anticipate the disaster?

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It has been struck by multiple hurricanes, causing flooding and widespread damage, most recently in 2008 from Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav. This prompted Miami herald journalist Leonard Pitts, Jr., to ask “if the planet itself is not conspiring against this humble little nation”.

Haiti was once lush; less than 100 years ago 60% of its original forest covered the lands and mountainous regions. Since then, an estimated 98% of its original forest cover had been cut down, and in the process has destroyed fertile farmland soils, contributing to desertification. It is now extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. In addition to soild erosion, deforestation has caused periodic flooding, as seen on 17 September 2004. tropical storm Jeanne skimmed the north coast of Haiti, leaving 3,006 people dead in flooding and mudslides. Earlier that year in May, floods killed over 3,000 people on Haiti’s southern border with the Dominican Republic.

We do not in any way wish to be disrespectful to the victims in this horrific event and our deepest sympathies go to all concerned. We wish the people of Haiti well as they struggle to respond to the crisis. A huge interrnational aid effort is underway and we have already made our own donation. As their moto says ‘Strength is Unity’ - a lesson for all humanity perhaps.

Posted in Q62 Have you ever helped the poor?, Q68 Does the Earth have a spirit?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q34 Have you ever restored something?, Q22 Do you love our Earth?, Q31 Are you a charitable neighbour?, Q15 Do you sometimes fear the worst? | No Comments »

08/12/2009 by admin.

In our environmental novel the messenger, Malachi, says, “Not the spectre of the Delicate Investigation”.

Well, in an earlier posting we speculated on what might happen in the debate in the run up to the Copenhagen conference - whether we might see spoiling tactics designed to undermine the credibility of the science behind the need for action.  Curious then that a set of key allegations have arisen from a series of hacked e-mails downloaded on the ‘RealClimate’ website obtained from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia.  Sceptics claim the emails suggest that scientists have manipulated evidence on global warming. The scientists at CRU stand by their research, some call this Climategate.

In response, the University will hold an Independent Review headed by Sir Muir Russell into the allegations made against the CRU.  Announcing the review Professor Edward ACTON, Vice-Chancellor said the integrity and reputation of the CRU was of the utmost importance.  The review is due to report by Spring 2010. We suggest it be entitled the ‘Delicate Investigation’.

Whatever, the title and outcome of the review the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference has begun under its spectre - an illegal attempt to discredit the IPCC and undermine the event, and sternly refuted by those leading the Conference.  A move supported by the Met Office who have today issued temperture records from over 1,500 climate monitoring stations as part of efforts to debunk the sceptics claims… with more to follow.

Fear not, we know the truth - the ‘paranormal’ signs beyond the science and hard evidence are many throughout our Watch.  This is not just about the climate its about our relationship with this planet and Mother Nature. It’s about justice for bio-diversity and the spectacular beautiful array of animals we have the duty to care for. It’s about love for the Earth! We - humanity - are under investigation. Oh we do love what we do!

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q56 Do you believe rules are there to be broken?, Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts? | No Comments »

05/12/2009 by admin.

Some 40,000 people gathered in London today to send a message to world leaders gathering in Copenhagen about the need for action on climate change.  Replicating his presence at a similar event recorded in our novel, Ben Whittenbury joined them in his polar bear outfit.  Ben, Julia and Sarah enjoyed taking part in the ‘blue human wave’.  Sarah loved the open top bus and the many blue ribbon’s waved truimphantly from it. All in all a happy event with a serious message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InXPPdLTiQo

Perhaps the organisers, and the PM Gordon Brown, were inspired by our novel - and page 183 in particular! Go take a look it includes the vision of the ‘wave’ symbolising predicted sea level rises and the blue ribbon which features to illustrate our fragile world - just ask Dr Mark Penning, President of WAZA for confirmation on how perilous things are!  

Remember people -we’re not one to gloat but we did after all receive the coverted ‘Blue Ribbon Award’ for our efforts.  Finally, page 183 also includes a reference to the ‘Flat Earth Society’ to illustrate how people often only grasp the truth when there’s tangible visible and physical evidence! Trouble is we’re at the point of no return! Its all a matter of faith. Bring on the magic fairy dust?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSIvZXuoj2s

Posted in Q76 Are you going to take action now to save our world?, Star Question - what happened to the blue ribbon?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q61 Have you ever worn fancy dress?, Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q25 Do you believe in fairies?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q51 Have you ever taken part in a protest?, Q22 Do you love our Earth? | No Comments »

20/11/2009 by admin.

The Environmental Agency has reported record rainfall for England for a 24hr period with 12.3 inches of rain falling in the Lake District,  Cumbria.  The torrential rain has brought unprecedented flooding to the North-West and Scotland, including at Workington, Keswick and Cockermouth. Sadly, a police officer has lost his life, many are sheltering in temporary accommodation and hundreds of homes are without power. The downpour has been described as a ‘Once in a Thousand Year’ incident of Biblical proportions.  

We’re intrigued that the deluge should occur at a place so beloved to William Wordsworth especially as we’ve put together a short video entry for a COP15 competition adapting his poem, ‘I wandered lonely..’.  William features in our story and in Charles Lamb’s journal. One of his closest friends was Samuel Tayler Coleridge whose Rime of the Ancient Mariner includes the lines ‘Water water everywhere, nor any drop to drink’. The poem is discussed in Charles Lamb’s journal and the ‘water water’, line is rehearsed by Malachi - our messenger.   in the run up to COP15 world leaders take heed.

Here’s the link to our video. If you like it please vote for us! The video is called ‘Don’t Throw Away This Chance’.

http://www.youtube.com/cop15

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q60 Have you ever experienced deja vu?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q30 Did you ever watch the rain on your window?, Q26 Do you take poetry seriously? | No Comments »

21/10/2009 by admin.

A new and rare species of ‘giant’ orb Nephila spider has been discovered in Madagascar - its the largest web spinning spider known to science.  The female of the species can spin webs up to 3ft 3in in diameter. 

The spider is located within two endangered biodiversity hotspots: Maputaland and Madagascar.

We see this as vindication of the Web of Life which features in our story and in Charles Lamb’s journal when Lucy Ebbs - Mother Nature personified - draws his attention to it to show that everything in nature is connected and if we continue as we are the eco-system will soon collapse.  Its another warning in the run-up to Copenhagen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhVB_wZ73WU&feature=related

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q12 Is our Earth enchanted? | No Comments »

23/09/2009 by admin.

Yesterday we published a promotional video which included a RED ALERT warning.  It’s why a red top was worn as symbolism!

Well, well, well. This morning residents of Sydney, Australia were greeted by an epic unprecedented red dust storm causing widespread disruption.  Dust storms are common in the country but nothing on this scale has been witnessed by those alive today. The dust cloud was some 400 miles long and travelled over 1,000 miles down Australia’s east coast. It was formed from dust whipped up in the dried out basin of Lake Eyre. 

Health hazards aside residents were in awe of the spectacle. Comments included, “The sky was bathed in a red hue…. it was like waking up to see Armageddon… it was the weirdest thing I’d ever seen, like waking up on Mars.” So has Mother Nature confirmed that we are on Red Alert?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-s0nENyQ4w

Posted in Q68 Does the Earth have a spirit?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you?, Q15 Do you sometimes fear the worst? | No Comments »

16/09/2009 by admin.

A former employee of ASDA supermarket in Preston has been caught on camera doing some instore raw ‘chicken licking’ amongst other things.  There was also an appearance on the X-Factor by the Lickin’ Chicken, including a search for keys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnK3QiIw4n4

We have our own take on these incidents! Number 26 in Caleb’s footnotes at the rear of our novel explains the fable of Chicken Licken and the phrase ‘The sky is falling in’.  He reminded us that the phrase is commonly used to indicate a hysterical or mistaken believe that disaster is imminent. The footnote refers to mention in Charles Lamb’s journal (page 296) extract:

…Lucy stopped in her tracks and cried, “The sky is falling in. The Sky is falling in!”  “The rush to tell the king,” I (Charles) said in jest.  An acorn had fallen from a nearby oak and hit her on top of her head. “Oh woe is me,” she mumbled, feinging serious injury - duping me into her arms. “Lucy Ebbs what ails thee?” The acorn was beneath her feet. She picked it up. “We fear the curse of the dark Satanic Mills’ she said.

Later when the Blakesware Set have come together (page 338) the Duke of Wellington comments on the pessimism, “Next you’ll be telling me the sky is falling in.”  The Duke was playing the role of Devil’s Advocate and was later persuaded by the  members’ arguments and need for action.

We see this tension taking place worldwide - with people on the one hand campaigning for change and tacking action with others dismissing the arguments and many more caught up in the middle - either disinterested, unengaged or unclear on what it all really means.  Those who deny the threat often recite the fable…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2Yrt2gU7A&feature=related

We happen to think the Chicken Lickin incidents are timely given news from some of the world’s leading geologists gathering today for in London a conference warning of potential catastrophic consequences of rapid climate change, including Tsunami’s, avalanches and volcanic eruptions.  Its significant as many people will simply dismiss the warnings as empty threats. We say the coincidence of the Chicken Licken’ episodes are just another example that we ignore the risks at our peril. As we ask early on in our novel ‘Do we have the X-Factor?’ - See our opening extract.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/video/Climate-Change-Geologists-Warn-Of-Natural-Catastrophes-Including-Tsunamis-Avalanches-And-Volcanic-Eruptions/Video/200909315381672

Posted in Q57 Have you ever spied on anyone?, Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q36 Should a good life cost the Earth?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q15 Do you sometimes fear the worst?, Q.8 Do you crave a better life? | No Comments »

09/09/2009 by admin.

Our readers will know that our adventure opens with the appearance of the ghostly ‘Lady in Grey’ following the peal of five bells from a distant church at Widford Hertfordshire - as an announcement to help grab our attention we believe.

Deeply curious then that on this symbolic date, the oldest circle of bells in the Christian world have been lovingly restored and rehung at St Lawrence’s Church in Ipswich, Suffolk.  They date from 1450 and would have been heard by Cardinal Wolsey as a boy.  Restoration project organiser, Dr John Blatchley, anticipates word of the restoration will spread around the world.  The bells were returned to the tower of the church for the first time in 25 years. 

The five bells will carry an amazing medieval ring - a sound to warm the hearts. 

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/eveningstar/news/story.aspx?brand=ESTOnline&category=News&tBrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=IPED10%20Sep%202009%2007%3A58%3A52%3A177

More details on the bells and their triumphant return can be found at…

http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/stlawrenceipswich.htm

Posted in Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q46 Do you value a good education?, Q35 Do you trust your instincts?, Q34 Have you ever restored something?, Q12 Is our Earth enchanted? | No Comments »