22/08/2010 by admin.

Following up belatedly to a story in The Hertfordshire Mercury back in June we did a search on wikipedia about the Great Bed of Ware. We we astounded to discover that the Great Bed was carved in 1590 by none other than a Hertfordshire carpenter named Jonas Fosbrooke! This is nothing short of remarkable. Jonas is one of the characters in our story. His profession used to be a carpenter.

Well leaving this to one side for a second the story about the Great Bed of Ware is that it’ll be returning to Ware in 2012 after a 140 year absence. The Great Bed’s currently kept in the Victoria & Albert musuem in Lodnon but will be loaned to Ware museum  Our novel mentions the Great Bed of Ware [page number to follow].  Mmmm still bemused. Here’s the wiki link…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Bed_of_Ware

Posted in Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q47 Do you know your history?, Q41 Do you like surprises?, Q.1 Does your life have a purpose? | No Comments »

10/12/2009 by admin.

An albino hedgehog named Snowball has been put on a diet and exercise machine at St Tiggywinkles hospital in Aylesbury. The spiney creature tipped the scales at 3 times its normal weight after feasting on dog food before it was rescued. 

Only 1 in 10,000 hedgehogs is born albino so is this a subtle way for Mother Nature to alert us that food is a scarce and much valued resource and that over-eating is contributing to environmental chaos, especially as the world’s human population continues to grow apace.

**** Do you love Hedgehogs is one of the most popular questions on my website. Thanks for visiting. You would make my day if you click on  ‘Hello from Chrissie’ http://watch.thehaymakerssurvey.com/events-hertford-castle-and-others/ before you go ****

Posted in Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q19 Do you love hedgehogs?, Q.8 Do you crave a better life? | 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 »

27/08/2009 by admin.

An ’Elephant in the Room’ is an idiom for a problem that everyone knows about but doesn’t discuss due to taboo or awkwardness. 

Well the challenge of human population growth has manifested itself in the UK, where population growth is at a record 47 year high - growing by 408,000 the biggest increase in almost 50 years.  It now stands at over 61 million. 

The size and growth of the UK population is part of a world-wide phenomenon and the great taboo of environmentalism, largely due to human rights concerns. But many argue the issue is a most serious one, which unchecked is likely to heighten the risk of global ecological catastrophe.

Here’s a little something to brighten the mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTo4QLuHE88

Posted in Q51a How many people does it take to fill up the Earth?, Q55 Do you believe in truth? | No Comments »

09/08/2009 by admin.

Sarah was surfing YouTube when she came across an intriging video of a girl in Lebanon who cried frozen tears…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5_Rj2zKMy4&feature=related

The video describes the tears as crystals. Its from 1996 but has resurfaced in popularity recently partly through chain emails.  Some sites suggest the video is a hoax or a simple magic trick.

Truth or fiction the timing of the videos resurface is curious as one of the most important parts of our story is a poem called Shadows, which includes the verse:

“Ah, be ours the task to stop it, ours the task this Earth to keep. With imagination blot it, woe decry industrial creep. Woe decry that icy tear, “Forget me Not,” the time is Near.”

In our tale, the poem was passed to Julia by her Grandmother who advised her to, “Look out for the signs. You have the gift…”  Charles Lamb’s journal reveals how the poem came about and who wrote it - that it captures concerns about the impact of machines upon Mother Nature.

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q79 Have you ever looked into the shadows?, Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q39 Do you believe in magic?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you? | No Comments »

08/05/2009 by admin.

Newly discovered lyrics by the hand of the former Beatle, George Harrison have been put on display by the British Museum in the same gallery that houses the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s First Folio.

The lyrics were found by Hunter Davies during research for a new edition of his official biography of The Beatles. Davies used to collect scraps of paper the Beatles threw to the floor of Abbey Road studios in London and keep them as souvenirs.  The lyrics read:

“I’m happy to say that its only a dream when I come across people like you,

 its only a dream and you make it obscene with the things that you think and you do.

Your so unaware of the pain that I bear and jealous for what you can’t do.

There’s times when I feel that you haven’t a hope but I also know that isn’t true.’

George wrote some of the most thoughtful and soothing Beatles songs including, For You Blue, Think for Yourself and Dark Horse. Ben’s favourite is ‘If I needed Someone’.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvPLx4dWZxM&feature=related

Posted in Q75 Have you ever put on a show?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q46 Do you value a good education?, Q40 Can you play a musical instrument?, Q41 Do you like surprises?, Q34 Have you ever restored something? | No Comments »

06/03/2009 by admin.

The date 03:06:09 (US date line) brings the release in the UK of the superhero film ‘Watchmen’ adapted from the 1980s comic book series. 

How ironic? Let’s take a closer look at the characters:

• We’re particularly amused by the hero called the Comedian as he wears a Smiley badge!’
• Whilst another, Rorschach, is disguised in a mask similar to that used by our Magician.
• Dr Manhatten has the ability to manipulate time and space - features in our story.
• Silk Spectre was haunted by ghosts - another trait in our tale.
• NightOwl - which is strange given the role of the owl in helping to unleash our magic; and
• Ozymandis - the smartest man in the World: Celeb Hitch would have something to say about that!

Maybe our famous five will one day command a similar level of adulation? LOL!

THE FAT DUCK

Since January, some 400 diners at The Fat Duck restaurant run by top chef Heston Blumenthal in Bray, Berkshire, have fallen ill leading to the temporary closer of the world-renowed venue.   The Fat Duck was named the best restaurant in the world in 2005 and in second place since then in an annual poll if international chefs and critics.  The Health Protection Agency are working closely with the restaurant and the borough’s health team, but the cause of the outbreak is currently a mystery.

We have a potential explanation.  Our novel records how debates about the threats about climate change and global warming take place in the White Horse beneath the sign, ‘Duck or Grouse’.  One such outcome is the increased risk of disease and famine.  Perhaps this explains why the letters within the words BLUMENTHAL, BRAY and BERKSHIRE include the words HAYMAKERS TRUTH.  

Posted in Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q72 Are you a good time keeper?, Q75 Have you ever put on a show?, Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q.7 Have you dreamed of being a champion?, Q41 Do you like surprises?, Q.4 Have you ever wanted to stop the clock? | No Comments »

14/11/2008 by admin.

Many happy returns to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, who is celebrating his 60th birthday today.

The life of the heir to the throne of the UK and Commonwealth has been eventful and not without controversy, especially on his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales.  The Prince is well known for his interest in the environment, conservation and natural foods. The landmark anniversary is significant to us given the reference in our story to the Prince of Wales’ heraldic badge.  It consists of three white feathers above a gold coronet. A ribbon below the coronet reads ‘Ich Dien’ - German for ‘I Serve’. Legend has it that the feathers represent those from an ostrich - another feature in our novel.

We can do all the mind games and play with your brain, but the coincidences just keep rolling in! We simply present the truth. In Mother Nature we serve!

Here’s the Prince’s thoughts on the world’s rainforests…

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Cqo1Aksv4

Posted in Q76 Are you going to take action now to save our world?, Star Question - what happened to the blue ribbon?, Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q49 Do you ever think about the old days?, Q36 Should a good life cost the Earth? | No Comments »

16/08/2008 by admin.

Mystery surrounds the ‘discovery’ of the remains of the legendary ape-like creature Bigfoot by two men in Georgia, US.  Matt Whitton and Matt Dyer claim to have come across the corpse in the North of the state in June. Bigfoot experts have reacted sceptically to the claims, and are refusing to investigate further. Whatever the truth, the timing of the ‘incident’ is curious - perhaps linked to our carbon footprint?

Another annivesary linked to our project - Madonna, the celebrated Queen of Pop, has turned 50!  Since 1983, the highly-talented artist has had a steady stream of hits making her the most successful female popstar of all time. Her hits included True Blue! She has reinvented herself many times, which is a lesson for us all. 

 Our Watch recorded her appearance at the July 07 Earth Live concert, and we find her ’Hey you’ song especially inspirational.  Happy Birthday Madonna - and thank you for all the beautiful music! Here’s one of Ben’s favourites…

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

As if to honour her birthday and Ben’s favourite Madonna song, the sprinter Usain Bolt has set a new world record for the 100 metres.  In the competition’s Blue Ribbon event, he raced like a bolt of lightening, making the line in an amazing 9.69 seconds to claim Olympic gold. He left the rest of the field in his wake.  Given the Frankenstien links in our story, does this mean the human race needs to act in record time on environmental issues?

Posted in Q75 Have you ever put on a show?, Q76 Are you going to take action now to save our world?, Star Question - what happened to the blue ribbon?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q72 Are you a good time keeper?, Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you?, Q40 Can you play a musical instrument?, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q.7 Have you dreamed of being a champion? | No Comments »

26/02/2008 by admin.

In recent months there’s been rumours of the discovery of the remains of a giant’s skeleton. Well, the National Geographic Society - linked to the images by the stories circulating on the web - has moved to squash the idea, clarifying that the images are fakes and the story is an internet hoax. Nonetheless, its a curious thing given the reference in our tale of Jack o Legs marching across the Hertfordshire countryside, and Charles’ mention of Gulliver and the Liliputians.  Here’s one of the pictures of the giant’s remains…

Posted in Q55 Do you believe in truth?, Q37 Do you know how to have fun?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you?, Q.3 Do you have a good imagination? | No Comments »