A Dram, A Dram, Whit I wid Gie fer a Dram

As Christmas Day fast approaches I find myself skint, haggard, and unable to think straight. I literally have $1 left to last the week! But, you know what? I am still happy. My wee Princess is with me for Christmas Eve this year and I've got it on very good authority that the other Big Yin, Santa not Billy Connolly, will be making a special stop at my place on his way to Scotland.

This time of year brings out the best and the worst in folk. What I encounter and deal with at my work is an unending parade of the worst you can imagine from theft of gifts to robbery, from domestic violence to suicide, each encounter a microcosm of the evils we inflict on others and ourselves. However, when I am at home I am surrounded by the best of this season. Despite the pending divorce, I wish my ex no ill will. In fact, I hope she has a safe and happy Christmas with the wee Princess as they travel to her parents for the holiday. My new relationship is also growing well and I am lucky to share this season with them as they enjoy their family holiday. Which brings me back to the wee Princess. She is growing so quickly and I fear if I should blink I might miss it. She was barely walking just yesterday, or so it seems, and today she out ran me in tragically public fashion during a game of tag in the park (PS: 71F degrees and breezy today for those of you up north or back home in Scotland). She wants to learn how to drive, put on make up, and get a cell phone. (Maybe later, okay- a little, and NO WAY! respectively)

As for all else, I miss Mum, I miss my sisters, I really miss Dad and I miss my home. No matter where I go or what I have done I always miss my family and my heart misses my Scotland. For me the two are inseparable just as they two are an inseparable part of who I am and who will be.

So on this, the last mad hours of the Christmas rush, just take a moment to yourself. Sit with your thoughts and remember, "Thur's aye yins worse aff than yoo, the kirk yard is fu' o' them", and truly count your blessings. For me it is family, health, dependable employment, and the never ending blessing of being Scottish!

Happy Christmas To All

Ceilidh Wi a Cause!

My Grandmother died of breast cancer and while this video has bugger all to do with Scotland as a whole I think the fun these hospital workers have making a point that cancer is a killer, regardless of the type, and that together we can make a difference is an important lesson.

It also reminds us that just 'cause yer at work disnae mean there's no time for a good ceilidh!

Just click on the title above to see the video!

PS: Look for the engineering maintenance guy in the gray uniform after the pairs of dancin' nurses. He dances jist like ma dad used tae do when he wis lit!

Going the Extra "Royal Mile"

On a recent trip to the Washington DC area I was introduced to a fantastically Scottish place - The Royal Mile Pub in Wheaton, Maryland.

Located in Montgomery County, just north of Washington DC, I walked in the front door of The Royal Mile and was immediately transported to one of the many pubs scattered across Scotland. Unlike some places that try far too hard to be Scottish and end up as nothing more than a laughable caricature, this was an experience as natural as if I walked in off the High Street. While a few obviously schlocky items are displayed for those without a clue of what it means to be Scottish (Sadly a lot of people), the overall feel of the pub is one of a traditional warm Scottish welcome. It begins with the warm, inviting interior, continues with the fantastic collection of whiskey, including my favorite - 18 year Glenfiddich, and culminates in a menu of delicious Scots favorites, from which I ate with glorious abandon!

From the Haggis (I had two), smoked salmon, or Orkney egg "Starters" to the shepherd's pie, fish and chips (nice big pieces of Cod), or the lamb stew (with barley, neeps, leeks & carrots), the food was delicious and in a word, outstanding! I ate far more than I should and enjoyed it even more than that. The beer list is just as extensive as the whiskey, though in my mind if you have a good whiskey, who needs a beer? But if beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed.

The staff are friendly and only too eager to help you enjoy all the Royal Mile has to offer. I left the pub full, happy and a wee bit lit. All together a very good time. The last thing I took away from The Royal Mile was the best T-shirt I have ever found in Maryland. It comes in blue or black with a lion rampant on the front, while the back proudly proclaims "We're not a family, we're a clan". So, if you are in the Washington DC area and in need of a wee dram, a gid meal, anither wee dram, and some really good food fae hame, The Royal Mile is well worth your time.

To visit the Royal Mile Pub's web site just click on the title above.

Oot Wi' the Auld, In Wi' the New

It's been a long time comin' but I'm back in the mood tae post. I've had a lot of things change in my life this past year, but the one thing that has stayed constant is my love for my birthplace, Scotland. During the toughest of moments I was supported by the memory of my forefathers (and mothers) who didn't let weather, famine, oppression, or any other hardship break their spirit. No matter what I go through, my ancestors had a much harder go of it. It was their determination and proud Scottish stubbornness that made Scotland endure as she has against all manner of Sassenach.

I am who I am and that is a son of Scotland. From that bedrock I became a man, a father, a husband for a time, a strong supporter of freedom and peace, and an enforcer of laws and common order. I am an honorable man, not without my faults, but determined to do what I can to ensure the world I leave to my daughter is worthy of her and of the men and women who made me and my homeland what we are.

To that end this blog will be refocused on the past, present and future of Scotland. It will try to showcase Scottish determination and innovation. It will promote the pride and annoying glee we Scots feel to hear the pipes calling out across the muirs. It will celebrate those of us who get a chill in our bones tae see the lion rampant waving in the wind and those who truly LOVE a big steamin' haggis wi' tatties, neeps, and a dram (or two) of whiskey. This blog is my humble honor to all that is Scotland.

Batman Eat Your Heart Out!!!

HOLY CRAP!!!! Immediately to your left is a photo of THE cop car of the future. It is the prototype cruiser from a new car company call CARBON MOTORS. I can't even do this car justice on this blog so either click on the link below or just click on the photo and you will meet my next new car!!!!!

The thought that went into this car is beyond words! It is safer, more efficient, and BAD-ASS all the way. You see this crawling up your backside you know your in deep hoo-hah and that "Bad Boys, Bad Boys" song will resonate through your head whether you want it to or not.

I'm gushing, I know, but did you see the car!?!?!?!?! DAAAAAAAAAAMN!!!!!!

http://www.carbonmotors.com/

I've Contracted "Bookworm" disease!!!!

With all the drama in my life you'd think I wouldn't have time to breathe never mind relax. Well, you're right EXCEPT for one thing, one awesome thing, one incredibly addictive thing - "BOOKWORM".

On the surface this unassuming little game appears HO-HUM at best, but let yourself get two or more levels into it and you, my friend, are hooked!!!!

It is the coolest word-find game out there because the guys and gals at "Popcap Games" let you find the words, let you decide each move, then start lobbing burning red tiles at your letters to trip you up. If you ignore these burners and one of them gets to the bottom of the board - FWOOOOOSH!!!! the whole board burns up and your day is done!

The basic idea is so simple - find as many words as possible in the jumble of letters before the burning tiles fry your game. I have made it as far as level 55 with a score of 1.5million points before I ran out of vowels and couldn't think of enough Welsh or Croatian words to stay alive!

Click on the link and try this game. Yes you have to pay for the full version, but those guy learned a thing or two from the crack-selling bastards I arrest and have put out a "Free Trial" version that gets you hooked like a crack-whore and makes you WANT to pay the $20 bucks for the full version. I have it on my home computer AND my cell phone. Nuff Said!!!

Also, for you over-edu-ca-mated types this awesome little slice of addiction comes in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. So say Adios to your free time and Bonjour to "Bookworm".

Seriously, Give it a try.....

http://www.popcap.com/games/bookworm

Same Crap Different Day

Well, here we are 15 days into the new year and already the geniuses that are our bosses are in full swing of standard ridiculousness. First, an employee with tons of administrative experience both with the agency and in the private sector was dismissed from consideration for a senior administrative assistant position while at least three others with a fraction of her training and experience were granted interviews for the same position. No reason was given, because, in their opinion, they don't have to give one! Hows that for fair and equitable treatment?

Next, another employee had a smart-ass moment with a major and verbalized the old "Major Pain" joke within earshot of said major. The employee knew immediately that was a mistake and gladly accepted the write up and counselling by the shift supervisor. In the employee's own words, "I just let my mouth over ride my brain". Well, a week after the incident and the punitive counselling had been issued the employee returned to work to find that the supervisor's supervisor was in the process of trying to pursue a harsher punishment against the employee for the same event.

The shift supervisor had been "talked to" by the big boss and as a result wouldn't talk to the employee and let the employee hang and worry the entire shift with the threat of double jeopardy punishment hanging over their head. The Supervisor observed an infraction, the employee admitted it and the corrective action had been taken and yet, a week later, this command staff pro wants to stick it to the employee again just because he doesn't think the person he has as his shift supervisor made the right determination. Again, he can do this because....They can! No excuses required. We don't like you so we're gonna screw with you.... 'cause we can!

So just like I predicted these charmers are right back to their same old shit! This Command Staff has no respect for their employees, civilian or sworn. They openly breed contempt for those who are not just like them. This agency is being torn apart from the inside by those who claim to love it the most. They are running a campaign of elitism and exclusion that favors the few at the expense of the many. The real losers here.... the citizens of the county who are oblivious to the cancer growing in their midst.

I love my job and I love what this agency can be. But these days I find it harder and harder to enjoy my work because I have to watch my back not just from the criminals but also from the bosses. Well, I'm done being silent. I will only print the truth and will not subscribe to the rumor mill. I will document each and every ridiculous, distasteful, and mean spirited incident that happens and bring it out into the light of day for you to evaluate and question the sincerity of their claims.

And so it begins....