REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY . Lest WE forget ?

TODAY we recognise the FALLEN, from a variety of  World WARS and other conflicts . Many of those were Volunteers and Draftees, but increasingly they are those that chose the Profession . Regardless of their Motivation , those of us in the FREE World, should be thankful for their sacrifice .

Behind those lost on the battlegrounds , are so many more that arrived home with Life Changing Injuries and Health problems . These People also deserve recognition ! Many will have had to rebuild their lives , since they will be missing Limbs or suffering from Mental Issues , which are not readily visible . It is only in recent times that " Post Traumatic Syndrome " is regarded as a REAL Health complaint . Sad that so many were ridiculed , even shot during the World Wars , having been regarded as Cowards and also Malingerers?

Increasingly Paralympic Sport , has been treated as a way , to rehabilitate Troops , returning from the battlegrounds . Since the Sydney 2000 Paralympics , more and more countries are finding that their best Athletes are coming from Military Backgrounds . Somewhere i saw a report , that less than 9% of "Physically Challenged People " , were born with Disability . This surely must demonstrate that there are far too many suffering Accidents and becoming the Casualities of Military actions ?

Even today we are seeing News Reports of the Phillipines Disaster , reports of the DEAD , continue to mount , yet there is no mention of those that suffer Life Changing Injury . Perhaps some of those will succumb to their injuries , due to inadequate Hospital Facilities ? When you look at the scale of the  2004 Sunami Losses and the Haiti Disasters , it is easy to pass onto what is about to happen in Vietnam because of the same Weather System ?

Amongst my Tweets today , there was a reminder of the " Remembrance Sunday " in Canada :

1. Rick Hansen Fdn ‏@RickHansenFdn9 Nov

   @CDNParalympics thinking about the returning veterans who paved the way & inspired me as a young athlete http://cnw.ca/w0WXm  #TrueHeroes

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2. skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour3h

   @RickHansenFdn @SO_SL @CDNParalympics @AUSParalympics @AUSOlympicTeam At the going down of the sun...WE will REMEMBER THEM! Lest WE FORGET!

No doubt there will be similar Tweets and Facebook posts throughout the day?


With the IRAQ Conflict over , and the Afganistan Conflict reaching it's conclusion in 2014 , we are still in a Dangerous World ? The Kenyan Outrage demonstrates that there are those that wish to influence our lives ?

Even when we are NOT in a Conflict , there are those that have to adjust to the horrors they suffered in serving US ! Today Phillip Hammond MP , reported from Helmand Base , that for EACH Trooper lost , there were more than 2 sent home missing Limbs . Those " Injured Personnel " , will spend the rest of their Lives , living in a different manner to what their Families had anticipated when they signed up for the " Armed Services "? With even 100% vigilance by the Policing and Security Forces , there will still be the inevitable Casuality , in these modern Guerilla Actions ! Shameful actions of these people , still garner " News Network" attention , regardless of the atrocities perpetrated .

WHILST it is important that Citizens Rights are observed , i feel sure that removing the over the top  "Sensionalism " from the Media Output , would help to reduce the " Terrorists' "  desire for publicity ? Yes we need to know that 5 were arrested for "Questionable Activities " . NO we do not need to know about a "British Woman " , that was married to a known terrorist tied into the " London Bombings "! Yet SKY news use this story as many as twice an hour , to promote their " WE GO WHERE THE STORY OCCURS " , self promotions ! They are not the only Media Outlet , that vigourously pats their OWN BACK by eulogising terrorist !

ADDITION on 11th November !

Tonight i wanted to see the funeral of the 99yo Airman that served with the "Dam Busters " of Bomber Command , in World War 2 ! With the Philippine Disaster front and centre , with ALL News Networks , it was necessary to wait . SKY News being the principal Network for the UK news , i waited . Of course they need to earn revenue to support Rupert Murdoch in the manner that he has become accustomed , so we go to Ads . YOU GOT IT ! Back Pat time , once again , AND , it being The NATIONAL DAY for Remembrance , ARMISTACE DAY , they worked in that " Sicko Widow of the London Bomber" in that Back pat ad , AGAIN !

WHO is the prat that thinks this is WORTHY NEWS Material ?

My tweets :

skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour9m

Respect. Admiration. Gratitude. To all the veterans who have served our C/wealth! Moving Tribute to 99yo Airman shows a Nation's GRATITUDE !

1. skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour17m

   1/2 @skynews POPPY DAY, NOT the time to be eulogising the sicko widow of LONDON Bomber ! 17.19gmt your BackPAT Ad with her then 99yo burial!

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2. skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour18m

   2/2 @skynews R U giving Security Forces the finger,allowing terrorists drive your INCOME & set Your NEWS agenda? See http://parrabuddy.blogspot.com 

NOW decided that SKY TV , is the ADvertising Medium for terrorism ! This is another addition , since i returned at 18.17gmt , to find them rerunning an item about the 2011 Moscow Airport Bombing , then immediately there was a rerun of the Ad above ! ARE they giving me, the finger also ?

When so many Kenyans and Boston Marathon Victims were Killed and injured , the story is " THE Perpetrators " , not THE VICTIMS ! It is sickening that these Media Outlets , chose to ignore the plight of the victims ! How hard would it be to show the story of the Dancer , that lost a leg , once a day ? THAT Woman deserves a MEDAL , for her Positive approach to HER NEW LIFE ! She is an inspiration to ALL , yet these News Networks remind the "feeble minded aspirants " to the next atrocities , that they can expect recognition ,for GRUDGES against Society.

 HOW many of YOU , are like me , fed up of the News Networks treating Citizens with disdain ?

TIME we TOLD THEM that " Sensationalism of the SICK MINDED Perpetrators is NOT EVER ACCEPTABLE !

As i watch SKY NEWS present the Ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall , i am awaiting THEIR next "PAT on the Back " info item ! It is a shame that the British Forces lost 10 Service members in the last 12 months AND they share the amount of " airtime time " as that sicko , that is being sought for a connection with atrocities in several countries . One wonders how the Families of those Quietly Recognised today , feel about their " LOST Family Members " being overlooked daily , yet for drumming up viewers SKY TV chooses " perpetrators of Atrocities "?

THE Queen has arrived , the 2 minutes of SILENCE will now be observed !

To those that SERVED , THANKYOU !

To those FALLEN :

  " They shall not grow OLD ...

 .. At the going down of the sun , WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM "!

Riding with Moser

Apologies to all for the lack of posts in recent times . Fact is with the " Le Tour " , Olympics and now the WCF Masters , i have been far too busy to get all that has been happening onto the internet / paper .

Topping off lack of time , was the arrival yesterday of Francesco Moser demanding i get organised to ride  within minutes . Normally he turns up on Wednesdays in St Johann , but with his lifestyle and the demands for his presence at a variety of events he has to juggle all the commitments  coming his way . Vic Haines ( google ) , a British Cycling Legend was there also  , seems he will be adding to Francesco's network of Wine Distribution by releasing the Wines in the UK in the near future .

When riding with Moser , you can ride to his shoulder , but passing him , particularly on a hill will provoke a response . Had warned Vic of this , so the first climb was  tempo but as we were on the actual WCF racecourse we had a couple of racers pass us . This caused Francesco to pick up the pace and so we were tootling along leading out these Guys , paceline style . Several kilometres passed in this way with a variety of surges along the way through rolling hills and shaded forest areas . On the second climb Moser led the way but close to the top i had to ask him to cool it since Vic was off the back conserving energy for his Time Trial effort on the next day . Reluctantly we had to let the others go and drifted along for a while so as to allow Vic to come up at his own pace .

After passing over another bump on the course we stopped so that Moser's rear wheel could be topped up with air , since he had developed a slow puncture . As we headed through the back part of the course several race groups passed and it was up to me to sprint so that we could latch on for a few kilometres whilst Francesco had a chat with some of the Racers . Arriving in the finish area we played a little cat and mouse but Moser decided that a sprint wasn't on today .

After attending the refreshment tent we watched some of the racers finish their race . Spotted a couple of Aussies at the barriers so asked one of them if they knew of Moser and was met with a blank look . Took Francesco over to introduce them but all that was said " we saw him introduced earlier "! Francesco , according to Vic Haines arrives in a restaurant and ALL are on their feet applauding , and yet for aussie cycling fans it's a yawn , too hard to get the autograph ! Puts me in mind of the occasion i was going to introduce Charlie Gaul to a group of Aussie Journos , their reply was they only wanted to meet 5 time winners ! Wonder if they recall meeting Lance ?

At some point i will air more of my views on the " kangaroo Court " treatment of Lance . Suffice to say that in stepping back from looking after his legacy , the public have been showing their support by increasingly reaching into the back pocket to support LiveSTRONG ! Says it ALL , does it not ?

Tonight the Paralympics start in London , i won't be there , i spent 15 seasons riding , Advocating more support for these Amazing Athletes . Best place to see their efforts is on the TV , so many more Countries have finally woken up to how entertaining these people can be and are looking to increase their ratings by showing their efforts !

TO ALL THE PARALYMPIANS !

You are already WINNERS by being selected for your country ! BE THE BEST YOU CAN , any madals will be icing on the Cake but a few NEW WORLD RECORDS along the way will demonstrate your courage and alert the SPONSORS to new opportunities !

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU !

Addition on Friday 14th Dec 2012 !

Congratulations to YORKSHIRE !

Today it was announced that Yorkshire had won their BID !

6th July 2014 , those that are in Leeds will be able to PARTICIPATE in the GRAND DEPART ! ENJOY !













Meanwhile , here in Snowy Austria , i am riding the Tacx wearing the Shirt seen above and the Bib Shorts you saw on Francesco in the photo above :

FACEBOOK !

First off , Very best wishes for the Festive Season to ALL that visit my Blogs ! Those of you that have will have seen that I am an Advocate for “ Physically Challenged / Para / Adaptive /Behinderten / Disabili Sport "! Which country you live in may determine the description of those that have lost the use of limbs through accident or illness . Of course some are born without the full set of limbs the greater portion of humanity take so much for granted . Most of these people lead their life in a way that is to be admired and there are many who would envy their achievements . I know some of these folks that even Olympians hold in high esteem !

This is the time to decide “ New Year Resolutions ” and one of mine will be set out below :

I PERSONALLY WILL DO ALL I CAN TO ERADICATE DESCRIMINATION OF DISABILITY !

No doubt there are many that feel the same way and you can ask your “ Facebook Friends ” to assist by posting this blog address and link on your “ Facebook Wall ” !

There are some who will not agree with the next thing I ask and that is for YOU the reader to decide :

If you do not decide to do more for “ Disability ” in 2012 Please use the “ Unfriending ” facility that is available . I will be happy if I lose 2000+ in this process since I will know that most of those remaining will be if they are TRUE friends making a better world for those that I am trying to assist .

Last week a typical Discrimination incident was brought to my attention . You may think that I am making too much of what some would consider a triviality .

A skier is with friends and the group decides to eat lunch inside and so they solve the problem by going into this particular self service restaurant . On arriving at the table the skier is spotted by the manager and told to “ GET OUT OF MY RESTAURANT ”! This apparently healthy person is so blinded with prejudice that he will in the fulness of time be looking for another career opportunity .

Weather determines the choices of eating venue for those in a “ Sitski ( Chariot )” . Usually they will eat outside but like you and me they also like hot food . The solution on this occasion was to ski up to the door and then the “ Sitski “ was lifted and carried to the table and chairs removed so that the skier was alongside the table . Of course the floor was Industrial Carpet that gets trampled by ski boots five months of the year so what harm if the skier had skied to the table ?

In this case the Skier has served his country in their armed forces and then again as a “ Paralympian ” but looking at him he is just “ Joe Blow ” . Here is the interesting part though . This guy is held in such high regard that in the evening it was decided that eating facility was “ Off Limits ” to ALL of the 250-300 in the party of which he was a member . Several days of “ Positive Discrimination ” perhaps not noticed by the restaurant staff BUT next year will that Tour Group return ? The thinking is “ One for all , and All for one” ! No doubt there will be other repercussions and I will let you know what is the result in coming months .

NOT all those Suffering discrimination because of their disability are fortunate to have the support of their friends or family and be able to act as positively as this case BUT we all have “ a duty of care ” and can contribute where we can !

Those of you not willing to post this to your WALL , GO AWAY and cancel the Friend Link !

THOSE OF YOU STICKING AROUND I WISH THE BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR !

FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK !

Helping others is so far down the priority list of my 700+ friends that I have only seen one response to the request to visit the blog post of June 2011 where I tried to stimulate interest in the 2012 Para Games in London !

Conti 4000s Road race tyres cost Euro 44 or so each and are perhaps the best available on the current market . Now I can see that asking people to take the time to look at the blog post is a bit of an ask but with only 500 characters allowed in the “ What’s on your mind “ I thought there would be many “friends “ that could find the link therein and then after a read even do me the courtesy of telling me how to make the proposed “ Competition “ more interesting . Not something I have done before so willing to listen to constructive comments and suggestions !

What I had hoped to achieve by this project was generate a list of “ Para Athlete Blog Sites “ from a variety of countries which would allow those interested in the Paralympic Games to follow their progress as they prepared to represent their country and achieve success in their chosen sport .

Having hoped for a better response I now will delay for another week activating this project . Had there been better response I would have spoken about this with the media at the “ World Championship Road Races “ in Copenhagen .

NOT EXPECTING 700+ visits to the blog post BUT

DON’T

leave it until tomorrow or neglect to tell your “ Friends “ to visit ! Of course I could use more support on Twitter also @Skippy detour !

Larry King Live

Larry is a favourite of mine for many years. Whenever I have access to a channel that shows his programme I will make the effort to organise my day to view his outstanding programme material.

Most occasions these days you will find me on the Taxc trainer or rowing machine with the volume turned up so that a can hear what is being said. Rarely does his show content disappoint and even today his producers were able to reorganise the programme content so as to catch up with the sad news of the death of Elizabeth Edwards whom I have enjoyed watching with him in past years. This remarkable lady has been let down badly but got on with her life and became an inspiration to other big C victims. When Lance tweeted about Elizabeth earlier in the week it did not take much effort to realise to whom his tweet was referring. Big C has become the scourge of modern society and organisations such as Livestrong are playing catch up as they seek to assist sufferers.

Larry , as you finish up your series of LKL, I hope you will make the effort to remind your viewers of an inspirational segment of the population, these are the Paralympians. This segment is growing due to the need to fight “The War on Terror”. Organisations such as “Wounded Warrior Project “ in the USA and “Help 4 Heroes” in the UK need the exposure only you are able to provide.

Chris Reeves was a guest in past years, as was the Scientist (Stephen) and Stevie Wonder recently but there are others out there who are as yet undiscovered but are victims of Iraq, Afghanistan and earlier conflicts, that are working hard to represent their country once again but this time as participants in international sports events (Paralympics being the ultimate).

Alex Zennardi returned to car racing after his life changing event but there are many who are unaware of his desire to represent Italy with the Handbike at London 2012 Paralympics. Michael Milton in the early part of the century was the International Sportsman as a result of his efforts at Salt Lake 2002 Winter Paralympics, he has continued since as a Para Cyclist at the Summer Paralympics also.

Looking for an international flavour, then there are many : Pierangelo Vignati (Italian Paracyclist), Fabrizio Macchi( Italian Paracyclist), Laurent Thirionet ( French Paracyclist) and Zavier Ochoa (Spanish Paracyclist), Oscar Pistorious (Blade runner (South African Para Athlete), Laurie Stephens (USA Para skier), Dame Tanni Grey-Thomson (British Para Athlete) and Louise Sauvage (Aussie Para Athlete). Teams also deserve recognition and an outstanding example are the “Voralberg Para Team that raced the “Race Across America” in recent years.

Mike Tyson who was recently on your show would agree that there are many of his ilk that support Paralympian Athletes in their endeavours. I had the pleasure to meet up with Alberto Tomba at the 2008 Bormio Ski Finals Week, that weekend he organised some of the Italian Paralympian Ski Team to be hosted at the event. Bode Miller often talks of events to which he has invited a para friend.

Qatar in winning the Football World Cup plans to build Prefabricated Stadiums for those events and some of these could be easily converted to contain other sports events. In trying to find out whether Qatar has a Velodrome I discovered they have a track team and that they have both Men’s and Women’s UCI Road Race events in the early part of the year. One wonders if there will be a bid for the Summer Olympics to be in the Middle East in 2020 or 2024 with Qatar being the focus of a combination of countries providing the facilities.

Qatar Airlines would enjoy increased exposure through this initiative, but since so much Hotel Accommodation will be required in 2022 it seems likely that many more World Events will be sought to justify an expansion of the existing hotel facilities. With a combined bid the hotel accomodation of nearby City/States would help absorb the massive influx of visitors to the region.

Qatar should give some thought to becoming a centre of excellence for "Paralympic Sport"since all the stadia they will build will require "Wheelchair Access" and the Adaptive Community is the fastest growth area in Tourism. Any Qatar Airline tickets they have to spare i am sure i can put to good use as i get around to visit the various Pro Tour Events each year.

PS Please check my profile as there are other websites worth visiting and of course i would appreciate comments since there is so much going on out there that i am as yet unaware !