Sleeping Aid

On an earlier posting in November, 2008, I mentioned over-the-counter sleeping pills called Nytol, which a friend had recommended to me. I can be a light sleeper, so I thought I'd give them a try. I've tried a lot of the herbal remedies and tablets already, so I was sceptical.

Well, I have been using Nytol One-A-Night tablets the odd time since November and, I can tell you, they certainly do the trick for me. They haven't let me down once. I took one last night at about 11.30 and slept right through till 7.30, when the radio alarm woke me for the BBC Today Programme.

Apparently the one-a-night pills are equivalent to two standard ones; must check the price to see which is the better value.

Highly recommended.

London Restaurant Short-List

I've drawn up a short-list of restaurants I'd like to visit when I'm in the metropolis soon: The Eagle Bar Diner; Sotheby's Café; J Sheekey's; and the Ivy.

I simply cannot be bothered reserving a table for any of them. I'll most likely go at lunch-time and take my chances.

I see that Turandot is playing at the Royal Opera House on Thursday. I may endeavour to buy a day ticket for that; the box office opens at 10am. I shall see what I feel like.

Christmas Crackdown Nonsense

Superintendent Mark Purdon, Northern Ireland Police, claims that 54 people have been arrested in central Belfast for theft. Do these statistics pertain to a three-week period; or closer to six weeks?

In a capital city the size of Belfast, I assert that this number is minute. How many of these criminals will be prosecuted; or given custodial sentences, one wonders?

The truth is that there is hardly one police constable to be seen on the streets of Belfast. Blink and you'll miss them. Considerably more police are required on the beat, in order to deter crime, lawlessness and disorder.

I challenge the superintendent to tell us how many police constables were out, on the beat, in central Belfast today. How many police officers were out, on the streets, in east Belfast today?

Cobbler Fish

I've just paid a fleeting visit to Tesco Knocknagoney - why do I dislike that place so much? - and, on the chilled fish shelf, a pack of "River Cobbler" Vietnamese fish caught the lordly eye (pictured on the right).

I took it over to the fish counter and asked the assistant about it. He told me that he had eaten it; and that it was a mild fish, like whiting. I was interested. I dislike strong-tasting fish. If you have tasted this fish, please let me know! I have put it in the freezer for future consumption.

Two fillets, lightly dusted with a coating of something or other, skinless and boneless, cost £2 I think. Sounded fair value.

So I bagged them, along with the raspberry pannacotta deserts, gin, sherry, corn flakes and more; and made my departure.

Awards And Medals: Frequency Of Wear

I always include post-nominal letters to a person's name, whether I be referring to them in correspondence or on LBNI. It accords to them the honour they deserve. I am curious to know how often recipients get the opportunity to actually wear their awards; excluding those who have the privilege of serving in the Armed Forces or have the honour of wearing Her Majesty's uniform. Navy, Army and Air Force personnel wear their medals quite often, at parades, functions, mess occasions etc.

I honestly have no idea whether serving Northern Ireland Police are permitted ever to wear their medals in public, or not, under the new dispensation - courtesy of the Lord Patten.

Miniature medals are worn on a dinner jacket, mess dress or full evening dress. Full-size ones are worn on all other forms of dress, including uniform, lounge suit, overcoat and morning-coat.

I'm really alluding to civilians. Somebody who has the MBE, for instance. How many times a year, on average, do they get the chance to wear it? I include countries of the former British Empire here, too; particularly Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Do let me know. I'd be interested.

Keeping The Home Fires Burning

We've been lighting occasional fires in the living-room over Christmas. It is most comforting, and also boosts the temperature up to 22-23c. The central heating is on, as usual. It is ironic that a fire is now regarded, by me, as a luxury. Most folks undoubtedly cannot be bothered nowadays, what with the time and trouble it expends. Many have had their fireplaces totally removed altogether; or converted to gas.

I think it's the time it takes, and the organization: the supply of fuel - coal, logs, paper, kindling - and the routine of clearing the previous day's ashes in to the ash-bucket below. I have a method which works well for me, and involves rolling sheets of newspaper up tightly; placing them on the grate; placing kindling on top; lighting it with one match, hopefully; and, when it's established, very gradually adding coal, one or two small pieces at a time.

It can be a laborious process, but if the fire lights within, say, five minutes, it can be kept alight for the rest of the day. I only bother lighting fires during the coldest weather; so I consider it a luxury really, and worth the effort too.

That large sack of logs I collected from Minnowburn only lasted for one and a half fires, by the way. I bought some coal from the local Spar supermarket: 25kg cost £9.79 and it seems to be good coal. I must remember to check the price at the big supermarkets.

A Very Happy New Year

I send all readers, followers and fellow-bloggers best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

According to the experts at the Meteorological Office and others, 2009 is expected to be one of the warmest on record. We'll see!