Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
Di Màirt, 28 An Gearran 2006
9 Herthamonth 1562
30 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
It is Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, the day which precedes the beginning of Lent, the Christian fasting period leading up to Easter. Now, of course, Lent, and Easter, are not really Christian festivals. They are Pagan ones that were appropriated by the Christian church. Even the name is Pagan, the correct Christian name for Easter is Paschal. And Easter Sunday was never intended to be the day of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus - that was meant to be done every Sunday. So, as this blog is concerned not with the Christian festivals but …
Red Devils win League Cup
Di Dòmhnaich, 26 An Gearran 2006
7 Herthamonth 1562
28 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Manchester United deservedly won the Carling Cup by a slightly flattering scoreline of 4-0 against Wigan Athletic. It was a very satisfying game to see as a Man Utd fan, with Rooney, Ronaldo, van der Sar, Saha and Neville playing particularly well. I have sympathy for the Wigan and especially Pollitt, the goalkeeper, who had to go off early in the game, but this game was important for us to make sure of something in the trophy cabinet and to build on for the future.
Reading 2 Preston 1
Di Sathairne, 25 An Gearran 2006
6 Herthamonth 1562
27 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Reading have resumed their winning ways after their unbeaten run was ended by Luton. This was a good win over sixth-placed Preston, who have a good chance of going to the Premiership themselves. There are now ten games left and if Reading win just four of these, they will be assured of promotion.
•1562-03-06 •1.27
Welcome to Herthamonth
Di Luain, 20 An Gearran 2006
1 Herthamonth 1562
22 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
The third month of the solar year, which comprises the second and third Spring terms, began today. Alternative names for this month are Herethmonth, Rethemonth, or Hrethmonth. A 29-day month, it begins on 20th February in the Gregorian calendar, and ends around the Vernal Equinox, on 20th March. In leap years, it has 30 days. This month coincides roughly with the Pisces zodiacal period.
Luton Town 3 Reading 2
Di hAoine, 17 An Gearran 2006
28 Solmonth 1562
19 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Despite scoring after just 18 seconds, Reading’s unbeaten run came to an end tonight. They are still well ahead in the Championship though and the win for Luton improves their chances of reaching the play-offs.
New Mayan Tzolkin
The new Mayan “Tzolkin” began today. This was the Mayan religious calendar, which consists of 20 “signs” and 13 “tones” (numbered from 1 to 13), combining to create a cycle that lasts for 260 days. Yesterday was day 260 and today is day 1. The cycle always starts with 1 Imix (Dragon), and that is the Tzolkin date today. As this is the day when both of the beginning elements coincide, this is seen as a good day for new beginnings and making a fresh start on things.
The date in the Mayan Long Count is 12.19.13.1.1, the last number of …
Smoking ban
Di Ciadain, 15 An Gearran 2006
26 Solmonth 1562
17 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
It is so nice to see England following the lead of Scotland for a change. Apparently, part of the influence in applying a blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public places in England was the fact that it would have been anomalous to be different from the other parts of the UK. How refreshing, as usually we have to follow their lead due to them outnumbering us by nine to one.
Of course, it is also just a very sensible decision. In discussing this with others, the majority seem to be in favour of the new rules. …
Sheffield United 1 Reading 1
Di Màirt, 14 An Gearran 2006
25 Solmonth 1562
16 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Reading got a draw at Bramall Lane, which is not bad. It means the Blades do not catch up at any rate. However, Kitson missed a penalty in the final minutes, so they could have won the game. Leeds United beat Watford, so we are still 21 points ahead of the third-placed team, but Leeds have a game in hand.
The next game is at Luton Town on Friday night.
Reading 2 Southampton 0
Di Sathairne, 11 An Gearran 2006
22 Solmonth 1562
13 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Another three points on the way to the championship. That’s 82 now with 13 games to go, i.e. a possible further 39 points. If they won them all they would have 121 points at the end of the season, which must be a record. They probably won’t get that but the way they are playing, they shouldn’t be too far off.
Going to the football
Di Ardaoin, 9 An Gearran 2006
20 Solmonth 1562
11 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Went to a football match for the first time in years yesterday and enjoyed it very much. The game was a Scottish Premier League match between Aberdeen and Rangers. Aberdeen won 2-0, having played quite well, whilst Rangers were well below their expected standards. They dropped to fourth place in the lague after Hibs walloped Livingston 7-0.
We haven’t gone to the football for some years due partly to lack of time, the price (cheapest tickets are around £16 - we can do so much more for that money elsewhere) and the lack of competition in Scottish …
Reading go out of the Cup
Di Ciadain, 8 An Gearran 2006
19 Solmonth 1562
10 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Unfortunately, Reading lost 2-1 to Birmingham in the Cup last night and so miss out on the chance to play Stoke City in the last 16. It is a pity as I think they had a good chance of going far in the competition this year, but they can now concentrate on the Championship for the rest of the season.
Reading edge closer to Championship
Di Màirt, 7 An Gearran 2006
18 Solmonth 1562
9 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Watford’s 4-1 annihilation of Sheffield United last night intensifies the race for the second automatic promotion position in the League Championship, whilst strengthening Reading’s bid for the Championship title itself. The Royals are now 10 points clear of the Blades with 14 matches to go.
The Royals will play their F. A. Cup Fourth Round replay against Birmingham at St Andrews tonight. I will be cheering them on.
Day of Remembrance
Di Luain, 6 An Gearran 2006
17 Solmonth 1562
8 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Today is the 48th anniversary of the air crash in Munich that decimated the great “Busby Babes” Manchester United team of the late fifties. Having recently seen an emotional dramatisation of the event, this seems very pignant this year, and I will be thinking of that loss today, and what might have been if those talented players had survived. Imagine Duncan Edwards at the 1966 World Cup, in which he would undoubtedly have played. Also, despite general doubts at the time as to whether English clubs should be playing in Europe, Manchester United were one of …
Rise of Spring
Di Sathairne, 4 An Gearran 2006
15 Solmonth 1562
6 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Today is “Rise of Spring” in the Chinese calendar, and marks the beginning of “astronomical Spring”, being half way between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. (On my calendars, the days change from blue to green at this time.) This day can also be called the second “Winter Quarter” day, and is probably when festivals such as Candlemas (Feb 2) and Imbolc (Jan 31) were originally celebrated. It is a time to celebrate the fact that the days are noticeably lengthening now, and the sun is moving higher in the sky each day. Below is …
Six more weeks of winter
Di Ardaoin, 2 An Gearran 2006
13 Solmonth 1562
4 Snow/Stóireamh 3105
Punxsatawney Phil says six more weeks of winter:
It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Around the country there are many imitators of me.In Harrisburg there is Gus who appears on TV
working for the lottery.Then all around town,
Cute groundhog statues abound.
They all look like me, I found.Today on the Knob as I’m doing my job,
I don’t like this likeness of me.It’s my shadow I see. Six more weeks of mild winter there will be.
Groundhog Day
It is Groundhog Day today and the definitive prognosis will be delivered by Punxsatawney Phil at 120-year old ceremony today. This is due shortly and will predict whether it will be cold for another six weeks or whether there will be an early spring. Result to appear here as soon as possible.