Hello I'm Still Here

It's been a long time since I blogged .So much has happened since then and last year I was in UK for over 7 months . Now back in Berlin and working on dividing my living between Germany and UK .I miss the proximity to the sea which UK has and mountains etc etc .
It was also rather nice being back in full time English speaking mode . However lots of things have to be arranged and seen to .Above you see a Canada Goose . There are many such birds in UK and I found them amazingly intelligent and friendly . Berlin has a few but whilst in Manchester I had the luxury of waking each day to see such birds and also be greeted by them .... Amazing ... Hope all of you are well .

A Double On Summer Solstice Day 21-06-15

I began my day very early in order to walk around the streets of a very quiet Manchester . This gave me chance to get some sunrise pictures . Seemed no point in going back to bed .
So I went to the flat got dressed in a more presentable manner , went for a marvellous breakfast and then came across another solstice event ,Seems the 21st June is now the annual World Skateboarding Day . Meeting up with these youngsters was an eye opener . They were terrific  fun and dedicated to their sport ....

Helena In Mancheter

It's ages since I blogged and there are many reasons .
First is I'm in Manchester and secondly, the time has been packed full .
Why Manchester? I'm a Mancunian and miss it very much. The open , friendly people. The proximity to the sea and so much more .
I will be returning to  Berlin but for the time being here I am . Hence zero  blogging .
My YouTube continues and I 'm also on a rather good photographic platform . Look up Polaroid Blip . Once in type BVFL33 in search and you will see what I have been doing .
Have always loved making videos and more or less got the editing skills to short films .YouTube will always be my passion.
My stills need a lot of improvement and Blip is helping here .Plus have met some great fellow Blippers . Now you see why the blog was neglected. Will try and drop in each week. For now here are two collages I made for Blip ....One the weekend I treated myself to a really super new Ukelele The other this week when I did a sponsored swim .
Looks like the Foxylady is turning into a Musical Mermaid .

Happy Valentine's Day

attributed to "CordierColor" by Baude Cordier - Chantilly Manuscript. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -

This wonderful heart says it all . It is almost impossible to count how many songs and pieces have music have been written in the name of love. This Valentines Day I will be at a special concert of just such. It is said that love makes the world go round and I agree.
Sharing and caring give our lives the X factor .
A Happy Valentine's Day to all .

John McCain, America's Answer to 'The Joker '

John McCain is lacking in diplomacy , manners and seemingly intelligence. Like so many he has no idea of how close geographically Russia is to Germany. Gung ho type that he is he thinks Chancellor Merkel should go in with guns blazing and wage war. McCain is like so many Americans unaware until 9/11 of the horrors of over head  bombers and war on their own land. Europe knows only too well. US makes war in far away countries , always leaving a mess behind.

For McCain to say , I quote :-

" I would tell her that I am not surprised but embarrassed at their failure of leadership. They're the leaders, they're being governed by the industrial complex from Germany " Has to be a joke.

When one considers how big money and business call the tune in USA this is hilarious. As I pointed out, this guy is 'the Joker' 

Well said Karl_Georg Wellmann a leading CDU MP when he stated :-

"McCain would do better to ensure that the closest allies are no longer spied on " referring to the NSA who have made it their practise to snoop and spy on foreign leaders Frau Merkel included.

Mass Murder Not Faith .

Once again this Islamic group who claim to have a peace loving faith have behaved in a manner no words can describe. No surprises then when yet again the masses of Muslims within Europe remain silent. The very same Muslims who threatened to break up a registered none violent demonstration in Dresden that was against the Islamisation of our countries are now mute. Should any "art work" re their beliefs appear watch them take to the street.
These silent Muslim masses of so called peace lovers, are as sick as the violent killers who are monsters , not humanity. Any decent peace loving human who can not take to the streets with dignity and declare that these actions done in the name of their faith, are in fact condoning. To date few have spoken out. A strange notion of peace.
Would there were more with the decency, courage and honesty of the Mayor of Rotterdam. * see previous post 

Islamic Hardliners Threaten Western Civil Rights .

So now Pegida , have been banned from a having a demonstration this evening due to death threats issued by those none peace loving Muslims who strive to remove the rights we enjoy as part of our every day life .Freedom of speech , discussion, to name but two .Wake up time Germany .
UK has suffered a great deal of such and here are but a few examples of what they can get away with .
1) Marks and Spencers are allowing Islamic till operators in their food hall to refuse to scan packed pork products or alcohol . They are not taking the sensible approach and keeping such people out of the food hall and in other departments .Why ? They are too afraid that they will be accused of discrimination.
2)BA will not allow any flight attendants to wear a cross for fear it is offensive to Muslims .
3)In LHR fully veiled women are allowed through passport control minus a face match passport check It is a fact that criminal Muslim men on the run have used this ploy to board flights out of Britain .
This faith is fast becoming a sick charade for many to manipulate the law and exert control .
Back down at this point to the bully tactics of IS and we are on the slippery road whereby that which is European, civilisation , culture , gender equality, freedom of expression  is in danger .
Nobody is against Islam what most Europeans do not want is Islamization of Europe .That is to say little or no integration , flouting our civil law whilst demanding Sharia law etc etc .
Read what Ahmed Aboutaleb ,Moroccan born Mayor of Rotterdam said to the many who seek to twist our society whilst demanding this and that :-) I conclude with a quote from his TV broadcast.
He had the courage to speak out to those Muslim who are involved in seeking violence .I quote :-)

"'It is incomprehensible that you can turn against freedom,' Mayor Aboutaleb told Dutch current affairs program Nieuwsuur (Newshour).

'But if you don't like freedom, for heaven's sake pack your bags and leave.

'If you do not like it here because some humorists you don't like are making a newspaper, may I then say you can f*** off.

Pegida Is Not Violent It is Against Such .

So Mrs Merkel has a problem with Pegida as it seems  do  many of our very well protected , securely cushioned Politicians . In  the words of the song " when will they ever learn". European countries do have large Islamic populations who, in living here have all the benefits of our secular societies and democracy which include freedom of speech, press, tolerance of other faiths, intelligent criticism plus  debate . Over the last few years there has been a swell of fundamentalism within Islam beginning with overseas groups established within cultures where tolerance is unknown. Many have travelled, trained and attracted others who are seemingly enraptured by the concept of killing any and all who think differently to themselves. They have used the democracy of the West to spread their hate and loathing.

Recall 9/11, the London attacks including decapitation. The perpetrators , all Muslim .

Two hundred none Muslim Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by fundamentalist groups for uses that go against any decent faith , They have never been found .The list is endless .
As if this were not enough there is a growing demand for  Sharia Law by the so called peaceful Islamic population found  within European countries..
Residing  in a country necessitates  living by the civil law of that land. If that is intolerable then the answer is simple. Relocate to a land where Sharia law is the norm .
Since the murder of Charlie Hebdo  a blogger in Saudi Arabia has been brutally flogged for speaking against a certain prophet . Saudi Arabia has the right to do such as it has such a law. Is this what we want  in our freedom loving countries where a code of civil laws operates ?.. My own answer is no .
Pegida is not violent.  It seeks to ensure that our civil laws  are upheld by all. One look at the news , threats and actions will tell you where the violence and hate is to be found .Decent ordinary citizens within secular , tolerant Europe wish to ensure that our culture , our code of law is not tainted.
When I was a teacher in UK, religious education was and still is  part of the curriculum . The children were taught about  three main faiths. Imagine that being possible in any none secular Islamic country .
My question is where are the silent members of this faith . Their silence is marked .

The Ravens of Roque de los Muchachos

No zoom needed . These wonderful birds just come right up to take food from you  .

Another Berlin Advent 2014

It's many a year since my first Christmas in Berlin and how well I remember the Europa Centre then .
It has remained a special place for me with  many happy memories . Never one to frequent shopping malls this is something different and not too big or crowded .
Each Christmas the decorations around the water clock are beautiful and themed. This year, as you see it's bears so very apt as Berlin's flag has a bear on it ....... Greetings to all .

Twenty Five Years Since The Fall Of The Berlin Wall

There was much to see but I decided to focus on the memorial to those who died trying to escape and live in the west . I found it to be powerful through its astonishing 'no frills' simplicity .The carved heads all facing westwards made an impression . I recall that night  (9/11/ 1989) and the years before it . To live in a united Germany is pretty wonderful .The celebrations were excellent and the atmosphere one of joy .

Make A Splash ..Follow the Famous ?

The title is but a play on words though I did indeed make a splash and in  the same body of water ie )  Berlin's Landwehrkanal Berlin (as did two famous historical women) when I was well and truly dunked but lived. Study the famous :-)
Rosa Luxemburg , famous for her political beliefs, was murdered in January 1919 then dumped in this canal only to be found in the June of that year. The following year Anna 'Anastasia' Anderson attempted suicide by jumping in these waters.She did not succeed in killing herself .
Then fast forward to 2014, October 3rd and Helena Mikas was well and truly dunked on getting out of a kayak ( a happening which can occur with this sport ) Unlike the others I'm neither famous or mysterious, nor was my immersion tragic. A shock, but actually very funny, plus a learning curve .
My late mother used to say my only claim lay in the fact that it seemed  I was "An accident waiting to happen "
For better or worse it took place on a very important historical date in the history of Berlin and I became a Berliner .                Life is never dull !

Fly The Flag With "BRITISH AIRWAYS"

TRY THIS  BRITISH AIRWAYS QUIZ 

My favourite airline posed this quiz today. I scored well.See how you manage and at the same time enjoy watching an airline in action that makes me very proud to be British. BA the best of Britain. 

Democracy In Action .

Unlike Germany where I live, UK did allow overseas European citizens living there ( all be it short term )  to vote in the Scottish YES / No ,vote .. May the fat cats of Brussels  take note next time they say how Britain  are the EU misfits .
Well what do I say to the result :-
GREAT, GREAT, GREAT BRITAIN lives to show democracy in action. A well run vote. No need for supervisors from outside sources .Yes I am proud to be British. Gordon Brown has shown us we do have a great statesman in him . The Labour party could do well to reconsider .
For now though let life settle down , no more division tactics by power seekers backed by the like of Murdoch.
I  had my celebration with an ice cream whilst wearing  the Red White and Blue !
Britain is a Union and as such stood firm during two World Wars. Britain never capitulated .We are not a number one power in the world and have no wish to be but rank high when it comes to fair play.
Pictured below the Union Flag and my celebration ice. Strawberry,Coconut, Blueberry , topped with Chocolate , cream and lots of red cherries . The dark brown chocolate is for Gordon Brown.

Scottish Vote ..How Valid ?

The vote for Scottish Independence draws near so I ask how valid will it be . 
Throughout the length and breadth of Great Britain there are numerous asylum seekers, European workers, Commonwealth citizens, plus students from overseas. These people will be allowed to vote and I ask 'why' ? 
Here in Germany , France etc are Scottish citizens who are never allowed to vote in such an event within Europe and are excluded from this forthcoming event in their home country.
I am not against the vote , so long as it is correctly administered .
a) all should hold a valid British Passport .
b) all should be Scottish .
c) all should speak and read the language .
Any not conforming to this criteria should be excluded .When Berlin voted on the future of Tempelhof Airport only German passport holders were allowed to vote, Note, to have a German passport you must speak German and pass a test about Germany.
Take note Britain on who votes and what their credentials are .

Voltaire A Man Of Vision.

"Let us read and let us dance - two amusements  that will never do any harm to the world"

Voltaire 1694-1778

If all those currently busy killing , bombing and generally behaving in a manner worthy only of mindless louts were to start actually enriching life by at the very least the above two named pursuits,what a wonderful world we may have for all .

Perigee Moon ,Berlin = 'Over The Moon'

After weeks of clear blue sky I wasn't surprised that on August 10th we had cloud building up.
Even so I managed to get this short video of the Perigee Moon as it rose in the sky.
Imagine my joy when on scanning the clips there, captured by my Lumix TZ31, a jet plane flying over the face of this fantastic phenomenon.!  It comes in around 0:44.
As a lover of aviation photography and the moon it is true to say I was 'Over The Moon '.

A Birthday Made Even Happier By The German Team !

What a birthday week I've had ...On the 10th I celebrated my entry to this world .
On the 13th there was a very special celebration birthday breakfast at the Hilton Berlin.
In the evening of the 13th it was wonderful to join with millions and watch Germany win the World Cup 2014. A well deserved victory.
Today, July 15th it was off very early to watch this great  team return to the city by filming their arrival   at  Tegel Airport .
It was a breath taking event with the super Lufthansa 747 receiving a water salute. Germany had played well , played clean and shown that teamwork wins the day . In a world where so much it as gloom, here was a joyful event to mark .

Love Means Nothing - Read On

There are those who think that love is over rated and something for teenagers. 

Then there are those who have other ideas ...Love sustains us and makes life what it is .

I came across this quotation today and wish to share it . Apt as  it has a link to Wimbledon.


"Love means nothing in tennis, but it's everything in life."

Author Unknown

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I'm no teenager and find the above superb. Now to Erica Jong's words.. 

She has a way of being spot on.  What do you think ?  

Here are her thoughts on the theme. of love  :-)

"Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more." --

Erica Jong.

Support Registered European Taxi Drivers

I caught the tail end and am glad I managed it .Basically European , registered taxi drivers who know their job,believe me I've seen what they have to learn ... are under threat from an IT firm based in US  (where else ) This company has designed an App which by passes the system here ... Today Taxi drivers in Berlin , London and Paris  united in a show of solidarity and I for one support them .
They do a great job , and not for a fortune, are extremely honest and abide by the laws . Twice I have come across , none registered and have left the cab at my request .  The best tariff is that where a driver knows his stuff and takes you from A to B in the quickest time . He needs to know a city for this .
Also one who takes you irrespective of how short your journey is ... Good luck to all the men and women who put on a grand, united parade today . May we all unite and support them .
* seems a lot of support is with the men and women who drive a taxi here .Odd thing is the comments I've had on my YT upload are not showing ..Is this yet another Ap .Little would surprise me.