Friday, 7 February 2025

Friday, February 7/2025


Chilly, though not by Canadian standards, and crazy windy. Plenty of whitecaps. Still pretty nice in the sun for our weekly gathering at Blue Song. Outside table in the lee  of the building. So it warms up well. 

Northern Cyprus FAQ news reports that suspicious sheep have been seized in Northern Cyprus. Sheep in accompanying photograph don’t look all that suspicious.


Although they might have good reason to be wary if someone were about to seize them. Seems their ear tags don’t match required registration. Presume someone is attempting to make an illegal profit, and given the price - and scarcity - of lamb there would probably be be willing buyers. 

Actual theft here is extremely rare, though. We first noticed years ago that businesses seem to feel free to leave tables and chairs outside when they’re closed and they don’t get nicked. Explanations that theft is considered wrong in Islam or that one would need a small truck for removal seem to fall a little short. Other countries we’ve lived or stayed in also have religions that regard stealing as sinful but people seem to acquire suitable vehicles and engage in it anyway.

Not to suggest that wrongdoing doesn’t occur here. An MP’s son has just been arrested and charged with forgery and fraud with respect to a tender for construction of a new central bank building. No comment, as he has been charged, not convicted.