Ceud Mìle Fàilte

Photography Nature Technology Food
Movies Music Politics

and life in the Highlands.

Fàilte

Thank you for dropping-by, I hope you enjoy your visit. The main content is to be found in the blog where I discuss everything and anything but topics including photography, nature, technology, food, movies, music and politics make regular appearances.

I commonly write reviews of movies (or films, if you prefer). Some movie reviews are short, others will be discussed in more detail. The scope covered will be mainly mainstream English language movies from the 1930s until the present day.

About me

My name is Iain MacDonald and I live in the Highlands of Scotland (although I have lived elsewhere in the past). I am a big fan of Free & Open Source Software which I use both professionally and at home.

Computing and technology tend to infuse themselves into my other interests, as once you learn some skills in one area it is convenient to use them to solve problems in other spheres.

When not tinkering with computers, I am likely to be found repairing things because living in the countryside you learn to be resourceful.

Of course, man doesn't live by SSH tunnels and kerosene vapour burners alone so food, as a subject, makes regular appearances too. Did I mention I used to work in hospitality?

Latest Life articles

My most recent ramblings.

  • Pole Pruning Saw

    It is the time of year when the beech nuts are developing, and, consequently, the branches are getting heavier. A few branches above the house were sagging, and as a result were touching the chimney head and the apex of the roof. These branches required to be dealt with immediately, ... [Read more...]

  • O' Mice an' Men

    It seemed like a good idea at the time. We were due to have a guest visiting for ten days, so I decided to clean the chimney flue in the lounge. This flue is used by the wood burning stove and hadn't been cleaned for a few months. I thought ... [Read more...]

  • Leave Her to Heaven (1945)

    Leave Her to Heaven is a 1945 film noir, directed by John M. Stahl, starring Gene Tierney and Cornell Wilde. It tells the story of published author Richard who meets Ellen, while both are on vacation in New Mexico. Within a few days Ellen proposes to Richard, and two days ... [Read more...]

  • Kill Me Again (1989)

    Kill Me Again is a 1989 film noir modelled on the classic films of the 1940s. A down on his luck private investigator owes money to some nasty loan sharks, which he is unable to repay. The loan sharks rough him up, and make it clear worse will happen if ... [Read more...]

  • Love in the Afternoon (1957)

    Love in the Afternoon is a romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder, starring Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn. The movie tells the story of Ariane, the daughter of a private investigator who specialises in cases of extra-marital affairs. Despite being discouraged by her father, Ariane always shows an interest ... [Read more...]

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My latest Mastodon posts

Mastodon is a microblogging app that is part of the decentralised web known as The Fediverse. See this article for more details.

Fitheach (@fitheach@mstdn.io)

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 19:42:31 +0000

You have go to watch this, it is extraordinary.

Firstly, we have the Bay City Rollers singing with Ann-Margret (yes, that Ann-Margret).

Secondly, just look at the audience! The audience are loving the music, but they are not *teeny-boppers*. Watch out for the elderly lady swinging her ear trumpet in time to the music. Fabulous.

youtube.com/watch?v=eaKhKcadVg

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:56:40 +0000

I posted about Fox Moth caterpillars, last year.

mstdn.io/@fitheach/10049673631

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:34:55 +0000

On today's I photographed hairy things.

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Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:52:08 +0000

5 years ago to-day was the last day of campaigning, before voting started in the Scottish Independence Referendum. Looking back, it is a bittersweet memory.

It was a most exhilarating political experience. I made a whole host of new friends. It was marvelous being part of a movement that changed the country forever, and for the better. However, although my home area managed 57% Yes, nationally the independence vote didn't prevail.

Let's do it again.

#2014

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Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:37:02 +0000

Just back home (late , to-day).

The QCs for the petitioners (ones taking the action against Johnson's government) are going to town on the lack of a witness statement (affidavit). I just knew this would come back to haunt Johnson's government, after the Court of Session action. Regardless what else happens this will be crucial.

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:31:25 +0000

You can watch proceedings live at this link:

supremecourt.uk/live/court-01.