dippy goes on tour

The shifting sexual norms in Japan’s literary history

More than 3,000 women and 900 men — that’s the number of lovers the main protagonist in Ihara Saikaku’s 1682 novel “Koshoku Ichidai Otoko” (“The Life of an Amorous Man”) tallies up as he reminisces. Saikaku, born in Osaka in 1642, became a renowned poet who wrote about the fluid, open sexuality of Edo Period (1603-1868) pleasure quarters with a startling lack of inhibition: In the 1685 collection of stories “Koshoku Gonin Onna” (“Five Women Who Loved Love”), he explores the love lives of feisty females; in “Koshoku Ichidai Onna” (“The Life of an Amorous Woman”), published in 1686, he includes a brief lesbian scene; and then there is “Nanshoku Okagami” (“The Great Mirror of Male Love”), a 1687 collection that focuses exclusively on love between men.

The sexual openness of Ihara’s characters seems to be profoundly out of place in contemporary conservative Japan. Today, the recognition afforded to the LGBT community is hotly debated in the country, and though traditionally conservative nations such as Ireland have legalized same-sex marriage, Japan is lagging behind. A recent legal ruling even rejected the right of partners (in practice, women) to keep their surnames after marriage, as a means of protecting “traditional family values.”

Though Japan’s current social conservatism appears at odds with the West’s liberalizing tendencies, it’s also at odds with the nation’s own past. Writers, stretching from Ihara to modern authors such as Natsume Soseki and Yukio -read more

as seen on children in need -doctor who xmas special 2016

Leprosy revealed in red squirrels across British Isle

Leprosy has been found in red squirrels across the British Isles and scientists believe they have been infected with the disfiguring disease for centuries.

The endangered animals carry the same bacteria that cause the human disease,research has revealed. This results in lesions on their muzzles, ears and paws, adding to the sharp decline in their numbers caused by invading grey squirrels, which appear immune to the disease.

It is possible that humans have caught leprosy from red squirrels in the past, as their fur and meat was once prized. But the last case of leprosy contracted in the UK was in 1798, indicating the risk is now extremely low.

“We should be even more concerned about the squirrels now and not frightened of them,” said Prof Anna Meredith, at the University of Edinburgh and one of the ..read more

Flaviu gets Willow as mate.

If you remember  the 2 year old lynx.. Flaviu ..that escaped Dartmoor Zoo earlier this year has now got a girlfriend.She is a 8 year old called Willow ,a special fence has been erected to stop physical contact until the big cats are comfortable with each other .

Racism.

I can not say i have never been racist as that would be a lie. i can only  say that i was treated as being gay for years as no girlfriend when young due to being shy.As for racism i did once say a comment about Pakistan people for which was barred from local gym in 80s rightly so i now try not too judgex

loo of the year awards.

The awards have a simple objective, namely, to encourage the highest possible standards in all 'away from home' or public toilets. Everyone has a shared responsibility to make this happen – toilet providers, managers, washroom suppliers, contractors, staff, visitors and customers – all toilet users.

The Awards are owned and run independently and since their introduction in 1987 the annual Loo of the Year Awards competition has helped focus the spotlight on 'away from home' toilets. It is now considered as 'the loo standard' and the Awards are supported by the national tourism bodies of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Jersey.

Any type of 'away from home' toilet can be nominated or entered in the competition, in any of the sixty separate Awards categories listed on the entry form. Entries are accepted from anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.

Anyone can nominate - staff, customers, visitors, managers, owners or contractors. Entries need to be authorised by owners or managers to guarantee payment of relevant entry fees which cover the inspection visit(s) etc.

Each entry is fully assessed against established judging criteria, covering both male and female facilities, as well as any baby changing, accessible and/or Changing Places facilities. All entries will receive a grading; Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, following an unannounced visit by a fully trained and authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector.

The Attendant of the Year Awards form part of the annual Loo of the Year Awards but ---read more