The Adventures of Cal

Israel's Attack on Humanitarian Flotilla

2010-05-31T17:16:00.000Z

N.B I've resurrected this blog, just for now. This won't be a light-hearted post, and will be about the events of today. I've linked as much as I can, and most information has been double checked, since this is such a sensitive subject.

I promised myself I wouldn't blog about this, but it's wound me up so much today, that I have to. I'll try to stay impartial as much as I can, despite it being particularly difficult on a day like today.

The activists attempting to bring aid to Gaza were foolish if they did not expect Israel to react violently, and perhaps they were foolish in provoking a nation that is known for reacting with disproportionate force... against the people of Gaza and against the people of Lebanon. Israel believes what they are doing is right; they are protecting their nation state, attempting to solidify their existence with acts of extreme violence against a mainly starved, impoverished and loosely armed enemy.

Of the attack on the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Danny Danon toed the party line, saying of the soldiers' response

"When you have a crowd attacking you with knives and guns you have to protect yourself."

Apparently Danon is unaware of the irony; ignoring the fact that highly trained Israeli commandos, armed with assault weapons (and probably even knives) rappelled onto what was essentially an unarmed civilian vessel. Many comments on Israeli news outlet Ynet News are in support of their "brave soldiers" and their actions, apparently with no qualms about the loss of innocent life, since the soldiers themselves faced attack from a group determined to defend themselves. Israel seem to think that being an activist for peace in the Middle East is synonymous with pacifism and sandle-wearing-hippiness, however they discovered, to the testament of the injuries to unfortunate soldiers, that this was wrong.

For some reason I keep thinking of someone burgling my house. At what point does resisting attack become attack itself? How far can I go to defend myself? Can I attack an Israeli commando with a knife as I see some of my group shot? Is that terrorism? Am I allowed to attack a civilian boat in international waters because I suspect them to be in cahoots with terrorists?

The line is so blurred here, that the only way to clarify things is to look at the number of dead, which at the moment stands at 19, and many more injured, including some Israeli soldiers. That's just disgusting, especially when the intention was to bring aid to a starving populace, that now has to go without, and suffer the wrath of an Israel backed into a corner, now more than ever before, by the international community.

2007-07-02T15:35:00.000Z

As dazzling as my brief soirée into serious, journalistic blogging was, I'm afraid the ride is over.

What with university beginning soon, and all sorts of events occurring in my normally quiet life, I've decided that politics should be left to the professionals, and that doesn't include a small golden-haired English fellow.

If you want to remain in contact, or if you (out of some masochistic desire) want to read my other blog, it is found here:
Shake Well Before Use

I'm sorry to be leaving this blog, you've been a great, and captive audience.

Cal.x

Debate

2007-06-22T22:43:00.000Z

A 16 year old, Jesse Lange points out the hypocrisy of the conservative news reader. He does it with such calmness, despite being called a "pinhead" that it's impossible for him not to come off as the more mature, and level-headed member of the discussion.

Paris in the Springtime

2007-06-08T15:58:00.000Z

It seems that maybe Paris hasn't got away with it after all, an L.A judge has ordered her back to court to decide whether or not she should spend the rest of her sentence in prison.

This bit really wound me up:
In a statement following her release, Hilton thanked the Sheriff's Department and jail personnel "for treating me fairly and professionally."
"I have learned a great deal from this ordeal and hope that others have learned from my mistakes," she said.

Three days is not an ordeal. Three days is a weekend break.

The Most Hated Family in America.

2007-06-06T09:09:00.000Z

I recently had the misfortune to watch a daytime-tv programme which features the Phelps family, from Kansas. They represent the Westboro' Baptist Church which, having 71 members, is hardly a large institution.

I apologise if anybody sympathises with the family's viewpoint, but if so, you deserved to be called out. I welcome any debate.

That said however, they make up for their lack of size through the vitriolic and hate-filled rants about the rights of homosexuals, and also about the state of America today. The "church" owns the website "godhatesfags.com" and uses this slogan as their tagline; quoted Romans 9:13 as the source of this knowledge: "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

Seems like a radical step up to "God hates fags."

Like somebody on the programme pointed out; why are they so obsessed with sex? The head of the church has decided that despite famine, wars and injustice throughout the world, they, who claim to be the only 71 going to heaven, as they are not "fag-enablers", will focus on a trivial part of the Bible.

The members claim we should "crack the Bible to see what it says", however they take the passages which suit them, and interpret them in the wildest way possible. Times change. The Bible is also full of passages that even some of the strictest Christians cannot abide by; and here are some examples:

"For every one that curseth his mother or father, he must surely be put to death" (Leviticus 20.9)

"Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbatch of rest to the Lord. Whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death." (Exodus 35.2)

There's more; Exodus goes through what we can and can't eat to be clean, and Leviticus states that any man who is "broken footed", or with "defect of sight", or a "dwarf" can not receive the bread of God. You're also forbidden to wear any garment made of two types of cloth.

Why is it that we take some parts of the Bible to be relevant to our lives, but others not? Is it simply that we are finding supreme support for our own prejudices?

I don't know. All I can say is that unpleasant people who take the Lord's name in vain, upset my liberal sensitivities.

Ch-ch-changes

2007-05-25T08:05:00.000Z

I don't like to get too personal on here normally, but since it's the "Adventures of Cal", I thought I'd better become more adventurous.

Yesterday was my last school lesson ever, my exams start in two weeks, and depending on how I fare in them, it will determine whether university is my next step. If this is the case, I'm hoping to go to Lancaster; for all you non-brits (well, probably just the one) here's a map.

Also this summer, my dad's accepted a job on the remote Scottish island of Iona. You may not have heard of it, but the 5 -square mile isle is world famous as a religious spot, with half a million tourists each year. I'll be spending quite a bit of time up there this summer, helping with the move in. Despite Britain being such a small nation, when I begin my solitary journey home, it will take me on six different modes of transport: a car, two ferries, a bus, a train, a plane and a taxi.

For anybody scratching their head about Iona, here's another map. I'm feeling charitable today.

Oh, and for the rest of the time, I'll be spending my days in the south of England. I'm not going to point that one out, but it's just wear the cloud is, just south of London.

Fine. I'll put up a map.

What with all this moving around, I'm going to be able to write about some interesting places (stop yawning) and I'll put up some videos hopefully, of the emerald isle. Oh no, that's Ireland...well Iona's pretty nice too.

Have a picture, and don't say I never do anything for you..

CSI New York

2007-05-13T14:32:00.000Z

I'm not sure how well this comes out on here, but I took this photo with my back to the WTC site. The blurring of the people walking, and the yellow cabs makes the couple in the centre even more striking. I just thought that at this place of sadness, there was still love.

And if it wasn't for the freakin' post in the way, it would be one of the best photo's I've taken.
Humph.

The Return of the Tribe

2007-05-08T20:05:00.000Z

When I saw the outline for this Channel Five programme, I was a bit dubious. Donal MacIntyre, instead of visiting far-flung tribes, brings 6 members of the Insect tribe from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to visit London.

To begin with, I felt guilty for smiling at the antics of the 6 tribespeople; but then I realised that they know how amusing they are. Having looked after Donal for a period last year, they know exactly how ridiculous outsiders look on their home turf. Not only that, but the people of Swagap seem to have brilliant senses of humour.

The part I found most awe-inspiring was when the Swagap Six (an easy abbreviation, not to be confused with the Birmingham Six) visited London for the first time. Their reaction was childlike; not meant in a patronising way, but in the way that London looked so incredible to me when I was a child. They were blank slates, experiencing the objective beauty of St Pauls Cathedral.

Every statement they uttered had its own profound touch; describing the statues as more real than they.

While the programme (the first of a number, I believe) was inspiration for me, filling me with a new found appreciation for the landscape I take for granted, I couldn't help but feel sadness for the Wagap Six. To show a man who must hunt pigs for days to feed his family, a supermarket full of food, seems hardly fair.

But this was juxtaposed with the most fantastical bit: one of the tribesmen in St Jame's Park, attempting to catch a squirrel, in order to: "put it on my head. So I can dance with it". The cheeky grin that accompanied the statement just made my evening.

Victory for Sarkozy

2007-05-07T10:51:00.000Z

I've been following the French elections fairly closely; after all, they're only 28 miles from our shores, and therefore it's always nice to know they're under the control of a sensible leader. (Since we're not.)

I'd always backed Segolene Royal (surprise, surprise, Cal's a liberal.) Nicolas Sarkozy, a hard-line conservative, gives me the creeps. He's been compared to Jean-Marie Le Pen, and for me, that's scary enough.

For me, his win (and my reservations) were summed up in his succinct statement of:

France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to give back to France what France has given me

(So I'm assuming thats..."everything"? Oh goody. I quite like the repetition of "France", it gives the impression he knows what country he's just taken control of.)

Jon Ronson...Ron Jonson. Think about it.

2007-05-07T09:51:00.000Z

I just read an interesting piece in the Guardian's "Weekend" supplement. Jon Ronson described how he once insulted the McCartney family, prompting an unfortunate reprisal from Linda:
"If I hear that Paul McCartney Frog Chorus song coming out of a Tannoy one more time, I'm going to open fire. Mark Chapman truly shot the wrong Beatle."

It was written 16 years ago, and makes a valuable point: cruelty in writing.
Later in the article, Ronson mentions his recent problem with blogger-popularity; it seems they hate him.

Writers find it so much easier to be vicious and hurtful when they suspect that nobody is reading; and when it turns out that unexpected people do read: "I looked at my webstats..and found a visitor from ronson.*****.co.uk Immediately I felt like I'd been caught doing something naughty."
(http://blog.lawgrain.co.uk/WordPress/)

Bloggers have a responsibility to give people a fair hearing; it's not on to abuse a personality in the public domain. Just because your user-name is so obscure that only the Police could track you down, this doesn't give the right to abuse those who think differently to you. That said, it only REALLY matters, if somebody's reading. If not, there's nobody to offend, and no damage can be done.

For that reason, here is a list of people I do not like: (hypocritical? me?)
Sir Alan Sugar. (Who actually buys Amstrad phones anyway? Do I WANT to check my emails on my phone? No.)
The Murdoch Family.
David Cameron (Please refer to the "spork" article)

Oh....and Hugh Hefner.

I can't vouch for Ronson's character. I've read his column a number of times and often a wry smile is found on my face. Taking this into account, I think it would be unfair to judge the man, and offer one piece of advice: change your name to Ron Jonson. I think it's snazzier, and if you googled THAT you'd probably only find references to aging Pornstars and BNP spokespeople.

Election Day

2007-05-06T11:14:00.000Z

Thursday was local election day, and as I've recently come of age, I was able to post my ballot paper into a steel box which, I assume, was probably lost soon afterwards.

All day I'd thought about my choice... do I stand up for my principles and vote for a party that most definitely wouldn't get in? Or do I vote for the party that provide a stronger opposition for the Conservatives?

Thoughts of decision-making clouded my mind as I walked into my village hall, to cast my vote.

I'd expected the place to be packed full of local people exercising their constitutional right, a right that thousands have died for in the course of history. But no, it was just me. I guess that's what happens when you vote at 9pm in a small village in England, but it still made me feel self conscious.. I almost shouted at the dour-faced stewards that they could just put me down as Conservative, and I'd just leave...But I stood my ground, and under the reproachful gazes of blue predators, I took my paper to a booth.

I looked at the sheet. I turned it over. I tried to find a second sheet, but nothing. Three choices?!

All day I'd been panicking over the major decision, and when it came down to it, my choices were threefold:
Green Party. (Represented by a boy from my school.)
Liberal Democrat Party
Conservative Party.

I put an X by the only real choice, and plopped it into the ballot-box. A feeling of rebellion and pride swept over me; I'd cast a vote for humanism.

That said, as I walked out of the hall, into the cold, dark air, I bumped into some neighbours of mine, on their way to vote.
"Two of you?" I thought..."One of me?" I looked at the 'Vote Conservative' badges on their lapels.

Bugger.

May Day LA (Bad language)

2007-05-04T13:14:00.000Z

Apologies for the bad language, but sometimes lesser words can't summon the same anger.

I felt sick watching this; how dare countries such as Great Britain and the USA label themselves as civilised democracies when these kind of things happen.

The LAPD were heard laughing, shouting:
"Double time, it's tussle time"

Maybe its time someone took these children's toys away from them?

David Cameron

2007-04-22T11:09:00.000Z

Being the leader of the Conservatives, David Cameron is a big character in the UK. He's also a controversial figure; and as usual the debate is found between the Conservative right, and the Liberal left.
I'm not going to try to pretend that I find the man anything less than a rather irritating toff; slightly in the same vein as Prince Charles, or Baroness Thatcher (booo), but I also can't deny that the humour which can be derived from Cameron is pretty top class.

1. David Cameron stated to the press that all troublesome teenagers needed was..a hug. I'm not sure if you've ever tried to hug a troublesome teenager, but I'll think you might possibly find them slightly reluctant.

They prefer floral gifts, I believe.

Oh, and here's a picture I rather like; I'm assuming it's the result of an attempted hug:

2. David Cameron's head....has been said to look rather like a spoon. This is cruel, and I don't think is fair. To say that the Conservative Party's leader's head is reminiscent of a spoon, is completely false.

David Cameron's head is a spork.

You see, despite the curvature of the forehead, and the doughy undulations of the cheeks, Cameron has spikes. The man you see on the left; the chap gesticulating behind the Tory leader, was arrested a number of days after this incident; and was sentenced to a spell in prison on drugs charges. Coincidence? I think not.

Apparently having one hand in your trousers, and one making a gun-style gesture, whilst making a cheeky grin, makes you the scum of the universe. (According to the Conservative right, anyway).

Oh well, David. I'm sure that if you reach power, your true colours will shine, and we'll see a side to you that we didn't expect. And naturally, I'm assuming that you'll crack down on troublesome teenagers? Oh goody.

I suppose a hug is out of the question?

I'm back

2007-04-22T10:41:00.000Z

(Please note, I've already managed to balls it up by posting this entry to my old blog. Smooth.)

Well it's been about 6 months since my last post. I'm can tell that you missed me.

The last few months have seen a large amount of change in my life, and the following few hold even more for me. That said however, my sense of political outrage (and also viewership of the Daily Show) has continued, and I thought it was about time I posted again.

This page is as much for me as it is for anybody else; I hope that I can look back one day, and laugh at my precocious and idealistic tendencies; around the time that I'm driving a Benz and voting conservative. (I jest)

Please note, I do not own the copywright to many of the photos on this blog. If you would like me to take it down (not because you're a Conservative or something though), please drop me an email.

Musings on Civilisation

2006-11-05T19:41:00.000Z

I'm back from the Big Apple, the large cheese, the Empire state strikes back etc etc.

Ghandi, when arriving in Great Britain, was asked:
"What do you think of Western civilisation?"
"What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea."

I was reminded of this quote as I arrived in Newark airport, late one evening last week. I don't mean any offense to Americans, I personally love the one's I've come into contact with during my lifetime, but there seems to be a group that arn't my cup of tea. Politicians.

While I was there, I saw a number of adverts that I personally thought were a joke:
"Bob Menendez sells drugs to children." (I embellish slightly perhaps.)
About 20 minutes later, I had the misfortune to catch another:
"Tom Kean Jr is a racist who WILL attack your mother." (My memory has faded a tad..)

I couldn't believe the dirty tactics used by politicians in what is supposed to be the most civilised nation on the planet. The idea of a Senator, surely, is to command the respect of their constituents; proving to the public that they are being led by mature, wise and well-rounded individuals. I found (find it, as afterall it goes on in my country too) it fairly disgraceful that the voting public are being patronised by their would-be leaders. From my experience, treat others with the respect they deserve; possibly why politicians get very little from many.

In the last General Election in the UK, the Conservatives led a campaign based on negative aspects of the Labour Party. They lost. It seems the voter doesn't like being treated like an idiot.

It's one step down from:
"Do you remember when old Mabel got run over?

Tony Blair does."

The Big Apple

2006-10-19T18:01:00.000Z

I won't be able to write anything for a week or so, I'm heading out to the states tomorrow, New Jersey to be exact. I realise that the picture is of New York, I'm going there too... I think...I never really plan ahead.
Anyhoo, I hope you all have a good week, try not to worry too much about the world, it'll sort itself out eventually. We'll achieve harmony before the end.

Peace
x

End Game

2006-10-13T17:53:00.000Z

Possibly not the most responsible move by an Army chief: "we want out."
What positive effect this could have on soldiers' morale, I'm not totally sure. Risking your life is one thing as part of your job, but doing it when you're bosses don't even think you're going to be there.
Also, any deaths that occur out in Iraq between now and the day of leaving, will be scrutinised and criticised even more than they are already; "They should have been home already".
Talking of responsibility, it probably wasn't the best idea to announce it to the most right-wing newspaper available; The Daily Mail HATES Tony Blair, and anything that is connected to the Iraq War. I don't think this is because they are against violence in the Middle East...after all, that would hint that they have some kind of conscience... but rather they just like bashing the government.
It would be like Dick Cheney announcing something through the National Inquirer, or a daily newspaper whose headlines typically read something like:
"DOES TEENAGE SEX HURT YOUR DAUGHTERS?"
"ASYLUM, YOU'RE RIGHT TO WORRY"
etc etc.

It's all a bit of a shambles, however the sentiment is perhaps right. We want our men home. But at what cost to the Iraqi people and our national morale?

The winner of this war was capitalism, and the loser was humanity.

It turned into a bit of a rant..

2006-10-10T19:41:00.000Z

So I've basically neglected my responsibilities for a little while; I haven't posted anything except pictures and videos. Yeah, very lazy.

Have another video.

But on a more inspirational note, I'll give you a quote by Brittany Murphy:
"Everybody has difficult years, but a lot of times the difficult years end up being the greatest years of your entire life, if you survive them."

Oh, and North Korea have full nuclear capabilities, and are "a threat to peace".
What's the betting that its us who attacks first? We do love our pre-emptive strikes! Surely the people who start wars should be seen as more of a threat..
The reason Britain are so nice to America? We don't want them to attack. The "Special Relationship" is more like going out with a slightly scary partner that you don't want to break up with, in case they bomb you.

I'd have thought that the country with the most ASSault weapons (that's right, I made an ass joke to show my rage. Although in Britain it should be "arse" but it didn't fit too well into the word assault.) Anyway, surely the country with the most assault weapons should be the biggest threat to PEACE?

"We need to be able to defend ourselves, something'th amendment etc"

Well stop attacking people and I might believe you. And no, somebody building a weapon isn't reason to attack. They're just copying you because you're so cool.

2006-10-02T17:12:00.000Z

2006-10-02T17:03:00.000Z

Clooney on Darfur

2006-10-01T18:01:00.000Z

It may have been the words of a hollywood actor, rather than a political leader, but I found them rather poignant and apt.

Virginia

2006-09-30T15:40:00.000Z

Sorry about lack of postage, life is busy!
I promise to do better in future.

Sign of the Beast?

2006-09-21T21:31:00.000Z

It seems Blair has new worry lines...in the shape of a "W" on his forehead...

Suggestions for what it stands for please? The poor guy seems to be ageing in dog years!

Whatever happened to Papal infallibility?

2006-09-19T14:21:00.000Z

Just a quick thought, I know that perhaps the Pope's recent verbal-accident wasn't Catholic related, but isn't everything he says supposed to be completely infallible?
Later research told me this: According to the Catholic Church "the Bishop of Rome IS infallible - but only in specific cases."

But someone who has to retract an earlier statement...surely shouldn't be given the responsibility for millions of Catholics? If I were one, I'd rather like my leader to think before saying rather silly things..

On the other hand, he does have a rather nice hat. I have one too, they're half price in Gap at the mo.

Irony Lost...

2006-09-17T10:29:00.000Z

The Pope made some inflammatory remarks about Islam the other day, connecting the religion to violence.

How did a few Muslims attempt to counter this argument?

By burning an effigy of the pope, and calling for him to be killed. But I'm pretty sure thats the Islamic equivalent to "No hard feelings mate."

Is irony just a Western thing? If someone connected ginger people to violence, I'd march the streets stroking a rabbit; acting in a way that could only be described by the words "aww". Wouldn't that make a more useful statement than this?:

"Death of a President" WILL be found in USA

2006-09-13T21:45:00.000Z

The new ficticious feature, including the assassination of George Bush in 2007, has been sold to the American "Newmarket films", and so will be distributed in the USA. The film has received a large amount of criticism, and has been labeled "irresponsible" by many conservative critics; however the directer states:

I don't think anyone would get the idea of assassinating Bush from this film

Gabriel Range

Newmarket films, which also distributed The Passion of the Christ, is expected to give the film a wide release over the coming months.

Finally, a gritty and biting look at our post 9/11 world from the liberal viewpoint.

Welcome!

2006-09-12T14:45:00.000Z

I'd like to take this opporunity to introduce you all to

The New Adventures of SuperCal.
(previously mynameiscal.blogspot.com)

It's going to be better than ever.
There are still the old posts on the old page, but TNAOC holds "the best of" as it were, and I will only be updating this from now on!

Many thanks,
Cal

Banksy's Latest

2006-09-11T17:23:00.000Z

Banksy strikes again, and love him or hate him...(most liberal Brits love him) his work strikes a chord across the world.
A life size replica of a Guantanamo bay detainee was placed in Disneyland inside the "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad" ride in California. It remained in place for 90 minutes inside the ride, before being taken away.

I don't know about you, but I can't help but smile at Banksy's subversive stunts. Last week, he smuggled 500 faked copies of Paris Hilton's new album, with his own remixes included such as "Why am I famous?" and "What have I done?"

It's hard to spend a day in London without stumbling across a Banksy; whether it's a small stenciled rat on a lamp-post, or an enormous mural of two police officers kissing. He's popular too.. in Bristol, the council wondered what to do about one of his works of art;
The stencilled image, which showed a naked man hanging onto a window ledge, won a 97% approval rating from residents on an internet discussion forum.

Even though it's strictly illegal, many Britains feel that Banksy is exercising our right to free-speech. He daubs what we think...so why not? It also gives character to the metropolis.

AND it pokes fun at the establishment...

My Favourite Stamp

2006-09-10T20:33:00.000Z

These were the stamps sent to me on a letter from my Auntie Deb from Iraq during the 90's. I just thought they were priceless, so I kept them. Looking back, I'm surprised her assests weren't frozen for directly funding a terrorist. I suppose stranger things have happened. In case anybody from Mi6 reads my blog, I don't actually say "Yes Saddam".

2006-09-08T21:44:00.000Z

Credit should go to
http://calami.blogspot.com/

Paris Arrested for DUI

2006-09-08T19:52:00.000Z

About time she was arrested, as her entire "career" of television and musical abominations has been, frankly, criminal.
But early on Thursday morning, it is alleged that she was seen driving erratically and pulled over. Then they found traces of alcohol on her breath.

In her own words;
“I was just really hungry and I wanted to have an In-N-Out burger”

Robin Hood Moves with the Times

2006-09-08T16:05:00.000Z

Sadly I think it might only be us Brits who are honoured with this one; but I'm not the only one who's a little bit excited. Taking the spot that "Doctor Who" took on the Saturday night television schedule, Robin Hood's latest incarnation is hoping to be big down our way.

Anyway, this is what people are saying:
The show, which has been filmed in high definition, is full of the expected swordsmanship, archery, fast-paced action, goodies and baddies - but the story has uncanny parallels with the war on terror and modern politics. In the opening episode, nobleman Robin returns from a war in the Middle East to find Nottinghamshire controlled by an unpopular leader where taxes are heavy and a climate of fear reigns.
"In one episode I say 'we can hold and execute outlaws without trial', which is not far removed from what's happening now," says one of the actors.

2016

2006-09-08T13:43:00.000Z

Here's something I drew a while ago, while the bombing of Lebanon was at its worst. I don't mean it in bad taste, so please take it as satire!

Death of a President

2006-09-08T13:42:00.000Z

A scene from the More4 drama Death Of A President, which portrays the assassination of President George W Bush at a Chicago rally in 2007. The White House has refused to comment on the programme, saying "it does not justify a response".

2006-09-08T13:39:00.000Z

Terrorism is NOT just taking bombs and commiting suicide.
'Nuff said.

Please...think of the kittens

2006-09-08T13:38:00.000Z

2006-09-08T13:37:00.000Z

YE hypocrites! are these your pranks?
To murder men and give God thanks!
Desist, for shame!—proceed no further;
God won’t accept your thanks for MURDER!

Robbie Burns

Steorn - Perpetually clean energy?

2006-09-08T13:36:00.000Z

An Irish company have made a substantial claim. That they have found an energy source that does no harm to the environment, and creates contstant "free" energy.

Trouble is, nobody believes them. They have called for scientists to contact them in order to have a 12 man jury to examine the invention. Trouble is, most people don't want that to happen.

I'm sceptical, just like most of the people who have heard of this. However, I haven't seen the invention. The general idea is to use magnets which pull a moving magnet round in a circle. This movement (similar to any kind of dynamo) cuts through the magnetic field, therefore inducing an electrical current. So, in theory, the invention could work.

It's up to you; hopefully you can be more open-minded about it than many others. My only worry is that if the idea turns out to be true...how long is it before hitmen hired by Shell or Texaco come for the inventors?

www.steorn.net

Where's Osama Bin Hidin?

2006-09-08T13:33:00.000Z

In my mind, Osama reminds me of Michael Jackson.

Granted, I have a fairly unique mind, and that sentence has probably never been uttered before, but I think that the sentiment is valid.

He releases new material every now and then; he surprises the world with his dramatic and often dangerous antics; his voice is distinctive, and the majority of the world are slightly worried about what he'll do next.

See? I could be talking about either.

The only different is that one lives in a cave, and the other (ahem) in a rather large novelty ranch-cum-fairground.

I think the reason the USA declared Osama to be Enemy Number 1, was that they were so supremely confident that he could be caught. A man with a beard like that? Going about his terrorist business undetected? I think not.
The USA were rather bargaining on Bin Laden owning his own Afghani restaurant in Kabul, where they could steam in and arrest him; perhaps picking up a couple of Samboosaks to go.

I'm not trying to be too cruel to the USA here, it's the same with Britain; apparently we are caught on camera over 300 times a day in the cities, (except those of us who stay in and browse YouTube 24/7) and so our presence is monitored closely in our own nation. Ask the police where I am at any given point during the day; and they'll probably know.
(I've seen CSI, I know how it works.)

However, when it comes to searching for someone in caves around the Afghan desert; and when it seems most of the Afghan population have abundant facial hair; finding the Big OBL might be a wee-bit tricky.

Cuba's Future

2006-09-08T13:31:00.000Z

Castro, either the heroic thorn in a dastardly superpower's side, or the oppressive and dictatorial leader of a poor and badly-treated population; Castro is the most enduring figure in the western world to this day. Having ruled Cuba for 47 years, over three quarters of the population have known no other leader.

Whatever we can say about him, his revolution and subsequent rule of Cuba has greatly affected the world in which we live in today.

As his health takes a turn for the worse, and he relinquishes power to his brother Raúl, the USA hovers in the wings, waiting for the opportune moment to "suggest" that the nation embraces democracy.

However, is it just me that worries about the kind of democracy that would result? From the way that Western democracies behave, it seems that one small island intent on antagonising the USA could prove fairly useful.

My cynicism bubbles to the surface as I begin to question what the motives behind the suggestions of democracy. Even in his dotage, Castro remains a divisive figure.

Not my kind of Politics.

2006-08-31T13:37:00.000Z

On a day during which the UN continue to inspect the level of destruction in Lebanon, Israeli forces have killed a prominent Al-Aqsa figure.
It is said that although Israeli soldiers have attempted to kill him on a number of occasions, ironcally, his death did not come as part of a direct assassination attempt.

But wait a minute; forgive me if I'm wrong, but the conflict against Hezbollah was caused by the kidnap of two Israeli soldiers. The backlash of death and destruction that followed, led to the leader of Hezbollah, Nasrallah, saying that he regretted his provocative actions. Even though it seems he learnt his tactices from Israel.

And yet Israel continue to pound around the area, killing high-ranking Palestinians, and making late-night sorties into Lebanon. Although arguably losing the war against Hezbollah, Israel have learned nothing from it, except maybe to only pick fights against Palestine in future. Somebody needs to tell them that this behaviour is unacceptable. In my mind, it constitutes war-crimes and murder. Why not bring back Mossad?!

Here is one view on the conflict, it is part of a correspondance between a Lebanese and an Israeli man. This is the Israeli stance:

I agree with you, we did underestimate Hezbollah. But who thought that they would spend six years building up stocks of thousands of rockets, with warheads packed with metal ballbearings, to inflict more damage on civilian targets?

These are not weapons of self defence - their only aim is to inflict terror on civilian populations.

And yes, I agree that the devastation of Lebanon is appalling.

But if those Lebanese who opposed Syria's presence in Lebanon had crossed the border, murdered Syrian soldiers and kidnapped others; I doubt if you or anyone else would still be alive to debate Syria's response.

One tourist from Tel-Aviv, visiting the Lebanon-Israel border states, when asked if the war was right:
"For sure! It wasn't enough," he said, laughing, "but never mind - next time!"

Support T.W.A.T?

2006-08-18T13:34:00.000Z

Royally Hung Up.

2006-08-09T13:32:00.000Z

It seems that the Monarchy are in a right royal state, after it has emerged that the News of the World (who'd have thought!?) have been tapping their phones and listening to their voicemail.
It takes me back to previous Royal Tapping Scandals, involving "Camillagate" and... "squidgygate"....(I just don't want to know.)

The only thoughts that I have to share on this matter....ok thought, is that the only effect this will have is perhaps an increase in tourists at Buckingham Palace.

After all, the Royal Family has faced almost every scandal possible; infidelity, divorce, a dramatic death, and many other iffy issues.* The fact is, theyre still there. The reason why is that, while not everybody thinks that they provide a purpose, they do. Turn the television off, put the computer on standby, and pick up a newspaper to read about what those Terrific Toffs have got up recently.

The monarchy do succeed in providing their loyal subjects with first-class entertainment. (Although, the more intellectual subjects notice that its mainly the tabloids that think we care.)
The News of the World's circulation has dropped by half a million in recent years; inventing the truth is more their style.

Nobody really cares, but we can't help but crack a smile as we wait for the next installment of zany antics from the Palace.

*Not to mention Harry dressing as a Nazi to a party. 'Nuff said.

Blair Begins his Holiday

2006-08-08T13:32:00.000Z

The trouble in the Middle East delayed his holiday, but Tony just couldn't wait to jet off to the Caribbean.
The post-it left on his desk for John Prescott simply states:
"Ahm, sort this Middle East thingy. Please?"
He has asked the UN to find a way of ending the violence:
"get down and get it done without delay" he said, as he stood in the Departure lounge wearing shorts and flip-flops, carrying a large inflatable shark under his arm.
Never fear however, the nation is in the safe hands of John "two jags" Prescott; the man who punched a voter in the face, had an affair in his office and ate a live bat during one of his concerts. Perhaps the last fact was a bit iffy... embellish? moi?
Come to think of it, Ozzy Osborne would perhaps fulfill more leadership criteria than the JP.

Just a thought.

Colourful Politics

2006-08-04T13:29:00.000Z

As Israel continues to ravage Lebanon rather like a Doberman in a Children's Teddy Bear Museum, I begin to wonder who it is that is really defending themself.

Israel; on the one hand, were allegedly provoked and attacked with rockets, but also had two soldiers taken. (Everybody seems to disagree from where.)
But on the other hand, soldiers taken during hostilities from either side are often seen as prisoners of war, and can often be returned through peaceful and democratic means.

Lebanon however, although perhaps poking the head of a sleeping doberman with the leg of a teddy-bear*, now seem to be the nation defending itself, as the violence escalates, and puts the Lebanese death count at 900 and the Isreali toll at 62.
However, as the Israeli's maintain: Lebanon started it.

Anyways, as I like to throw in my opinion wherever it's least wanted, Israel's lack of diplomacy, and wildly disproportionate and violent assault against the country of Lebanon and its infrastructure can be explained only one way (rationally, that is)

The Israeli's REALLY don't want Beirut to get the 2016 olympics.

*I refer to an article first read on the-vigil.blogspot.com

True Religion

2006-08-04T13:28:00.000Z

Someone recently asked me why I don't go to church. Since I consider myself a Christian, and also my father is a Vicar, I suppose it was a valid question.

In my head, I mulled it over.
As I went weekly from a very young age, I knew much of the doctrine by heart, and so recited it without knowing the significance of the words. It was a concatenation of personal feelings that led to my lack of churchiness.

I then replied:
"I feel that going to church doesn't make someone a Christian, as sitting in the garage doesn't make someone a car."

"Smart arse."

Baby Brown Update

2006-08-02T13:28:00.000Z

Gordon Brown's next baby will be called
"Bad Bad Leroy" Brown, inkeeping with the Brown family trend.

UPDATE: New just in that the one after that will be named "Hash" Brown.

In the words of Kylie, "Lets Get Philosophical"

2006-08-02T13:27:00.000Z

Fair enough; the title doesn't scan perhaps as well as Kylie's actual song "Lets get physical", but I needed something pithy to begin with. Is the opposite of dry humour "wet humour"?

Anyhoo, I thought today I might address the age old unanswerable question of:
When a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound?

Not that I like to toot my own trombone, but I feel that the question could have been put better as:
Does a prawn sandwich taste of anything if nobody eats it?

I accept that by not answering a question, but in fact asking another one, I have proved little purpose, however I felt that the question was a bit iffy. Not that my prawn-sandwich question is much better, but it provides a slightly different viewpoint.
Perhaps for foodlovers.

Israel v. Lebanon

2006-07-31T13:24:00.000Z

Well chaps, it seems that this conflict is into extra-time and show no signs of ending soon.
I thought I would just run over the Just War doctrine with anybody who is still sympathetic to the Israeli cause:

A war can only be waged as a last resort.
A war is just only it is waged by legitimate authority.
A war can only be fought to redress a wrong suffered (for example self defense) and must be waged with "right" intentions.
A war can only be fought if it is fought with a reasonable chance of success.
The violence use in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered.
The weapons used must discriminate between combatants and non-combatants. Civilians are never permissable targets of war.

If a proposed war fits all these criteria, it is said to be just.
In red are the criteria that Israel have not met.
In green are the factors that would debatably allow their war (along with the others)
In blue is arguable either way.

You can draw our own conclusions.

Gordon Brown, and Lebanon

2006-07-22T13:21:00.000Z

In the midst of a global conflict that has the world separated, there is just one thing that is keeping me amused.

Gordon Brown's new baby is called James. James Brown.
Is it only me who has drawn a parallel between 60's soul legend and the chancellor's new baby?
I feel saddened that nation is so caught up in the Lebanon crisis that nobody is able to pass judgement about the choice of name for the unfortunate child.

On a political note, I can't believe that I live in a nation that believes in a RIDICULOUSLY disproportionate conflict.

I was stung by a bee once. Did I attempt to wipe out the entire species? I think not.
It's like being poked in the back of the head by a slightly irritating person, and deciding to turn round and punch them in the face repeatedly.

Only way I can see of rectifying this situation is for some seriously growing up to occur. Oh, and for the USA and UK to stop using this conflict as a way of creating a pro-west middle-east.

I just- I just despair sometimes.

7/7

2006-07-07T13:20:00.000Z

I promised myself that I would never make this into a political thing, but as it's a year since terrorists blew up my city, I thought I needed to say something. On a day like this, I can't help but feel such sympathy for the victims and grieving families.

The media suggests that the men who carried out these atrocities were criminal masterminds; but they weren't. They were idiots who, like children with matches, had a fascination with destruction.

In the words of my hero, Jon Stewart, after the attacks on September 11th:

"Any fool can destroy. But to see these guys, these firefighters, these policemen and people from all over the country, literally, with buckets rebuilding. That's extraordinary. That's why we've already won. It's light. It's democracy. We've already won. They can't shut that down. They live in chaos and chaos- it can't sustain itself. It never could. It's too easy and it's too unsatisfying."

I, most certainly, am not afraid.

Twit Twoo

2006-07-03T13:19:00.000Z

"Hoot"
It's 1am on a Sunday night and I'm trying to get some sleep to energise me for the week ahead. What doesnt help me is an owl hooting just outside my window.
"Hoot"
I lean out of the window.
"Do you mind? What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
The owl turns his beady eyes to face me.
"Sorry?"
"Well your hooting is keeping me awake, could you stop?"
"Sorry, hooting is kinda my thing, it's what owls do, don't you know."
"I thought owls were supposed to be wise?"
"Well we're not. Hooting is what we do."
"Oh, okay then. Sorry to bother you."
"That's not a problem."
....
"Hoot"

Philosophies of an Adolescent

2006-06-28T13:14:00.000Z

Dressing in a particular way often cheers me up. So this morning, waking up feeling slightly dodgy, I decided I'd well and truly welcome summer with hawaiian shorts and flip flops.
After flip-flopping my journey to school, and arriving with sore feet, I was in no better mood. In my own mind I often feel neurotic and paranoid; perhaps where the deep thoughts I harbour stem from...

If I see someone for the first time, but they don't see me, I don't exist in their mind. If I don't exist in their mind then surely my existance can be doubted, as every conscious being cannot say to me "You exist." If you are reading my musings, then I exist to you. However, if you do not comment, then you do not exist in my mind. Not existing in my mind would leave your existance unwhole.

Food for thought....

My final, and perhaps bizarrely hedonistic and adolescent philosophical theory:
Our chances of being conceived are set at infinity to one; if my great-great-great grandfather had not got home from school on time one evening, missed his tea, then been kept in by his mother on the night that would have met my great-great-great grandmother, then I (and my entire family tree) would not be alive. I happen to think that my family are all fantastic people; and so if the opportunity for conception was denied, then so would the potential for thousands of children. Therefore shouldn't every opportunity for dating/conception be taken?
Perhaps this is close to Catholic doctrine...perhaps closer to the workings of an adolescent male mind; however I want you to think that if the first two humans had put off mating of an evening to play backgammon; would the world be the same today? Would YOU be alive?