Voting
Are you going to bother? You can make a positive negative statement by voting none of the above or by spoiling your vote.
Don't encourage the bastards.
Don't encourage the bastards.
posted by phylos @ 12:46
Saturday, April 30, 2005
More like it....
This is the sort of story I'm more used to ranting about.
Florida girl has abortion blocked
A pregnant 13-year-old girl in Florida has been told she cannot have an abortion because she lacks the maturity to make such a decision.
So she's not mature enough to make a decision, but she is mature enough to bring up a child? You make sense of it, I can't.
Follow Up
03-05-05 21:49
Common sense has prevailed.
Florida girl's abortion allowed
Florida girl has abortion blocked
A pregnant 13-year-old girl in Florida has been told she cannot have an abortion because she lacks the maturity to make such a decision.
So she's not mature enough to make a decision, but she is mature enough to bring up a child? You make sense of it, I can't.
Follow Up
03-05-05 21:49
Common sense has prevailed.
Florida girl's abortion allowed
posted by phylos @ 11:55
A good deed
Have a read of this story.
Thousands of screws cause dozens of flat tiresMy first thoughts on posting this were "What a good guy, doing the right thing." Then I thought "Hang on, how cynical and selfish have we become as a society that a bloke taking responsibility for his actions, even though he was not really at fault, makes the news?" Now I'm all confused. It's too early. More coffee...
More than 5,000 screws littered the interstate from 120th to 136th. "It started at the exit, there were cars all over the place," said one witness. "It sounded like I had mud on my tire...wop, wop, wop, wop," said Robert Brodston who after pulling over, discovered that three of his tires were punctured.
The screws fell from a Stucco supply truck owned by Jones Heartz Lime Co. Inc. The driver said the belt that held the boxes of screws in place on his truck broke, causing five boxes of screws to spill everywhere.
The driver stopped his truck and handed out business cards to everyone who got a flat tire. He called in a tow truck and paid for all repairs at a Northglenn tire shop.
"We watched him, he walked up and down the whole highway, making sure people got a card and people were taken care of," said one of the drivers whose car needed repairs.
"I thought it was really nice of him to be concerned about it. Some people aren't. They just leave the mess for someone to clean up," said Kris Kier, while waiting for her car to be repaired at Discount Tire.
posted by phylos @ 11:36
Friday, April 29, 2005
Googled
The good people of Google have a sense of humour second to none. Just type in "liar" and see what you get.
Splendid.
Splendid.
posted by phylos @ 13:34
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Quickies...
Today's 'you couldn't make it up' story concerns a Civil War re-enactment group versus a bunch of Trekkies.
A battle outside the box
The idea's so outside the box it's hard to believe anyone thought of it.
But thinking "outside the box" is what the local civic club "Outside The Box" does, and that's what members did when they thought about this weekend's re-enactments of the 1865 Battle of Columbus at the Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum, online at www.portcolumbus.org.
"We thought about how meticulous those Civil War re-enactors are about having historically accurate uniforms and equipment," says OTB President Hugh Lessjo. "Then we thought, 'Who else is so obsessive about having the right props and costumes?' "
The answer: Star Trek fans.
It all ends in tears of pedantry. Superb.
Weddings. Doncha love 'em? No home video or out-take show is complete without a few weddings. Usually it's a couple getting exactly what they deserve when they try to show off. Like the pair who decided to release doves at their wedding.
A battle outside the box
The idea's so outside the box it's hard to believe anyone thought of it.
But thinking "outside the box" is what the local civic club "Outside The Box" does, and that's what members did when they thought about this weekend's re-enactments of the 1865 Battle of Columbus at the Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum, online at www.portcolumbus.org.
"We thought about how meticulous those Civil War re-enactors are about having historically accurate uniforms and equipment," says OTB President Hugh Lessjo. "Then we thought, 'Who else is so obsessive about having the right props and costumes?' "
The answer: Star Trek fans.
It all ends in tears of pedantry. Superb.
Weddings. Doncha love 'em? No home video or out-take show is complete without a few weddings. Usually it's a couple getting exactly what they deserve when they try to show off. Like the pair who decided to release doves at their wedding.
What on earth could go wrong? (maybe NSFW)
Mr Pieman sent me a link earlier today for the Darth Tater. It's a - look for yourself, must I do everything? Thought that couldn't be beaten? Wrong suckers. Have a look at the Darth Vader Lawn Sprinkler. When I was a lad all you got were lunch boxes and plastic flasks. And they didn't even keep your vegetable soup warm till lunchtime on the hottest day.
Spoiled.
That's what you all are.
Mr Pieman sent me a link earlier today for the Darth Tater. It's a - look for yourself, must I do everything? Thought that couldn't be beaten? Wrong suckers. Have a look at the Darth Vader Lawn Sprinkler. When I was a lad all you got were lunch boxes and plastic flasks. And they didn't even keep your vegetable soup warm till lunchtime on the hottest day.
Spoiled.
That's what you all are.
posted by phylos @ 22:45
Bayeux or bust
This is such a great website! The Historic Tale Construction Kit allows you to create your own scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry.
By Lost in Asda
Email me your scenes and I'll post the funniest ones. It'll be like The Gallery. Only with decent pictures, not rubbish scribbled out by spazzy 6 year olds. (Sorry, you have to be over 30 and a Brit to get that reference)
By Lost in Asda
Email me your scenes and I'll post the funniest ones. It'll be like The Gallery. Only with decent pictures, not rubbish scribbled out by spazzy 6 year olds. (Sorry, you have to be over 30 and a Brit to get that reference)
posted by phylos @ 21:04
Consistent foreign policy?
Wasn’t the Iraq war all about disarming rogue nations in the Middle East?
What’s this all about then?
US to sell bunker bombs to Israel
The US government is proposing a $30m deal selling up to 100 laser-guided bunker-busting bombs to Israel. The GBU-28 is a 2,000-kg conventional weapon with a powerful warhead that can burrow through six metres (20 feet) of concrete or 30 metres of earth.
The sale has gone ahead despite concern that Israel might use the weapon for a unilateral attack against Iran.
Still, in for a penny in for another $3 billion.
What’s this all about then?
US to sell bunker bombs to Israel
The US government is proposing a $30m deal selling up to 100 laser-guided bunker-busting bombs to Israel. The GBU-28 is a 2,000-kg conventional weapon with a powerful warhead that can burrow through six metres (20 feet) of concrete or 30 metres of earth.
The sale has gone ahead despite concern that Israel might use the weapon for a unilateral attack against Iran.
Still, in for a penny in for another $3 billion.
posted by phylos @ 17:21
Iraq & the Legal Advice
So Bliar has decided to publish and risk being damned. It all seems to boil down to whether or not Resolution 1441 authorises the use of force under Resolution 687 which was the cease-fire resolution after Operation Desert Storm. This resolution imposed strict obligations on Iraq to destroy its WMD. A material breach of 687 such as hampering inspections or refusing access to sites would (arguably) authorise military action. This is where it gets muddled. Hans Blix reported on 17th March that although Iraq was placing hurdles in the way of his inspectors, there had been significant destruction of the majority of Iraq's WMD. Blix stated that it was not 'mere toothpicks' being destroyed but real weapons. But Bliar and Bush saw the few hurdles as more important than the significant destruction of weapons. You can't help but come to the conclusion that rather than make a decision (to invade) based on a calm, measured assessment of all the evidence, in fact what happened was the decision to invade was made and then the evidence examined to see how it could be used to justify the decision.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we now know that Iraq had in fact destroyed all its WMD. The search for Iraq's WMD closed only this week with the admission that they simply did not exist. Had we given Hans Blix the few more months he requested this could have been proven without bloodshed. Hussein was engaged in a game of bluff. By facing up to the UN he maintained the belief, both in the greater region and amongst his internal opponents that he had all sorts of nasty weapons which he would not think twice about using. A neutered Hussein could, maybe, have been removed from power by a western backed insurgency, led by Iraqis and which fully engaged the people of Iraq. There would then have been no Abu Ghraib, no sham puppet government, no allegations of occupation rather than liberation. But of course there would also be no US control of Iraq's oil, no fat contracts for Haliburton.
The war was supposed to pay for itself. The reconstruction programmes were all supposed to be funded by Iraqi oil. Odd then, that when the next spending bill has limped its way through Congress, US taxpayers will have spent $400 billion on Iraq. It has cost us in the UK about £1.5 billion. Far from paying for itself US states are having to cut back on their spending. As the previous link says for example; "Missouri is set to end its Medicaid program entirely within the next three years because of a lack of funds. As the Los Angeles Times reported, that will save the state $5 billion, but at the cost of ending healthcare for the more than 1 million Missourians enrolled in the program."
Worse though, the reconstruction efforts are an appalling mess. Money is missing, promises are broken, we are failing the very people we pledged to help. The issue of whether the invasion of Iraq was legal or not is a side show. I am as guilty as anyone of missing the wood for the trees. This was an illegal war. It has been followed by an immoral, incompetently managed peace. This is the real story of Iraq. This is what Bliar must be held accountable for.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we now know that Iraq had in fact destroyed all its WMD. The search for Iraq's WMD closed only this week with the admission that they simply did not exist. Had we given Hans Blix the few more months he requested this could have been proven without bloodshed. Hussein was engaged in a game of bluff. By facing up to the UN he maintained the belief, both in the greater region and amongst his internal opponents that he had all sorts of nasty weapons which he would not think twice about using. A neutered Hussein could, maybe, have been removed from power by a western backed insurgency, led by Iraqis and which fully engaged the people of Iraq. There would then have been no Abu Ghraib, no sham puppet government, no allegations of occupation rather than liberation. But of course there would also be no US control of Iraq's oil, no fat contracts for Haliburton.
The war was supposed to pay for itself. The reconstruction programmes were all supposed to be funded by Iraqi oil. Odd then, that when the next spending bill has limped its way through Congress, US taxpayers will have spent $400 billion on Iraq. It has cost us in the UK about £1.5 billion. Far from paying for itself US states are having to cut back on their spending. As the previous link says for example; "Missouri is set to end its Medicaid program entirely within the next three years because of a lack of funds. As the Los Angeles Times reported, that will save the state $5 billion, but at the cost of ending healthcare for the more than 1 million Missourians enrolled in the program."
Worse though, the reconstruction efforts are an appalling mess. Money is missing, promises are broken, we are failing the very people we pledged to help. The issue of whether the invasion of Iraq was legal or not is a side show. I am as guilty as anyone of missing the wood for the trees. This was an illegal war. It has been followed by an immoral, incompetently managed peace. This is the real story of Iraq. This is what Bliar must be held accountable for.
posted by phylos @ 11:56
Crazy Golf
Is it close enough to Friday for a game? I think so.
Mousebreaker have a great selection on online games, and their 18 hole crazy golf has got me through many a tedious afternoon.
Mousebreaker have a great selection on online games, and their 18 hole crazy golf has got me through many a tedious afternoon.
Go on. You know you want to...
posted by phylos @ 07:51
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
B-liar
The legal advice Tony Bliar prior to the invasion of Iraq is thankfully back in the news.
The Guardian report that the Attorney general told Blair war could be illegal. Channel 4 News back this up, and the clamour is such that even the neutered post Hutton BBC feel confident enough to join in with the Bliar bashing.
I doubt any of this will sway next week's election result which will no doubt return him to power, but if it inspires a few more people to get off their fat, complacent fucking arses and vote against him some good will have been done.
The Guardian report that the Attorney general told Blair war could be illegal. Channel 4 News back this up, and the clamour is such that even the neutered post Hutton BBC feel confident enough to join in with the Bliar bashing.
I doubt any of this will sway next week's election result which will no doubt return him to power, but if it inspires a few more people to get off their fat, complacent fucking arses and vote against him some good will have been done.
posted by phylos @ 20:21
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Electoral fraud made easy
The topic of electoral fraud has been bubbling under for the last couple of weeks now. The BBC are running a report on it as I type, showing just how easy it is to steal someone's vote. You would hope then, that Returning Officers and their staff would be doing their bit to minimise the risks. I got home from work this evening to find three Polling Cards in my mail. One is for me, the other two are for the couple who lived here before me.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead obviously received my electoral registration form back in February when I moved in as I have been registered correctly and I remember signing the declaration confirming that nobody else lived here; how difficult is it to delete the previous occupants from their database when entering my details?
Being an honest man I’ll return the two ‘spares’ tomorrow along with a stern letter. But if you want to make me an offer……
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead obviously received my electoral registration form back in February when I moved in as I have been registered correctly and I remember signing the declaration confirming that nobody else lived here; how difficult is it to delete the previous occupants from their database when entering my details?
Being an honest man I’ll return the two ‘spares’ tomorrow along with a stern letter. But if you want to make me an offer……
posted by phylos @ 17:14
Load of follicles
BBC News Online continues to push back the boundaries of journalism. Their lead election story of the day is an analysis of how each leader's hairline could effect their popularity. It's a subject ignored by the rest of the mainstream media. Can you guess why?
Elsewhere, Brian Sedgemore who is standing down as an MP after 27 years, has chosen today to launch a blistering attack on Mr Blair, especially in relation to the lies over Iraq. He's now gone off to the Lib Dems in a huff. Better late than never I suppose, but Mr Sedgemore could have kicked up much more of a fuss at the time or even resigned on principle at the time. Two more years trousering the fat salary and pension contributions were obviously too much of a temptation for such a principled man.
Elsewhere, Brian Sedgemore who is standing down as an MP after 27 years, has chosen today to launch a blistering attack on Mr Blair, especially in relation to the lies over Iraq. He's now gone off to the Lib Dems in a huff. Better late than never I suppose, but Mr Sedgemore could have kicked up much more of a fuss at the time or even resigned on principle at the time. Two more years trousering the fat salary and pension contributions were obviously too much of a temptation for such a principled man.
posted by phylos @ 12:39
My foonting turlingdromes
BBC Radio 5 are running a poetry competition of sorts to mark the arrival of the Hitchhikers film this week. The Vogons of course wrote the third worst poetry in the universe, behind the Asgoths of Crea and Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings.
Can you do any better (worse)? You only have until Friday.
Can you do any better (worse)? You only have until Friday.
posted by phylos @ 07:51
Monday, April 25, 2005
You Spurs
Funny old evening's football ahead.
It's North London's second biggest match of the season as the lads take on Ars*n@l at the library. It was a cracking match down the Lane in November (4-5) and it could have gone either way. We lost and it's been a few years since we've won at Highbury. The Ars* are only playing for second place this season but they won't be relaxing and we need points for the last UEFA place, so it's possible that this evening's match will be most closely watched by Chelsea who will win their first title for 50 years if - sorry when we beat the gooners later.
I'll be honest and say that I've always found Tottenham/Arsenal matches a bit of a pantomime. 35,000 grown men singing "Fuck off Arsenal" or something similar, receiving various 'Pride of London' retorts, it's all very jolly but Chelsea (and West Ham) have always been the teams to really raise my venom.
So, beat Ars*n@l and give the title to Chelsea or lose and delay the ineviatble. That's not really a choice though is it!! To hell with the title - Chelsea have bought it, not won it.
Come on you Spurs.....
It's North London's second biggest match of the season as the lads take on Ars*n@l at the library. It was a cracking match down the Lane in November (4-5) and it could have gone either way. We lost and it's been a few years since we've won at Highbury. The Ars* are only playing for second place this season but they won't be relaxing and we need points for the last UEFA place, so it's possible that this evening's match will be most closely watched by Chelsea who will win their first title for 50 years if - sorry when we beat the gooners later.
I'll be honest and say that I've always found Tottenham/Arsenal matches a bit of a pantomime. 35,000 grown men singing "Fuck off Arsenal" or something similar, receiving various 'Pride of London' retorts, it's all very jolly but Chelsea (and West Ham) have always been the teams to really raise my venom.
So, beat Ars*n@l and give the title to Chelsea or lose and delay the ineviatble. That's not really a choice though is it!! To hell with the title - Chelsea have bought it, not won it.
Come on you Spurs.....
posted by phylos @ 18:09
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Su Doku
This is a fiendish little beast. A Su Doku is a 9x9 grid, split up into 9 smaller grids of 3x3. To solve the puzzle you must insert the numbers 1 to 9 such that each 3x3 box, each horizontal and each vertical line contains each number only once.
I first discovered Sudoku in The Times late last year, I did a few but wouldn't say I was hooked. According to the BBC though, they have really taken off. I've downloaded a few for the weekend. Looks like it will be a nice one and I'll need something to occupy my mind while I lay on the lawn with a bottle of Valpolicella or two.
The official site is here and contains some tips.
I first discovered Sudoku in The Times late last year, I did a few but wouldn't say I was hooked. According to the BBC though, they have really taken off. I've downloaded a few for the weekend. Looks like it will be a nice one and I'll need something to occupy my mind while I lay on the lawn with a bottle of Valpolicella or two.
The official site is here and contains some tips.
posted by phylos @ 11:28
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Peak Oil
Peak oil. Betcha never heard of it, but it could be the most serious problem facing the lifestyle we have all grown accustomed to. Peak oil will be reached when we have extracted more oil from the earth than there is left. Then we start on the downhill slope, with oil production then falling by 2% or so a year. Some experts think we are only a few years away from peak. With global demand rising at about 2-3% per year you can see the problem. Oil will probably run out in your lifetime.
It's been 150 years or so since oil was first commercially available. Think of the advances in technology that have occured in that time thanks to oil. The population of the planet has risen six-fold in that time on the back of new industries oil made possible. It will all end; though on a positive note the production of greenhouse gasses will decline rapidly.
This article from The Guardian should fill you in on the peak oil facts.
The end of oil is closer than you think
Oil production could peak next year, reports John Vidal. Just kiss your lifestyle goodbye
It's been 150 years or so since oil was first commercially available. Think of the advances in technology that have occured in that time thanks to oil. The population of the planet has risen six-fold in that time on the back of new industries oil made possible. It will all end; though on a positive note the production of greenhouse gasses will decline rapidly.
This article from The Guardian should fill you in on the peak oil facts.
The end of oil is closer than you think
Oil production could peak next year, reports John Vidal. Just kiss your lifestyle goodbye
posted by phylos @ 16:50
Voting
Just a couple of quick updates on 5th May.
George Monbiot has written a splendid piece on how voting for a minority party could be the best thing any of us can do. He makes the point that by tactically voting for say the Lib Dems, you are sending a confused message that will be misunderstood by the politicians. Charles Kennedy and his party may do very well next month, and Kennedy will no doubt bang on about how it is a vindication of his policies when in fact it is nothing of the sort only a rejection of everybody else's.
If you don’t have a suitable independent in your constituency (and there isn't one in mine) there is always the none of the above/spoil you vote option I touched upon below. These chaps explore the matter in far more detail.
George Monbiot has written a splendid piece on how voting for a minority party could be the best thing any of us can do. He makes the point that by tactically voting for say the Lib Dems, you are sending a confused message that will be misunderstood by the politicians. Charles Kennedy and his party may do very well next month, and Kennedy will no doubt bang on about how it is a vindication of his policies when in fact it is nothing of the sort only a rejection of everybody else's.
If you don’t have a suitable independent in your constituency (and there isn't one in mine) there is always the none of the above/spoil you vote option I touched upon below. These chaps explore the matter in far more detail.
posted by phylos @ 13:19
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Mary?
Have a look at this picture and what do you see? To me, it looks like a stain on a concrete wall. But to 'the devout' it is the Virgin Mary. If I weren't such a moral bloke I could make a fortune ripping off the faithful.
Baaaaaaaaaaaa
Baaaaaaaaaaaa
posted by phylos @ 17:21
Exploitable
Obviously when the Conservative party talk about halting immigration, they don’t mean it to apply to those immigrants that they can exploit for their own nefarious activities.
Conservatives use 'cheap' migrant leafleters
Eastern European migrants allegedly earning less than the legal minimum wage are delivering Conservative Party leaflets in a key marginal constituency.
Despite conducting a high-profile campaign calling for tough controls on immigration, the Tories are using a company employing low-paid foreigners to distribute campaign literature.
Conservatives use 'cheap' migrant leafleters
Eastern European migrants allegedly earning less than the legal minimum wage are delivering Conservative Party leaflets in a key marginal constituency.
Despite conducting a high-profile campaign calling for tough controls on immigration, the Tories are using a company employing low-paid foreigners to distribute campaign literature.
posted by phylos @ 11:35
Slimy
I'd never heard of the slime-mould beetle until this morning. But 65 new species were recently discovered and 3 of them have been named after Bush, Cheney & Rumsfeld. I can think of no more fitting a tribute. (thanks Mike)
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld share beetle honour
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld can now also be called bushi, cheneyi and rumsfeldi, or simply slime-mould beetles.
Two former Cornell University entomologists named three species in the genus Agathidium after the U.S. leaders, Cornell announced on Wednesday.
Quentin Wheeler and Kelly Miller christened 65 new species of slime-mold beetles, named for the fungi-like molds on which they feed, which they discovered after collecting thousands of specimens for a study of their evolution and classification.
Wheeler, who after 24 years as a professor of entomology and plant biology at Cornell is now the keeper and head of entomology at the Natural History Museum in London, said the U.S. leaders were being honored for having "the courage of their convictions."
The bushi beetle is found in southern Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia; the rumsfeldi is from Oaxaca and Hidalgo in Mexico, and the cheneyi is known from Chiapas, Mexico, Wheeler said.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld share beetle honour
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld can now also be called bushi, cheneyi and rumsfeldi, or simply slime-mould beetles.
Two former Cornell University entomologists named three species in the genus Agathidium after the U.S. leaders, Cornell announced on Wednesday.
Quentin Wheeler and Kelly Miller christened 65 new species of slime-mold beetles, named for the fungi-like molds on which they feed, which they discovered after collecting thousands of specimens for a study of their evolution and classification.
Wheeler, who after 24 years as a professor of entomology and plant biology at Cornell is now the keeper and head of entomology at the Natural History Museum in London, said the U.S. leaders were being honored for having "the courage of their convictions."
The bushi beetle is found in southern Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia; the rumsfeldi is from Oaxaca and Hidalgo in Mexico, and the cheneyi is known from Chiapas, Mexico, Wheeler said.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
posted by phylos @ 11:07
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Poetry Of Departures
Sometimes you hear, fifth-hand,
As epitaph:
He chucked up everything
And just cleared off,
And always the voice will sound
Certain you approve
This audacious, purifying,
Elemental move.
And they are right, I think.
We all hate home
And having to be there:
I detest my room,
It's specially-chosen junk,
The good books, the good bed,
And my life, in perfect order:
So to hear it said
He walked out on the whole crowd
Leaves me flushed and stirred,
Like Then she undid her dress
Or Take that you bastard;
Surely I can, if he did?
And that helps me to stay
Sober and industrious.
But I'd go today,
Yes, swagger the nut-strewn roads,
Crouch in the fo'c'sle
Stubbly with goodness, if
It weren't so artificial,
Such a deliberate step backwards
To create an object:
Books; china; a life
Reprehensibly perfect.
Philip Larkin
23 January 1954
As epitaph:
He chucked up everything
And just cleared off,
And always the voice will sound
Certain you approve
This audacious, purifying,
Elemental move.
And they are right, I think.
We all hate home
And having to be there:
I detest my room,
It's specially-chosen junk,
The good books, the good bed,
And my life, in perfect order:
So to hear it said
He walked out on the whole crowd
Leaves me flushed and stirred,
Like Then she undid her dress
Or Take that you bastard;
Surely I can, if he did?
And that helps me to stay
Sober and industrious.
But I'd go today,
Yes, swagger the nut-strewn roads,
Crouch in the fo'c'sle
Stubbly with goodness, if
It weren't so artificial,
Such a deliberate step backwards
To create an object:
Books; china; a life
Reprehensibly perfect.
Philip Larkin
23 January 1954
posted by phylos @ 18:05
Quote for the day
There was never a good war or a bad peace
Benjamin Franklin
11 September 1783
Seen on a banner this afternoon at Brian Haw's inspirational one-man demonstration outside Parliament, where he has been for 1417 days.
Benjamin Franklin
11 September 1783
Seen on a banner this afternoon at Brian Haw's inspirational one-man demonstration outside Parliament, where he has been for 1417 days.
posted by phylos @ 16:36
Some thoughts
I had on the train this morning, going to sit an exam...
God, I’m tired
I think my right contact lens is inside out
10% tax credit no longer reclaimable on UK equity investments
Vane Street - I know some people who could live there
Should I walk to Victoria or take the tube?
Oh, she’s pretty
Bet it will be raining by the time I get there
I should have got a later train
He looks like the sort of bloke who collects pipes. Or old radios
It’s definitely inside out
Offshore funds benefit from gross roll up
Will I have time for a quick pint at Waterloo?
There are normally Metro’s laying everywhere
Oh, she’s pretty
That looks like a CII book. Bet he's doing the same exam
I could do with a gross roll-up right now
I wonder if Gordon Brown’s got FPC? I bet he’s paid more than I am, and I could solve the pensions crisis
Look at the size of that pigeon. Fat bastard
How much can you learn on the train in?
What sort of awards do plumbers get?
Calculator, bollocks, I’ve forgotten my calculator
I should have told them to stick this exam
Why aren’t there any smoking carriages?
Oh, she’s pretty
I should have had breakfast
And coming back...
What a waste of time
I should have told them to stick it
£1,000 isn’t even £15 a week after tax
They’ll want me to re-sit it in July won’t they?
Should I get some wine?
Is it worse that I know it was rubbish or that I don’t care?
I really should stop procrastinating
Not more fucking school kids
I wish I was 12 again
They’ll be in every carriage by now
July, I could have another job by then, easy
I’ll get wine
I should have had a pint
God, I’m tired
I think my right contact lens is inside out
10% tax credit no longer reclaimable on UK equity investments
Vane Street - I know some people who could live there
Should I walk to Victoria or take the tube?
Oh, she’s pretty
Bet it will be raining by the time I get there
I should have got a later train
He looks like the sort of bloke who collects pipes. Or old radios
It’s definitely inside out
Offshore funds benefit from gross roll up
Will I have time for a quick pint at Waterloo?
There are normally Metro’s laying everywhere
Oh, she’s pretty
That looks like a CII book. Bet he's doing the same exam
I could do with a gross roll-up right now
I wonder if Gordon Brown’s got FPC? I bet he’s paid more than I am, and I could solve the pensions crisis
Look at the size of that pigeon. Fat bastard
How much can you learn on the train in?
What sort of awards do plumbers get?
Calculator, bollocks, I’ve forgotten my calculator
I should have told them to stick this exam
Why aren’t there any smoking carriages?
Oh, she’s pretty
I should have had breakfast
And coming back...
What a waste of time
I should have told them to stick it
£1,000 isn’t even £15 a week after tax
They’ll want me to re-sit it in July won’t they?
Should I get some wine?
Is it worse that I know it was rubbish or that I don’t care?
I really should stop procrastinating
Not more fucking school kids
I wish I was 12 again
They’ll be in every carriage by now
July, I could have another job by then, easy
I’ll get wine
I should have had a pint
posted by phylos @ 16:05
Sausage slap
Today's 'you couldn't make it up' story
A motorist has had his nose broken by a frozen sausage which was thrown through the open window of his car.
Ambulance officers said the 46-year-old was driving near his home in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, on Monday when the "bizarre incident" occurred. "He was driving his car when the offending item came through his open window and hit him on the nose," a spokesman said. "The man said he was making his way home after work and had the window down because it was such a nice afternoon. "He said he saw a car coming the other way and felt a searing pain in his nose. "He managed to stop his car without hitting anyone else at which point passers-by came to his aid. "His nose was undoubtedly fractured and he had lost quite a lot of blood ... he decided not to go to hospital but has been left with a very painful and swollen nose.
A motorist has had his nose broken by a frozen sausage which was thrown through the open window of his car.
Ambulance officers said the 46-year-old was driving near his home in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, on Monday when the "bizarre incident" occurred. "He was driving his car when the offending item came through his open window and hit him on the nose," a spokesman said. "The man said he was making his way home after work and had the window down because it was such a nice afternoon. "He said he saw a car coming the other way and felt a searing pain in his nose. "He managed to stop his car without hitting anyone else at which point passers-by came to his aid. "His nose was undoubtedly fractured and he had lost quite a lot of blood ... he decided not to go to hospital but has been left with a very painful and swollen nose.
posted by phylos @ 09:06
Monday, April 18, 2005
Hypocrite!!
Despite being English, my least favourite politician isn't English. He's American.
His name is Donald Rumsfled. I have already posted this picture of the evil little git shaking hands with Saddam Hussein back in the 80's when he was selling the former Iraqi leader weapons on behalf of Reagan.
Just to prove it wasn't a one off lapse The Guardian reported on Friday that a company our Don was once a director of sold nuclear reactors to North Korea, now part of the axis of evil.
Considering the growing evidence that the neo-con war machine has its beady eyes on Iran for the next big show, how long will it be before we find out that he's been dealing the tools of death to them as well?
His name is Donald Rumsfled. I have already posted this picture of the evil little git shaking hands with Saddam Hussein back in the 80's when he was selling the former Iraqi leader weapons on behalf of Reagan.
Just to prove it wasn't a one off lapse The Guardian reported on Friday that a company our Don was once a director of sold nuclear reactors to North Korea, now part of the axis of evil.
Considering the growing evidence that the neo-con war machine has its beady eyes on Iran for the next big show, how long will it be before we find out that he's been dealing the tools of death to them as well?
posted by phylos @ 19:26
None of the above
Had the radio on this afternoon, listening to the phone-in on Radio 5. Inevitably they have been discussing the election and the amount of apathy out there is staggering.
One repeated wish was for a ‘None of the Above’ box on the ballot slip, so that an individual could register his or her displeasure with the entire corrupt system. This isn’t an original idea of course, it was central to the film Brewster’s Millions and I believe a chap set up a None of the Above party at the last election but failed to achieve any national recognition.
The simple fact is that you can register your displeasure. It’s easy.
When you go into the voting booth, you have your slip and a pencil. All you need to do write underneath the bottom candidate
“None of the Above”
Then draw a little box under the other boxes and tick it. Easy isn’t it. Of course it won’t count and it will be recorded as a ‘spoiled paper’, but the number of spoiled papers is declared at each count. If one or two of us do it no one will notice but if enough of us do, someone in power might just notice. Wouldn’t it be marvellous if at every constituency there were a couple of thousand spoiled papers? The parties pay huge attention to how people vote. Minority parties will influence policy if enough people register support for them. If plenty of us registered our distrust of the status quo, our contempt for the ‘system’ it may change. We can hope and what is life without hope?
So please, spread the word. Tell people that they can vote ‘None of the Above’. Let’s mess with the system to our advantage.
On a similar theme try this. Every time I’ve voted in a general election I have asked a question of the election officials. You will notice that ballot slips are torn out of a book similar to a cheque book. Like a cheque book, each voting slip has a unique number printed on it which is also printed on the counterfoil that is left behind. Your voter number will be copied from your card or the electoral roll onto the counterfoil. Secret ballot? Don’t make me laugh. Just ask why. As I say, I have done this at every general election in which I have voted and have never received a straight answer. Often a policeman will stroll over and say “Everything OK here?” One flustered election official said to me “I’m not sure why we do it, but it certainly isn’t so that we can check how people vote.” I hadn’t accused them of that so it was an interesting reply. I have no doubt at all that in the past when people have voted for a communist candidate, or a fascist candidate in the 30’s the slips were matched to names. That it could still be happening without any obvious reason is a surely a concern?
One repeated wish was for a ‘None of the Above’ box on the ballot slip, so that an individual could register his or her displeasure with the entire corrupt system. This isn’t an original idea of course, it was central to the film Brewster’s Millions and I believe a chap set up a None of the Above party at the last election but failed to achieve any national recognition.
The simple fact is that you can register your displeasure. It’s easy.
When you go into the voting booth, you have your slip and a pencil. All you need to do write underneath the bottom candidate
“None of the Above”
Then draw a little box under the other boxes and tick it. Easy isn’t it. Of course it won’t count and it will be recorded as a ‘spoiled paper’, but the number of spoiled papers is declared at each count. If one or two of us do it no one will notice but if enough of us do, someone in power might just notice. Wouldn’t it be marvellous if at every constituency there were a couple of thousand spoiled papers? The parties pay huge attention to how people vote. Minority parties will influence policy if enough people register support for them. If plenty of us registered our distrust of the status quo, our contempt for the ‘system’ it may change. We can hope and what is life without hope?
So please, spread the word. Tell people that they can vote ‘None of the Above’. Let’s mess with the system to our advantage.
On a similar theme try this. Every time I’ve voted in a general election I have asked a question of the election officials. You will notice that ballot slips are torn out of a book similar to a cheque book. Like a cheque book, each voting slip has a unique number printed on it which is also printed on the counterfoil that is left behind. Your voter number will be copied from your card or the electoral roll onto the counterfoil. Secret ballot? Don’t make me laugh. Just ask why. As I say, I have done this at every general election in which I have voted and have never received a straight answer. Often a policeman will stroll over and say “Everything OK here?” One flustered election official said to me “I’m not sure why we do it, but it certainly isn’t so that we can check how people vote.” I hadn’t accused them of that so it was an interesting reply. I have no doubt at all that in the past when people have voted for a communist candidate, or a fascist candidate in the 30’s the slips were matched to names. That it could still be happening without any obvious reason is a surely a concern?
posted by phylos @ 13:16
Disaster capitalism
Naomi Klein in today's Guardian on disaster capitalism and the depths the west will sink in order to control the poor and the needy.
posted by phylos @ 09:29
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Other things I have done to avoid revising…
Cleaned the oven
Sorted through my wardrobe
Washed some of the clothes I never wear
Went to the bottle bank
Shaved my head
Watched the manyoo versus Newcastle FA Cup semi
Cleaned the grill pan
Alphabetacised my CDs (by artist)
Polished my DMs
Read the Independent on Sunday, thoroughly
Cleaned up and de-fragmented my hard drive
Ironed some shirts
Tried to get the Tippex stain out of my pinstripe suit trousers (failed)
Read some poetry
Brushed Billie (Will was out playing)
Cleaned the bath
Used the budget planner on my online bank account to plan April and May expenditure
Wondered if Yorkshire puddings could be made in a Balti dish (I’ll let you know)
Watched last week’s Dr Who that I taped and hadn’t got round to watching
Watched the week before last’s Dr Who………
Wrote a list of things I’ve done to avoid revising
Sorted through my wardrobe
Washed some of the clothes I never wear
Went to the bottle bank
Shaved my head
Watched the manyoo versus Newcastle FA Cup semi
Cleaned the grill pan
Alphabetacised my CDs (by artist)
Polished my DMs
Read the Independent on Sunday, thoroughly
Cleaned up and de-fragmented my hard drive
Ironed some shirts
Tried to get the Tippex stain out of my pinstripe suit trousers (failed)
Read some poetry
Brushed Billie (Will was out playing)
Cleaned the bath
Used the budget planner on my online bank account to plan April and May expenditure
Wondered if Yorkshire puddings could be made in a Balti dish (I’ll let you know)
Watched last week’s Dr Who that I taped and hadn’t got round to watching
Watched the week before last’s Dr Who………
Wrote a list of things I’ve done to avoid revising
posted by phylos @ 18:20
A poem
Just been rooting through my bookshelves in a (so far) successful attempt to avoid revising for the exam I have on Tuesday. I will probably cook my tea next, then settle down to some really serious revision later.
Lost Going to Shropshire
Just out of Euston
on a trip to Shrewsbury
changing at Crewe
the announcement, 'If anyone has lost anything
please contact the guard at the back of the train.'
I like the ambiguity
just as I like the ambiguity in art, dance and poetry.
Passengers invade the vestibules
to check their luggage.
I imagine a queue forming at the train's back,
with various lostnesses:
I've lost a glove.
I've lost a gland.
I've lost fourteen nil at blow football in my time.
I've lost the ability to live purely for the moment.
John Hegley
Lost Going to Shropshire
Just out of Euston
on a trip to Shrewsbury
changing at Crewe
the announcement, 'If anyone has lost anything
please contact the guard at the back of the train.'
I like the ambiguity
just as I like the ambiguity in art, dance and poetry.
Passengers invade the vestibules
to check their luggage.
I imagine a queue forming at the train's back,
with various lostnesses:
I've lost a glove.
I've lost a gland.
I've lost fourteen nil at blow football in my time.
I've lost the ability to live purely for the moment.
John Hegley
posted by phylos @ 17:20
Cutting edge Classics
It's not often that classical literature, my old area of study makes the Sunday papers. But it has done so today.
Thousands of previously illegible manuscripts containing work by some of the greats of classical literature are being read for the first time using technology which experts believe will unlock the secrets of the ancient world.
The story refers to a collection of old scrolls and papyrus scraps found in Egypt a century or so ago that, thanks to modern scanning techniques, are finally being read. In the last couple of days brand new works by Sophocles, Euripides and Hesiod have been unveiled. Classical scholars are not known for their hubris, but some are calling it a second renaissance.
Read all about it at Oxyrhynchus Online.
Thousands of previously illegible manuscripts containing work by some of the greats of classical literature are being read for the first time using technology which experts believe will unlock the secrets of the ancient world.
The story refers to a collection of old scrolls and papyrus scraps found in Egypt a century or so ago that, thanks to modern scanning techniques, are finally being read. In the last couple of days brand new works by Sophocles, Euripides and Hesiod have been unveiled. Classical scholars are not known for their hubris, but some are calling it a second renaissance.
Read all about it at Oxyrhynchus Online.
posted by phylos @ 13:45
Cambodia
30 years ago today the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia. Their period of rule under the despotic Pol Pot saw the entire country turned into a labour camp, as all traces of modernity and technology were abandoned.
Four years later when the regime was bought to an end, 21% of the population were dead. Twenty one percent, yet only two of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been bought to justice. Th UN appears to be getting its act together though and recently announced funding for a tribunal which could begin in a matter of months.
More information from Yale University's Cambodia Genocide Project.
Four years later when the regime was bought to an end, 21% of the population were dead. Twenty one percent, yet only two of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders have been bought to justice. Th UN appears to be getting its act together though and recently announced funding for a tribunal which could begin in a matter of months.
More information from Yale University's Cambodia Genocide Project.
posted by phylos @ 12:25
GM
All imports of United States corn have been stopped at British ports following the discovery that the US has been illegally exporting a banned GM maize to Europe for the past four years.
Isn't it nice to see that the 'special relationship' we hear so much about is alive and well. Thanks George.
Isn't it nice to see that the 'special relationship' we hear so much about is alive and well. Thanks George.
posted by phylos @ 12:15
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Same old Tories
A Conservative parliamentary candidate recently campaigned for an asylum seeker and his family against a Home Office decision to deport them. He was pictured next to the asylum seeker holding a banner saying "LET THEM STAY".
But then an election was called. While not being overtly racist, the Tory party needs to subliminally remind it's core supporters that - wink, wink - they needn't worry about too many Johnny Foreigners coming over here and taking all our jobs and houses.
So when the picture is reprinted in a campaign leaflet the banner no longer reads Let them Stay but CONTROLLED IMMIGRATION.
It's sickening. People only fear immigration because the tabloid media, most noticeably The Daily Mail and The Express, and the Conservative Party tell them that we are being flooded and they are all dishonest, lazy spongers. The truth is that immigration is falling. Unemployment has fallen, the numbers of homeless has fallen. The number of racist attacks is going up though. Ignorance and bigotry are on the rise. And the blame must be laid at the door, to a greater or lesser extent, of the Conservative Party. They disgust me.
But then an election was called. While not being overtly racist, the Tory party needs to subliminally remind it's core supporters that - wink, wink - they needn't worry about too many Johnny Foreigners coming over here and taking all our jobs and houses.
So when the picture is reprinted in a campaign leaflet the banner no longer reads Let them Stay but CONTROLLED IMMIGRATION.
It's sickening. People only fear immigration because the tabloid media, most noticeably The Daily Mail and The Express, and the Conservative Party tell them that we are being flooded and they are all dishonest, lazy spongers. The truth is that immigration is falling. Unemployment has fallen, the numbers of homeless has fallen. The number of racist attacks is going up though. Ignorance and bigotry are on the rise. And the blame must be laid at the door, to a greater or lesser extent, of the Conservative Party. They disgust me.
posted by phylos @ 18:03
9/11 - two
Some more links and stuff.
Again, I'm not advocating any theory, just pointing out some problems with the 'official' story, and throwing some light onto areas that the media have collectively chosen to ignore.
There's a new video of the first collision coming soon.
"We see in looking at this impact, this plane appears to have been rigged, for all practical purposes, as an oversize missile. The explosion happened as soon as its nose hit this building. And then it proceeded to go through the building and expand on out. It blew out in two sides – of course, on the side that you see. You don’t see near as much in the existing videos that you’ve seen about what came out the south tower, the south side of the south tower. That plane did not penetrate in the way you think it did. That plane was literally shredded by trying to fly through a grinder – because those steel columns did not yield the right-of-way – especially steel columns holding up another 40 floors of that building. They did not yield the right-of-way to the aluminum aircraft. That plane was literally shredded just like it flew through a cheese slicer."
It blows the official story right out the water. Will it be ignored by the mainstream? You betcha.
Who did it?
On the day of the 9-11 attacks, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked what the attack would mean for US-Israeli relations. His quick reply was: "It's very good…….Well, it's not good, but it will generate immediate sympathy (for Israel)"
Tasteful comment Benji.
THERE was ruin and terror in Manhattan, but, over the Hudson River in New Jersey, a handful of men were dancing. As the World Trade Centre burned and crumpled, the five men celebrated and filmed the worst atrocity ever committed on American soil as it played out before their eyes. Who do you think they were? Palestinians? Saudis? Iraqis, even? Al-Qaeda, surely? Wrong on all counts. They were Israelis – and at least two of them were Israeli intelligence agents, working for Mossad.
Why did WTC 7 drop? It wasn't hit by any plane, it wasn't on fire to any great extent. So why? WTCs 1,2 & 7 remain the only steel and concrete buildings to have ever collapsed anywhere. Was it a professional demolition?
Rudolph Giuliani Got Warning WTC Towers Were Going To Collapse. You could have shared that information Rudi. Could have saved a few firefighters maybe?
And finally, my old favourite why did Condy Rice tell her old mate Willie Brown not to fly on 9/11? What did she know?
Reasonable doubts anyone?
Again, I'm not advocating any theory, just pointing out some problems with the 'official' story, and throwing some light onto areas that the media have collectively chosen to ignore.
There's a new video of the first collision coming soon.
"We see in looking at this impact, this plane appears to have been rigged, for all practical purposes, as an oversize missile. The explosion happened as soon as its nose hit this building. And then it proceeded to go through the building and expand on out. It blew out in two sides – of course, on the side that you see. You don’t see near as much in the existing videos that you’ve seen about what came out the south tower, the south side of the south tower. That plane did not penetrate in the way you think it did. That plane was literally shredded by trying to fly through a grinder – because those steel columns did not yield the right-of-way – especially steel columns holding up another 40 floors of that building. They did not yield the right-of-way to the aluminum aircraft. That plane was literally shredded just like it flew through a cheese slicer."
It blows the official story right out the water. Will it be ignored by the mainstream? You betcha.
Who did it?
On the day of the 9-11 attacks, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked what the attack would mean for US-Israeli relations. His quick reply was: "It's very good…….Well, it's not good, but it will generate immediate sympathy (for Israel)"
Tasteful comment Benji.
THERE was ruin and terror in Manhattan, but, over the Hudson River in New Jersey, a handful of men were dancing. As the World Trade Centre burned and crumpled, the five men celebrated and filmed the worst atrocity ever committed on American soil as it played out before their eyes. Who do you think they were? Palestinians? Saudis? Iraqis, even? Al-Qaeda, surely? Wrong on all counts. They were Israelis – and at least two of them were Israeli intelligence agents, working for Mossad.
Why did WTC 7 drop? It wasn't hit by any plane, it wasn't on fire to any great extent. So why? WTCs 1,2 & 7 remain the only steel and concrete buildings to have ever collapsed anywhere. Was it a professional demolition?
Rudolph Giuliani Got Warning WTC Towers Were Going To Collapse. You could have shared that information Rudi. Could have saved a few firefighters maybe?
And finally, my old favourite why did Condy Rice tell her old mate Willie Brown not to fly on 9/11? What did she know?
Reasonable doubts anyone?
posted by phylos @ 17:44
Pope-pourri; for a cleaner smelling media
Nice piece in Counterpunch about how the media has used the deaths of the Pope and Terri Schiavo to distract attention away from any serious news. You know, the sort of news that might tarnish the popular image of Bush as a great president who's incapable of making a bad decision. So much of the media seems to have bought into this fallacy that you have to wonder just where Ann Coulter managed to find the liberal media conspiracy she's constantly banging on about. I mean, thanks to satellite television I can (and I do) watch CNN and Fox and NBC from my little English front room and I don't see any bad news about Iraqi fatalities, or the continued human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay. I don't recall any stories about the ongoing US funding for Israel despite their admitted WMD programme, their illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and the frankly shocking number of UN Security Council Resolutions which Israel continues to violate. You'd almost think there was a deliberate policy to disregard the tough stuff. Everyone's happy, ignore the bad shit, if you don't pay it any attention it will all just go away. Good luck with that policy though. Really.
Any sympathy and good will which the Catholic church built up last week must surely be dashed by the news that Cardinal Law will play a leading role in the memorial services. The Cardinal you will remember was the chap who allowed child abusing priests to remain in their jobs. He ignored the problem and it's ended up costing the church $85,000,000 so far - it's had to pay out to over 550 victims of abuse. The Pope himself must have had some complicity with the cover up. But that would be bad news. I'll not mention it again.
Any sympathy and good will which the Catholic church built up last week must surely be dashed by the news that Cardinal Law will play a leading role in the memorial services. The Cardinal you will remember was the chap who allowed child abusing priests to remain in their jobs. He ignored the problem and it's ended up costing the church $85,000,000 so far - it's had to pay out to over 550 victims of abuse. The Pope himself must have had some complicity with the cover up. But that would be bad news. I'll not mention it again.
posted by phylos @ 11:21
Monday, April 11, 2005
Election broadcast
Did anyone else watch the Labour party election broadcast tonight? The one with Tony and Gordon in soft focus and warm firelight? I thought they were going to kiss and swap fluids at the end. We all know they hate each other. Gordon certainly wants to stab Tony in the back, but not in that way. It was almost as homoerotic as those old Brut adverts with 'enry Cooper and Kevin Keegan flicking each others arses with towels in the shower.
The world has gone mad.
I'm off to buy some drugs so that I can make sense of it all............
(only joking mum)
posted by phylos @ 17:58
Ruff justice?
Today's 'you couldn't make it up' story..
A seven-year-old dog has been banned from driving after accidentally crashing his master's car.
A seven-year-old dog has been banned from driving after accidentally crashing his master's car.
posted by phylos @ 17:46
Quote of the day
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
posted by phylos @ 11:42
Sunday, April 10, 2005
You Spurs
Seems like weeks since I've mentioned football - the mighty Tottenham beat Newcastle down the Lane this afternoon. We move to seventh, 3 points behind Bolton (Bolton!!!), 4 behind Liverpool. Nosebleeds all round.
Whisper it gently - Europe beckons......
Whisper it gently - Europe beckons......
posted by phylos @ 22:53
Snigger
I know this is childish; sue me.
Look who else got married in Windsor yesterday -
A fairytale wedding in Windsor: Major Thomas Crapper is a prince for a day...
Look who else got married in Windsor yesterday -
A fairytale wedding in Windsor: Major Thomas Crapper is a prince for a day...
posted by phylos @ 22:35
Death and What Comes Next
Nice short story by Terry Pratchett about life, death, philosophy and quantum mechanics.
posted by phylos @ 16:16
euro communist/gucci socialist
for a modern home and cheap electricity
streamlined functional neat simplicity
put yourself on the slum clearance list
dial a dialectical materialist
find out what your net potential is
get married to an existentialist
don't doubt your own identity
dress down to a cool anonymity
the pierre cardin line to infinity
clothes to climb the meritocracy
the new age of benevolent bureaucracy
i like to visit all the big cities
museums and municipal facilities
i strive for critical ability
i thrive on political activity
i'm alive in a new society
i arrive quickly quietly
the car that i drive is the family variety
roman catholic marxist leninist
happily married to an eloquent feminist
a lapsed atheist all my memories
measure the multitude's deafening density
psycho citizens are my enemies
crypto nazis and their remedies
keep the city silent as the cemetery's
architechtural gothic immensity
a new name on the less-than-kosher list
the euro-communist / a gucci socialist
© John Cooper Clarke
Also Evidently Chickentown.
..it fucking gets you fucking down
evidently chicken town
streamlined functional neat simplicity
put yourself on the slum clearance list
dial a dialectical materialist
find out what your net potential is
get married to an existentialist
don't doubt your own identity
dress down to a cool anonymity
the pierre cardin line to infinity
clothes to climb the meritocracy
the new age of benevolent bureaucracy
i like to visit all the big cities
museums and municipal facilities
i strive for critical ability
i thrive on political activity
i'm alive in a new society
i arrive quickly quietly
the car that i drive is the family variety
roman catholic marxist leninist
happily married to an eloquent feminist
a lapsed atheist all my memories
measure the multitude's deafening density
psycho citizens are my enemies
crypto nazis and their remedies
keep the city silent as the cemetery's
architechtural gothic immensity
a new name on the less-than-kosher list
the euro-communist / a gucci socialist
© John Cooper Clarke
Also Evidently Chickentown.
..it fucking gets you fucking down
evidently chicken town
posted by phylos @ 15:46
Oh dear.....
You just won't believe how vastly, staggeringly, jaw-droppingly bad it is. I mean, you might think that The Phantom Menace was a hopelessly misguided attempt to reinvent a much-loved franchise by people who, though well-intentioned, completely failed to understand what made the original popular - but that's just peanuts to the Hitchhiker's movie. Listen.
It’s bad on a big scale because enormous swathes of the story have been dispensed with - most of the Guide entries, whole scenes - or changed beyond all recognition. And it is bad on a small scale because many, many wonderful lines have been cut or in some cases actually rewritten to make them less funny. Whatever your favourite line from Hitchhiker’s, there’s a good chance that it won’t be in the film. Even if it’s really well-known, widely-quoted, much-loved, very funny - it will probably be absent from the movie. Or if it is there, it might have been changed.
The full review contains some spoilers so click at your discretion.
posted by phylos @ 13:23
Friday, April 08, 2005
Radio waves
I hate to brag and I’m not really, but I was on the radio again yesterday. It was my third visit to BBC Radio 4’s Bookclub, where we were discussing Independence Day with Richard Ford. I’d completely forgotten as it was recorded before Christmas. You can hear me (thanks to the “Listen Again” feature) right at the end asking Richard the significance of his books tending to be set around holidays.
It’s fascinating for me to listen as the shows are always so different when broadcast than I remember. It is quite a feat of editing. My other two shows were with Will Self and Stephen Fry and the recordings invariably last for over an hour, which then has to be trimmed down to 28 minutes.
I've been chatting with the producer recently with a view to doing a graphic novel Boockclub with Alan Moore author of Watchmen, From Hell, V for Vendetta etc.... Moore should be one of Britain's best known authors but for the fact that the comic book medium is still not taken seriously here. People don't know what they're missing.
It’s fascinating for me to listen as the shows are always so different when broadcast than I remember. It is quite a feat of editing. My other two shows were with Will Self and Stephen Fry and the recordings invariably last for over an hour, which then has to be trimmed down to 28 minutes.
I've been chatting with the producer recently with a view to doing a graphic novel Boockclub with Alan Moore author of Watchmen, From Hell, V for Vendetta etc.... Moore should be one of Britain's best known authors but for the fact that the comic book medium is still not taken seriously here. People don't know what they're missing.
posted by phylos @ 23:56
Fjords a speciality
Splendid article from today's Guardian about the production of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. (thanks Matt)
Only 3 more weeks to wait!
Link fixed!!
Sorry Jenn
Only 3 more weeks to wait!
Link fixed!!
Sorry Jenn
posted by phylos @ 07:44
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Final nail in UK motor industry?
Receivers called in by MG Rover
The Chinese aren't stupid. Why pay a fortune for a going concern when you can drag your heels, wait for them to collapse and then pick the company up for a fraction of the price. They don't want a factory in Birmingham and British labour, they want technology and a foot in the European market.
They may be have a centralised command economy, but they're better at capitalism than we are.
23:25
Seems it's all a mistake. Patricia Hewitt had barely finished her press conference when the MD of Rover called the BBC's economics editor to say that, although they had called PwC in to advise them, they were not there in an administrative role. Can somebody introduce Patricia Hewitt's left hand to her right hand?
The Chinese aren't stupid. Why pay a fortune for a going concern when you can drag your heels, wait for them to collapse and then pick the company up for a fraction of the price. They don't want a factory in Birmingham and British labour, they want technology and a foot in the European market.
They may be have a centralised command economy, but they're better at capitalism than we are.
23:25
Seems it's all a mistake. Patricia Hewitt had barely finished her press conference when the MD of Rover called the BBC's economics editor to say that, although they had called PwC in to advise them, they were not there in an administrative role. Can somebody introduce Patricia Hewitt's left hand to her right hand?
posted by phylos @ 21:37
Red Sox eye cricket star?
World Series champions the Boston Red Sox have expressed interest in the possibility of Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist playing major league baseball when he retires from cricket.
Has there been a successful transition from a ‘proper’ sport to the US? I know Spurs hero and legend of the Lane Clive Allen tried out for a few American Football teams and played for the London Monarchs in our short lived pro league, but I can’t think of another. I suppose the wages will be better. Maybe it will distract him enough during the coming test series?
Has there been a successful transition from a ‘proper’ sport to the US? I know Spurs hero and legend of the Lane Clive Allen tried out for a few American Football teams and played for the London Monarchs in our short lived pro league, but I can’t think of another. I suppose the wages will be better. Maybe it will distract him enough during the coming test series?
posted by phylos @ 20:11
Picture a Pope
Is this just a little bit weird?
Snapping the dead pope on a camera phone
Who you going to show it to? Do you need to prove your devoutness by getting a picture so you can be one up at church next Sunday? Would you be pissed off if the bishop had a better picture?
People eh - I just don't get them.
Snapping the dead pope on a camera phone
Who you going to show it to? Do you need to prove your devoutness by getting a picture so you can be one up at church next Sunday? Would you be pissed off if the bishop had a better picture?
People eh - I just don't get them.
posted by phylos @ 17:53
Up, up and away
After the death of Hunter S Thompson one thing all of us who loved him and his writing asked was, would his ashes get the send off he wanted. I'm pleased to say the answer is yes.
Thompson's ashes to be shot from cannon
The Flying Dog Brewery are busy brewing a porter in memorial to the great man, though the guv'nor is concerned that the AFT will have a problem with the label which, of course reads "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." If the AFT do pose a problem, he can always ship the lot over to the UK. We don't worry about that sort of thing here, although at 9% it's a bit on the weak side for our refined tastes.
Thompson's ashes to be shot from cannon
The Flying Dog Brewery are busy brewing a porter in memorial to the great man, though the guv'nor is concerned that the AFT will have a problem with the label which, of course reads "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." If the AFT do pose a problem, he can always ship the lot over to the UK. We don't worry about that sort of thing here, although at 9% it's a bit on the weak side for our refined tastes.
posted by phylos @ 17:31
Are people edumacated?
Education, education, education was the Blair mantra in 1997. In fact all politicians talk about education constantly, as well they should. A society can only develop, grow and flourish if the people entering the workforce and society at large are educated. We, and by we I mean I, take it for granted that people can read and count and have a firm grasp of arithmetic. I went to school through the 70s and very early 80s and I think I got a good education. With all the focus on schools in recent years things certainly couldn’t have gotten any worse could they?
Not wanting to be dooced I can’t talk about my job too much (I so wish I could, really) but suffice I deal with financial consultants and the general public. The Financial Services Authority has recently been concerned that people do not understand some of the products they are being sold or are investing in. So it commissioned some research and the results scare me. They found that 23% of the adults surveyed could not, when given a Yellow Pages, find a plumber. Worse, 20% of people when asked ‘would you rather have £30 or 10% of £350?’ chose £30. Is it any wonder people get ripped off? These are the sort of people who complain years later – you didn’t tell me £30 was less. Do people really want to be spoon fed everthing, guided by that hand through all life’s tough decisions? Where does responsibility for your actions come into the equation?
Not wanting to be dooced I can’t talk about my job too much (I so wish I could, really) but suffice I deal with financial consultants and the general public. The Financial Services Authority has recently been concerned that people do not understand some of the products they are being sold or are investing in. So it commissioned some research and the results scare me. They found that 23% of the adults surveyed could not, when given a Yellow Pages, find a plumber. Worse, 20% of people when asked ‘would you rather have £30 or 10% of £350?’ chose £30. Is it any wonder people get ripped off? These are the sort of people who complain years later – you didn’t tell me £30 was less. Do people really want to be spoon fed everthing, guided by that hand through all life’s tough decisions? Where does responsibility for your actions come into the equation?
posted by phylos @ 11:26
Bombastic
The Keystone Kops remain vigilant at Windsor Castle
Metropolitan Police chief Sir Ian Blair has ordered an inquiry into claims journalists drove a van carrying a fake bomb into Windsor Castle's grounds.
As I’ve said before, I don’t really care for the royal family, but I wouldn’t want to see them blown to pieces. On a wider issue, thousands of tourists visit Windsor each day, all spending their valuable cash on overpriced crap and burgers. Don’t we have a duty to keep them safe? What about those of us who have to live there? Only yesterday the government warned us that Irish republican terrorist groups could be planning an attack during the election campaign. I doubt they have any new real intelligence, rather I think it is an extension of the ‘politics of fear’ and it would seem that the security services at Windsor Castle agree. That or they are just incompetent.
As I’ve said before, I don’t really care for the royal family, but I wouldn’t want to see them blown to pieces. On a wider issue, thousands of tourists visit Windsor each day, all spending their valuable cash on overpriced crap and burgers. Don’t we have a duty to keep them safe? What about those of us who have to live there? Only yesterday the government warned us that Irish republican terrorist groups could be planning an attack during the election campaign. I doubt they have any new real intelligence, rather I think it is an extension of the ‘politics of fear’ and it would seem that the security services at Windsor Castle agree. That or they are just incompetent.
posted by phylos @ 07:57
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Yankee Candles
I've been meaning to plug this lot for a while and I'm sick of politics, religion and death tonight, so have a browse over to the Yankee Candle Co (link goes to the European website).
Scented candles are nothing new, but they always tend to be strawberry or lemon - unimaginative smells. The guy who makes the scents for these candles should get a Nobel prize. Lou, my former housemate bought me a Clean Cotton candle for christmas. You know that warm, cozy feeling you get on clean bed night, the lovely smell, the freshness - well I light the candle about half an hour before I go to bed and it's like clean bed night every night.
Splash Of Rain and Fresh Cut Roses will be the next ones I try. They really are splendid.
Scented candles are nothing new, but they always tend to be strawberry or lemon - unimaginative smells. The guy who makes the scents for these candles should get a Nobel prize. Lou, my former housemate bought me a Clean Cotton candle for christmas. You know that warm, cozy feeling you get on clean bed night, the lovely smell, the freshness - well I light the candle about half an hour before I go to bed and it's like clean bed night every night.
Splash Of Rain and Fresh Cut Roses will be the next ones I try. They really are splendid.
posted by phylos @ 20:12
Wisden
One of England's great traditions hits the bookshops tomorrow, the 142nd edition of the Wisden Cricketer's Almanack. If you love cricket and have never read Wisden - why? It is an absolute gem of a book containing more information, stats, player profiles, records and scores than you can possibly need. It also contains the Laws of the game. Did you know for example that there are 10 ways a batsman can be out? You would if you'd read Wisden.
A feature of Wisden dating back to 1889 is the selection of the five 'cricketers of the year' based on their influence on the game in England. For the first time in 45 years all 5 are English. They are Ashley Giles (the King of Spain), Steve Harmison, Robert Key, Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick. It is indicative of England's renewed strength that no touring player was worthy of a mention. Whether the same thing will be said in 12 months time after an Ashes series only time will tell.
A feature of Wisden dating back to 1889 is the selection of the five 'cricketers of the year' based on their influence on the game in England. For the first time in 45 years all 5 are English. They are Ashley Giles (the King of Spain), Steve Harmison, Robert Key, Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick. It is indicative of England's renewed strength that no touring player was worthy of a mention. Whether the same thing will be said in 12 months time after an Ashes series only time will tell.
posted by phylos @ 10:20
Sorry, sorry?
A couple of days ago I quoted a UN report which found that malnutrition rates had doubled amongst children since the liberation of Iraq.
The USA and UK governments have responded to that report and I'm happy to post that they disagree with the UN.
The fact that they also disagreed with the UN when Hans Blix said that there were no WMD in Iraq should be disregarded. Our leaders can be trusted. They wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
The USA and UK governments have responded to that report and I'm happy to post that they disagree with the UN.
The fact that they also disagreed with the UN when Hans Blix said that there were no WMD in Iraq should be disregarded. Our leaders can be trusted. They wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
posted by phylos @ 00:32
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
When things could only get better
Article from The Guardian, by Simon Hoggart recalling the heady days of 1997, when we were filled with optimism and hope.
Happy days.....
Happy days.....
posted by phylos @ 18:53
Spyware & internet security
Have a read of this. Spyware infiltrates blogs.
Blogger, who host this site have been targeted particularly the "Next Blog" feature up there in the top right corner. But the piece also states "The problem only affects Web surfers using Microsoft's Internet Explorer who fail to choose the highest IE browser security settings". Using the highest security setting will cause you problems with all sorts of websites which use Java or ActiveX, including ironically enough Windows Update which will not run without some tweaks. Nice one Microsoft!!
I've previously written about my preference for the Opera browser (the Beta 3 version of Opera 8 is now available) but Firefox is another alternative friends of mine use and they are both years ahead of Explorer, so there really is no excuse for allowing your PC to become infected or hijacked.
Make sure you have a firewall, especially if you have broadband. Windows XP now has one as standard. If you choose to use it make sure it’s switched on and that you keep it updated. If like me you don’t trust Microsoft, ZoneAlarm have a superb free firewall, but again keep it updated.
For further security, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad Aware SE are both available as Freeware and will scan your PC for data-mining, advertising, and tracking components. They are also useless if you don't keep them updated and run scans regularly. Same goes for Norton or whatever anti-virus software you use. Keep it on, keep it updated and run a full system scan a couple of times a week.
If everybody took a few simple precautions we could go a long way to eliminating spyware. Take some responsibility for your own security.
Blogger, who host this site have been targeted particularly the "Next Blog" feature up there in the top right corner. But the piece also states "The problem only affects Web surfers using Microsoft's Internet Explorer who fail to choose the highest IE browser security settings". Using the highest security setting will cause you problems with all sorts of websites which use Java or ActiveX, including ironically enough Windows Update which will not run without some tweaks. Nice one Microsoft!!
I've previously written about my preference for the Opera browser (the Beta 3 version of Opera 8 is now available) but Firefox is another alternative friends of mine use and they are both years ahead of Explorer, so there really is no excuse for allowing your PC to become infected or hijacked.
Make sure you have a firewall, especially if you have broadband. Windows XP now has one as standard. If you choose to use it make sure it’s switched on and that you keep it updated. If like me you don’t trust Microsoft, ZoneAlarm have a superb free firewall, but again keep it updated.
For further security, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad Aware SE are both available as Freeware and will scan your PC for data-mining, advertising, and tracking components. They are also useless if you don't keep them updated and run scans regularly. Same goes for Norton or whatever anti-virus software you use. Keep it on, keep it updated and run a full system scan a couple of times a week.
If everybody took a few simple precautions we could go a long way to eliminating spyware. Take some responsibility for your own security.
posted by phylos @ 17:14
May the fourth be with you; but the day after would be better for voting
So the worst kept secret in politics is now official, the General Election will be on 5th May.
A humble Tony Blair said "The election presents a big choice. The British people are the boss and they are the ones that will make it."
Nice of him to remember that after spending 8 years governing in an increasingly presidential manner, treating his own cabinet with contempt and putting his fingers in his ears while singing “La la la la la la la” if anyone questioned his way.
Also out today is the Foreign Office report The Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism. This provides a timely reminder that Al Qaeda is still a dangerous threat (keep them scared), but more pertinently considering Bliar’s agenda over the last 3 years it states that Iraq has become a "dangerous training ground for terrorists". That must be a mistake surely? Wasn’t Iraq a terrorist threat to the west before we invaded, while that nasty Hussein chappy was in charge? I hope the Liberal Democrats bang on about Iraq as often as they can as it is the one gaping hole in Blair’s armour.
The fact remains that most people will consider their own situation when deciding for whom to vote, their own experiences with the NHS, the state of their children’s school, their tax bill – and that is how it should be. Personally I just will not be able to vote for that grinning, sanctimonious, insincere git. And there are many thousands like me, which should worry Tony. I’ve always been a ‘natural’ Labour voter. I have been a socialist as long as I’ve understood the meaning of the word. It wasn’t an intellectual decision made after reading the great political tracts of socialism, liberalism, conservatism etc (though I have read them), I just AM a socialist, I couldn’t change it anymore than I could change the colour of my eyes. I believe in fairness, I believe the people who can afford to contribute a greater share of their wealth to benefit the whole should do so and should be compelled to do so. I believe that the needs of the whole are greater than the needs of the individual, but I believe that what is good for the whole is also good for the individual. And vice-versa. I believe in society and the community. People will say communism failed, socialism failed, but they have never really existed. The Soviet bloc was a centralised tyranny, not a socialist utopia. Look at the world around you, can you tell me honestly, with your hand on your heart that capitalism is a great success? Or has it done nothing except concentrate an ever increasing proportion of wealth into the hands of an ever decreasing proportion of people. Has it ended hunger, poverty and social hardship or worsened them? No one questions capitalism yet the inequality it is creating and the selfish greed upon which it feeds is truly frightening to behold.
A humble Tony Blair said "The election presents a big choice. The British people are the boss and they are the ones that will make it."
Nice of him to remember that after spending 8 years governing in an increasingly presidential manner, treating his own cabinet with contempt and putting his fingers in his ears while singing “La la la la la la la” if anyone questioned his way.
Also out today is the Foreign Office report The Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism. This provides a timely reminder that Al Qaeda is still a dangerous threat (keep them scared), but more pertinently considering Bliar’s agenda over the last 3 years it states that Iraq has become a "dangerous training ground for terrorists". That must be a mistake surely? Wasn’t Iraq a terrorist threat to the west before we invaded, while that nasty Hussein chappy was in charge? I hope the Liberal Democrats bang on about Iraq as often as they can as it is the one gaping hole in Blair’s armour.
The fact remains that most people will consider their own situation when deciding for whom to vote, their own experiences with the NHS, the state of their children’s school, their tax bill – and that is how it should be. Personally I just will not be able to vote for that grinning, sanctimonious, insincere git. And there are many thousands like me, which should worry Tony. I’ve always been a ‘natural’ Labour voter. I have been a socialist as long as I’ve understood the meaning of the word. It wasn’t an intellectual decision made after reading the great political tracts of socialism, liberalism, conservatism etc (though I have read them), I just AM a socialist, I couldn’t change it anymore than I could change the colour of my eyes. I believe in fairness, I believe the people who can afford to contribute a greater share of their wealth to benefit the whole should do so and should be compelled to do so. I believe that the needs of the whole are greater than the needs of the individual, but I believe that what is good for the whole is also good for the individual. And vice-versa. I believe in society and the community. People will say communism failed, socialism failed, but they have never really existed. The Soviet bloc was a centralised tyranny, not a socialist utopia. Look at the world around you, can you tell me honestly, with your hand on your heart that capitalism is a great success? Or has it done nothing except concentrate an ever increasing proportion of wealth into the hands of an ever decreasing proportion of people. Has it ended hunger, poverty and social hardship or worsened them? No one questions capitalism yet the inequality it is creating and the selfish greed upon which it feeds is truly frightening to behold.
But I digress. So when people like me start deserting the Labour party, MY party, alarm bells should start ringing. But all we are promised is more of the same.
Iraq and ideology aside there is another reason I will not be voting Labour this time and it is simply that I feel let down by Tony and the party. In 1997 he won a crushing victory over a corrupt, stagnant and morally bankrupt Conservative party. It was the moment the Labour movement had waited 18 years for. Tony could have been, should have been bold, creative, imaginative, radical - but he failed. He tinkered here, fiddled there, became a slave to ‘popular opinion’ which means nothing more than doing the will of the people with the loudest voices, such as the bigoted tabloid editors. The real good work he has done, the massive increase in NHS spending, the reduction in crime, the decrease in illegal immigration has been lost in the noise of petty squabbling and false perceptions. Instead of standing up for his record and shouting about his achievements, he has pandered to the agenda set by the ignorant and the ill informed.
All the while those of us who do bother to search out the truth and who do keep an open mind find ourselves in an increasingly marginalized group. Cynical? Certainly, but Blair needs to ask himself why.
Iraq and ideology aside there is another reason I will not be voting Labour this time and it is simply that I feel let down by Tony and the party. In 1997 he won a crushing victory over a corrupt, stagnant and morally bankrupt Conservative party. It was the moment the Labour movement had waited 18 years for. Tony could have been, should have been bold, creative, imaginative, radical - but he failed. He tinkered here, fiddled there, became a slave to ‘popular opinion’ which means nothing more than doing the will of the people with the loudest voices, such as the bigoted tabloid editors. The real good work he has done, the massive increase in NHS spending, the reduction in crime, the decrease in illegal immigration has been lost in the noise of petty squabbling and false perceptions. Instead of standing up for his record and shouting about his achievements, he has pandered to the agenda set by the ignorant and the ill informed.
All the while those of us who do bother to search out the truth and who do keep an open mind find ourselves in an increasingly marginalized group. Cynical? Certainly, but Blair needs to ask himself why.
18.05
Just noticed - 5th May 2005 or 5-5-5. Wouldn't it have been far more appropriate to have waited until the 6th June next year?
posted by phylos @ 13:05
Monday, April 04, 2005
Banana Britain
During the local elections last year, some constituencies were encouraged by ‘New Labour’ to use postal voting wherever possible. Opposition parties and the Electoral Reform Society (amongst many others) warned that the system as proposed by Labour was open to fraud, but these concerns were dismissed by the government as scaremongering. It was no surprise when stories began to pop up on the day of the election about hundreds of people who turned up at polling stations to vote, only to be told that they had already voted – by post.
Today a Judge has set aside the results relating to six seats in Birmingham, all won by Labour, stating that the scale of the fraud perpetrated by Labour party officials would shame a banana republic. Coming less than a week after Mozambique’s heavily criticised election, you have to wonder if democracy in Britain is really any healthier. I hope, but very much doubt, that Mr Bliar will be chastened by the newspaper headlines tomorrow when he announces that our general election will be held on 5th May. He will no doubt continue the theme of the past few years and state his concern at how disengaged the people of Britain have become with politicians and the political process, while remaining deaf to those of us who blame him, and him alone for this disengagement.
Channel 4 News, who have retained their bite and independence unlike the post-Hutton BBC, are checking the claims made by the political parties in their election briefings and pamphlets. Keep an eye on it but don’t be surprised to discover that all the parties are lying to us.
Today a Judge has set aside the results relating to six seats in Birmingham, all won by Labour, stating that the scale of the fraud perpetrated by Labour party officials would shame a banana republic. Coming less than a week after Mozambique’s heavily criticised election, you have to wonder if democracy in Britain is really any healthier. I hope, but very much doubt, that Mr Bliar will be chastened by the newspaper headlines tomorrow when he announces that our general election will be held on 5th May. He will no doubt continue the theme of the past few years and state his concern at how disengaged the people of Britain have become with politicians and the political process, while remaining deaf to those of us who blame him, and him alone for this disengagement.
Channel 4 News, who have retained their bite and independence unlike the post-Hutton BBC, are checking the claims made by the political parties in their election briefings and pamphlets. Keep an eye on it but don’t be surprised to discover that all the parties are lying to us.
posted by phylos @ 19:13
Unintentionally
I don't know if you need an English sense of humour to laugh at this headline. I nearly choked on my G&T though.
posted by phylos @ 01:06
The Pope
They also do irony in Turkey.
Pope gunman grief-stricken over John Paul's death.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca, who gravely wounded Pope John Paul in a failed assassination attempt in 1981, was grief-stricken over the Pontiff's death, Agca's brother said on Sunday.
Agca, now in an Istanbul prison, was mourning the loss of "a great friend", the gunman's brother Adnan Agca told Reuters.
I don't really want to say very much on the death of the Pope. I gave up on my religion about 15 years ago and it was Church of England not Catholicism. It was a tough decision, harder than even my family may realise and I'm sure I'll write more on it.
Pope John Paul II was something of a dichotomy. He obviously loved humanity greatly and felt its pain. He was a man of peace and compassion. He visited Mehmet Ali Agca in prison, forgave him and they became friends. He built bridges between his faith and the C of E when he visited Britain in 1982. But he was a conservative and his stance on abortion, contraception and the role of women in society and the church was at odds with many of his followers.
Men of his strength are rare. I hope he is at peace.
Pope gunman grief-stricken over John Paul's death.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca, who gravely wounded Pope John Paul in a failed assassination attempt in 1981, was grief-stricken over the Pontiff's death, Agca's brother said on Sunday.
Agca, now in an Istanbul prison, was mourning the loss of "a great friend", the gunman's brother Adnan Agca told Reuters.
I don't really want to say very much on the death of the Pope. I gave up on my religion about 15 years ago and it was Church of England not Catholicism. It was a tough decision, harder than even my family may realise and I'm sure I'll write more on it.
Pope John Paul II was something of a dichotomy. He obviously loved humanity greatly and felt its pain. He was a man of peace and compassion. He visited Mehmet Ali Agca in prison, forgave him and they became friends. He built bridges between his faith and the C of E when he visited Britain in 1982. But he was a conservative and his stance on abortion, contraception and the role of women in society and the church was at odds with many of his followers.
Men of his strength are rare. I hope he is at peace.
posted by phylos @ 00:06
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Friday, April 01, 2005
Electrified fooling machines
It’s April Fools day. Anyone seen any good pranks yet? Anyone’s ribs been tickled?
There’s a bit of a tradition in the media to plant stories that appear to be plausible but are in fact hilarious jokes. I was laying in bed at about 1am this morning listening to Radio 5 Live when they reported on the latest scientific research proving that rats are really quite ticklish and like nothing better than a good laugh. Ah ha I cried and remembering Homer Simpson’s phrase thought ‘The BBC couldn’t fool me on the foolingest day of their life if they had an electrified fooling machine.’
But searching their website earlier today it would appear that the story is actually true and was first reported by them on 1st May 1998. The BBC are helping further by listing 10 stories that could be jokes, but aren't. Number 6 is brilliant and I'm so pleased it's true.
So, if anyone’s seen any good April fools gags leave a comment and share it with the world.
There’s a bit of a tradition in the media to plant stories that appear to be plausible but are in fact hilarious jokes. I was laying in bed at about 1am this morning listening to Radio 5 Live when they reported on the latest scientific research proving that rats are really quite ticklish and like nothing better than a good laugh. Ah ha I cried and remembering Homer Simpson’s phrase thought ‘The BBC couldn’t fool me on the foolingest day of their life if they had an electrified fooling machine.’
But searching their website earlier today it would appear that the story is actually true and was first reported by them on 1st May 1998. The BBC are helping further by listing 10 stories that could be jokes, but aren't. Number 6 is brilliant and I'm so pleased it's true.
So, if anyone’s seen any good April fools gags leave a comment and share it with the world.
posted by phylos @ 11:03
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