Apologies for not posting anything yesterday, but other things got in the way. Namely, my internet provider failing like an octopus on a driving test. Anyway, I'm back now. I could talk about World No Tobacco Day, but it'd be boring, we all know smoking is bad for your health. Instead I'm just going to go through a few of my favourite things that I have on DVD and watch frequently.
Futurama
It is brilliant. I think I've watched every episode several times and every time they are still funny. I have no idea why this show has been cancelled twice, especially when you think about how many awful shows have got so many series.
Not Going Out
I have no idea how well known this is outside of the UK, but Lee Mack's sitcom is very funny. Clever and witty with plenty of one liners and visual gags, but I'm not sure how well it would be received outside of Britain.
Father Ted
Totally and utterly brilliant. It is set in Ireland on a fictional island called Craggy Island (I am well aware how many times island was mentioned in that sentence, sorry) and revolves around the inhabitants of the parochial house (3 priests and a housekeeper). It isn't your typical sitcom and the way I described it doesn't make it sound anywhere near as good as it is. I honestly don't think I will ever tire of watching it.
They are my top three, not necessarily in that order. Now go and watch them and tell me what you think.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Earthquake! Somebody call a geologist!
A small earthquake hit just off the coast of North Wales today, registering 3.8 on the Richter scale. Not massive news, but newsworthy nonetheless.
Now usually when there is an earthquake in Britain, is makes the news, not because it is a disaster, but because it is a curiosity. Generally speaking, a news person will interview somebody from the British Geological Survey or some such organisation and ask them a fairly standard set of questions. Usually they'll ask how big it was, possibly in relation to other earthquakes and the usual reply will be 'not very'. The thing that always puzzles me however, is that nobody every explains why they happen. They explain that earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries, because the plates are moving and can rub along, against, above or below each other. But Britain isn't near any plate boundaries. To be fair to the news, this is usually explained, but my issue is that they don't go any further. Why do they never ask why this exact earthquake has happened at the exact point that it did?
I have come up with a few theories based on my limited knowledge of plate tectonics. My first theory is that there are earthquake hotspots, much like the volcano hotspot theory, but for earthquakes. Essentially there is a weaker or thinner spot in the plate which means that waves of energy moving through the plates have a greater effect as they move through this spot. The other possibility is that there are certain points where there are cracks in the plates and as the plate moves the cracks are opened and then pushed back together again. My final dubious theory is that certain points under the plates, in the magma's convection currents, are hotter than others, causing the hot magma to rise more quickly than that surrounding it and almost bubble up into the underside of the tectonic plate, causing an earthquake.
In summary, I don't completely know what I'm talking about, but I'm not sure geologists have much of a better understanding. I'll be happy to be proved right or wrong, I just want an answer. Comments in the box below please geologists. Thanks.
Now usually when there is an earthquake in Britain, is makes the news, not because it is a disaster, but because it is a curiosity. Generally speaking, a news person will interview somebody from the British Geological Survey or some such organisation and ask them a fairly standard set of questions. Usually they'll ask how big it was, possibly in relation to other earthquakes and the usual reply will be 'not very'. The thing that always puzzles me however, is that nobody every explains why they happen. They explain that earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries, because the plates are moving and can rub along, against, above or below each other. But Britain isn't near any plate boundaries. To be fair to the news, this is usually explained, but my issue is that they don't go any further. Why do they never ask why this exact earthquake has happened at the exact point that it did?
I have come up with a few theories based on my limited knowledge of plate tectonics. My first theory is that there are earthquake hotspots, much like the volcano hotspot theory, but for earthquakes. Essentially there is a weaker or thinner spot in the plate which means that waves of energy moving through the plates have a greater effect as they move through this spot. The other possibility is that there are certain points where there are cracks in the plates and as the plate moves the cracks are opened and then pushed back together again. My final dubious theory is that certain points under the plates, in the magma's convection currents, are hotter than others, causing the hot magma to rise more quickly than that surrounding it and almost bubble up into the underside of the tectonic plate, causing an earthquake.
In summary, I don't completely know what I'm talking about, but I'm not sure geologists have much of a better understanding. I'll be happy to be proved right or wrong, I just want an answer. Comments in the box below please geologists. Thanks.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Help!
This is a long shot, but does anybody know the piece of classical music that was playing for a few seconds during Bargain Hunt on BBC One today? It sounds like part of it is on either a xylophone or a glockenspiel. Answers in the comments box please. Thanks.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Things I don't understand. Volume 4.
Yes, there's more.
1. Why don't more places sell toast?
Toast is cheap, tasty, quite good for you, releases energy slowly and can have a variety of toppings. Why aren't there many places you can buy toast? Surely there is a profit to be made, bread isn't exactly pricey and you could probably power a toaster fairly cheaply and easily.
2. Egyptian writing
I do not understand Egyptian writing.
3. Talent competitions
Since when did being the best singer or the best cook out of the people who turned up to audition become so important? Talent shows now have got way to self important. Presenters and judges make it out like it is fantastically important to everyone, but it isn't. When did light entertainment become more important than debating the future of the health service or education? People are idiots.
4. This theory I have devised
I don't really understand my own theory in that I don't know if it is possible (answers in the comments box please). Now, if something was travelling at x miles per hour towards a wall and was slowing down by half x miles per hour as the distance between it and the wall halved, would it ever touch? Because you can't half something and get zero. The object would always be moving closer to the wall and always getting slower, but never stop and never hit.
5. David Bowie
I just don't understand why he is as popular as he is. To me he is just very overrated and weird. Some would say genius, but I'm going to stick with weird.
That's all for now. Until next time.
1. Why don't more places sell toast?
Toast is cheap, tasty, quite good for you, releases energy slowly and can have a variety of toppings. Why aren't there many places you can buy toast? Surely there is a profit to be made, bread isn't exactly pricey and you could probably power a toaster fairly cheaply and easily.
2. Egyptian writing
I do not understand Egyptian writing.
3. Talent competitions
Since when did being the best singer or the best cook out of the people who turned up to audition become so important? Talent shows now have got way to self important. Presenters and judges make it out like it is fantastically important to everyone, but it isn't. When did light entertainment become more important than debating the future of the health service or education? People are idiots.
4. This theory I have devised
I don't really understand my own theory in that I don't know if it is possible (answers in the comments box please). Now, if something was travelling at x miles per hour towards a wall and was slowing down by half x miles per hour as the distance between it and the wall halved, would it ever touch? Because you can't half something and get zero. The object would always be moving closer to the wall and always getting slower, but never stop and never hit.
5. David Bowie
I just don't understand why he is as popular as he is. To me he is just very overrated and weird. Some would say genius, but I'm going to stick with weird.
That's all for now. Until next time.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Towel Day!
Finally, it has arrived. Towel Day is a day to celebrate the wonderful works of Douglas Adams and also to celebrate how amazing towels are. I can't really explain to you just how brilliant Douglas Adams' books are, so go and read them. What I can do though, is explain to you how fantastic towels are. Towels are cheap, last a long time and are unbelievably useful. Towels can be used:
To dry things off.
To keep something damp and cool.
To keep the sun off you.
To lie on.
To clean yourself.
To hold an amount of liquid.
To strangle someone.
To whip or hit someone.
To carry things.
To filter air or liquid.
To stop you from breathing in harmful gases or things in the air.
As a windbreak.
As a sail.
To waft gasses.
As a curtain.
To attract attention.
To help make smoke signals.
As a hammock.
As a pillow.
To put out a fire.
To write a message on.
To hide behind or underneath.
As a tribute to Douglas Adams.
Now, remember where you towel is and go and read something by Douglas Adams, the amazingness of towels is just the beginning.
To dry things off.
To keep something damp and cool.
To keep the sun off you.
To lie on.
To clean yourself.
To hold an amount of liquid.
To strangle someone.
To whip or hit someone.
To carry things.
To filter air or liquid.
To stop you from breathing in harmful gases or things in the air.
As a windbreak.
As a sail.
To waft gasses.
As a curtain.
To attract attention.
To help make smoke signals.
As a hammock.
As a pillow.
To put out a fire.
To write a message on.
To hide behind or underneath.
As a tribute to Douglas Adams.
Now, remember where you towel is and go and read something by Douglas Adams, the amazingness of towels is just the beginning.
Friday, May 24, 2013
A look at today's news *SPOILERS* (as in it might spoil your day).
Checking the main news websites for inspiration on what to post about today has been a bad idea. It has given me something to write about but bloody hell, it is depressing.
Children are watching porn, making sex education lessons in school almost impossible. A British Airways plane engine set on fire. The UK was just 6 hours away from running out of gas. People have been arrested over tweets and the BBC have wasted £100 million on a scrapped IT project.
On the plus side, it is quite sunny. In fact, it is a really nice day where I am. And all of these terrible things that have happened don't really affect me, so why should I, or anybody else really be depressed because of the news. The news is always biased towards bad news. Any good news stories tend to be pushed out of the way. Bad news is easier to sell than good news, so even stories that aren't really that bad are made out to be much worse on the news. In reality here is some of today's news.
A British Airways plane engine set on fire during flight, but thanks to the qualified pilot the aircraft was landed safely, with nobody injured or killed. Well done pilot.
The BBC have spent £100 million on a project that has unfortunately not worked. The ambitious and commendable aim of the project was to create a digital archive. Hopefully this project will lead to further improved and ultimately successful projects that create a full digital archive, something which would be very useful and enable future generations to look back on.
Amidst the devastation of the Oklahoma tornado a baby boy was boy.
All in all, it is very, very easy to get depressed about what is going on in the world. But if things were really as bad as the news makes it out to be then I think we would all have been killed in a terror attack or a natural disaster or by food or something by now. Go and read a book or look out of the window or listen to bird song, don't bother watching the news, they don't report on the things that might kill us all anyway.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
World Turtle Day.
On a similar note to the last post, today is World Turtle Day; a day to highlight the issues facing turtles and tortoises. I could write more, but it is pretty obvious that we should be helping these creatures, seeing as we have destroyed much of their habitats and inadvertently killed many of them. Instead of writing about that, just enjoy some photos and videos or turtles and tortoises and remember how amazing they are.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Stop killing everything!
We are so screwed. I've already done a post about how doomed we are, but now a report is out showing how we a destroying the living things around us. The UK Wildlife Stocktake shows that 60% of species have declined in the past 50 years and that 1 in 10 could disappear all together. Turtle Doves, Hedgehogs, Butterflies, Moths, Bees, plants and trees have all suffered significant declines. At what point to we stop just killing things and destroying habitat and poisoning land and water? There is now only one Bastard Gumwood tree left in the world. One. One tree away from another species being wiped out and lost for ever. The BBC have a useful, but frankly terrifying break down of some parts of the report.
Now, I could go on about how bad the situation is, but in reality that probably won't do much good. Not all of the problems are man-made, but the majority are. So, rather than bang on about it, here are some ways you can help and make a difference.
There are many different conservation organisations in Britain that you can help or learn from, or learn more about or even volunteer at. There is DEFRA, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust and many, many more.
Even if you're too lazy to look at any of those websites for some things to do to help, you can always just throw some food out for the birds.
Basically, the simple version is, STOP KILLING EVERYTHING!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Oklahoma tornado.
I'm sure you've already heard about the devastating tornado that has hit the town of Moore in Oklahoma. I sincerely hope that more people are found alive and that the town can rebuild quickly, both physically and emotionally. For those of you who might be praying for the people effected, don't bother, praying is just to make you feel like you're helping when you're not. If you want to help then donate money to a relevant charity.
One thing that surprised me as a Brit, is how much devastation was caused by the tornado. Obviously I expected destruction, but I honestly thought that a rich country like the USA, in an area known for tornadoes would have mitigated better in terms of the infrastructure. I know this was an exceptional storm and people didn't have much time to do anything other than run for shelter, but surely more should be done to mitigate against further disasters? I'm sure people are educated on what to do in the event of a hurricane but more education on the matter can't go wrong. Perhaps more advanced warning systems should be put in place? Perhaps build a community tornado shelter underground? Maybe the houses and and other structures could be built to better withstand extremely high winds? Would it be possible to alter the houses just before a storm hits to make them more aerodynamic and less likely to blow over to one side? I'm clearly not an expert on this (or any other matter) but common sense shows that more should be done.
I think we can all agree that we don't want disasters like this happening to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Good luck Oklahoma.
One thing that surprised me as a Brit, is how much devastation was caused by the tornado. Obviously I expected destruction, but I honestly thought that a rich country like the USA, in an area known for tornadoes would have mitigated better in terms of the infrastructure. I know this was an exceptional storm and people didn't have much time to do anything other than run for shelter, but surely more should be done to mitigate against further disasters? I'm sure people are educated on what to do in the event of a hurricane but more education on the matter can't go wrong. Perhaps more advanced warning systems should be put in place? Perhaps build a community tornado shelter underground? Maybe the houses and and other structures could be built to better withstand extremely high winds? Would it be possible to alter the houses just before a storm hits to make them more aerodynamic and less likely to blow over to one side? I'm clearly not an expert on this (or any other matter) but common sense shows that more should be done.
I think we can all agree that we don't want disasters like this happening to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Good luck Oklahoma.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The seas.
I've probably gone too big with this topic. The seas are really really big. Therefore, this post will probably be a ramble about a few topics that are to do with the sea.
Something that keeps cropping up is overfishing. There are so many billions of people consuming fish and most of them have no idea where the fish has come from or how it has got to their plate. They also don't care. We need to stop overfishing our seas, because once fish numbers drop below a certain level, they won't recover. We are in danger of wiping out species, which is terrible for the environment and ecology, but also terrible because they are delicious. Surely we should be able to farm fish more sustainably by now? We've been farming sheep and cows for hundreds of years, surely we can do that with some species of fish at least? Even if this isn't feasible then we still have to do something. We should eat a wider variety of fish, so that only a smaller percentage of each species is taken from the ocean. We could also eat less fish and eat more vegetables that we grow ourselves. We could just eat less altogether, there is an obesity crisis after all. No matter what we do, we are going to run out of resources eventually, so perhaps as well as stopping eating we should also stop breeding quite so much. Leave the breeding to the fish.
Another aspect of the sea is how bloody deep it is. You can drop 13 of the world's tallest building into some part of the ocean and still drown if you were stood on the top. Other than the obvious logistical issues surrounding it, why aren't we exploring this area? Apparently we know more about the surface of the moon than we know about the deep sea (that said, there doesn't seem to be anything really interesting about the surface of the moon. Looks like just dust). We know about the ugly and amazing creatures that live down there, but there must be thousands more species, just waiting to be discovered. There could be other things down there that we can't even imagine. There might be cures for diseases, or mermaids, or Atlantis, although the latter two might be quite unlikely. My point still stands however. What if NASA, instead of going into space, used all that money and technology to explore the vast areas of our own planet that we know sod all about.
Finally, the sea is beautiful, from about and below. Let's keep it that way.
Something that keeps cropping up is overfishing. There are so many billions of people consuming fish and most of them have no idea where the fish has come from or how it has got to their plate. They also don't care. We need to stop overfishing our seas, because once fish numbers drop below a certain level, they won't recover. We are in danger of wiping out species, which is terrible for the environment and ecology, but also terrible because they are delicious. Surely we should be able to farm fish more sustainably by now? We've been farming sheep and cows for hundreds of years, surely we can do that with some species of fish at least? Even if this isn't feasible then we still have to do something. We should eat a wider variety of fish, so that only a smaller percentage of each species is taken from the ocean. We could also eat less fish and eat more vegetables that we grow ourselves. We could just eat less altogether, there is an obesity crisis after all. No matter what we do, we are going to run out of resources eventually, so perhaps as well as stopping eating we should also stop breeding quite so much. Leave the breeding to the fish.
Another aspect of the sea is how bloody deep it is. You can drop 13 of the world's tallest building into some part of the ocean and still drown if you were stood on the top. Other than the obvious logistical issues surrounding it, why aren't we exploring this area? Apparently we know more about the surface of the moon than we know about the deep sea (that said, there doesn't seem to be anything really interesting about the surface of the moon. Looks like just dust). We know about the ugly and amazing creatures that live down there, but there must be thousands more species, just waiting to be discovered. There could be other things down there that we can't even imagine. There might be cures for diseases, or mermaids, or Atlantis, although the latter two might be quite unlikely. My point still stands however. What if NASA, instead of going into space, used all that money and technology to explore the vast areas of our own planet that we know sod all about.
Finally, the sea is beautiful, from about and below. Let's keep it that way.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Eurovision.
I didn't post yesterday because I was too busy and tired. I did manage to watch the latter half of The Eurovision Song Contest. The contest is really strange in many ways. There is plenty of music from artists all around the world, yet we in Europe decide to have a contest to see who can have the best song. None of the songs are any good really. It is like choosing the nicest smelling poo. If you actually take music and singing and dancing out of the contest then it is actually quite nice. It isn't often Europe comes together, despite most countries being members of the European Union. Sweden did a good job of hosting it, although it must have cost a fortune. On the topic of cost, it is a good thing Greece didn't win because I seriously doubt they could afford to host it. It would've just been a bloke called Stavros stood in a shed playing the songs on YouTube.
Generally speaking, Eurovision probably is a good thing. At the end of the day, it is just a bit of fun, although I've only ever watched Eurovision in Britain, so I don't know how seriously other countries take it. I like to think that during Eurovision, ordinary people from across Europe just have some fun and a good laugh while watching Eurovision, not taking it seriously and using it as an excuse to drink and have a bit of a party.
The European economy may be doomed, but at least we can all be doomed together.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Yeehaw! It's yet another news roundup.
If you've read the others you know how this goes.
The Fire Service
The government have commissioned a review that says the Fire Service needs to be made more efficient and effective. Whilst nobody would have complaints about making important services more efficient and affective, the report the government have released contradicts itself. The report says incidents are down 40% over the past 10 years, which would in fact suggest that the Fire Service is being very effective in preventing fires. It is also more efficient to prevent fires than to let them happen and then put them out. In this respect it wouldn't seem that the Fire Service needs reforming. The other argument offered is that although the amount of incidents are down 40% the number of firefighters (who do a brilliant job) is still roughly the same. The population is increasing and urban areas are expanding, so the Fire Service has shown that it is being more efficient if it can deal with today's demand using roughly the same amount of staff as it did 10 years ago. In reality there are probably aspects of the Fire Service which could be improved upon, but this report today is just an excuse for the government to continue with their cuts to vital services.
Nigel Farage
Well done Scotland for not being bigots like many voters in England who voted UKIP. Farage (UKIP leader) is visiting Scotland and on Thursday was hounded by protesters who were calling him a bigot and a racist, which he is. Farage has since hung up during an interview with the BBC, attacked people in favour of Scottish independence and labelled the protesters as fascists in a mind-bendingly ironic statement. What a pillock.
Gay Marriage
The gay marriage debate still rumbles on in the UK, but I really have no idea why. If two men, or two women are in love with each other why can't they get married? If it is against your religion so what? People support the England football team but they don't stop people supporting the country that they're from, they just support their side and let everyone else do the same. Just let people be, it isn't doing any harm.
There are some other stories, but they are obvious things we already knew, like that there are too many nuisance telephone calls and that disability benefit assessments are unfair, so I won't bother talking about them. Bye for now.
The Fire Service
The government have commissioned a review that says the Fire Service needs to be made more efficient and effective. Whilst nobody would have complaints about making important services more efficient and affective, the report the government have released contradicts itself. The report says incidents are down 40% over the past 10 years, which would in fact suggest that the Fire Service is being very effective in preventing fires. It is also more efficient to prevent fires than to let them happen and then put them out. In this respect it wouldn't seem that the Fire Service needs reforming. The other argument offered is that although the amount of incidents are down 40% the number of firefighters (who do a brilliant job) is still roughly the same. The population is increasing and urban areas are expanding, so the Fire Service has shown that it is being more efficient if it can deal with today's demand using roughly the same amount of staff as it did 10 years ago. In reality there are probably aspects of the Fire Service which could be improved upon, but this report today is just an excuse for the government to continue with their cuts to vital services.
Nigel Farage
Well done Scotland for not being bigots like many voters in England who voted UKIP. Farage (UKIP leader) is visiting Scotland and on Thursday was hounded by protesters who were calling him a bigot and a racist, which he is. Farage has since hung up during an interview with the BBC, attacked people in favour of Scottish independence and labelled the protesters as fascists in a mind-bendingly ironic statement. What a pillock.
Gay Marriage
The gay marriage debate still rumbles on in the UK, but I really have no idea why. If two men, or two women are in love with each other why can't they get married? If it is against your religion so what? People support the England football team but they don't stop people supporting the country that they're from, they just support their side and let everyone else do the same. Just let people be, it isn't doing any harm.
There are some other stories, but they are obvious things we already knew, like that there are too many nuisance telephone calls and that disability benefit assessments are unfair, so I won't bother talking about them. Bye for now.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Just a quick one.
Very much pressed for time, so I'm just referring you to YouTube. Do a search for Vsauce, Science Bob and Chris Hadfield. Some really good sciencey videos for you to enjoy.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Trains.
As it is the 150th birthday of Frank Hornby, best known for inventing Hornby Model Railways (he also had a moustache), I thought I'd do a post about trains. Unfortunately I don't know an awful lot about trains. I know how steam engines work, but explaining that would just be boring. As a result of my limited knowledge this post will probably just be a rambled mash up of dubious train related facts and opinions. So be warned.
Steam engines are in many ways better than diesel engines. A steam train looks better by far, both when moving and just staying still. It also sounds better. The loud, rhythmic clacking sound of a steam train as it thunders through the countryside sounds infinitely better than the whirr of a diesel or electric train. Steam trains, although slower, also seem far more powerful. The speed of the pistons, the fire, the steam, the smoke, the muck, the sheer size and the fact it takes two people working hard to operate make it seem more powerful as it tears along the tracks. They are more romantic too. The atmosphere at a steamy railway platform has featured in more films than the beeping and warning of electric doors closing. In fact, most things associated with steam locomotion seems better than modern rail. I am aware that modern rail is cheaper, faster and more efficient, but it lacks charm. The conductor telling people what train it is is better than staring at an electronic sign with yellow lettering. You also got a warning off a conductor when he shouted 'all aboard' and waved his flag, but not any more. Even the smell of steam is better then the smell of diesel.
Honestly, if steam trains were as cheap, efficient and quick as their modern day counterparts, wouldn't we all prefer steam?
Steam engines are in many ways better than diesel engines. A steam train looks better by far, both when moving and just staying still. It also sounds better. The loud, rhythmic clacking sound of a steam train as it thunders through the countryside sounds infinitely better than the whirr of a diesel or electric train. Steam trains, although slower, also seem far more powerful. The speed of the pistons, the fire, the steam, the smoke, the muck, the sheer size and the fact it takes two people working hard to operate make it seem more powerful as it tears along the tracks. They are more romantic too. The atmosphere at a steamy railway platform has featured in more films than the beeping and warning of electric doors closing. In fact, most things associated with steam locomotion seems better than modern rail. I am aware that modern rail is cheaper, faster and more efficient, but it lacks charm. The conductor telling people what train it is is better than staring at an electronic sign with yellow lettering. You also got a warning off a conductor when he shouted 'all aboard' and waved his flag, but not any more. Even the smell of steam is better then the smell of diesel.
Honestly, if steam trains were as cheap, efficient and quick as their modern day counterparts, wouldn't we all prefer steam?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
European Uni-in or out? (Worst title pun yet?)
The conservative government is arguing as to whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union or not. How this argument has gone on for so long is amazing. Surely we have to stay in the EU? We have already adopted lots of EU law, rules and regulations which we would have to replace ourselves at a cost. The UK does most of its trading within the EU so leaving it now, when we desperately need to be importing and exporting would be plain stupid.
UKIP and other moronic groups are campaigning to leave the EU over immigration. The truth is, there has always been immigration to this country and at no point have I ever felt threatened or worried by this. The United Kingdom needs immigrants and the cultural diversity that immigrants bring to Britain should be celebrated. Would you really want a nation full of Nigel Farages?
The other topic regarding the EU debate is whether or not to have a referendum. Asking the people to decide whether or not we should stay in the EU is a terrible idea, for two main reasons. The first reason is that people are stupid. The second reason is that you'd be asking the same people who voted for this government what to do.
The United Kingdom should stay in the European Union, end of debate: European Uni-in.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Moustaches.
Moustaches clearly equal greatness, or power at least. This isn't just a wild claim, I do have things to back this up.
Charlie Chaplin is one of the most legendary film stars, and he had a moustache. Granted, Hitler also had a similar moustache and he wasn't so great, but he did manage to become the leader of Germany. Again, Stalin, not exactly the gentlest of leaders, but he was the leader of a powerful nation nonetheless. Che Guevara is another example of moustache power.
From the late 19th century until 1916 it was practically compulsory for members of the British army to have a moustache. In fact, prior to the 21st century almost every successful military leader had a moustache.
Other greats with moustaches include Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, Freddie Mercury and Mahatma Gandhi.
Many great fictional characters have moustaches, like Mr Miyagi and Mario.
There are plenty of sporting greats who have sported moustaches. Rugby league player Scott Dureau kicked the longest drop goal of his career...when he had a moustache.
Joining this list of moustachioed legends is the best astronaut ever, Chris Hadfield. His tweets with pictures and videos from the International Space Station have been brilliant.
So, there is you answer to the problems facing the world right now:
More moustaches, more greatness.
Charlie Chaplin is one of the most legendary film stars, and he had a moustache. Granted, Hitler also had a similar moustache and he wasn't so great, but he did manage to become the leader of Germany. Again, Stalin, not exactly the gentlest of leaders, but he was the leader of a powerful nation nonetheless. Che Guevara is another example of moustache power.
From the late 19th century until 1916 it was practically compulsory for members of the British army to have a moustache. In fact, prior to the 21st century almost every successful military leader had a moustache.
Other greats with moustaches include Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, Freddie Mercury and Mahatma Gandhi.
Many great fictional characters have moustaches, like Mr Miyagi and Mario.
There are plenty of sporting greats who have sported moustaches. Rugby league player Scott Dureau kicked the longest drop goal of his career...when he had a moustache.
Joining this list of moustachioed legends is the best astronaut ever, Chris Hadfield. His tweets with pictures and videos from the International Space Station have been brilliant.
So, there is you answer to the problems facing the world right now:
More moustaches, more greatness.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Reasons why we're all doomed.
I've tried to be optimistic in my postings lately, but honestly, it is much easier to be miserable. I don't think there could be a much more pessimistic topic to write upon than this. So, here are some reasons why we (humans) are all doomed. Doomed!
Nuclear War
The threat comes and goes as countries go through phrases. At present North Korea would probably be voted 'Most Likely to Cause a Nuclear Holocaust', but it'll be somewhere else someday. No matter who presses the button in the end, it won't matter, we'll all wind up dead. Or at best mutated.
Climate Change
This is quite a broad topic. Climate change might lead to sea level rise, which would flood vast areas of land, either killing or displacing millions of people. Climate change may also cause drought, famine, fires and an increase in global temperatures. All the while we'll just keep on polluting and create our own downfall.
Meteorite Strike
Some people moan when the trains go on strike, well that is nothing compared to a meteorite strike. It is probable that a meteorite killed the dinosaurs and there were lots of them and they were big and scary. What chance do we have? A meteorite could hit us any time now but scientists are too busy making anti-ageing cream instead of building a great big laser to defend us.
Supervolcanoes
In case you can't guess from the name, a supervolcano is a GIGANTIC VOLCANO. Imagine a terrifying volcano. Then imagine that it is as big as Yellowstone National Park, because Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano and it is due to erupt any time from, well, now. Oh and there is another supervolcano in Iceland that is ready to pop. And by pop I mean explode in such a devastating way that everything in the immediate area would be obliterated, the air would become toxic, the sun would be blocked out and the earth would be plunged into an new ice age.
Overpopulation
Most MEDC's (More Economically Developed Countries) have ageing populations and many LEDC's (Less Economically Developed Countries. Yeah, I know, you could've guessed) have high birth rates. Sooner or later there is just going to be too many people. Actually I think this has already happened, but either way we will end up living beyond our means and the planet will be bankrupt of food and water and space.
The sun f**king explodes
Yes, that's right, the sun might explode. The massive ball of burning chemicals might decide to stop sparking life on this planet and instead destroy it and everything around it in an enormous supernova. Literally nothing we can do about that. Can't run, can't hide. Chance of survival - 0%. But the DFS sale will still be on.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
A late night post.
I'm quite late posting today, but better late than never (although I'm sure some people would argue that in my case that isn't true). So, as it is late and dark here and you're unlikely to go outside, here are a few YouTube channels/videos that might help you through the night.
That'll be all for now, it's late, I'm tired and I did say only a few. Leave me alone. I'm not your monkey. Anyway , enjoy.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Change the British national anthem.
God Save the Queen is generally regarded as the national anthem of Britain, but it is terrible. It is dull, uninspiring and doesn't represent Britain at all. Here are some pieces that would be much better choices for the national anthem.
The Wallace & Gromit theme
The Great Escape theme
The Dambusters March
Fantasia on Greensleeves
The Village Green Preservation Society
Monty Python's Flying Circus theme
The Archers theme
Any of the above are far better choices than what we currently have. I hope somebody in government is listening. This is definitely the highest priority.
The Wallace & Gromit theme
The Great Escape theme
The Dambusters March
Fantasia on Greensleeves
The Village Green Preservation Society
Monty Python's Flying Circus theme
The Archers theme
Any of the above are far better choices than what we currently have. I hope somebody in government is listening. This is definitely the highest priority.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Classical music.
I know not everyone is a fan of classical music and to be honest, I only like a relatively small selection of pieces. Whilst I'm not a massive fan, I do appreciate the music and when you find a good piece of classic music it is usually really good. Here are some of my favourites.
The Nutcracker, Op. 71: No . 13 Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky
A brilliant piece from start to finish. Has a wonderful sway to it and you can't help but imagine dancers waltzing to the tune. It is incredibly difficult not to sway some part of you to this and when the finale comes there is a good chance you'll find yourself conducting.
Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor - Brahms
This can sometimes get stuck in your head and has great changes of tempo. Definitely one to play nice and loud. Really loud
First Arabesque - Debussy
A beautiful piano piece with fantastic timing. Debussy may be better known for Claire De Lune, but his First Arabesque is in my opinion just as good, if not better.
Morning - Grieg
It is very rare that a piece of music suits something perfectly, but this masterpiece by Grieg is quite simply wonderful and frankly, listening to it at any other time than the morning seems wrong. Impossible to be angry whilst listening to this.
Radetzky March - Strauss
The best march you'll find. Has a perfect beat and is very good to clap along to. Another one well worth playing loud and that you'll find yourself conducting.
William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
Everyone has probably heard it at some point and it is a very popular and well used choice, but that is because it is so brilliant. You might not imagine you're conducting but you might imagine you're riding a horse.
Dambusters March - Eric Coates
This one is probably more for any British readers, but it is still a brilliant march so enjoy it for what it is.
The Planets: Jupiter - The Bringer of Jollity
Another popular piece but bloody hell, it is good. There are several brilliant tunes rolled into one here yet the music flows superbly.
Can Can - Offenbach
If you don't know this then you've been living in a cave, on the moon, with your fingers in your ears, going lalalalalalala and if you don't like it then there is something clinically wrong with you. Go and see a doctor if you don't enjoy this.
There are some fantastic pieces that I haven't put in but they are out there for you to find so go and discover and love them. I simply couldn't finish without this final piece though. Enjoy.
1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky
My hairs stand on end when I listen to the finale to this. If I'm going to die in a car crash or an explosion I want this playing in the background; there is no better way to go. This also backs up my argument that we have already peaked as a species. If aliens landed on the planet I'd show them this because I don't think you could find a better example of music. It has a full brass band, a piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, an English horn, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 cornets, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, a tuba, a timpani, an orchestral bass drum, a snare drum, cymbals, a tambourine, a triangle, a carillon, first and second violins, violas, vioncellos and double basses and cannons for Christ's sake! So, beat that.
The Nutcracker, Op. 71: No . 13 Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky
A brilliant piece from start to finish. Has a wonderful sway to it and you can't help but imagine dancers waltzing to the tune. It is incredibly difficult not to sway some part of you to this and when the finale comes there is a good chance you'll find yourself conducting.
Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G Minor - Brahms
This can sometimes get stuck in your head and has great changes of tempo. Definitely one to play nice and loud. Really loud
First Arabesque - Debussy
A beautiful piano piece with fantastic timing. Debussy may be better known for Claire De Lune, but his First Arabesque is in my opinion just as good, if not better.
Morning - Grieg
It is very rare that a piece of music suits something perfectly, but this masterpiece by Grieg is quite simply wonderful and frankly, listening to it at any other time than the morning seems wrong. Impossible to be angry whilst listening to this.
Radetzky March - Strauss
The best march you'll find. Has a perfect beat and is very good to clap along to. Another one well worth playing loud and that you'll find yourself conducting.
William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
Everyone has probably heard it at some point and it is a very popular and well used choice, but that is because it is so brilliant. You might not imagine you're conducting but you might imagine you're riding a horse.
Dambusters March - Eric Coates
This one is probably more for any British readers, but it is still a brilliant march so enjoy it for what it is.
The Planets: Jupiter - The Bringer of Jollity
Another popular piece but bloody hell, it is good. There are several brilliant tunes rolled into one here yet the music flows superbly.
Can Can - Offenbach
If you don't know this then you've been living in a cave, on the moon, with your fingers in your ears, going lalalalalalala and if you don't like it then there is something clinically wrong with you. Go and see a doctor if you don't enjoy this.
There are some fantastic pieces that I haven't put in but they are out there for you to find so go and discover and love them. I simply couldn't finish without this final piece though. Enjoy.
1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky
My hairs stand on end when I listen to the finale to this. If I'm going to die in a car crash or an explosion I want this playing in the background; there is no better way to go. This also backs up my argument that we have already peaked as a species. If aliens landed on the planet I'd show them this because I don't think you could find a better example of music. It has a full brass band, a piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, an English horn, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 cornets, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, a tuba, a timpani, an orchestral bass drum, a snare drum, cymbals, a tambourine, a triangle, a carillon, first and second violins, violas, vioncellos and double basses and cannons for Christ's sake! So, beat that.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Ferguson retires.
Sir Alex Ferguson has retired. Many people have been shocked by his decision to retire, but at the age of 71 is it really that surprising? He has also won pretty much everything worth winning during his time as Manchester United Manager and leaves the club in a very strong position, as league winners. I probably should mention at this point that I don't know much about football (soccer). I take a casual interest but I don't support a team at any level. I do have soft spots for certain teams and players I like more than others, but I'm not biased like some die hard supporters can be.
No doubt Fergie will have some who love him and some who loath him, but regardless of your opinion, you simply can't deny that he is a fantastic manager and arguably the best ever. His record speaks for itself and sometimes during his managerial career that should have been the only thing talking. He has often been in trouble with the FA for comments over match officials and regularly frustrates journalists at press conferences.
Personally I have to say I quite like Sir Alex. He can sometimes sound like a sore loser, but for the most part he seems to be gracious in defeat. He doesn't do anything dramatic in news conferences and usually answers questions with a straight bat, which is always good in my opinion. His passion for the game and in particular Manchester United is amazing. To do a job for as long as he has is impressive. I think the only things I'll do for as long as 27 years are eat, sleep and breathe.
So, as somebody who doesn't know an awful lot about football and isn't really a football fan, congratulations Sir Alex Ferguson and enjoy life after management.
No doubt Fergie will have some who love him and some who loath him, but regardless of your opinion, you simply can't deny that he is a fantastic manager and arguably the best ever. His record speaks for itself and sometimes during his managerial career that should have been the only thing talking. He has often been in trouble with the FA for comments over match officials and regularly frustrates journalists at press conferences.
Personally I have to say I quite like Sir Alex. He can sometimes sound like a sore loser, but for the most part he seems to be gracious in defeat. He doesn't do anything dramatic in news conferences and usually answers questions with a straight bat, which is always good in my opinion. His passion for the game and in particular Manchester United is amazing. To do a job for as long as he has is impressive. I think the only things I'll do for as long as 27 years are eat, sleep and breathe.
So, as somebody who doesn't know an awful lot about football and isn't really a football fan, congratulations Sir Alex Ferguson and enjoy life after management.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
3D printing.
If you don't know what 3D printing is, then where the hell have you been living? The Dark Ages? Now just in case you've been on a really long holiday, or in a coma, or cut off from civilisation, 3D printing is basically what you'd think it is. A 3D printer creates almost any solid object you tell it too, from a digital model. Unless you're the most difficult to impress person in the world, this is bloody amazing. Potentially we can send items thousands of miles in a digital form and have them created in minutes. I don't like it.
Call me miserable (do it in the comments box, otherwise you're talking to a screen and you'll just look silly), but I can see 3D printing destroying the postal service and lots of shops. I know we'll still need shops for food and really big things, but what about other shops and the post office. Where will all of these things go? What will happen to all of the jobs that these shops and services provide? What will happen to high streets? I am aware that I might be sounding like I'm living in the 1950's, but bear with me. If you were dropped from the sky and landed (somehow surviving) somewhere in the world, then there is a good chance that if you landed in Britain you'd know it. You'd see a red phone box, or a red post box or a newsagents, or a post office, or a Royal Mail van or a recognised brand or shop. What if 3D printing gets rid of all that? We are all getting more and more homogeneous and so are the places we live. The mobile phone is amazing, but has meant that there are very few telephone boxes on the streets any more, not just in Britain, but everywhere. Email is killing off postal services worldwide. What if 3D printers mean no more post offices and fewer shops; things that help define us? We live on a fantastically diverse planet, but at times it feels like it is becoming less so. Not just with species going extinct, but even our own self-made cultural diversity.
Please keep the planet vibrant, don't all go mad for 3D printing.
Call me miserable (do it in the comments box, otherwise you're talking to a screen and you'll just look silly), but I can see 3D printing destroying the postal service and lots of shops. I know we'll still need shops for food and really big things, but what about other shops and the post office. Where will all of these things go? What will happen to all of the jobs that these shops and services provide? What will happen to high streets? I am aware that I might be sounding like I'm living in the 1950's, but bear with me. If you were dropped from the sky and landed (somehow surviving) somewhere in the world, then there is a good chance that if you landed in Britain you'd know it. You'd see a red phone box, or a red post box or a newsagents, or a post office, or a Royal Mail van or a recognised brand or shop. What if 3D printing gets rid of all that? We are all getting more and more homogeneous and so are the places we live. The mobile phone is amazing, but has meant that there are very few telephone boxes on the streets any more, not just in Britain, but everywhere. Email is killing off postal services worldwide. What if 3D printers mean no more post offices and fewer shops; things that help define us? We live on a fantastically diverse planet, but at times it feels like it is becoming less so. Not just with species going extinct, but even our own self-made cultural diversity.
Please keep the planet vibrant, don't all go mad for 3D printing.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Enjoy the Bank Holiday.
Sorry, but this won't be a very good or long post, I'm too busy enjoying the day off. The weather has been glorious today, for a change, so I'm not going to be wasting my time indoors. Also, it is International No Diet Day, so eat, drink and be merry.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Things I don't understand. Volume 3.
The third instalment in the ever-growing list of things I don't understand.
1. Churches
If God is everywhere and you can praise him in loads of different ways, why are there churches?
2. The word 'chocoholic'
The word 'alcoholic' comes from 'alcohol', so 'chocoholic' would imply that there is such a thing as 'chocohol', but there isn't. (Please note I am aware of the existence of chocolate and that people are addicted to it).
3. Japanese writing
I do not understand Japanese writing.
4. The popularity of beef
I can't figure out why beef is so popular. It doesn't taste of anything special, it doesn't have a particularly good texture, it isn't environmentally friendly and it isn't cheap. Unless you count corned beef, but that is just terrible. If corned beef was actual beef then you could punch a hole through a cow. Easily.
5. The popularity of tea
I'm not really a tea drinker, but I can see the appeal of tea. I do not however understand why, in Britain especially, it is drank religiously. There are tastier, healthier and more refreshing options.
6. Bankers' bonuses
I know this is an easy target and has been for about 5 years now, but that is partly my point. After 5 years of it, why has barely anything been done? Why aren't people outraged? Stupid people.
That's all for now, more soon.
1. Churches
If God is everywhere and you can praise him in loads of different ways, why are there churches?
2. The word 'chocoholic'
The word 'alcoholic' comes from 'alcohol', so 'chocoholic' would imply that there is such a thing as 'chocohol', but there isn't. (Please note I am aware of the existence of chocolate and that people are addicted to it).
3. Japanese writing
I do not understand Japanese writing.
4. The popularity of beef
I can't figure out why beef is so popular. It doesn't taste of anything special, it doesn't have a particularly good texture, it isn't environmentally friendly and it isn't cheap. Unless you count corned beef, but that is just terrible. If corned beef was actual beef then you could punch a hole through a cow. Easily.
5. The popularity of tea
I'm not really a tea drinker, but I can see the appeal of tea. I do not however understand why, in Britain especially, it is drank religiously. There are tastier, healthier and more refreshing options.
6. Bankers' bonuses
I know this is an easy target and has been for about 5 years now, but that is partly my point. After 5 years of it, why has barely anything been done? Why aren't people outraged? Stupid people.
That's all for now, more soon.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Just a few ramblings.
The episode of Doctor Who today was better, but there were still some stupid bits. In particular the two irritating children that look like they'll be featuring in the future.
UKIP are idiots. Most people who vote for them are ignorant. I may offend people by saying this, but really, I don't care. Losing bigoted readers who vote UKIP is no great loss.
A big thank you to firefighters everywhere for the brilliant job you do (it is International Firefighters' Day after all)
I hope all Star Wars fans have a good Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you).
Please no more talent shows on T.V unless it is actually interesting. Please.
Listening to something like Ode To Joy or the 1812 Overture Finale whilst on the toilet will make your bowel movements seem EPIC.
Beef is over-rated.
UKIP are idiots. Most people who vote for them are ignorant. I may offend people by saying this, but really, I don't care. Losing bigoted readers who vote UKIP is no great loss.
A big thank you to firefighters everywhere for the brilliant job you do (it is International Firefighters' Day after all)
I hope all Star Wars fans have a good Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you).
Please no more talent shows on T.V unless it is actually interesting. Please.
Listening to something like Ode To Joy or the 1812 Overture Finale whilst on the toilet will make your bowel movements seem EPIC.
Beef is over-rated.
Friday, May 3, 2013
The problem with British drama.
There is quite a lot of British drama. There are soap operas and sci-fi dramas and historical dramas and other kinds of dramas. Despite the amount of dramas produced, I find very few of them entertaining. After thinking about this for well over 2 minutes I have come to the following conclusion. British dramas aren't realistic.
Now I know dramas are fictional (unless they're docu-dramas) but British dramas aren't realistic, because they overlook one key fact: British people aren't naturally very dramatic. We don't tend to do big gestures to express our emotions, or even shout that often. In dramas things have to be, well, dramatic, but by nature we aren't dramatic. An American drama might have a main character (who hasn't had things go his way) go on a furious rant, drive for miles, get in a car crash with an explosion and end up accidentally killing a lorry driver. If that was British the main character would probably just tut. If us Brits are angry at people then we are either silent about it and keep any feelings firmly pent up, or punch them in the face, utter a two word phrase ending in 'off' then walk away.
All of this makes it difficult to make a good British drama, because you have to be subtle, really subtle. We aren't outlandish or expressive enough to have explosions and massive gestures in our dramas, because then they just wouldn't be realistic. We also don't talk about things if they could in any possible way make things awkward or cause a confrontation. Without confrontation it is difficult to make things dramatic. When people don't say how they feel it is difficult to write a drama. If a character is furious and displays no more emotion than a shake of the head, it is difficult to make dramatic.
Got to be subtle.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Relaxing music.
Sometimes you need a bit of help relaxing. Maybe there is a bear trying to get you, maybe you've got a test, maybe you've got a phobia of ducks, or maybe you're going slowly insane and need something to drown out the voices in your head, either way some relaxing songs or pieces of music can help. Here is a selection that should calm you down, you crazy person you.
Albatross - Fleetwood Mac
An amazingly relaxing piece of music. Putting this one first may be a bad idea, you might be asleep before you read the rest.
At The River - Groove Armada
A slightly unusual song, but bloody hell it is good. Imagine having your brain rubbed with melted chocolate and you're getting the idea.
Morning - Edvard Grieg
Simply and utterly beautiful. Not going to put you to sleep, but it has to be the best thing to wake up to. Set this as your alarm tone in the morning and its's like your life has an official soundtrack.
Slip Into Something More Comfortable - Kinobe
It would be brilliant if you were on a beach right now (maybe you are, lucky you). The sweeping sounds go through you, in a good way, not like a lance or a bad curry.
Samba Pa Ti - Santana
Much more relaxing than you'd think for something with 'Samba' in the title. Brilliant piece of music from a brilliant musician.
Welcome To My World - Jim Reeves
There are a few different versions of this song, so take your pick, but they're all wonderfully relaxing. The song was used on a Thompson Holiday advert a few years ago to good effect.
There are of course more pieces I could have chosen, but I don't want to put anyone into a coma, so that'll be all for now. Enjoy.
Albatross - Fleetwood Mac
An amazingly relaxing piece of music. Putting this one first may be a bad idea, you might be asleep before you read the rest.
At The River - Groove Armada
A slightly unusual song, but bloody hell it is good. Imagine having your brain rubbed with melted chocolate and you're getting the idea.
Morning - Edvard Grieg
Simply and utterly beautiful. Not going to put you to sleep, but it has to be the best thing to wake up to. Set this as your alarm tone in the morning and its's like your life has an official soundtrack.
Slip Into Something More Comfortable - Kinobe
It would be brilliant if you were on a beach right now (maybe you are, lucky you). The sweeping sounds go through you, in a good way, not like a lance or a bad curry.
Samba Pa Ti - Santana
Much more relaxing than you'd think for something with 'Samba' in the title. Brilliant piece of music from a brilliant musician.
Welcome To My World - Jim Reeves
There are a few different versions of this song, so take your pick, but they're all wonderfully relaxing. The song was used on a Thompson Holiday advert a few years ago to good effect.
There are of course more pieces I could have chosen, but I don't want to put anyone into a coma, so that'll be all for now. Enjoy.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
May Day.
The 1st of May is a pretty interesting day. May Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, in various ways. In England for example there is dancing round the May pole and Morris dancing. These are traditional things mind, we don't all do this every May Day.
The other significance of May 1st is that it is International Workers' Day. Now the plight of workers worldwide, past and present, is far too difficult to fit into this blog post and, if I'm honest, there is no way my brain can process that much information and history without suffering a breakdown leading to a killing spree. So as I presume nobody wants that to happen, I'm going to mention the events in Bangladesh.
Clearly what has happened is a tragedy to all of those who have suffered. I can only begin to imagine how they feel. This simply should not have been allowed to happen. The owner of the building was all too happy to allow people to go into work. These workers already worked in poor conditions on extremely low wages. The reason why they are on such low wages is that they were making clothes and fabrics for shops like Primark. The treatment of workers has to change. We are all content to talk about how amazingly advanced our society is and how civilised we all are because we drink coffee and read on Kindles and run business, yet nobody questions how many workers are treated. Attitudes towards the common working man or woman are still stuck in Victorian times. How many more disasters does there have to be before all workers are treated fairly. What is wrong with a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, for all? When did exploitation become acceptable and even in some cases, desirable? When will people stop aspiring to these false ideologies that are put in front of them by governments and businesses? Why is it not enough to be a decent human being and just be happy? When will people realise that trade unions aren't some enemy that are always threatening to go on strike? When will they realise that trade unions are made up of workers, thousands of normal, decent people? When will people realise that being successful in business means nothing if you can't be decent and honest?
When will any of these questions be answered? I don't know, that's for sure.
The other significance of May 1st is that it is International Workers' Day. Now the plight of workers worldwide, past and present, is far too difficult to fit into this blog post and, if I'm honest, there is no way my brain can process that much information and history without suffering a breakdown leading to a killing spree. So as I presume nobody wants that to happen, I'm going to mention the events in Bangladesh.
Clearly what has happened is a tragedy to all of those who have suffered. I can only begin to imagine how they feel. This simply should not have been allowed to happen. The owner of the building was all too happy to allow people to go into work. These workers already worked in poor conditions on extremely low wages. The reason why they are on such low wages is that they were making clothes and fabrics for shops like Primark. The treatment of workers has to change. We are all content to talk about how amazingly advanced our society is and how civilised we all are because we drink coffee and read on Kindles and run business, yet nobody questions how many workers are treated. Attitudes towards the common working man or woman are still stuck in Victorian times. How many more disasters does there have to be before all workers are treated fairly. What is wrong with a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, for all? When did exploitation become acceptable and even in some cases, desirable? When will people stop aspiring to these false ideologies that are put in front of them by governments and businesses? Why is it not enough to be a decent human being and just be happy? When will people realise that trade unions aren't some enemy that are always threatening to go on strike? When will they realise that trade unions are made up of workers, thousands of normal, decent people? When will people realise that being successful in business means nothing if you can't be decent and honest?
When will any of these questions be answered? I don't know, that's for sure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)