Nepal votes to abolish monarchy

The Himalayan nation of Nepal has become the world's newest republic, ending 240 years of monarchy. A constituent assembly meeting in the capital, Kathmandu, overwhelmingly voted to abolish royal rule.

All I can say is good for them, I wonder how long it will take for the people in this country to wake up to the fact that no one should be in a constitutional position by birth right.

Fortune-tellers targetted in new Consumer Protection Regulations

From The Times on Line: "Fortune-tellers will have to tell customers that what they offer is “for entertainment only” and not “experimentally proven”. This means that a fortune-teller who sets up a tent at a funfair will have to put up a disclaimer on a board outside.

Similar disclaimers will need to be posted on the websites of faith healers, spiritualists or mediums where appropriate, as well as on invoices and at the top of any printed terms and conditions."

I fully agree with this provided it is extended to all superstitions not experimentally proven. This would encompass all the religions that at the moment appear to be able to act with impunity in their desire to influence the lives of their credulous victims.

Blair 'to devote life to faith'

Former prime minister Tony Blair has promised to "spend the rest of my life" uniting the world's religions. He said faith could be a "civilising force in globalisation", bringing people together to solve problems such as malaria and extreme poverty.

Mr Blair, who is now a peace envoy to the Middle East, told Time magazine that religious belief had given him "strength" while in power. He is launching a "faith foundation" in New York on Friday.

Mr Blair, who recently converted to Catholicism, said: "Faith is part of our future, and faith and the values it brings with it are an essential part of making globalisation work."

So far the history of the world is a continuous saga of wars and destruction, more frequently brought about by waring religions, or shall we call the superstitions, than anything else. Even the latest war Blair took this country into, against Iraq, was called a Crusade by George Bush. I don't think that this was an accident, I think this deluded nincompoop actual thought that he was fighting a religious war, and our lap dog of a PM followed him. It's about time some one tried to sort the world out based on logical, humanist reasoning, without resorting to "magic".

China Karma

Sharon Stone, best know for the, was she or wasn't she wearing them scene, is I believe prone to making stupid remarks. She excelled herself with this comment about the earthquake in China:

"Then all this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and I thought, is that karma? When you’re not nice, that the bad things happen to you?"

That Hollywood actors say stupid things really is not surprising, the frightening thing is that the utterances of minor celebrities warrant a large amount of news print.

MPs back personal carbon credits

"The government should go ahead with a system of personal "carbon credits" to meet emissions targets, MPs have said.

The Environmental Audit Committee said the scheme would be more effective than taxes for cutting carbon emissions.

Under the scheme people would be given an annual carbon limit for fuel and energy use - which they could exceed by buying credits from those who use less."

This news story was in the papers and on the today programme. I haven't yet heard someone say the truth about all these trading initiatives. If we really do have a problem with a man made acceleration of global warming and if green house gasses are involved, something that I believe is incontrovertible, but is still disputed in some quarters, then reducing emissions is the only answer. The whole concept of trading was dreamt up as a smoke screen for the large industrial countries not doing anything to curb their excesses and to reduce their need to tackle the research needed to overcome these problems. In addition it allows Mr Bush and his backers to carry on making millions with no sanctions. Now our poliitians are talking about an individual system, but this is a diversion from the real issue. No matter what we do on an individual basis, without some concerted action from the governments that matter, we cannot have a measurable affect on the situation. That doesn't mean that I don't think that people should act responsibly, of course they should, but the implication that this bottom up method will be effective is just to try and get the feel good glow going. Don't be fooled, if green politics mean anything they have to be embraced by all parties and they have to be acted upon from the top, and straight away. If we are content to allow the planet to become uninhabitable for future generations, and my guess is that that is just three or four generations down the line, then we can going down smiling doing what Mr Yeo and his committee have thought up.

Tiger Mosquito danger

News that the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has become established in several European countries has been identifeied as a risk to the UK. In nothern Italy it is the cause of an outbreak of chikungunya fever that has killed one woman and affected many others. They also carry other diseases including Dengue and Yellow Fever. It has been identified by the Health Protection Agency as an insect that could potentially arrive in the UK. A study by HPA scientists found that "widespread establishment" of the Asian tiger mosquito across England and Wales is possible in the warm, damp conditions of the British summer, which would increase the risk of chikungunya fever spreading among the local population.
It seems that the trade in second hand tyres, where the larvae are carried in water in the rims, and the popularity of Luck Bamboo, a house plant transpoted in wather filles pots has helped spread the insect.
To date there have been no confirmed reports of the mosquito in the UK and the public health risk remains low. Suspected sightings occur every summer, but thus far have always been identified as the endemic species Culiseta annulata.
Perhaps we need posters, like the ones that appeared many years ago with pictures Colarado Beetles to help us identify this new danger.

The real folly of the Iraq War.

There were many reasons why I was against the war with Iraq. The most important one was that history told us that it would be a disaster. I have always believed that history is a great predictor of the outcome of actions and that all world leaders would be well advised to study and learn those lessons. I know that in George Bush's case it is unlikely that he is capable of understanding anything so complicated.

What I hadn't expected was that this totally ill advised war would bring the economic future of the world to such a perilous point. Dr Mamdouh Salameh, who advises the World Bank and the UN Industrial Development Organisation, estimates that oil prices would be about $40 a barrel compared to the current $135 had the war not taken place. Of course if this forces proper research into alternatives to oil there may be a long term benefit, but this is wishful thinking.

Possibly the worst Paper in Britain

The Daily Mail is not my cup of tea. The few times I've picked it up and read it, because it's been there, I have found it shallow, xenophobic, pseudo-intellectual and without any saving graces. At least some of the other tabloids don't pretend that they are serious papers. On the other hand I'm not particularly interested in minor ex-royals and their lives. In general I skip over any stories about Sarah Ferguson and her tribe. But this week I heard her talking about a comment in the Daily Mail about her daughter and the story was carried in the Independent today. That this rag feels it necessary to comment on a young girls appearance, because she has some sort of celebrity status just confirms my opinion that the Mail is only of use for wrapping up fish and chips or picking up dogs poo. The one thing that may make Ms Ferguson feel a little better is that no one who reads this sort of rubbish regularly could possibly have an opinion worth worrying about.

When is a tree fern not a tree fern?

Well clearly that depends who you are. If you are a half Greek, half Belgian Prince who got asylum here by marrying one of our German Princesses, then it is if you say it is. That rather rude and ill-tempered aristocratic fossil, the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Chelsea flower show yesterday. When talking to Jamie Durie, a gold medal winner the Duke remarked “what a lovely tree fern”. Mr Durie politely told the Prince (not the pop singer) that it wasn’t actually a tree fern but a Cycad called Macrozamia moorei. Without waiting for the finished sentence, the Duke turned and walked away muttering “I don’t want a bloody lecture”. Grumpy old men shouldn’t surprise anyone. This is different however; it is born out of an attitude of total snobbery and contempt for “ordinary” people that is endemic to this parasitic line. I know that nowadays this wing of the European Royals have little or no power and are wheeled out, only as tourists attractions, at our quaint but totally irrelevant ceremonies. Now is the time to pack them off somewhere, let the Cornish reclaim their lands and let them fade away quietly. .

Influence

One of the most hotly debated topics this past few days has been where should the boundaries on embryo research be set. I think that any advances in research using human cells will raise ethical questions that need to be resolved. One thing that, to some extent, has puzzled me is why the debate on ethics has largely been portrayed as science versus the church. Most scientists will have their own set of ethical values, as do most people in any walk of life. I am sure that it is quite unjustified to equate ethical values and morals with religion. I am quite sure that most people from any culture have a sense of right and wrong. This won't require a faith in a mystical, unseen force and will almost certainly vary from person to person and between cultures. Surely the idea of an elected parliament is to debate and fix the ethical rules that society will follow. I don't think that within our parliament there should be a group, following a three-line whip, imposed by a force out side of that chamber and that has no accountability to the electorate.

The NHS at William Harvey Hospital

The NHS (National Health Service) has featured a lot in the news in the last two weeks. Much of it has been headline type reporting on peoples experience of the service provided. I realise that it is dangerous for me to extrapolate from my single experience, but it did occur to me that there would be a difference between the truthful answers I would give to various questions that are always foremost in reports and my real perception.

For instance: Were you in a mixed ward, answer yes. However this needs to be put into context. The ward was divided into bays which acted like small wards. My bay had six beds and six men. None of the bays were mixed and the only time I entered a female bay was when I was properly dressed and went through with a Physiotherapist to practice my abilities on stairs. I am sure that for all relevant purposes the ward behaved as if it was single sex.

Was the bathroom you used mixed. Yes both sexes used it, but it was individual and as far as I could tell caused not embarrassment to either sex.

How did I rate the food. To be honest it was a lower standard than I am used to on a daily basis at home, however it was perfectly adequate and I was there for an operation not a gourmet meal.

The staff were industrious, efficient, kind and helpful. So overall the NHS gets a really positive vote from me.

How long did I wait. Once I had reached the stage that Mr Yani had told me would happen,when he performed an arthoscopy in 2002 it was only a matter of six weeks to get a consultation and then a further four to the operation. I think that this is quite reasonable. I realise that time wasn't critical in this case, and for other conditions any wait would be important. I can only comment on my experience which was positive. Thank you William Harvey Hospital.

I get the feeling that many media outlets would much prefer a failing service to criticise rather than one to praise.

Coughing at the opera

The news that the organisers of the Glyndebourne festival have accepted sponsorship from the cigarette firm British American Tobacco (BAT) is appalling. I must admit that, although I do quite enjoy a lot of opera music, I haven't been a member of Glyndebourne's audience, however I don't think that disqualifies me from having an opinion on this. I feel very strongly about the tobacco industry. I cannot think other than that anyone connected with the trade of this deadly drug is in fact morally guilty of manslaughter at the least and those, at the top, who deliberately mislead their users of the dangers are guilty of mass murder. Not content with trying to expand their sales in the third world they are now finding loopholes in the 2002 Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act in the UK. The fact that they are using a prestigious art festival to do this somehow makes it worse. One would expect the organisers of an event that has at its focus singers at the top of their profession using their lung capacity to make beautiful music to have some conscience about paying for it with money made by immoral poisoners intent on lining their pockets on by killing people they've persuaded to become addicted to their disgusting drug.

Bush's big Sacrifice

President Bush has revealed the ultimate sacrifice to show his solidarity with the American soldiers fighting in the Middle East. The complete story, from the "Press Association" is below. One wonders how a nation that has produced so many brilliant people can first make one mistake and elect (if they did considering the Florida fiasco) and total idiot for president, and then compound the error by doing it twice.

Bush's golf claims 'a slap in face'

Veterans have said President George Bush's claim that he gave up golf to show solidarity with US soldiers serving in Iraq was a disgraceful "insult to all Americans".

Brandon Friedman, a veteran US infantry officer who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, said Mr Bush's claim that he sacrificed golf for the war was a "slap in the face" for US troops.

The president said he gave up the sport in 2003 out of respect for US soldiers killed in the war, which has now lasted more than five years.

Mr Friedman, who is vice chairman of the US veterans' organisation VoteVets, told the Press Association: "Thousands of Americans have given up a lot more than golf for this war.

"For President Bush to imply that he somehow stands in solidarity with families of American soldiers by giving up golf is disgraceful. It's an insult to all Americans and a slap in the face to our troops' families."

Mr Friedman went on: "It just shows he's a guy who doesn't understand the idea of sacrifice for your country and military service. Giving up golf is not a sacrifice.

"It shows how disconnected he is from everyday Americans, especially those who are serving in Iraq and their families. It shows he can in no way relate to them."

He added: "I just wonder what past commanders-in-chief would think of this, looking down upon this guy."

On the day the US death toll in Iraq reached the grim milestone of 4000, Mr Bush was pictured hugging a 6ft bunny at the White House as part of the annual Easter Egg roll - an Easter Monday tradition at the White House since 1878.

In the interview with the political newspaper Politico and Yahoo, Mr Bush said: "I didn't want some mum whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf. I feel I owe it to the families to be in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."

Royal Rubbish

Today was Cup Final day, well done to Portsmouth. Before the game they played the National Anthems. I wonder if I am alone in feeling compelled to turn it off as soon as I hear it. The origin of the tune, a bit of a dirge, is obscure. It isn't that that bothers me, but the awful lyrics, not a word about the country, just words hoping for the victory of our anachronistic head of state, from a pan European family of in bred aristocrats, over some mythical enemies. Not only that, we also have to ask "God", what ever that is, to do it for her. Verse six even has the words " Rebellious Scots to crush." No wonder they'd like to leave the union. I don't need reigning over and I'm no one's subject. I'm a citizen of this country and proud of it, but how much prouder I would be if we could get rid of all hereditary aristocrats, including the queen and here dis-functional brood.

I also noticed that one of the queen's grandchildren Peter Phillips got married to day. His bride renounced her religion so he could retain his place in the list of chinless wonders at number 11. That really does show that faith in a religion, nonsense that it is, is really expendable to the pampered parasites.

Intellectual Poverty

Under the title "Cardinal says Britain must not be a 'God-free zone' " The Guardian, on Friday 9th May, reported at lecture by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor at Westminster Cathedral. I have seldom read such an intellectually muddled and weak pronouncement by a prominent figure. He shows a total misunderstanding of logic and uses this muddled thinking in his attack on Richard Dawkins. What on earth does this paragraph mean:

"The interesting question about atheism is, what is the theism being denied? Have you ever met anyone who believes what Richard Dawkins does not believe in? The God that is being rejected by such people is a God I don't believe in either."

This makes no sense what so ever. If you are an atheist you don't believe in God, any God, that is all theism are rejected. How these various superstitions are interpreted by individuals or groups round the world is surely immaterial. What Dawkins has done is his writings is to pick out different stupidities in a multitude of groups. That the Cardinal doesn't recognise this is surely his problem, not the writers.

Trevor Sanderson of the Nation Secular Society demonstrates how totally meaningless and disingenuous this lecture and the following interview on today was, on NSS site.

Alien Life

The world is full of absurdities and I thought this one from the Vatican, reported in the Independent was one of the best I have read recently.

Pope's astronomer insists alien life 'would be part of God's creation'

By Peter Popham in Rome
Thursday, 15 May 2008


The Vatican's official newspaper has endorsed the possibility that the universe could contain intelligent life beyond Earth, while insisting that aliens would be "our brothers" and "children of God" as much as human beings are.

The Pope's astronomer, José Gabriel Funes, a Jesuit priest, told L'Osservatore Romano that there would be nothing surprising about the existence of intelligent extra-terrestrials.

"Just as there is a multiplicity of creatures on Earth, so there could be other beings created by God [beyond it]," he said. The interview suggests that the Church's hierarchy may be paving the way to showing that Pope Benedict XVI is more open to the ideas of modern science than he has previously seemed to be.

Pope Benedict has spoken in favour of "intelligent design" in the past and has damned evolutionary ideas that leave no room for God.

Fr Funes, in the interview, admits that, for him, evolution is a given. He also said that he believed in the Big Bang theory as the most likely explanation for the origin of the universe, and that the Bible should not be held to account for its lack of scientific accuracy. "Fundamentally," he said, "the Bible is not a book of science... It's a love letter written by God to his people in the language of two or three thousand years ago... So one cannot ask the Bible for scientific responses."

The existence of alien beings would not create a problem for believers, he insisted, "because one cannot put limits on the creative freedom of God... They would be part of creation."

Pope Benedict has reminded believers that "Revelation teaches us that [man] was created in the image and likeness of God", and that "man is the only creature on Earth that God has wanted for his own sake".

Tony's view I have little time for any religious pronouncements, but at least this one is more inclined to make me laugh, rather than cry or burst a blood vessel of indignation. But why are the ramblings, of an obvious madman, servant to another, reported in the paper.