Showing posts with label Bemusement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bemusement. Show all posts
Thursday, January 22, 2009
BBC bias
Not having watched TV for a good while, I've been out of touch with things back in the UK. Even before travelling over the pond to find a new life, I was aware that the BBC regularly misrepresented factual information to support some form of political agenda. Now it appears that they have been caught red handed fiddling with historical documents, to wit; President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration speech. You cannot defend this. Whilst holding no brief for or against the politician in question I find myself quite shocked, but not overly surprised, that certain parties would warp his meaning to suit their own bias. Who the hell do the BBC think they are?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What I did today
While some people were bunking off to watch a US politician make a speech, I was doing voluntary work. As were a lot of people. Having no TV I went through the whole of today not hearing a word (Despite doing a lot of walking and talking to people) about today's events in Washington DC. Well, this is Canada.
Came back home and checked out the news, and found much of it deluged in what can only be described as open verbal masturbation. The mainstream media have been behaving like it's the second coming.
Now I'm willing to cut a man some slack, even if I disagree with his policies, but I have the distinct impression that a lot of people are in for a bit of a let down. I actually feel sorry for the poor guy. So many people have pinned so many hopes to his coat tails that the first time circumstances force him into a turnaround, the very people who sing his praises now will be the ones to bury him.
Besides all that, got through a lot today. Still a little more to do, but we broke the back of the job today. Will finish off tomorrow, day job permitting.
Came back home and checked out the news, and found much of it deluged in what can only be described as open verbal masturbation. The mainstream media have been behaving like it's the second coming.
Now I'm willing to cut a man some slack, even if I disagree with his policies, but I have the distinct impression that a lot of people are in for a bit of a let down. I actually feel sorry for the poor guy. So many people have pinned so many hopes to his coat tails that the first time circumstances force him into a turnaround, the very people who sing his praises now will be the ones to bury him.
Besides all that, got through a lot today. Still a little more to do, but we broke the back of the job today. Will finish off tomorrow, day job permitting.
Friday, January 9, 2009
We're all doooomed (Not) again
Forgive my scepticism, but that's becoming more and more of a conditioned reflex. If it's not one thing it's another. Was pootling around my reading list and had a look at Anthony Watts blog, which carried the following headline:“The good news is, if this sucker blows, global warming is not going to be a problem.“ About news items regarding the recent swarms of earthquakes in the Yellowstone Caldera. Previous observations in 2004 indicate that a similar bout of Earthquake 'swarms' were due to the movement of Hydrothermal fluids rather than Magma. Doomsday looks like being postponed again. Ain't that a bitch?
I seem to recall a Horizon 'Documentary' on the BBC back in 2000 which gave you the impression that Armageddon was but a heartbeat distant. Had the programme makers faithfully reported what the USGS researchers at Yellowstone were saying they would have gotten a slightly less than sensational story; but the headline 'World might end one day - but not just yet eh?' might not be conducive to increased viewing figures. Just like that other load of complete and utter garbage 'An inconvenient truth'. The Western world passed the edge of an all time gullibility event horizon with that pile of deeply flawed crap. You can tell I wasn't impressed with the movie or its 'science' can't you?
What is it with all these 'the world is going to end' scenarios? There is so much good stuff going on out there in life that we have to ill wish and frighten ourselves into misery just for a change? Like teenagers going to watch schlocky horror movies. This is the part of the human condition I've never been able to fully comprehend; so many people would rather believe a thousand over sensationalised negative fictions rather than one rather mundane positive fact. 'Millions of people no longer starving'; 'Living standards better than twenty years ago'; 'Fewer than ever not dying of infectious diseases'. Maybe the people who regurgitate negative nonsense just want to make themselves look important. In the words of the old Cole Porter song;
Have you heard,
It's in the Stars,
Next July we collide with Mars
Stuff it; I have other things to do, and a nice large measure of Malt Whiskey beckons. Time to feed Wife a sizeable Vodka and Orange. She's earned it for putting up with an old grouch like me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Good gosh a mighty
Well flabber my ghast and pass the Wellington boots! The media worm appears to be turning; at least where it comes to the UK Daily Telegraph. For over the past 12 months a writer called Christopher Booker has been giving mainstream coverage to those who have serious misgivings about the doom mongering dogma of CO2 driven man made climate change. Now other columns in the same newspaper have elected to voice the doubts often fervently echoed in the comments. Particularly this report.
I stand ready to be toppled by the gentlest caress of avian plumage.
I stand ready to be toppled by the gentlest caress of avian plumage.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Alternative food strategies
Wife wants to lose more weight. To do this she has enacted a new edict; that there shall be no more potatoes, pasta, rice or flour served at mealtimes. Nor shall there be any 'healthy' options ready meals. Yet the demand is that the high protein element of the meal (Chicken / Beef / Pork / Fish etc.) shall not be served just with green vegetables.
Being the chief cook and bottlewasher in the household, it falls to yours truly to come up with the goods. Being the obliging husband I am, I've been scratching my head to find a lower carbohydrate alternative that isn't too sweet, perfumed or pulpy for our mutual likings. As Wife likes to put it; "Here's a new challenge for you Jones." As always, I sigh heartily and brace myself unto the task. It's either that or divorce proceedings.
Finally, an answer to my culinary conundrum has been found; Hummus (Or Homous, whatever). A higher protein, lower carbohydrate alternative which can be adapted to go with just about anything. One problem I have with the store bought stuff is firstly it's a pricey alternative to rice, pasta or potatoes at CDN$1.99 for 100g, and secondly it's full of stuff like Sesame paste (Tahini) which I've always found leaves a slight bitter aftertaste. Notwithstanding, there have been two issues to address; firstly price, and secondly flavour.
The cost I take care of by buying dried chick peas and olive oil, the two main ingredients, in bulk. Last purchase of Chick peas was 500g (Just over a pound weight) at CDN$3.90 a kilo. Which works out at about CDN$1.95 (roughly 1GBP). For Olive Oil, I buy the cheap stuff a litre at a time, which is about CDN$7-8 (around 4GBP /litre) if you buy carefully. A litre will make a lot of Hummus. Garlic I generally get at CDN$2 for 3 cloves, and a 3lb bag of Onions for CDN1.60.
Flavour, well, I've taken to adding any savoury spice / vegetable I fancy after the base mix has been prepared. Sea salt and black pepper with Parsnip. Broccoli with a pinch of Parmesan is nice. Beetroot with salt and pepper. Coriander and / or Cumin. Any of these are easy to do and damned impressive is you have someone to impress with your limited culinary skills.
Garlic Hummus Base mix method:
Stick half a pound (about 250g) of dried chick peas in a basin and pour in a litre or so of water. Leave to soak overnight then boil chick peas until soft. Failing that, put the whole shooting match in a saucepan and bring to boil, then turn down the heat and simmer (slow boil over minimum heat) until the peas can be mashed with a fork. Take off heat and drain for a couple of minutes.
Using a potato masher or food processor, mash the peas. Fine chop a largish onion and soften thoroughly in a little water brought to the boil for five or so minutes. Take off heat and drain. Add to softened Onion to mashed peas and mash some more. Crush and fine chop three cloves of Garlic, add to mix and mash. Add a cupful (150-200ml) or less of Olive oil to the mix and mash further until the chick peas, onion and garlic mixture resembles golden grainy mud like in the picture below.
Decant into bowl of choice. Can be served still warm as is, or left to cool in fridge for later use. Experience shows that the resultant mix will keep for a couple of weeks in an old sealed margarine tub without going manky. Pat yourself on the back, you have made Hummus. Now go off and split the atom or something else equally as ingenious. You are officially a clever person.
Additional flavourings;
Once the base mix is done, all you have to do is take out as much as you need and add flavouring of choice, be it salt and black pepper, red pepper, chili, curry powder, you name it. I've taken to adding whizzed up (Liquefied in food processor) Broccoli with a large pinch of Parmesan or other strong cheese. Beetroot with sea salt and a dash of vinegar. The mix can be briefly heated in a saucepan or microwave and served hot if desired. Makes for variety and prevents boredom. This also means you can invite any Vegetarians (Should they be fortunate enough to have you for a friend, or any friends at all, apart from other like minded moralisers) over to dine and without bestirring them to their usual state of high moral rectitude.
For those who might complain "But where's the Tahini?" I usually try to explain that we like it better this way. Well, at least until Wife gets bored with Hummus as an accompaniment to every meal. I give it a month, maybe even two weeks before she's asking me for buttered baked potatoes, french fries, Lasagna, or garlic fried rice again. Heavy sigh.
Being the chief cook and bottlewasher in the household, it falls to yours truly to come up with the goods. Being the obliging husband I am, I've been scratching my head to find a lower carbohydrate alternative that isn't too sweet, perfumed or pulpy for our mutual likings. As Wife likes to put it; "Here's a new challenge for you Jones." As always, I sigh heartily and brace myself unto the task. It's either that or divorce proceedings.
Finally, an answer to my culinary conundrum has been found; Hummus (Or Homous, whatever). A higher protein, lower carbohydrate alternative which can be adapted to go with just about anything. One problem I have with the store bought stuff is firstly it's a pricey alternative to rice, pasta or potatoes at CDN$1.99 for 100g, and secondly it's full of stuff like Sesame paste (Tahini) which I've always found leaves a slight bitter aftertaste. Notwithstanding, there have been two issues to address; firstly price, and secondly flavour.
The cost I take care of by buying dried chick peas and olive oil, the two main ingredients, in bulk. Last purchase of Chick peas was 500g (Just over a pound weight) at CDN$3.90 a kilo. Which works out at about CDN$1.95 (roughly 1GBP). For Olive Oil, I buy the cheap stuff a litre at a time, which is about CDN$7-8 (around 4GBP /litre) if you buy carefully. A litre will make a lot of Hummus. Garlic I generally get at CDN$2 for 3 cloves, and a 3lb bag of Onions for CDN1.60.
Flavour, well, I've taken to adding any savoury spice / vegetable I fancy after the base mix has been prepared. Sea salt and black pepper with Parsnip. Broccoli with a pinch of Parmesan is nice. Beetroot with salt and pepper. Coriander and / or Cumin. Any of these are easy to do and damned impressive is you have someone to impress with your limited culinary skills.
Garlic Hummus Base mix method:
Stick half a pound (about 250g) of dried chick peas in a basin and pour in a litre or so of water. Leave to soak overnight then boil chick peas until soft. Failing that, put the whole shooting match in a saucepan and bring to boil, then turn down the heat and simmer (slow boil over minimum heat) until the peas can be mashed with a fork. Take off heat and drain for a couple of minutes.
Using a potato masher or food processor, mash the peas. Fine chop a largish onion and soften thoroughly in a little water brought to the boil for five or so minutes. Take off heat and drain. Add to softened Onion to mashed peas and mash some more. Crush and fine chop three cloves of Garlic, add to mix and mash. Add a cupful (150-200ml) or less of Olive oil to the mix and mash further until the chick peas, onion and garlic mixture resembles golden grainy mud like in the picture below.
Decant into bowl of choice. Can be served still warm as is, or left to cool in fridge for later use. Experience shows that the resultant mix will keep for a couple of weeks in an old sealed margarine tub without going manky. Pat yourself on the back, you have made Hummus. Now go off and split the atom or something else equally as ingenious. You are officially a clever person.
Additional flavourings;
Once the base mix is done, all you have to do is take out as much as you need and add flavouring of choice, be it salt and black pepper, red pepper, chili, curry powder, you name it. I've taken to adding whizzed up (Liquefied in food processor) Broccoli with a large pinch of Parmesan or other strong cheese. Beetroot with sea salt and a dash of vinegar. The mix can be briefly heated in a saucepan or microwave and served hot if desired. Makes for variety and prevents boredom. This also means you can invite any Vegetarians (Should they be fortunate enough to have you for a friend, or any friends at all, apart from other like minded moralisers) over to dine and without bestirring them to their usual state of high moral rectitude.
For those who might complain "But where's the Tahini?" I usually try to explain that we like it better this way. Well, at least until Wife gets bored with Hummus as an accompaniment to every meal. I give it a month, maybe even two weeks before she's asking me for buttered baked potatoes, french fries, Lasagna, or garlic fried rice again. Heavy sigh.
Monday, October 27, 2008
This boy's a fool
Don't normally comment on this sort of thing, but really, some people have no idea.
"...I would argue that climate disinformation online is a form of cultural and political malware every bit as threatening to our new media freedoms, used not to foster a forum for open politics but to create, in Nancy Fraser’s term, a “multiplicity of fragmented publics” that harms not only our democracy, but our planet."
Climate disinformation? Harms democracy? Might one point out that Democracy requires freedom to speak plainly in measured and cogent dissent. All of which this particular Lecturer in Journalism seems to think is a bad idea. To take his view "You can say what you like, but only if I approve." In the words of the late, great Eric Morecambe; "This boy's a fool".
One might also point out that his is a minority view. So his argument could be that 'If you're not in the majority you should shut up'. Ah.
"...I would argue that climate disinformation online is a form of cultural and political malware every bit as threatening to our new media freedoms, used not to foster a forum for open politics but to create, in Nancy Fraser’s term, a “multiplicity of fragmented publics” that harms not only our democracy, but our planet."
Climate disinformation? Harms democracy? Might one point out that Democracy requires freedom to speak plainly in measured and cogent dissent. All of which this particular Lecturer in Journalism seems to think is a bad idea. To take his view "You can say what you like, but only if I approve." In the words of the late, great Eric Morecambe; "This boy's a fool".
One might also point out that his is a minority view. So his argument could be that 'If you're not in the majority you should shut up'. Ah.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Stuck on stupid
Just been reading the UK online papers in stunned disbelief. Environmental lobby groups appear to have persuaded the UK Government not to build Nuclear or Coal power stations on the basis that 'CO2 and Nuclear are bad'. I know this is a simplistic assessment of the arguments, but when the climate trend since 2000 has flattened out and begun to cool, all the hysterical warmist predictions of runaway fire and flood look increasingly improbable. The current UK government has frittered away the country's resources and made no real provision for any burgeoning chill. Instead it is borrowing double what it was and chucking money at 'the underprivileged' with free Internet and theatre tickets. They truly are 'stuck on stupid' with no place else left to go.
Well, the British public will be the sorry ones. The party almost definitely over, the house is trashed, the windows broken, the booze cupboard depleted and utilities blocked. Worse still, the people who really build and fix things are emigrating / have emigrated because no-one thinks they're needed.
I worry about our two girls who are at University. Hopefully they will surf through the whole mess and be okay, but they are the ones who wanted to study in the UK. Fortunately, we have bolt holes for them in France, the USA and Canada if things really go bad over there.
Wife and I are kitted out with warm clothing and a 4x4 which will leave us able to brave the snow and rain. Will keep a stock of dried and canned goods for when the inevitable trees fall on the power lines this Winter and cut the power.
Boy am I glad we left the UK. Wife returns today, and I shall be standing on the breakwater (Even if it's raining) to welcome her home.
Well, the British public will be the sorry ones. The party almost definitely over, the house is trashed, the windows broken, the booze cupboard depleted and utilities blocked. Worse still, the people who really build and fix things are emigrating / have emigrated because no-one thinks they're needed.
I worry about our two girls who are at University. Hopefully they will surf through the whole mess and be okay, but they are the ones who wanted to study in the UK. Fortunately, we have bolt holes for them in France, the USA and Canada if things really go bad over there.
Wife and I are kitted out with warm clothing and a 4x4 which will leave us able to brave the snow and rain. Will keep a stock of dried and canned goods for when the inevitable trees fall on the power lines this Winter and cut the power.
Boy am I glad we left the UK. Wife returns today, and I shall be standing on the breakwater (Even if it's raining) to welcome her home.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Gas money
Was doing my tyre pressure at the local service station (Gas price down 4 cents at 144.9) when I was approached by a young woman. A student by the look, in her early 20's, and casual but smartly dressed by Canadian standards, who was begging for gas money "Excuse me, you got a twoonie?" (Canadian slang for a two buck piece) she asked. I was unable to help because I'd spent my last cash on a hot dog at lunchtime. Poor girl must have been desperate to ask.
The way the prices are behaving (Quick to go up, slow to come down) predisposes me to think that someone, somewhere up the gasoline supply chain is making money hand over fist. The damage and disruption caused by Hurricane (Tropical storm) Ike is less than expected and prices in Texas, where all the disruption was, only went up four cents per litre in some places.
The thought occurs that one tropical storm should not cause this big a price rise in so short a time. Has some company taken too big a financial hit with the stock market crash and is recouping their losses via higher gas prices? Wouldn't surprise me. Last I looked, the current price of crude was around the $90-93 mark per barrel. It's coming down for crying out loud. The refineries will be back up and running full steam by now, so what is going on?
Never mind, I'm busy MSS editing tomorrow, and I've got some phone calls to make and letters to write. I've really no need to go out at all. Will talk to Wife in the morning. That will calm me down.
The way the prices are behaving (Quick to go up, slow to come down) predisposes me to think that someone, somewhere up the gasoline supply chain is making money hand over fist. The damage and disruption caused by Hurricane (Tropical storm) Ike is less than expected and prices in Texas, where all the disruption was, only went up four cents per litre in some places.
The thought occurs that one tropical storm should not cause this big a price rise in so short a time. Has some company taken too big a financial hit with the stock market crash and is recouping their losses via higher gas prices? Wouldn't surprise me. Last I looked, the current price of crude was around the $90-93 mark per barrel. It's coming down for crying out loud. The refineries will be back up and running full steam by now, so what is going on?
Never mind, I'm busy MSS editing tomorrow, and I've got some phone calls to make and letters to write. I've really no need to go out at all. Will talk to Wife in the morning. That will calm me down.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Oil price per barrel down CDN$4.02*
....and the price of Gas locally is still 148.9 per litre. The Gas companies were quick enough to put the price up on only a rumour of hurricane damage.
Bloomberg site date and time: New York time, Sep 16th 00:24 updates here.
*Based on current exchange rates
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Latest oil price
Just popped over to Bloomberg for the price update. The above screenshot was taken at 15:39 New York time 14th September 2008. Gas prices at the pump up, gas prices at the refinery down. Huh?
Updated prices can be found via this link.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wife, Pickups and Barack Obama's birth certificate
Wife is heading back to England for a spell to see youngest into her new University. While she is gone, it will be business as usual for me. I will pine terribly while she is gone, and be forced to talk to Dog who is not the world's most erudite conversationalist.
We're currently in the process of buying an additional vehicle to our existing van, and are opting for an aging pickup. A Ford 1990 F150 Pickup, we've both always wanted a pickup, with the earlier 2.8 litre engine and an extended cab for preference. Just a little something for negotiating logging roads while we look for a parcel of land up country. We did the sums and worked out that one of these earlier and smaller pickups delivers gas mileage equivalent to and better than the MPV we currently use. Our current vehicle delivers 28mpg per imperial gallon at best; according to our research, the desired 4x4 gives up to 30mpg per imperial gallon. This is only 2mpg less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester, and costs a lot less to buy. Besides, reliability of the Honda's and Subaru's of this vintage can get a little ropey. While they are solid as a rock repairwise for much of their career, after fifteen years or so, they are definitely past their best. Pickups seem like tanks, to keep going even though resembling a leaky colander.
In addition, I keep on hearing a nasty little rumour which is doing the rounds, that the Democratic Candidate for the Presidency of the USA is not as required by US law, "American born and bred".
If the 'evidence' as portrayed in the embedded video is accurate and true, then Barack Obama should not have got the Democratic nomination, and even if the majority of voters wanted him to be President, he could not legally take the oath of office. Although I think the FBI or INS would have had something to say about it before now if it were really the case that Mr Obama's US birth certificate were a forgery, as suggested in the video.
However, this could all be just the usual dirty play of US politics, especially when the Democratic faction have gone straight for the low punches with Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin. Wasn't there some kind of convention where the children of any candidate are 'off limits'? Whatever happened to policies and 'substance over style'? It just reduces the race to an undignified scramble for power. Hi ho, glad I'm north of the 49th Parallel. I haven't dared ask our Californian neighbours what they think of it all.
We're currently in the process of buying an additional vehicle to our existing van, and are opting for an aging pickup. A Ford 1990 F150 Pickup, we've both always wanted a pickup, with the earlier 2.8 litre engine and an extended cab for preference. Just a little something for negotiating logging roads while we look for a parcel of land up country. We did the sums and worked out that one of these earlier and smaller pickups delivers gas mileage equivalent to and better than the MPV we currently use. Our current vehicle delivers 28mpg per imperial gallon at best; according to our research, the desired 4x4 gives up to 30mpg per imperial gallon. This is only 2mpg less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester, and costs a lot less to buy. Besides, reliability of the Honda's and Subaru's of this vintage can get a little ropey. While they are solid as a rock repairwise for much of their career, after fifteen years or so, they are definitely past their best. Pickups seem like tanks, to keep going even though resembling a leaky colander.
In addition, I keep on hearing a nasty little rumour which is doing the rounds, that the Democratic Candidate for the Presidency of the USA is not as required by US law, "American born and bred".
If the 'evidence' as portrayed in the embedded video is accurate and true, then Barack Obama should not have got the Democratic nomination, and even if the majority of voters wanted him to be President, he could not legally take the oath of office. Although I think the FBI or INS would have had something to say about it before now if it were really the case that Mr Obama's US birth certificate were a forgery, as suggested in the video.
However, this could all be just the usual dirty play of US politics, especially when the Democratic faction have gone straight for the low punches with Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin. Wasn't there some kind of convention where the children of any candidate are 'off limits'? Whatever happened to policies and 'substance over style'? It just reduces the race to an undignified scramble for power. Hi ho, glad I'm north of the 49th Parallel. I haven't dared ask our Californian neighbours what they think of it all.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Outbreak of climate sanity in BC?
Test driving a car to replace our ageing wagon this afternoon I was startled to hear about the proposed axeing of the BC and proposed federal 'Carbon tax'. Has an outbreak of climate sanity broken out? What's going on? Are the politicians actually listening to the electorate?
I know 2.4 cents a litre doesn't sound much, but when speculators have driven the price of oil up to record highs, that little extra tends to be the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back. Let me expand; over here on Vancouver Island public transport is limited to buses and trains, and outside the towns there aren't much of them. The last train service from Victoria and Nanaimo to Port Alberni is now two unused rusting iron rails on rotting sleepers and a four(?) times daily bus service to Uclulet and Tofino. You could of course cycle, but not everyone lives within reasonable cycle commuting distance of their work, and there are only two rail passenger services a day up and down the whole island, and from what I've seen, these run half empty most of the time. People need cars to get about, there is no practical alternative, at least on Vancouver Island, which has a similar land area in square miles to the whole of England.
What amazed me was hearing that a politician didn't think that tax was the right way to address climate change. I agree, it's like writing cheques to ward off a cold. You're going to get the cold anyway, whether you pay the money or not. The Earth will heat and cool following it's own complex rules and there's bugger all we two legged pests can do about it. We should embrace the challenges, not run around like a bunch of headless chickens, throwing money at a problem (If Earths constantly changing climate is not an opportunity) that money just can't solve.
What we can do for the environment is not to throw away quite so much so carelessly, and not over use the resources we have. Enforce the fishing restrictions so that fish stocks get to recover. Not poison the earth and water so that we can grow food to provision the ever growing multitude of humanity on this little blue green world.
It will get cold enough soon if what some in the scientific community are saying comes true. Notwithstanding, my money is on another climate reversal in the next twenty or thirty years years and it will warm up after a brief cooling. I hope, or we're all in for a really hard time.
I know 2.4 cents a litre doesn't sound much, but when speculators have driven the price of oil up to record highs, that little extra tends to be the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back. Let me expand; over here on Vancouver Island public transport is limited to buses and trains, and outside the towns there aren't much of them. The last train service from Victoria and Nanaimo to Port Alberni is now two unused rusting iron rails on rotting sleepers and a four(?) times daily bus service to Uclulet and Tofino. You could of course cycle, but not everyone lives within reasonable cycle commuting distance of their work, and there are only two rail passenger services a day up and down the whole island, and from what I've seen, these run half empty most of the time. People need cars to get about, there is no practical alternative, at least on Vancouver Island, which has a similar land area in square miles to the whole of England.
What amazed me was hearing that a politician didn't think that tax was the right way to address climate change. I agree, it's like writing cheques to ward off a cold. You're going to get the cold anyway, whether you pay the money or not. The Earth will heat and cool following it's own complex rules and there's bugger all we two legged pests can do about it. We should embrace the challenges, not run around like a bunch of headless chickens, throwing money at a problem (If Earths constantly changing climate is not an opportunity) that money just can't solve.
What we can do for the environment is not to throw away quite so much so carelessly, and not over use the resources we have. Enforce the fishing restrictions so that fish stocks get to recover. Not poison the earth and water so that we can grow food to provision the ever growing multitude of humanity on this little blue green world.
It will get cold enough soon if what some in the scientific community are saying comes true. Notwithstanding, my money is on another climate reversal in the next twenty or thirty years years and it will warm up after a brief cooling. I hope, or we're all in for a really hard time.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Criminal behaviour
Reading the news and various blogs as I do every day, I'm perplexed about the term 'Climate Criminals'. How can you criminalise something that isn't proven? Just goes to show how many people in this world are absolutely barking mad over the whole issue.
Like this UK site for example. Completely looney (and I'm not talking about Canada's one dollar piece).
This site appears to brand Mountaineers as 'Climate Criminals'.
Not to mention the accusation that those who do not believe in the new religion as preached by Al (Hey Honey, look at my big carbon footprint) Gore, James (GISS) Hansen et al are all supposed to be in the pocket of 'big oil' or 'big coal'. As if.
A number of these sites appear to be calling for the arrest, fining and imprisonment of 'Deniers'. Well, that's me in treouble if I ever go back to the UK then. I can expect summary arrest from the Police ("Excuse me sir, is that your cloud?") and 28 days in the chokey without charge because no doubt the howling AGW mob will demand that being a 'Climate change denier' is a terrorist offence. No trial, no bail, just punished for saying that you don't believe in something. Wonder if I can claim political asylum over here?
As the evidence mounts up against many anthropogenic arguments, the pro lobby grows more shrill and aggressive. Their whole fragile belief system is threatened, and like others who are weak of faith, they become ever more aggressive to those who simply and rationally will not agree with them. Taking this into account, the pro AGW lobby look ever more like sad, crazy people who need to go out and get lives.
Like this UK site for example. Completely looney (and I'm not talking about Canada's one dollar piece).
This site appears to brand Mountaineers as 'Climate Criminals'.
Not to mention the accusation that those who do not believe in the new religion as preached by Al (Hey Honey, look at my big carbon footprint) Gore, James (GISS) Hansen et al are all supposed to be in the pocket of 'big oil' or 'big coal'. As if.
A number of these sites appear to be calling for the arrest, fining and imprisonment of 'Deniers'. Well, that's me in treouble if I ever go back to the UK then. I can expect summary arrest from the Police ("Excuse me sir, is that your cloud?") and 28 days in the chokey without charge because no doubt the howling AGW mob will demand that being a 'Climate change denier' is a terrorist offence. No trial, no bail, just punished for saying that you don't believe in something. Wonder if I can claim political asylum over here?
As the evidence mounts up against many anthropogenic arguments, the pro lobby grows more shrill and aggressive. Their whole fragile belief system is threatened, and like others who are weak of faith, they become ever more aggressive to those who simply and rationally will not agree with them. Taking this into account, the pro AGW lobby look ever more like sad, crazy people who need to go out and get lives.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Is your Toddler a racist?
Have been busy preparing for a visit from my Mother, who is travelling half way across the world to see how her youngest child (Me) is getting on. Wife and I have a new 'pooter which outperforms my scaggy old laptop by several quantum leaps. Nothing back from the first Agent I contacted so far, so my next move is to approach a number of them and hype the pitch a little.
Browsing through the dear old Torygraph today, Wife drew my attention to an article that toddlers who say 'Yuk' to spicy foods are to be counted as 'racist incidents'. Oh dear. Just when you think life in Britain can't get any more stupid, something like this pops up. What are they going to do, prosecute the parents for 'hate crimes'? Use it as an excuse to haul children into state nurseries where parental love is rationed or horror of horrors, forbidden? One can safely predict that such insanity will create more racism than it solves. Children of this age don't do prejudice. According to Wife, who is a seasoned professional in handling children's misdemeanour's and shenanigans says children at this age can't tell the difference between races. Anyone who says different is a complete idiot. Yes they are. Failing that they have another, more sinister agenda for thought control of future generations.
My kids never used to like spicy foods, but I swear neither of them are racists. Now they are students they virtually live on curry and pizza. Both of them would be horrified at the merest thought of racism. Still, I am determined that my grandchildren will live free of such appalling tyranny and be free to like who they like without hindrance or interference from anyone. Including me.
Anyway, tonight's reading material is Plato's 'Republic'.
Browsing through the dear old Torygraph today, Wife drew my attention to an article that toddlers who say 'Yuk' to spicy foods are to be counted as 'racist incidents'. Oh dear. Just when you think life in Britain can't get any more stupid, something like this pops up. What are they going to do, prosecute the parents for 'hate crimes'? Use it as an excuse to haul children into state nurseries where parental love is rationed or horror of horrors, forbidden? One can safely predict that such insanity will create more racism than it solves. Children of this age don't do prejudice. According to Wife, who is a seasoned professional in handling children's misdemeanour's and shenanigans says children at this age can't tell the difference between races. Anyone who says different is a complete idiot. Yes they are. Failing that they have another, more sinister agenda for thought control of future generations.
My kids never used to like spicy foods, but I swear neither of them are racists. Now they are students they virtually live on curry and pizza. Both of them would be horrified at the merest thought of racism. Still, I am determined that my grandchildren will live free of such appalling tyranny and be free to like who they like without hindrance or interference from anyone. Including me.
Anyway, tonight's reading material is Plato's 'Republic'.
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