What is the worst that can happen?
I never forward videos. Ever! Until today. I received this and then forwarded it to my facebook friends.
It is not cute, or laugh out loud funny. But hopefully it will make you think.
UK in Economic Crisis.
In my experience politicians of all persuasions try to put the best light on things. So when the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Note to people not living in the UK, probably the second most powerful man in Government) is reported by the BBC to have said this:
The UK is facing its worst economic crisis in 60 years, Chancellor Alistair Darling has admitted.
Things are not looking good.
Conversations with an Alien part 2 – Oil Crisis? What Oil Crisis?
Fred my imaginary alien friend is puzzled.
‘Stephen, I am puzzled.’ He says
‘What about?’
‘I have just read that experts believe that your planet has only 25 years of oil left. And yet you don’t seem to be being doing a lot about it!
‘When you say “you”, do you mean me, or the planet?’ I say. Thinking that the next time I invent an imagery alien it will be one that can point me in the way of successful patents and great riches. Not one that asks awkward questions.
‘Both.’ He replies.
‘Well…’ I reply, making a note to myself that I start too many sentences with well. And end to many with the lame line ‘And stuff like that’
‘Well…’ I repeat. Having derailed myself with my internal conversation. ‘You have to understand that I have heard this before. When I was ten, my uncle who was the captain of an oil tanker told me the very same thing. That oil would run out by the time I was 35. And I am now 42!’ I pause, but Fred just stares at me.
‘Well’ (bugger that word again) ‘ It seems to me that if there really is 25 years of oil left, the price will get higher and higher meaning that we have at least 50 years left. And then I will be 92. And it will be someone else’s problem.’
‘Surely there is something you can do?’ Fred asks.
‘Can a rain drop change the direction of a storm?’
Fred opens his mouth to respond, but I get there first. ‘And don’t give me that crap about chaos and butterfly’s wings!’
Fred leaves. And I sit thinking. Surely I am right. And there is nothing I can do.
Conversations with an Alien – part 1
Imagine, if you will, that you meet an alien from another planet.
He, she or it, can speak perfect English. (This is imaginary after all!)
What would he, she or it, take for granted? What would he, she or it find surprising, about Earth or more specifically the United Kingdom of Great Britian?
As typing ‘he, she or it’ is soon going to become monotonous, I propose that we give our alien a name and a notional sex. He will be known as ‘Fred’.
‘Stephen,’ Fred says ‘After our conversation about money the other day, I have been looking at the Stock Market. Have I got this right?’ He pauses choosing his words carefully, ‘that the value of a company can change, not because the quality, the amount or need for the product changes, but just because one person, who may be wrong, has doubts about that company?’
‘Yes, you’re right.’ I reply ‘But it does depend on who has the doubts. You might want to research Northern Rock. If I recall correctly, that started with just one reporter.’
‘Bu, Fred frowns ‘ that does not make any sense at all!’
Is this right? Would an Alien society have money? Perhaps a society that has everything that it needs would have no requirement for money. But if money exists, does the stock market necessarily follow?
Abortion in the USA
South Dakota has signed into law a bill banning most abortions. (For the full story on the BBC News Website click here)
As a man, I have always felt that I do not have the right to legislate what happens to a woman’s body.
I would be interested to read what other’s (particularly my American readers) think of this.
Freedom of Speech
There have been a number of cases concerning Freedom of speech in the news recently.
Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Hamza was jailed for 7 years for inciting hatred. (BBC News story here ).
BNP Leader Nick Griffin and activist Mark Collet were cleared of similar offences and now face a retrial. (BBC News story here ).
Cartoons depicting Muhammad have caused controversy and upset (BBC News story here ).
Questions:
- Is “Freedom of Speech” an inalienable right in a civilised society?
- Is there a line after which freedom of speech should not be guaranteed?
“Poverty is not natural! It is man made!”
A quote from Nelson Mandela
Charles and XDianaX Camilla!
What do people think?
About
Your Host - Stephen with people reading one of his short stories in the background
At the age of Forty four, I have found a new life as a writer of short fiction with two pieces already published (read the blog and visit www.5thbabylonian.com to find out more).
It seems that these are now destined to become collectors items! (In other words they are no longer in print)
I am happy married to a wonderful woman, who does not want any her details published on the web (so that is all you are going to find out about her from me!)
I have had various weblogs for 7 years now (and a website for over 10 years)
