Leave Prince Harry Alone

I'm not much bothered by the Royal family. They're there. It's fine. The tourists really seem to like them.

But leave Harry the fuck alone. The guy wants to do his tour. He should have been allowed to. It's not just his life that's put at greater risk when his deployment is known. It's everyone around him. And your story does not trump lives. LIVES you jumped up, arrogant little assholes.

In case you don't know what I am ranting on about it's the news that Prince Harry was deployed to Afghanistan 10 weeks ago and that the British agreed media blackout over that info. Please note: the media were told in advance of his actual deployment. Otherwise they couldn't have agreed to keep it quiet. It turns out that an Australian magazine reported it and an American website also. So now it's out and Harry may have to be pulled out. Way to go losers.

He trained to be a soldier, he wants to serve. He doesn't seem to think he's all that different from any other soldier. It's nice he thinks that way but he is different. Not necessarily better, just different. He is a member of the Royal family. That makes him different. As a soldier that makes him an even bigger target than other soldiers. Not nice but true. It also, apparently , makes him more important than those other soldiers in some peoples opinion. 'Cause I haven't seen too much on all the other soldiers deployed. All those other fucking brave men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. Fuck what I think of the actual wars, I stand by our troops. Yeah it is actually possible to oppose war while supporting the troops involved. I want every last one of them home safe.

And back to my original rant. I seem to have wandered a little.

Some people think the media blackout in the UK was irresponsible and it's good that it has been broken. Explain that to me. Please, do. Irresponsible how ? In the possibly getting people killed kind of way ? No ? They would have released the information as soon as Harry was back. But the need for a scoop means that a great big frickin' target has been painted over him, and everyone in his vicinity. Anyone who doesn't think that those soldiers are now at greater risk of attack in an attempt to hit an heir to the throne . . . . . take your stupidity elsewhere. I don't actually have anything to say to you.

According to someone on the news that I didn't catch the name of knowing that Harry was out there would have been a moral boost for the troops who are also there. I got the impression from other sources that quite a few soldiers knew he was there. Like those serving alongside him. And perhaps they did get a moral boost from it, I don't know 'cause they didn't feel the need to shout about it. Wonder if that was anything to do with a possible increase in danger if the information was out there ? Hmmmmm.

Books, Books, Books,

I am currently waiting for the last instalments of a number of trilogies to hit the shelves. I would like some other books to fill in the time. Since I have overspent somewhat on books of late I can't buy any more right now. Poo.

On the upside I have over 500 books lining my book shelves so it's not like I'm low on potential re-reading material. It's always fun to slip back through the pages. If you lose the hunger to know the twists and turns of a new book, you gain the luxury of knowing where you are headed, seeing the path clearly and using that knowledge to enjoy the writing more. And sometimes you see things in a new way, discover new things. Oh the happiness.

So I am starting out with Sophie's World.

Too Much Of A Hangover To Write

So there.

I Found Your Camera

I think reuniting people with their photos is a nice idea.

Guantanamo Bay Pants

I am not actually referring to Guantanamo Bay being pants, it wouldn't be a strong enough sentiment, I am referring to Guantanamo Bay pants, knickers, lingerie.

Yup, such a thing actually exists. The world really has gone totally bonkers.

"The absurdity of this collaboration reflects the absurdity of Guantánamo Bay, in which people are held indefinitely without fair trials. The pants are no more absurd than that."

Supposedly. Well absurdity aside the guardian article didn't mention what benefit the pants would be to those held at Guantanamo. Are the profits going in to a fund to pay legal fees or to help those released re-establish their lives ? 'Cause I know the message, "Fair trial my arse", isn't going to be read by many people. Protest t shirts I can see but protest see through knickers ? Not so much.

Or is this a case of profiting from the misery, and stupidity, of others ?

She Cast A Spell On Me !!!

Apparently a woman in Saudi has been convicted of witchcraft and sentence to death. I wonder if they are going with burning at the stake ? Or would that be too inhumane ?

One of her accusers claims she made him impotent. Really ? Wow, do you think she could do something about all the other idiots fertility ? She was convicted on the basis of witness statements that she's a witch and a coerced confession. What, no dunking her in water ? Or seeing if she weighs more than a holy book ? Because those are both very logical means of determining if some one is a witch. Honest.

It seems that no attention was paid to the fact that she was held for 35 days, hospitalised at one point as the beatings she received were so sever, and recanted her confession in court as she had been forced to accept a confession document which she couldn't actually read. The need to have her fingerprint rather than signature might have been a clue to her illiteracy. They even broke their own rules of conduct. She was denied access to a lawyer initially then her legal representation was excluded from some court sessions. Witnesses were not cross examined. Defence ? What defence, she's a witch I tell you.

Without A Trace And CSI

My cup runneth over.

Gil Grissom and Jack Malone, on screen at the same time. I have an affection for thinking men. This can be accompanied by other traits that don't include generally being a git. Okay, Malone looses a little on the not being a git thing. Cheating on your wife is a very git thing to do. Hmmm, Maybe I like him alot less now that I think about it. Arse.

I love CSI and Without A Trace. The leads are only part of the attraction. I think both series are well written, interesting and entertaining on a brain including way. Both have well drawn characters, thought provoking plots and good formats. And no Shades of Justice. Or weekly Islamic terrorists. Or any of the other things I find annoying about some crime shows.

As you may have guessed, if you are interested in either show, I have just seen the two crossover shows, starting with a CSI episode followed by a Without A Trace episode. Happy me. They were good. Not the very best TV I've ever seen, but good. Very good as far as I'm concerned. I say there should be more. I accept that they can't be too often, I mean how often will crimes in Vegas and New York be related but the on screen chemistry between the actors and the characters was good.

I am not saying anything about the plot on the off chance that someone who reads this hasn't seen the episodes yet. 'Cause that would happen.

The Best Ever First Dance ?

I think it might just be.

No To Any Religious Law

The Archbishop of Stupidity . . . . sorry Canterbury today let loose a shocking idea. He thinks the adoption of some elements of Sharia Law is an inevitable course for the UK. Someone should sack him for being senile in charge of a mouth.

I say no. I say no to any religious law in this country. Religion, any religion, needs to stay the fuck out of the legal system. There must be equality before the law and that can only happen when the law is applied equally to everyone. If Muslims or Jews or Christians also want to live by the codes of their religion insofar as is does not conflict with the law of the land then they should feel free to do so. If they want to have religious councils where they deal with their religious codes and laws, again as long as there is no conflict with the law of the land, fine. Do so. Not a problem.

Apparently the Archbishop thinks it would lead to a more cohesive society.

What ?

Permitting the adoption of different laws in different communities would lead to greater cohesion over all ? Are you on drugs ? Seriously. Someone should have that checked. It's like some bizarre take on the Orwellian language set up in 1984.

"Division leads to cohesion"

Wait, was that actually in 1984 ? Am I in 1984 ? . . . . . . No sign of a Ministry of Peace so I'm assuming we are safe for a little while yet. Maybe.

I know the blasphemy law that counts in relation to the Church of England is still on about but they are talking about canning it. The blasphemy law in Scotland might still be on the statute books as well. Both need to go. If there are any others, in Scots or English Law, they need to go too.

Edit: Just had a thought, will I be prosecuted for my opening statement ? Perhaps I should make it clear that I'm having a go at the man not the position ? 'Cause I care. Really I do.

The Joys Of Teenage Angst

Thanks to a friend I rediscovered some of my teenage poetry.

Whahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

There are some love poems, unrequited love poems. Angst ridden, heart broken outpourings. I have no idea who that great love of my life was. The poems are dated. I still can't figure it out. Then there are my vampire themed ones, evidence of too much time spent reading about Dracula and his ilk. And the beginning of my goth days.

At least they have provided a laugh today.

Incase There Is Any Doubt Where I stand On This Issue (See Image Below)

This is from a previous post of mine.

"Abortion is not actually about foetus viability, it's about a woman's right to determine whither she becomes a mother or not. I don't want to hear about foetus rights because as far as I am concerned the rights lie with the woman. I'm not sorry if this offends any one's sensibilities.

Please, bring on the irrational hate if you feel the need. It's not going to change my opinion.

Motherhood, parenthood in general, is far too important to be foisted on people. It's something that should be entered in to willingly, with an idea of the responsibilities that lie ahead and at least a vague plan of how you are going to navigate it. Plans change of course but you need an idea to start with. And the parents should, ideally, be in a good financial position, capable of providing for their offspring. You also need to be mentally mature and prepared enough to take responsibility for a small person who will need to rely on you for everything; food, shelter, and guidance among others. Children should be wanted, loved and cherished. They are too important to be anything else.

And don't tell me that women who have abortions don't use contraceptives so it's their own fault
they got pregnant. Hey stupid, no means of contraceptive is 100% effective, not even sterilisation. That fails in rare cases for unknown reasons. After that argument comes you shouldn't be having sex if you don't intend to reproduce.

Wahahahahahahahahahahahahah. 'Cause that's gonna happen. Folks, sex is just too much fun.

And on a more serious point, this line of argument seems to be mainly directed at women. I am not a baby factory, I will not be defined by my reproductive biology. For the fun of it let's imagine that rule applied to men. No man may have sex if he does not intend to father a child, and be an active parent to that child. 'Cause that would happen. Can't you just see it ?

Then you get the abortion is murder argument. Sorry folks it is not murder. Murder is a criminal offence, the unlawful and intentional killing of another human being. Abortion is legal not criminal. Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by inducing the expulsion of a foetus. Or if that's just too damn clinical for you it's the intentional killing of an unborn child. This fact is not debatable. That's why it's a fact. See ? No airy fairy skipping the uncomfortable points here.

To be honest I don't really think anyone does. I doubt having an abortion is something anyone takes lightly. There is a whole lot more to this subject but this is a post about the thoughts that the Scotsman article and the comments on it made me think."

Shout and scream at me as much as you like.

The only amendment I would make to this, having skimmed over it again, is that sex can be more than just fun. It can also be an expression of love between two people. If you choose not to experience that level of connection with another person, either purely physical, emotional even spiritual some times, then that is your right to choose. Do not attempt to push your ideas and choices on other people.

Stupid Quiz Answers

Just a copy and paste job today. Can't be arsed to do anything else.

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
Bamber Gascoigne: What was Ghandi's first name?
Contestant: Goosey, Goosey?

THE WEAKEST LINK
Anne Robinson: Which Italian city is overlooked by Vesuvius?
Contestant: Bombay.

NATIONAL LOTTERY JET SET
Eamonn Holmes: What's the name of the playwright commonly known by the initials G.B.S.?
Contestant: William Shakespeare.

FAMILY FORTUNES
Something a blind man might use? - A Sword

A song with the word Moon in the title? - Blue Suede Moon

Name the capital of France? - F

Name a bird with a long Neck? - Naomi Campbell

Name an occupation where you might need a torch? - A burglar

Where is the Taj Mahal? - Opposite the Dental Hospital

What is Hitler's first name? - Heil

A famous Scotsman? - Jock

Something that floats in a bath? - Water

Something you wear on a beach? - A deckchair

Something that flies that doesn't have an engine? - A bicycle with wings

RADIO LINCS PHONE-IN
Presenter: Which is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world?
Contestant: Barcelona.
Presenter: I was really after the name of a country.
Contestant: I'm sorry, I don't know the names of any countries in Spain.

STEVE WRIGHT SHOW, RADIO 2
Wright: On which continent would you find the River Danube?
Contestant: India.

Wright: What is the Italian word for motorway?
Contestant: Espresso.

Wright: What is the capital of Australia? And it's not Sydney.
Contestant: Sydney.

DARYL'S DRIVETIME, VIRGIN RADIO
Daryl Denham: In which country would you spend shekels?
Contestant: Holland?
Daryl Denham: Try the next letter of the alphabet.
Contestant: Iceland? Ireland?
Daryl Denham (helpfully): It's a bad line. Did you say Israel?
Contestant: No.

Stupid is sooo much fun !

Something To Think About ?