US President Donald Trump has said he believes waterboarding works, saying "we have to fight fire with fire".
I am sorry, but what? Waterboarding is the practice of pouring water over someone's face to mimic drowning as an interrogation tactic.
It is widely considered as a form of torture and has been banned by the US.
Has the President not heard of: two wrongs don't make a right? If I punched a person; and then that person punched all of my family. Is that right? No. And, it won't end well either. As according to this theory, I can then go and punch all their friends and family.
We need to show that peaceful methods can fight wrong. We don't need to flex our muscles all the time. Let's be at peace.
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
What the new President has done so far....
It's a long list, but an important reminder:
For those finding it difficult to keep up - here's a run down of the week so far
To recap:
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the DOJ’s Violence Against Women programs.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Minority Business Development Agency.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Economic Development Administration.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the International Trade Administration.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Legal Services Corporation.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the DOJ.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Electricity Deliverability and Energy Reliability.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Fossil Energy.
* On January 20th, 2017, DT ordered all regulatory powers of all federal agencies frozen.
* On January 20th, 2017, DT ordered the National Parks Service to stop using social media after RTing factual, side by side photos of the crowds for the 2009 and 2017 inaugurations.
* On January 20th, 2017, roughly 230 protestors were arrested in DC and face unprecedented felony riot charges. Among them were legal observers, journalists, and medics.
* On January 20th, 2017, a member of the International Workers of the World was shot in the stomach at an anti-fascist protest in Seattle. He remains in critical condition.
* On January 21st, 2017, DT brought a group of 40 cheerleaders to a meeting with the CIA to cheer for him during a speech that consisted almost entirely of framing himself as the victim of dishonest press.
* On January 21st, 2017, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a press conference largely to attack the press for accurately reporting the size of attendance at the inaugural festivities, saying that the inauguration had the largest audience of any in history, “period.”
* On January 22nd, 2017, White House advisor Kellyann Conway defended Spicer’s lies as “alternative facts” on national television news.
* On January 22nd, 2017, DT appeared to blow a kiss to director James Comey during a meeting with the FBI, and then opened his arms in a gesture of strange, paternal affection, before hugging him with a pat on the back.
* On January 23rd, 2017, DT reinstated the global gag order, which defunds international organizations that even mention abortion as a medical option.
* On January 23rd, 2017, Spicer said that the US will not tolerate China’s expansion onto islands in the South China Sea, essentially threatening war with China.
* On January 23rd, 2017, DT repeated the lie that 3-5 million people voted “illegally” thus costing him the popular vote.
* On January 23rd, 2017, it was announced that the man who shot the anti-fascist protester in Seattle was released without charges, despite turning himself in.
* On January 24th, 2017, Spicer reiterated the lie that 3-5 million people voted “illegally” thus costing DT the popular vote.
* On January 24th, 2017, DT tweeted a picture from his personal Twitter account of a photo he says depicts the crowd at his inauguration and will hang in the White House press room. The photo is curiously dated January 21st, 2017, the day AFTER the inauguration and the day of the Women’s March, the largest inauguration related protest in history.
* On January 24th, 2017, the EPA was ordered to stop communicating with the public through social media or the press and to freeze all grants and contracts.
* On January 24th, 2017, the USDA was ordered to stop communicating with the public through social media or the press and to stop publishing any papers or research. All communication with the press would also have to be authorized and vetted by the White House.
* On January 24th, 2017, HR7, a bill that would prohibit federal funding not only to abortion service providers, but to any insurance coverage, including Medicaid, that provides abortion coverage, went to the floor of the House for a vote.
* On January 24th, 2017, Director of the Department of Health and Human Service nominee Tom Price characterized federal guidelines on transgender equality as “absurd.”
* On January 24th, 2017, DT ordered the resumption of construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline, while the North Dakota state congress considers a bill that would legalize hitting and killing protestors with cars if they are on roadways.
* On January 24th, 2017, it was discovered that police officers had used confiscated cell phones to search the emails and messages of the 230 demonstrators now facing felony riot charges for protesting on January 20th, including lawyers and journalists whose email accounts contain privileged information of clients and sources.
And today: the wall and a ban on Muslims entering from a large number of countries and the end to accepting Syrian refugees
For those finding it difficult to keep up - here's a run down of the week so far
To recap:
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the DOJ’s Violence Against Women programs.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Minority Business Development Agency.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Economic Development Administration.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the International Trade Administration.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Legal Services Corporation.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the DOJ.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Electricity Deliverability and Energy Reliability.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
* On January 19th, 2017, DT said that he would cut funding for the Office of Fossil Energy.
* On January 20th, 2017, DT ordered all regulatory powers of all federal agencies frozen.
* On January 20th, 2017, DT ordered the National Parks Service to stop using social media after RTing factual, side by side photos of the crowds for the 2009 and 2017 inaugurations.
* On January 20th, 2017, roughly 230 protestors were arrested in DC and face unprecedented felony riot charges. Among them were legal observers, journalists, and medics.
* On January 20th, 2017, a member of the International Workers of the World was shot in the stomach at an anti-fascist protest in Seattle. He remains in critical condition.
* On January 21st, 2017, DT brought a group of 40 cheerleaders to a meeting with the CIA to cheer for him during a speech that consisted almost entirely of framing himself as the victim of dishonest press.
* On January 21st, 2017, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a press conference largely to attack the press for accurately reporting the size of attendance at the inaugural festivities, saying that the inauguration had the largest audience of any in history, “period.”
* On January 22nd, 2017, White House advisor Kellyann Conway defended Spicer’s lies as “alternative facts” on national television news.
* On January 22nd, 2017, DT appeared to blow a kiss to director James Comey during a meeting with the FBI, and then opened his arms in a gesture of strange, paternal affection, before hugging him with a pat on the back.
* On January 23rd, 2017, DT reinstated the global gag order, which defunds international organizations that even mention abortion as a medical option.
* On January 23rd, 2017, Spicer said that the US will not tolerate China’s expansion onto islands in the South China Sea, essentially threatening war with China.
* On January 23rd, 2017, DT repeated the lie that 3-5 million people voted “illegally” thus costing him the popular vote.
* On January 23rd, 2017, it was announced that the man who shot the anti-fascist protester in Seattle was released without charges, despite turning himself in.
* On January 24th, 2017, Spicer reiterated the lie that 3-5 million people voted “illegally” thus costing DT the popular vote.
* On January 24th, 2017, DT tweeted a picture from his personal Twitter account of a photo he says depicts the crowd at his inauguration and will hang in the White House press room. The photo is curiously dated January 21st, 2017, the day AFTER the inauguration and the day of the Women’s March, the largest inauguration related protest in history.
* On January 24th, 2017, the EPA was ordered to stop communicating with the public through social media or the press and to freeze all grants and contracts.
* On January 24th, 2017, the USDA was ordered to stop communicating with the public through social media or the press and to stop publishing any papers or research. All communication with the press would also have to be authorized and vetted by the White House.
* On January 24th, 2017, HR7, a bill that would prohibit federal funding not only to abortion service providers, but to any insurance coverage, including Medicaid, that provides abortion coverage, went to the floor of the House for a vote.
* On January 24th, 2017, Director of the Department of Health and Human Service nominee Tom Price characterized federal guidelines on transgender equality as “absurd.”
* On January 24th, 2017, DT ordered the resumption of construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline, while the North Dakota state congress considers a bill that would legalize hitting and killing protestors with cars if they are on roadways.
* On January 24th, 2017, it was discovered that police officers had used confiscated cell phones to search the emails and messages of the 230 demonstrators now facing felony riot charges for protesting on January 20th, including lawyers and journalists whose email accounts contain privileged information of clients and sources.
And today: the wall and a ban on Muslims entering from a large number of countries and the end to accepting Syrian refugees
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Break continues
Apologies! The break continues - I'll need to come back later. Apologies to my fans! I've read lots of books, so will add them here soon.
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Thursday, 12 November 2015
Doctor Who - Colin Baker era, part 2
As I said in my last blog on this matter (three years ago!): I have met Colin Baker and do feel sorry for him (and McCoy) sometimes, because they are often lambasted as the wreckers of Doctor Who (though I think the blame is really at the door of JNT, BBC politics, Coronation Street, and so much more). In fact, both Doctor's were really excellent and playing the part at the wrong time - people had simply stopped loving Doctor Who.
If like me, you could see Colin's potential, why don't you listen to some Big Finish audios. They have scripted him perfectly and Mr Baker is excellent as the Doctor. I've suggested some audios below which you can buy direct from Big Finish.
Anyway...here are my views of the second quarter of Colin Baker's television time as Doctor Number Six! Click on pictures below if you want to buy them and help the lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here), who will earn some money to support its work.
Vengeance on Varos: I was never a massive fan of this story when it was first show on the television, and I could never understand the love of it. However, since getting a bit older and probably more cynical, I can now see very clearly what a masterpiece this story is. Interestingly enough, unfortunately I suspect this is where the world is heading right now - people are increasingly showing a lack of interest in human stories, but rather searching to do or see something exciting or stupid instead. Right now, many desperate people are trying to get across to the promised land of the "West", and no one is particularly interested. The two characters of Arak and Etta are disinterested in the life surrounding them, and simply care about what will happen next on the TV. Indeed one could argue that part of the reason for this is that they know no better - but we should know better.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the planet keep feeding the people full of propaganda, so that they don't worry about the reality. "Video nasties" are constantly shown to the populace to help in two ways: show that there is no point in trying to change the world; and secondly to show what happens to the scum who rebel against this perfect dystopia. I wonder if this is happening to us all now?
In the story, The Doctor shows the people what is wrong with the society, and he leaves them hopeful that the planet will finally enjoy happier times.
Vengeance on Varos is an excellent piece of work and I highly recommend it. At the time, it was perceived too violent (maybe so) for Doctor Who, but that's the whole point. None of this is right and is all rather shocking. The message is simple: let's not lose our humanity, or all is lost. 9/10
The Mark of the Rani: I've always loved this one, because it introduces The Rani. For the first time since the Delgado Master, a rebel Time Lord actually has a reason to be somewhere that does not involve the Doctor! The Master (as played by various people since Delgado, but here played by Anthony Ainley), has had no purpose since the Tom Baker era, but to kill the Doctor. This happens throughout the Peter Davison era and continues throughout the Colin Baker era. This wish to kill only stops in Doctor Who - Survival [DVD]
- Sylvester McCoy's last full story, where The Master is simply trying to survive. So, that's my long-winded way of saying: The Rani is a breath of fresh air, because she just wants to take brain stuff out of people and head back to her planet!
It makes for a very fresh change and The Rani's bickering with The Master is also rather fun. The Doctor here is confident and strong (and the horrible coat disappears sometimes too). Peri also develops and she shows that she's more than just a companion when she helps the local people to sleep - thanks to her skills.
The best bit of it all is the design. Wow! The Rani's TARDIS is supreme and a beautiful design. If only the BBC had given them good money for every story and we wouldn't have ended up with Timelash (more of that on my next update).
All in all it's not a bad story. It is a little boring in parts (whoops), but is fresh and interesting in other ways. 6/10.
Big Finish
Most of Colin Baker's Doctor Who work with Big Finish is EXCELLENT. Have a look, here.
If like me, you could see Colin's potential, why don't you listen to some Big Finish audios. They have scripted him perfectly and Mr Baker is excellent as the Doctor. I've suggested some audios below which you can buy direct from Big Finish.
Anyway...here are my views of the second quarter of Colin Baker's television time as Doctor Number Six! Click on pictures below if you want to buy them and help the lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here), who will earn some money to support its work.
Vengeance on Varos: I was never a massive fan of this story when it was first show on the television, and I could never understand the love of it. However, since getting a bit older and probably more cynical, I can now see very clearly what a masterpiece this story is. Interestingly enough, unfortunately I suspect this is where the world is heading right now - people are increasingly showing a lack of interest in human stories, but rather searching to do or see something exciting or stupid instead. Right now, many desperate people are trying to get across to the promised land of the "West", and no one is particularly interested. The two characters of Arak and Etta are disinterested in the life surrounding them, and simply care about what will happen next on the TV. Indeed one could argue that part of the reason for this is that they know no better - but we should know better.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the planet keep feeding the people full of propaganda, so that they don't worry about the reality. "Video nasties" are constantly shown to the populace to help in two ways: show that there is no point in trying to change the world; and secondly to show what happens to the scum who rebel against this perfect dystopia. I wonder if this is happening to us all now?
In the story, The Doctor shows the people what is wrong with the society, and he leaves them hopeful that the planet will finally enjoy happier times.
Vengeance on Varos is an excellent piece of work and I highly recommend it. At the time, it was perceived too violent (maybe so) for Doctor Who, but that's the whole point. None of this is right and is all rather shocking. The message is simple: let's not lose our humanity, or all is lost. 9/10
The Mark of the Rani: I've always loved this one, because it introduces The Rani. For the first time since the Delgado Master, a rebel Time Lord actually has a reason to be somewhere that does not involve the Doctor! The Master (as played by various people since Delgado, but here played by Anthony Ainley), has had no purpose since the Tom Baker era, but to kill the Doctor. This happens throughout the Peter Davison era and continues throughout the Colin Baker era. This wish to kill only stops in Doctor Who - Survival [DVD]
- Sylvester McCoy's last full story, where The Master is simply trying to survive. So, that's my long-winded way of saying: The Rani is a breath of fresh air, because she just wants to take brain stuff out of people and head back to her planet!It makes for a very fresh change and The Rani's bickering with The Master is also rather fun. The Doctor here is confident and strong (and the horrible coat disappears sometimes too). Peri also develops and she shows that she's more than just a companion when she helps the local people to sleep - thanks to her skills.
The best bit of it all is the design. Wow! The Rani's TARDIS is supreme and a beautiful design. If only the BBC had given them good money for every story and we wouldn't have ended up with Timelash (more of that on my next update).
All in all it's not a bad story. It is a little boring in parts (whoops), but is fresh and interesting in other ways. 6/10.
Big Finish
Most of Colin Baker's Doctor Who work with Big Finish is EXCELLENT. Have a look, here.
Monday, 5 October 2015
What a break!
Sometimes I look at another blog and see that it hasn't been updated for so long. If I've enjoyed reading it, that becomes quite annoying. However, I may been one of those people - though I have seen much worse - as ever I am not really sure anyone is reading my thoughts thoughts! C'est la vie!
Here are some more books that I have recently read and HIGHLY recommend. Click on the links if you want to buy them. If you click on the link and purchase something a lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here) will earn some money to support its causes. :) I supported them recently, and though I've not been to any of their events, I have supported them as much as possible. This is one way I can do that.
First up: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot)
. I've read a few of Agatha Christie's classics and have now started from the beginning of Monsieur Poirot. I'll follow these through in the order that they are intended (according to Christie). This book was a good beginning, explaining how Captain Hastings knew Poirot, and how they first meet Inspector Japp. The story was excellent and kept taking us down a dead end. I highly recommend this excellent book.
Next, I always need facts: Who Governs Britain?
This excellent book is part of the new Pelican books series of thinking books. I do enjoy the politics of the UK and this book shows all the intricate bits and pieces. What did I learn? That no one really runs this country - especially not the Prime Minister! Well worth a read. This man also writes very well and kept me interested throughout.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Series)
- everyone should read this book (and the next two too!). This author sadly died before he became famous. I loved this book so much, and it was full of excellent twists and turns. Some things I never ever expected. It's also very sinister and quite nasty is some parts. I think the novel is about the real world not being very nice - instead it's a tough place, but sometimes every one of us gets a chance to win something big. Read this novel, it's well worth every turn of a page. I am currently reading the second book and I am already hooked!
Finally, Sovereign: 3 (The Shardlake Series)
. I am not going to talk too much about this. These books are perfect and their historical details feel so real. You want the characters to do well and you feel part of their lives. The depiction of Henry VIII is wonderful too. The best bit? An excellent twist or two. Read ASAP!
Here are some more books that I have recently read and HIGHLY recommend. Click on the links if you want to buy them. If you click on the link and purchase something a lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here) will earn some money to support its causes. :) I supported them recently, and though I've not been to any of their events, I have supported them as much as possible. This is one way I can do that.
First up: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot)
. I've read a few of Agatha Christie's classics and have now started from the beginning of Monsieur Poirot. I'll follow these through in the order that they are intended (according to Christie). This book was a good beginning, explaining how Captain Hastings knew Poirot, and how they first meet Inspector Japp. The story was excellent and kept taking us down a dead end. I highly recommend this excellent book.Next, I always need facts: Who Governs Britain?
This excellent book is part of the new Pelican books series of thinking books. I do enjoy the politics of the UK and this book shows all the intricate bits and pieces. What did I learn? That no one really runs this country - especially not the Prime Minister! Well worth a read. This man also writes very well and kept me interested throughout.The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Series)
- everyone should read this book (and the next two too!). This author sadly died before he became famous. I loved this book so much, and it was full of excellent twists and turns. Some things I never ever expected. It's also very sinister and quite nasty is some parts. I think the novel is about the real world not being very nice - instead it's a tough place, but sometimes every one of us gets a chance to win something big. Read this novel, it's well worth every turn of a page. I am currently reading the second book and I am already hooked!Finally, Sovereign: 3 (The Shardlake Series)
. I am not going to talk too much about this. These books are perfect and their historical details feel so real. You want the characters to do well and you feel part of their lives. The depiction of Henry VIII is wonderful too. The best bit? An excellent twist or two. Read ASAP!
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Books, Books, Books and some recommendations! Ch 13
At least if I update this occassionally, I'll be able to provide a good list of books that I've read - and ones that you might be interested in reading too. I truly HIGHLY recommend them all. Click on the link to the books if you want to buy them. If you click on the link and purchase something a lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here) will earn some money to support its causes. :)
As well as Doctor Who books (see my last blog update), I also read lots of other fascinating books too. Here is one of the classic Science Fiction books by JG Ballard: High-Rise
. This is a very scary, gripping and tense book about a tower block that becomes very insular and a tribal mentality begins. It's a book about how easy it is possible for society to collapse when there are no outside influences - neighbours with sizzling jealousy and eventual hatred. It's a fascinating view on what could happen if the "Survival of the Fittest" mentality becomes the first thought of a group of people.
Another book themed on how society can go wrong is Animal Farm: A Fairy Story (Penguin Modern Classics)
. It's a slightly different take on High-Rise. This time the animals overthrow the evil human farmer, and begin to live in an equal society. However, very quickly the pigs take on the leadership, and they revert back to human ways of thinking. The other animals become second-class citizens. Well worth the read and Orwell will keep you hooked throughout.
A final book for now and another science fiction book was The Reviver
written by a new author called Seth Patrick. I don't want to say much about it, because I think people should read it first. It belongs at the top of the sci fi genre, as it was so so good. Buy it today. Please. You'll not regret it. Here are some more notes on it from the author themselves.
As well as Doctor Who books (see my last blog update), I also read lots of other fascinating books too. Here is one of the classic Science Fiction books by JG Ballard: High-Rise
. This is a very scary, gripping and tense book about a tower block that becomes very insular and a tribal mentality begins. It's a book about how easy it is possible for society to collapse when there are no outside influences - neighbours with sizzling jealousy and eventual hatred. It's a fascinating view on what could happen if the "Survival of the Fittest" mentality becomes the first thought of a group of people.Another book themed on how society can go wrong is Animal Farm: A Fairy Story (Penguin Modern Classics)
. It's a slightly different take on High-Rise. This time the animals overthrow the evil human farmer, and begin to live in an equal society. However, very quickly the pigs take on the leadership, and they revert back to human ways of thinking. The other animals become second-class citizens. Well worth the read and Orwell will keep you hooked throughout.A final book for now and another science fiction book was The Reviver
written by a new author called Seth Patrick. I don't want to say much about it, because I think people should read it first. It belongs at the top of the sci fi genre, as it was so so good. Buy it today. Please. You'll not regret it. Here are some more notes on it from the author themselves.
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