tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.comments2022-07-20T15:27:16.483+01:00Freethinking: a journal of popular culture .IanWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13864128439788522183noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-51537350650781266552014-02-06T18:33:08.940+00:002014-02-06T18:33:08.940+00:00While I agree with your Voltaire outbust, and that...While I agree with your Voltaire outbust, and that there is no BUT in "Freedom of Speech" (Spiked's "All or noithing" stance), I have a large BUT (eating too much fat?):<br /> <br />Absolutely everything you say must be presumed to relate only to one tiny, increasingly insignificant part of the world - The UK, as your words mostly sound laughable within the context of many other countries' somewhat intolerant and repressive treatment of those who foolishly attempt to express their own views and have the audacity to object when they're punished for merely having such views.<br /> <br /> <br />Barry<br /> <br />PS - There is no such thing as that pathetically euphemistic piece of PC, "female circumcision" - that's an oxymoron. Circumcision in a cutting context can only relate to a penis; females do not have one, only males have one. Please limit your terminology to the official wording, which took quite a battle for its two main users to establish (police and medicals). The proper medical term is "Female Genital Mutilation", more correct and explicit enough!Barry Spencenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-53894285841846671572013-12-21T21:16:18.683+00:002013-12-21T21:16:18.683+00:00I know the sequels will expand on this universe an...I know the sequels will expand on this universe and make it better, but I’m a bit disappointed with this one right now. Nice review Ian.Dan O.http://www.dtmmr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-2179820634042580422013-12-09T01:03:37.775+00:002013-12-09T01:03:37.775+00:00What no mention of the two major critical bones of...What no mention of the two major critical bones of contention? One,Clark not saving Jonathan's life in case it blows his secret, when he could have done it in a dozen ways without outing himself. Two, snapping Zod's neck in battle Again, at least a dozen different alternatives to remove him but let him live. He's Superman not Dirty Harry!Ian Ravendalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15099536661429562295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-60219794764639647032010-08-02T20:44:38.194+01:002010-08-02T20:44:38.194+01:00Reply to above also disappeared. If this one does,...Reply to above also disappeared. If this one does, you'll never know....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-30288058020407265962010-08-02T17:58:43.009+01:002010-08-02T17:58:43.009+01:00You sent one?You sent one?IanWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13864128439788522183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-90244319035618556022010-08-02T14:45:00.566+01:002010-08-02T14:45:00.566+01:00... and whatever happened to my first comment from...... and whatever happened to my first comment from earlier today?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-32844672731353389042010-07-08T20:31:33.192+01:002010-07-08T20:31:33.192+01:00The reason why you do not hear other policies from...The reason why you do not hear other policies from the BNP is because the press are forbidden to report positive news stories regarding the BNP.<br /><br />The NUJ has a "NO Platform" policy, the same that Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany had, surrounding reporting the BNP. <br /><br />As for the blogger commenting on free speech, he is very much deluded. BNP activists tend to be harrassed, banned from certain occupations and prohibited from appearing in positive media.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-23629217896869945952010-04-21T19:15:01.499+01:002010-04-21T19:15:01.499+01:00"Greengrocers" may be acceptable to you;..."Greengrocers" may be acceptable to you; it is not acceptable to me. It's as wrong as placing the apostrophe in "strawberry's". When a word that needs an apostrophe is written without it, that's equal to putting one in a word that doesn't need one.<br /><br />I once saw a gem on a shop notice - I think it was even a greengrocer's shop: "Thieve's will be prosecuted."<br /><br />Too many of today's semi-literates seem to link the insertion of an apostrophe with the simple creation of a plural and conversely, they miss it out where it should be.<br /><br />My recent hate has been "head butting" over the last few years. Before this superfluous nonsense, we used to have the correct term "butting." My dictionary says the verb BUTT means "To strike with the head". Therefore it's physically impossible to butt with anything other than the head.<br /><br />We don't (yet) say "foot kicking", "fist punching" or "teeth biting", because each verb clearly defines the unique use of - respectively - the foot, fist and teeth. So why "head butting" for a verb that means only the use of the head?<br /><br />There will be more... are we having a pedants' competition? Note where I placed the apostrophe in that sentence!<br /><br />BarryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-70078079764970489882010-04-21T11:37:31.827+01:002010-04-21T11:37:31.827+01:00Made up words may irritate me as much as you, but ...Made up words may irritate me as much as you, but worse to me are those terms that are DISPRONOUNCED - or have I just made up one there? Smack my wrist and read on...<br /><br />Your drastic treatment should also be given to "Yoomin Rights", "Laura Norder", "Oringe" and "Drawring" - all commonly used on TV, even by the BBC, once the guardian of Queen's English.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-14454582099136685482010-04-10T11:25:02.898+01:002010-04-10T11:25:02.898+01:00Forget the repeated arguments about racism, racism...Forget the repeated arguments about racism, racism and racism. We must ask ourselves, and more importantly, ask the BNP itself, the following question:<br /><br />What are the BNP policies on health, education, defence, energy and power, taxation, pensions, benefits, global warming, transport, investment, unemployment, housing, etc.?<br /><br />I have heard NOTHING from the BNP on any of these issues, any one of which is far more important than mere racism.<br /><br />No party should - or deserves to - win seats based on promoting a single policy on a single subject. If they do, your definitions would classify those who voted BNP as racists also. Sorry, Nick (or whoever succeeds you) - until I find out all of the answers to my question, I can't even define your bunch as a proper political party.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-44294796289706648392010-04-09T02:32:24.651+01:002010-04-09T02:32:24.651+01:00How about coming up with a tax system where the li...How about coming up with a tax system where the likes of Phillip Green (£1.2 billon bonus last year) actually pay tax? Currently Phil's tax bill is £0. Because Mrs G 'lives in Monacco' and they don't have a UK residence.<br /><br />(The Labour candidate you mention, Ian, was one of my first pupils back in my 'Primary School Teacher' period!)Ian Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029498411688832177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-7107357441198153472010-04-08T16:26:19.155+01:002010-04-08T16:26:19.155+01:00At the last PM Questions on Tuesday, Camneron used...At the last PM Questions on Tuesday, Camneron used the chance to savage Brown, generally fairly and with deserved criticism. Unfortunately, he instantly alienated me during a heated exchange on the wisdom (or lack of it) of NI increases.<br /><br />The following is a direct quote of Cameron's words. "National Insurance is a tax on jobs!" He did not actually SAY this; he clearly and loudly SHOUTED it three times at Brown.<br /><br />Maybe he really meant an increase in NI would be a tax on jobs? His words and attitude tell me that any "tax on jobs" is a Bad Thing, to be reasonably eliminated by any rational leader. Therefore, I await news of Cameron's revolutionary new way to fund the NHS and Benefits system after he completely abolishes the NI contribution method of the lasy 60+ years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-71451388873136213402010-03-30T12:47:59.259+01:002010-03-30T12:47:59.259+01:00On top of your comments, I would add that the stri...On top of your comments, I would add that the strike is not merely about jobs - it's the crews' objection to management plans to simultaneously increase working hours and reduce pay.<br /><br />If you remember the last two Tory governments' laws that all but criminalised unions, strike rights and picketing, the Labour Opposition screamed "disgraceful union bashing" and promised to abolish the unfair laws. It is a remarkable fact that the subsequent 13 years of "Labour" (champions of the workers?) have seen no changes: no new laws, no repeals of Tory ones, etc.<br /><br />Question: Who do unions still bother to fund a party that no longer represents their members' interests?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-58689630087076582312010-03-21T12:30:11.869+00:002010-03-21T12:30:11.869+00:00Whatever is all this fuss about? (you and The Mail...Whatever is all this fuss about? (you and The Mail) - PC, "personal name" (there is no such thing), politeness, etc. are all wasteful distractions. Although the term "forename" is acceptable, whatever could be wrong with the continued widespread use of the clearer term "first name"? This term was actually devised as a sensible alternative to the generally outdated and inappropriate "Christian name" - are we now going to scrap it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-90988781841509058372010-03-13T20:58:53.410+00:002010-03-13T20:58:53.410+00:00Wise words Ian W. As a psychiatry trainee I was ra...Wise words Ian W. As a psychiatry trainee I was raging about yet another ridiculous portrayal of psych illness and treatment in what used to be a great show. Hypnotism/brainwashing, patients all wearing the same uniforms and an adolescent who has recently attempted to kill herself by slitting her wrists being sent home with a bunch of pills and no contact with services except a psychokiller shrink - real quality stuff. How can we really attempt to fight "stigma" when this is what we're up against?!clarenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-28438850821494964692010-03-11T14:14:31.076+00:002010-03-11T14:14:31.076+00:00Are you not being too impatient with Dave/David? A...Are you not being too impatient with Dave/David? A day snd a half may not be "a long time in politics" - he may be very bust planning on how the Lib Dems should win the forthcoming election. Bet you hear by the weekend...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-69007979806855952512010-03-11T01:31:38.248+00:002010-03-11T01:31:38.248+00:00Oh no! It's Ian and bloody 'Skins' aga...Oh no! It's Ian and bloody 'Skins' again! Arghh!<br /><br />(And, in case anyone is wondering, I'm a (totally!) different Ian. Ian P, in fact. The thingy doesn't want to add the 'P' (Bob)Ian Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029498411688832177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-33018733284436636862010-03-04T23:20:45.546+00:002010-03-04T23:20:45.546+00:00I'm 17 and absolutely loved this episode becau...I'm 17 and absolutely loved this episode because I am literally going through the same thing as Katie, the whole early menopause thing. It was hard to watch but it was really powerful stuff. I'm really glad skins used this in the plot line, it makes me a little less depressedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-83419179239796486302010-03-02T00:40:35.563+00:002010-03-02T00:40:35.563+00:00Apparently.........Must be fixed now!Apparently.........Must be fixed now!Ian Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029498411688832177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-85387952257613016812010-02-25T11:34:46.862+00:002010-02-25T11:34:46.862+00:00Whilst not wishing to suggest plagiarism by Pierre...Whilst not wishing to suggest plagiarism by Pierre Boule or Rod Serling and '60s Hollywood screenwriters, doesn't this tale remind you of some of the inconsistencies in the PLANET OF THE APES films?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-5570205150904197402010-02-22T03:25:22.700+00:002010-02-22T03:25:22.700+00:00I wrote a bloody comment here! Why didn't it s...I wrote a bloody comment here! Why didn't it show up? Will this one?Ian Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029498411688832177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-19144354055732571762009-12-19T14:54:46.884+00:002009-12-19T14:54:46.884+00:00Winter winds, they do blow cold
The time of year i...Winter winds, they do blow cold<br />The time of year it is chosen.<br />Now the frost and fire<br />And now the sea is frozen.<br />('Winter Winds', Fotheringay, 1970)<br /><br />You might be interested in my Sandy blog at <a href="http://www.sandydenny.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.sandydenny.blogspot.com</a>.Philip Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10533820381398938569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-8151885989797617942009-11-18T18:26:25.690+00:002009-11-18T18:26:25.690+00:00I've often wondered where Moore could have gon...I've often wondered where Moore could have gone creatively if he hadn't wandering into homage and pastiche.<br /><br />(Meinda Gebbe must be pretty tall!)Ian Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029498411688832177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-58411648296205451802009-11-18T18:04:54.510+00:002009-11-18T18:04:54.510+00:00I miss the days when the Government let us get on ...I miss the days when the Government let us get on with it.......Ian Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029498411688832177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220942974927184412.post-84379448589283938802009-11-13T07:30:25.617+00:002009-11-13T07:30:25.617+00:00I miss the days when Wimpy burgers were all meat, ...I miss the days when Wimpy burgers were all meat, not that horrible breaded garbage that came on in the mid to late 60's. Of course now there's no Wimpy's anymore (jeesh, I just checked Wikipedia - they still exist?!!!), nor Golden Egg.<br /><br />My parents toted me around Europe beginning age 5 (1962) through 1970, when my father traveled on sales junkets for his company, Tally Corp - they built digital peripherals for the emerging business market using satellite communications. We usually started out, and ended, in England - so I'm a well healed Anglophile.<br /><br />My personal epitaph will read, "ENTROPY SUX!"<br /><br />{the REACTIONS feature for your articles doesn't seem to be working? I've checked some but when I reload, they aren't recorded/counted. Yes, I'm logged in for blogger.}FreeRangeAuthorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05700030633956787800noreply@blogger.com