I went to an authoritative lecture tonight that I knew would present an OPTIMISTIC theory about economics and environmental issues. A rare thing.
I went because I am very worried about the future of the world. I vote Green, protest etc. But I think that, if you have a strong view about a subject, you should ALWAYS seek out authoritative (or even just passionate) views...
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I went because I am very worried about the future of the world. I vote Green, protest etc. But I think that, if you have a strong view about a subject, you should ALWAYS seek out authoritative (or even just passionate) views...
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GLOBAL FEAR ECONOMY
I know all too well from doing publicity in charities that your two key tools are, unfortunately, fear and guilt. It's the way to maximise donations.
It's the same in advertising. Advertisers try to make their adverts/commercials SEEM all nice and cheery, but often the message is still fear and guilt. For example, an advert about how a certain baby food will...
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I know all too well from doing publicity in charities that your two key tools are, unfortunately, fear and guilt. It's the way to maximise donations.
It's the same in advertising. Advertisers try to make their adverts/commercials SEEM all nice and cheery, but often the message is still fear and guilt. For example, an advert about how a certain baby food will...
Read More
sylvan:
thanks for this blog x
RELIGION ETC IN DECLINE?
As an extra to my post below, I'd like to ask if anyone wants to tell me if they feel religion is in decline? And how about other possibly 'credulous' stuff like new age beliefs, conspiracy theory etc?
My own view is that religion in the west is slightly panicking because it is in decline. Certainly in Europe anyway (maybe not...
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As an extra to my post below, I'd like to ask if anyone wants to tell me if they feel religion is in decline? And how about other possibly 'credulous' stuff like new age beliefs, conspiracy theory etc?
My own view is that religion in the west is slightly panicking because it is in decline. Certainly in Europe anyway (maybe not...
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PHILOSOPHERS
I's been a good week for philosophical/skeptical (my main viewpoint!) stuff. On Monday I went to Skepics in the Pub. On Wednesday I saw two of the UK's top philosophers debating at the London School of Economics. Tonight (Friday) I was in the studio audience for perhaps Britain's best quiz show comedy called QI.
Here's some stuff on each.
Monday's thing was Skeptics in...
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I's been a good week for philosophical/skeptical (my main viewpoint!) stuff. On Monday I went to Skepics in the Pub. On Wednesday I saw two of the UK's top philosophers debating at the London School of Economics. Tonight (Friday) I was in the studio audience for perhaps Britain's best quiz show comedy called QI.
Here's some stuff on each.
Monday's thing was Skeptics in...
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KILLING MICE
I killed my second mouse today, using a moustrap and peanut butter as bait.
They've been scurrying out from under the decking in my garden and eating the leftovers from my bird table.
Should I be killing them? I think maybe I'll stop. I was just worried about ending up with dozens of them right outside my patio door (a patio door I'd...
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I killed my second mouse today, using a moustrap and peanut butter as bait.
They've been scurrying out from under the decking in my garden and eating the leftovers from my bird table.
Should I be killing them? I think maybe I'll stop. I was just worried about ending up with dozens of them right outside my patio door (a patio door I'd...
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otoki:
I can see how that would be a problem.
FIRST GREEN IN UK PARLIAMENT
The UK elections were last night and - GREAT - the UK got its first ever Green Party member of parliament (the formidable Caroline Lucas). We've had Green Party members of the European parliament (MEPs), but never any regular MPs back home.
This is great news and should put green issues higher on the UK agenda. A bummer that the...
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The UK elections were last night and - GREAT - the UK got its first ever Green Party member of parliament (the formidable Caroline Lucas). We've had Green Party members of the European parliament (MEPs), but never any regular MPs back home.
This is great news and should put green issues higher on the UK agenda. A bummer that the...
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squee:
I hadn't heard that, that's awesome, they had some good policies!
PROUD/PRIDE = GOOD?
I reckon if you polled the public on whether pride is a positive or a negatve trait, you'd get really varied responses. Why?
Phrases like "pride comes before for a fall" and (said in a derogatory way) "she looks so PROUD of herself" are very negative. But, conversely, to have pride in your work or be proud of your achievements is a...
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I reckon if you polled the public on whether pride is a positive or a negatve trait, you'd get really varied responses. Why?
Phrases like "pride comes before for a fall" and (said in a derogatory way) "she looks so PROUD of herself" are very negative. But, conversely, to have pride in your work or be proud of your achievements is a...
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HOPPING MAD
Despite the ever-growing number of channels on UK television, these channels seem to be getting better and better at timing the advertisements/commercials so that they mostly all happen at the same time.
I'm maybe 75 percent certain (based on pure guesswork) that the channels are conspiring to ensure that we have the minimum chance to avoid adverts by channel hopping.
I wonder what...
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Despite the ever-growing number of channels on UK television, these channels seem to be getting better and better at timing the advertisements/commercials so that they mostly all happen at the same time.
I'm maybe 75 percent certain (based on pure guesswork) that the channels are conspiring to ensure that we have the minimum chance to avoid adverts by channel hopping.
I wonder what...
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CAT GUILT
Cats clearly have a form of self-consciousness, guilt or some behaviour that mimicks it.
I've been trying to stroke cats that visit my garden for five months, but they keep running away. However when I try to stroke cats in the street I have a good success rate.
I don't know what those cats in my garden are thinking, but it might be...
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Cats clearly have a form of self-consciousness, guilt or some behaviour that mimicks it.
I've been trying to stroke cats that visit my garden for five months, but they keep running away. However when I try to stroke cats in the street I have a good success rate.
I don't know what those cats in my garden are thinking, but it might be...
Read More
leandra:
wow.. I didn't know that! Yeah it's totally real "lunch" the hummingbird keeps coming to hang out!
hahaha.. your blog is cute, cats are too funny! They're so cheeky.
hahaha.. your blog is cute, cats are too funny! They're so cheeky.
CUDDLE HORMONE
Apparently a nasal spray laced with 'cuddle hormone' oxytocin has been shown to make men more in tune with other peoples' feelings. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8653500.stm
It's always sobering for a guy like me - who stomps around with strong opinions on things - to consider that the difference between myself or a much softer version of me could be as simple as a gram of...
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Apparently a nasal spray laced with 'cuddle hormone' oxytocin has been shown to make men more in tune with other peoples' feelings. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8653500.stm
It's always sobering for a guy like me - who stomps around with strong opinions on things - to consider that the difference between myself or a much softer version of me could be as simple as a gram of...
Read More
But I think I really like summer the best. but I have to agree, after a big rough winter, spring bring all joy back