Anthropax's Old Blog

I went to see the Hitchhikers film on the 28th. As a fan of the books, this is pretty much what I thought of it. The reviewer is a little extreme and pedantic, but, the basic idea is given; It's a disapointment. I love the books. I've read them through many times, and the jokes come back to me like old familiar friends. The film has none of this. If it was completely disassociated with H2G2, then it would bee seen as a poor si-fi film, with the writer having a liking for Douglas Adam's work. As it is, I felt saddened as I left the cinema. I could write more, but I have a pain all down the diodes on my left-hand side. Hmmm

Although my arabic is rubbish (i.e. non existent), this (http://hezar-dastan.blogspot.com/) blog has great music playing. I went to see the H2G2 film last night. I'll post a small review of it in a while. I have to go to a wedding thing in a bit, so this is quick and bad! Salaam! (One word's not to bad is it?)

Hmmm. It's a bit big. I'll se what I can do... Edit That's better. There is another one, that'll be put up next week. I think I'll go and see the Hitchhikers Guide film tonight. Should be good. I'm halfway through watching 'The Merchant of Venice' (The recent one). I got it on DVD for only £6 - bargin!

This is one of Max's 'Hero' cartoons. In fact, this is the Xmas special. Wow! Enjoy! It's now smaller. Yay!

School ended for me today. Oh. My. GOD. It's the end of an era (and other cliches!), and although I will be going in during study leave, it is the end in regards to lots of things. Being a private school, there were a load of pranks, some involving paint/chickens (bad and in poor taste), others involving drive by shootings with water pistols (fun). I'll post more in a bit. Although I had to work Friday, I had a nice time out and about on the Thursday. There was a meal for those who took classics, but two couldn't make it, so there were only 5 (including the two teachers). It was fun, and relaxed, as well as nice to have a social event. Afterwards I went to the pub, where a load of others from school were. I had my yearbook (little american, but still nice) signed, and tried out tequila for the first time. Hmmm, not a fan. The RS teacher brought in Champagne and strawberries for the last lesson, which passed well, and I produced some bagels and various greek food for the last classic lesson. There was a small service in the school chapel for us leavers, and then I had to sneak off to work. Where I had a nosebleed.

My first ever flag arrived yesterday. I had purchased it of a website that enabled you to choose any countries flag, as well as a few non-country flags (scull and crossbones, rainbow, NATO etc), for less than £10, including postage. As my loyal readers may have guessed, I don’t go in for ostentatious patriotism, complete with flag waving and bunting (it was only excusable after WW2, and only then for about a month), I like the UK and Europe, but I don’t ask God to bless it, or to salute the flag (and picture of Our Glorious Leader) every day. I accept that my country could be wrong on things, and I’m too much of a moral relativist to say that I would always support it. I have nothing against patriotism, only it has to be carefully managed otherwise it turns into nationalism, a whole different kettle of fish. Back to the flag… It wasn’t a Union Jack, but the lovely EU flag, with the nice blue, and the stars. I will hang it on my wall, and I do feel pride in the great institution that is a relatively new superpower, with soft power (diplomacy, aid etc), as opposed to the US’s hard power (bombs etc). I feel pride at the European social modal, of helping those who need it with monetary aid and free healthcare. I love the USE (if you will) that will be able to play a counterweight to the USA in times to come, and the grouping together of countries with diverse heritage, yet common goals in order to create a better, fairer Europe, and therefore world. I think that if Turkey joins, we will have had a regime change, from a (although more European than much of the middle east) with Human Rights abuses, to a country with equal rights for many. Granted, the richer nations have to pay a little more out, but it improves the lives and freedoms of so many more, and that appeals to my Utilitarian streak. The Ukraine wants to join, and I think the EU should expand into north Africa, and fill the void in eastern Europe left by the collapse of the Soviet Union. The EU has a lot of economic clout, and together we can be strong. Ahem… In short, the EU has pledged to give more in aid (although not meeting targets of 0.7% GDP), and hopefully this will give countries like Japan and the US the kick needed to try and eradicate poverty. I think this can be done, as long as we have unity. That’s why I support the Make Poverty History campaign (see band at top of page), and have my wristband. I also emailed Tony Blair, in a hope of spurring him on. It is our generations moral duty to help others, and regardless of what motivates you (religion or ethical outlook), together we can do this.

Watching the Eurovision (something I feel is good more in a pro-europe sense, rather than in a musical one) I wish all of the countries all the best. In particular Ukraine, who (although hosting it, not doubt costing it a lot) have been through a lot in the past year. I'll post later on the results - UK nil points I imagine!

The Sun has posted pictures of Saddam Hussain in his underpants. As I don't read The Sun, I found out about it on the BBC site. The best bit - "The US said the photos appeared to breach Geneva Convention rules on the humane treatment of prisoners of war". Does that need a statement. Naturaly I condem the ill-treatment of prisoners, but my cynical part tells me that perhaps the Iraqi people need this, to see the former dictator in his pants, it could be a form of closure. Perhaps it will mark a decrease in violence as people see their figurehead as he actualy is now. Various other stories, notably involving stem cell research, something I am hugely in favour of - If a persons life can be so dramatically improved, at the expence of a few cells, then so be it. It benifits persons, with no harm to other persons. I think Mill would be in favour.

Go to see this play. Now

US ally in Human rights shocker. The UK ambassador reported on this shocking country, and was swiftly removed. The US is keen to go to war for regime change, yet supports a despot who likes to boil his rivals alive.

Piano Man found on beach. Facinating story, almost like a film.

Rather nice meal last night. I (along with father and his twin sister) went to The Malt House, and had a great big load of tapas. I wasn't drinking (having to drive home), but had a very nice (if expencive) mocktail. My aunt is a watsu therapist (the only one in the UK if I'm correct), and has a website that I promised I'd link to. My half birthday is coming up, and I think I will have a cocktail event, in the trendy bar area of The Malt House. It's lush!

In the UK, we have to send off a statement with our Uni applications, which is a way of selling ourselves to the Uni. This is mine... see what you think. Would you give me a place? Our society and culture define who we are, and, to others, who we are not. Humanity is almost endlessly varied in terms of social structure, rituals, beliefs and many other aspects of life, whether mundane or profound. The diversity of humankind fascinates me, as two societies can be highly distinct even if they live in a close geographical proximity. Of course there has been a lot of contact between cultures, particularly in the last few hundred years due to the rise international trade and European imperialism, and in more recent times, large-scale migration. My ancestors arrived in Britain after anti-Semitic persecution, and this is what makes me want to study the social sciences, as knowledge of other cultures leads to understanding and tolerance. I currently study Classical Civilisation, which I thoroughly enjoy, as it explores the art and architecture of a fascinating people, in particular, the aspect of daily life was focused upon in the current syllabus, showing the contrast between the free mans life, complete with athletics and the symposia, and the life of a woman with weaving and rearing children. Another aspect of the Classics course is the study of Greek Tragedy, in particular plays by Euripides, and these give glimpses into the mind of Greek men and their anxieties, notably towards women. The analysis of these plays is much easier if Freudian notions are kept in mind, and help, particularly in regards to understanding the culture of misogynism. Another course that I have taken at ‘A’ level in Religious Studies. Religion has always fascinated me, as it has driven the evolution of civilisation, and is just as important to a society as culture, as the two are closely entwined in all but the most secular of cultures. Social values are closely linked to the dominant historical religion in a society I enjoy reading material associated with these subjects. I enjoy reading material outside of the courses that I study, and have recently enjoyed books by Karen Armstrong, Kate Fox and Jared Diamond. I am involved in various clubs and societies including the Classics society that holds theatre trips as well as inviting various people from the world of classics to give lectures. A recent speaker was Susan Woodford whose talk on ancient Greek vase painting was fascinating. I am also a member of the William Jones Society, which meets to discuss current affairs. Other groups that I belong to are the film society that shows foreign and independent films, the Liberal Democrat party, as well as being a prefect in school. I am currently guest writer for the school newspaper ‘The Lion’ and have contributed articles on subjects as diverse as the plight of the Bolivian Brazil Nut farmers to the issue of homosexual marriage. I enjoy cooking and have worked as a volunteer in the British Red Cross.

Uni has been on my mind recently. In order to get to St Andrews, I need an 'A' grade, as well as two 'B's. I estimated originaly that as Business Studies is mainly coursework-based, then I would be able to gain an 'A' in that subject. With the deadline tomorrow, I will be working through the night in order to get the Business Planning part done. I doubt I will get an 'A' now. Also, other work is needed. I have to prepare a synoptic piece on religious authority. Hmmm. All these problems, and so little time. In other news, the May Ball is tomorrow. I should have photographs at some stage. Until then, enjoy the ones from Greece (except for the ones on their side - am working on that). There is a new blogger from my school, who I have some... disagreements with in regards to various issues. Ciao!

As you may notice, I have a couple of new features. One is a map thing, and the other is a photo thing. Should be good! At last I have got the photographs from the classics trip to Greece developed, and have some to show you. There should be a link to them, but if it doesn't work out, then I'll post some. Ciao!

Channel 4 (the more arty channel in the UK) is starting a season of Iranian films, and programmes about them. I have heard a lot about Iranian film (and blogs), but haven’t actually seen any. However, a new film is out, called The Lizard. Anyway, this season of films starts today with this. I'll mis the first thing (work), but I should be able to stay up and watch some of the films.

Well, Labour are back in. Not that there was much chance of the Tories (thank goodness), although my area does now have a Tory MP. The Tories will soon need another leader, and pretty much the only person left is Boris. Call me a fool, but I have high hopes for Labour, as they could start the ball rolling on Africa, and I think they plan to introduce civil unions, something that won't go down well with George Dubulya! Anyway, there were good gains for the Lib Dems, something they're rather pleased with.

I once again point you towards this blog. I can't vote in this election, due to not-filled-in paperwork, but, I would vote Labour, for purely tactical reasons of course. This is my area, and, well, the Labour MP is better than a Tory. He even voted against the war, so it can be morally justified. Sort of. As results come in, I'll try to update. I know the Tories won't get in (thank goodness!), but what if they do? It's frightening, and I only realised that even Tories believe that what they are doing is correct a few days ago.

I haven't been posting for a while, due in part to the demands of work (school and job), as well as having been devoting most of my blogging time to fighting a mock election (for the Lib Dems). Website is www.msld.blogspot.com and I have tried to fight it fair and square, but it is tricky, particularly when there are so many people in the school who would vote Tory just because mummy and daddy do. I have tried to avoid negitive posters et al, but I am getting desperate, and will have to use far more witty slogans to try to defeat the Tories. I may even have to join forces with Labour... I'll write more about the real election later