Did you notice the Google glitch today?

Google blacklists entire internet Glitch causes world's most popular search engine to classify all web pages as dangerous (link via guardian.co.uk) Did you notice the strange message - "Warning! This site may harm your computer." - on all web pages pulled up by Google? The search engine didn't work for forty minutes. I thought it was a problem with my computer or a problem with our internet provider this afternoon but it turns out Google was to blame - and it was a worldwide problem! And they admitted it was due to "human error", which proves that all this amazing technology is only as good as the humans behind it.

Englishwoman finds fame doing makeup tutorials on YouTube

This is an interesting human interest story in the news: Lauren Luke, a 27-year-old single mother from South Shields, Tyneside, England has found fame (and potential fortune) via her makeup tutorials on youtube. The YouTube makeup guru marvels at the global popularity of her amateur how-to videos (link via guardian.co.uk) I guess just about anyone can become famous now through YouTube! Seriously though, I have to say I'm impressed with Lauren Luke after reading the article and watching the video which is included in the article. I think she is so popular because in addition to her natural talent for applying makeup, she has a natural and very friendly way when she speaks on camera. Lauren Luke is so famous that she even has a page on Wikipedia! Well done, Lauren! Lauren Luke's channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/panacea81

Life in England: Ten rants and ten raves

10 things I dislike about living in England:
1. Everything is very expensive!
2. Surveillance society (Big Brother Britain): CCTV (Britain is the most watched nation in the world!) - ID cards/databases; and a plan to monitor the e-mail, telephone and internet browsing records of every person in Britain.
3. Anti-social behavior (hoodies, yobs).
4. Small houses - no built-in closets and most have no basements. Also, even detached houses are built very close together. If you're lucky, your house might have a utility room for the washing machine and dryer. Most houses don't though so the washing machine is in the kitchen.
5. Congested roads, parking on pavement (sidewalk).
6. Awful customer service.
7. Pervasive drinking culture ("Binge Britain").
8. Litter - everywhere.
9. Separate hot and cold water taps. This drives me crazy.
10. TV licence - I resent this compulsory, annual tax to support the BBC especially with the advent of iPlayer. I think it's very unfair that everyone in Britain still has to pay their TV licence fee while the rest of the world can access BBC programmes for free via iPlayer (which is supposed to be limited to the UK) simply by changing their IP address!

10 things I love about living in England:
1. Temperate climate - it seldom gets very hot (hence no air conditioning in houses) or very cold (I'm from Minnesota so this is especially appreciated).
2. Gorgeous gardens! - and able to garden all year round.
3. History everywhere you look - ancient buildings, cathedrals and castles!
4. NHS (National Health Service) - it's not perfect but medical care is available to everyone and you never get a bill.
5. Teashops - tea and scones!
6. Theatre; pantomimes.
7. Traditions like mince meat pies and crackers/paper crowns at Christmas; May Day and  Morris Dancing.
8. Stunning scenery - the beautiful countryside, houses with thatched roofs, tall hedges alongside twisting country lanes, lakes/mountains, and narrowboats on canals.
9. Pubs (public houses) - not just a place for a drink but a friendly place to meet and eat pub food; welcoming convivial atmosphere - cozy in the winter (many have a real fire) and pub gardens to sit outside in during the summer. 10. The charm of English seaside villages and towns. The seaside is never far away.

Birmingham drop apostrophes from road signs

The people who work for Birmingham City Council have found an unusual way to save time and make their job easier: Apostrophes abolished by council Apostrophes in street signs have been banned by a council because its staff spend too much time dealing with complaints about grammar. (link via telegraph.co.uk) Unbelievable! What sort of example does this set? I sure hope other councils don't decide to imitate Birmingham. Yes, learning how to use correct grammar and punctuation can be tedious but I think this decision is ridiculous! I think they just couldn't be bothered to do the signs right in the first place and this is their lazy solution - to not bother with apostrophes at all. What do you think about their decision? Related links: Birmingham City Council Apostrophe Protection Society The Dreaded Apostrophe

Cool video shows all 44 presidents of USA in 4 minutes

Presidents of the United States morphed in sequence from George Washington to President Barack Obama. The music is 'Hooked on America' performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: (link via Linda's World) How cool is that video?! Learn more about America's Presidents. (link via whitehouse.gov)

Children's database ContactPoint launched in England

I've been dreading this news: Children's database ContactPoint launched despite security fears ContactPoint will include the names, ages and addresses of 11 million under-18s as well as information about their parents, GPs and schools. Yes, a database of details on all* children in England is officially starting. Except it isn't all* children: Celebrities and politicians will be able to keep their details off a controversial new database listing the personal details of every child in England, it has been reported. (links via telegraph.co.uk) So, celebrities and politicians are concerned about the security of their children's details and can opt out but the rest of us parents have no say in permitting our children's details to be entered in the database! As usual there are different rules for people in power and another set of rules for ordinary citizens. Charming! And doesn't their concern about security prove that the database isn't secure? It makes me so angry that I can hardly type this post. What is happening to this country and to our rights? What are your thoughts about ContactPoint? If you are a parent in England, are you worried?

Daniel Radcliffe offers a tour of Harry Potter set to Obama's daughters

Daniel Radcliffe has offered to take the Obama family on a tour of the Harry Potter set. "I'd like to take this opportunity to issue a public invitation to the Obamas that if their daughters would like a private tour of the Harry Potter set, I would be honoured to be their personal tour guide," he said. (link via digitalspy.co.uk) I bet Malia and Sasha will take up his offer! How fun for them. In related news, I remember reading that Barack Obama has read every Harry Potter book: Fifty things you might not know about Barack Obama (link via telegraph.co.uk) I've read all of the Harry Potter books too (as has most of the world it seems) but I still think it's cool that the president has read all of them too. I know, I know - it's silly in the whole scheme of things (they are just a series of seven fantasy novels after all) but it just seems to add another layer to the whole well-rounded individual that he is. And the novels do present a strong sense of good triumphing over evil.

Cool new site: FindAnyFilm

Film Council launches the UK's 'Google for film' search site UK film buffs will be able to access a bespoke online search tool from today that will give cinema and TV listings, DVD, Blu-ray and download options for 34,000 films. (link via guardian.co.uk) Find Any Film

Adverts in cinema

Kylie Minogue's Agent Provocateur commercial voted best cinema ad ever The raunchy 2001 short called Proof, which features the singer riding the machine in Agent Provocateur underwear, was crowned the best cinema advertisement in a public vote. The controversial commercial, created specifically for cinema and banned from being shown on television, shows Kylie riding a red velvet rodeo bull to show that Agent Provocateur is "the most erotic lingerie in the world". At the end of the short film she challenges the men in the audience to "stand up and be counted". (link via telegraph.co.uk) Oh please. I've seen the advert in the cinema (you can watch it via the article I've linked to) but I wouldn't consider it the best cinema ad ever. Yes, it's raunchy (very) and I can see why most red-blooded men would enjoy watching the advert but I can't believe it's been voted the best cinema ad ever. There are other ads that are better because they are amusing or stylish but I actually despise all cinema adverts. Why should we have to sit through a stream of adverts after we have already paid (an exorbitant) amount (£7.50) to watch the movie? It would be like having to watch adverts on the BBC even though we have already paid the tv licence. What do you think of the Agent Provocateur advert? And what do you think about advertising in cinemas?

Cool website: London street fashion

LondonStreetFashion is a cool website that aims to "...showcase the latest trends in London fashion, bringing you a regularly updated library of pictures taken on all sides of the capital."

What do you call these sort of shoes?

I got the idea for this post from a forum I belong to (American Expats in the UK) and I thought it would be fun to put the question to my readers on my blog: What do you call these sort of shoes? What generic term do you (or did you) use for these shoes, and where are you from? Are they sneakers, tennies, tennis shoes....what? If you are from the states, what did/do you call them? I'm interested to see which states/regions use which terms. I called them tennis shoes (and sometimes I called them "tennies") and I'm from Minnesota. Since residing in England, I have learned to call them trainers. Wherever you're from (not just from the USA) what do you call them?

Generous Icelanders donate blankets & warm clothes to UK pensioners

This is a heart-warming story from The Sunday Times today: Iceland finds somewhere that’s worse off – Britain As the people of Iceland struggle to cope with the collapse of their economy, they are still thinking of those who are suffering more – we British, for example. A shipload of blankets and warm clothes will arrive in Grimsby tomorrow, donated by listeners to a popular morning radio show in Reykjavik after a report on the terrible conditions in England. “When we broadcast the story that UK pensioners were dying from the cold, our listeners could not believe their own ears,” says Heimir Karlsson of Bylgjan radio, which organised the appeal. “Families, some from far away, came one after another with garments. One nine-year-old girl gathered 37 beautiful sweaters and delivered it to us at the radio station.” The blankets will be distributed in Britain by the National Pensioners Convention. It is sadly true that a lot of the elderly are suffering badly in Britain and Fuel poverty is putting older people at risk when temperatures plunge. (link via Sky News). The UK Government should be ashamed. I am so impressed by the generous and kind-hearted Icelanders who have their own financial woes in their country and yet they are reaching out to help the elderly in Britain. Thank you to everyone in Iceland!

Farmhouse Breakfast Week 25th - 31st Jan

Farmhouse Breakfast Week 25th - 31st January 2009 Farmhouse Breakfast Week is an annual campaign that emphasises the importance of eating a healthy breakfast every day. 'Think Breakfast' is the theme of this year's celebration to encourage everyone to wake up to breakfast as part of a healthy balanced diet and active lifestyle. Farhmouse Breakfast Week I usually have a toasted crumpet or yogurt for my breakfast. My husband likes to have porridge or beans on toast for his breakfast. Our youngest son likes to have porridge or waffles, and our eldest is away at university but when he's home, he always has cereal. On the weekends, I usually make boiled eggs and toast "soldiers" or scrambled eggs. How do you start your day? Full breakfast, just a snack or do you skip breakfast? If you are looking for breakfast ideas (and how to make them): How To Make A Traditional Full English Breakfast How To Make Eggy Bread How To Make Scrambled Eggs On Toast How To Make Boiled Egg And Soldiers How To Make Poached Eggs How To Make The Perfect Bowl Of Porridge How To Make American Pancakes (links via videojug.com)

Britain: 13th in survey of personal well-being in Europe

Britain has been ranked 13th in a survey of personal well-being in Europe that found Denmark, Switzerland and Austria the nicest places to live. Measure smiles, not just GDP: British 'among least happy in Europe' Tired, suspicious, bored and lonely: the British fare poorly in a new, detailed study which ranks European countries according to a sense of national contentment. Britain comes third from the bottom in western Europe in the National Accounts of Wellbeing report, published today. (link via guardian.co.uk) National Accounts of Well-being The personal well-being headline indicator measures people’s sense of how they are feeling within themselves and experiencing their lives. It is a combination of five component indicators which measure: emotional well-being; the extent to which people have a satisfying life; vitality; resilience and self-esteem; and positive functioning. I do think British society is becoming more and more negative generally, especially in regards to opinions and attitudes about young people. That would certainly affect people's self-esteem and sense of purpose. What are your thoughts about the results of the survey?

Jonathan Ross returns with jokey apology

I watched Jonathan Ross last night on the return of his chat show, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on BBC One and waited to hear his apology for his part in the digusting Sachsgate scandal. He started out by saying "So, where were we?" followed by a guffaw on his part and loud laughter from the audience. And then after making his so-called apology, he couldn't resist adding a vulgar comment afterwards by saying,"...speaking of enormous cock-ups..." and pausing while the audience laughed. Ha ha, very funny. Not. Then he said, "It's going to be a gradual change, obviously. Please welcome my band, Four Puffs and a Piano." I don't think his apology wss sincere and in my opinion, he didn't seem at all remorseful about his subsequent 12-week suspension. The first guest was stand-up comedian, Lee Evans. Next was Stephen Fry, who I adore. I was fascinated by the facts that Stephen relayed about the wildlife in New Zealand, especially the birds there. Stephen just recently returned from New Zealand where he was filming part of a BBC documentary series looking at the progress of some of the world's most endangered species. Tom Cruise was a guest on the show too (his first time on the show) and besides talking about his new movie Valkyrie, Jonathan Ross got into a conversation with Tom about breaking wind. This is typical of Mr. Ross and his kind of humour. When will the man grow up? The show finished with a performance by Franz Ferdinand, the Scottish rock band. In my opinion, Jonathan Ross hasn't learned his lesson during his suspension. In fact, I don't think he's changed at all. His light-hearted and jokey apology proved that. If you watched the show last night, what did you think of his apology? Did you think it was sincere enough (I didn't) and did you think he has learned his lesson about his vulgar behavior (again, I don't). related post from my blog: The big story in Britain: BBC and the "Sachsgate" scandal

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (UK)

The Big Garden Birdwatch, 24th - 25th January If you love birds, you probably already know about helping the RSPB this weekend by participating in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. If you forgot about it today or you were too busy, you can still do the count tomorrow. Simply record the highest number of each species seen in your garden (not flying over) at any one time. Top 10 tips to help you get the most out of your Big Garden Birdwatch. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Feeling down? You must watch this video!

If you are feeling down, you must watch this inspiring video about Nick Vujicic. Nick faces incredible obstacles every day of his life but he loves living life and he is happy: Nick Vujicic is a truly inspirational man!

The Hoxton Hotel: famous £1 sale - January 29th

It's time once again for the famous £1 sale at The Hoxton Hotel: Hoxton Hotel's £1 Room Sale The 29th January at 12pm (UK Time) marks the official start of the next £1 sale. There are 1,000 bedrooms up for grabs on their website: 500 at £1 and 500 at £29, for dates between the 1st February 2009 – 30th April 2009 (you are only allowed to book one room, for one night at a £1) Hoxton Hotel 81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU located a short stroll from the City of London and a 5 minute walk from Old Street Station (Northern Line). Please note: I have no connection with The Hoxton Hotel - I just like to pass along information about a great deal when I can!

Brown backs down re: hiding MPs expenses

This is very welcome news! The disgusting plan to make MPs' expenses exempt from the Freedom of Information (FoI) act has been shelved as Brown backs down. (link via BBC News) (thanks for providing the link, flighty!) Campaigners said it was a victory for "people power" after a web protest. People power, indeed - and it shows why blogging is so powerful.

Obama takes oath as 44th US president

The historic day is finally here! It was a beautiful moment to watch as President Obama took his oath even if he did flub* it a bit. It turns out that Chief Justice John Roberts made a mistake and misplaced the word "faithfully" in the oath*: ABOUT THAT OATH FLUB (link via msnbc.com) I thought President Obama's inaugural speech was superb. He's such a great orator and his speech was strong but also full of optimism. I love this: "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy," he said, "tonight is your answer." That was such a stirring speech. Indeed, I found the whole ceremony to be incredibly moving although I admit I cringed with all the prayers and references to God (what happened to separation of church and state?) but I still think the ceremony was beautiful. It was a momentous moment in history and it brought tears to my eyes. I enjoyed watching all the news coverage after the inauguration too because the reporters mingled with the crowd outside the Capitol to get their reactions. It was great to see so many happy people (and not just Americans) and listen to their comments which were full of hope and optimism for the future. One man was actually an immigrant from Kenya and he spoke about what the first African American president meant to him and to his children who were born in America. President Obama (I love saying that!) has a great many challenges to face now but I have great hope for our future with him leading the country. What did you think of his speech? What did you think of the ceremony? Edited to add: This is cool: The White House has a blog and a Twitter account.

Shameful plot to conceal MPs’ expenses: URGENT Action Needed

I am writing today about the government's shameful decision to make MPs' expenses exempt from the Freedom of Information (FoI) act, and the urgent campaign to stop this secrecy move. MPs expenses: Standards watchdog condemns latest secrecy move Sir Christopher Kelly, chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said MPs should not claim money from the public purse if they are not prepared to have those claims opened up to the public. Government plans to exempt MPs' claims from the Freedom of Information Act will only fuel voters' dismay at parliament's generous allowances, the watchdog said. Ministers last week slipped out plans that would block the publication of hundreds of thousands of receipts showing exactly how MPs spent millions of pounds of taxpayers' money. (link via telegraph.co.uk) Help us to stop the plot to conceal MPs’ expenses - open Democracy News Analysis Save Parliamentary transparency: an important message from TheyWorkForYou On the 16th of May 2008 the High Court ruled that MPs’ expenses must be published under the Freedom of Information Act. This Thursday, MPs are voting to change the law to keep their expenses secret after all, just before publication was due and after spending nearly a million of your pounds and seven months compiling the data. Your MP may not even know about this proposal (it was sneaked out under the Heathrow runway announcement). Please take a few minutes to alert them to this attack on Parliamentary transparency and ask them to vote against the measure. What can you do? Write to your MP to protest. Join this Facebook group. Blog about it, call a local newspaper (find one), text, email, and instant message your friends to let them know that about this campaign. TheyWorkForYou.com is a non-partisan website run by a charity which aims to make it easy for people to keep tabs on their elected and unelected representatives in Parliament and other assemblies. Please take time to support this worthy campaign by writing to your MP and it would help spread the word if you blog about it. Let everyone know about this campaign.

Malvern, England: on AOL Travel holiday hotspots list 2009

To be fair, I've never been to the town of Malvern in Worcestershire, England but I find it hard to believe it has been included on the AOL Travel holiday hotspots list 2009! (link via telegraph.co.uk) Malvern, Worcestershire travel guide What do you think? Have you visited Malvern? Or are you from the town? Is it really that great that it should be so highly recommended?

Tougher rules to gain British citizenship

Immigrants who want to become British will need to pass more tests to prove their worth under citizenship plans. The Home Office bill will make foreign nationals go through a period of probation, including learning English. Foreign nationals waiting to become British will not be eligible for some benefits and will face a wait of up to 10 years to become citizens. Prospective British citizens would need to have lived and worked in the UK for at least five years and then spend at least one "probationary" year proving their worth. (link via BBC News) Strengthening the rules for citizenship: Home Office The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill changes the rules for aspiring citizens, requiring hard work and rewarding volunteerism. The bill makes the process of attaining British citizenship longer and more difficult. It would require all immigrants who wish to gain British citizenship to learn to speak English, and to obey the law. But it would also speed up the citizenship process for those who contribute to the community through hard work and volunteerism. In addition, the bill would: remedy the situation whereby a father of a child born abroad before 1961 can pass on his British nationality while a mother cannot While I can understand the concern for foreigners living in Britain finding out they will have to wait longer to be granted citizenship under these government proposals, I'm personally very annoyed that the last part of the bill hasn't already been put through parliament. My mother is English but I was born before 1961 so I am obviously keen for this bill to be approved so that I can claim British citizenship (which I'm entitled to!). What are your thoughts about the Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill? Do you think it's a good idea to make it tougher for immigrants to become British citizens? Are you a foreigner living in the UK? Are you considering becoming a citizen? It's been reported that Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, wants every migrant looking to settle in the UK to apply for citizenship. I wonder if this might put migrants off coming to the UK. What do you think? Related posts from my blog: Children of British mothers: proposed changes to citizenship law! Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill: Children of British mothers (be sure and read all the comments about this issue - it helps to know there are others in the same situation and we can offer support and advice to each other - and feel free to add your own comments) Related link from the web: UK Border Agency: British citizenship (how you can apply for British citizenship)

Australian advert for 'best job in the world'

It's not surprising really that after all the publicity surrounding the clever Australian advert for the position with Tourism Queensland for the "best job in the world" drew so many applications from around the world - a quarter of them British - that the website crashed. The job as Island Caretaker is a newly created position located on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. The Best Job In The World Edited to update: Four Brits in shortlist for 'best job in the world' Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Four lucky Britons have made it past 34,000 applicants to get onto the 50-strong shortlist for "the best job in the world". (link via metro.co.uk)

Obama Inauguration Theme: "A New Birth Of Freedom"

Barack Obama will take the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009 at 12:00 Noon EST. The theme of Mr Obama's inauguration week, "A New Birth of Freedom", was inspired by Abraham Lincoln (the 16th President of the United States) and the menu for the lunch following his swearing-in is based on foods enjoyed by Lincoln. From TimeOut London: Where to celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration in London It's worth noting that one restaurant - TGI Fridays - isn't limiting their celebrations to London on January 20th: They might not be your diner of choice but they are making a noteworthy effort on the big day. Ambitiously labeled ‘world’s largest inauguration party’, their goal is to host a huge simultaneous party in all their branches both in the UK and the USA. Their flagship Haymarket branch will lead the celebrations with a screening from Washington and authentic American cocktails. At 9pm a UK-wide toast will be made with a brand new inauguration cocktail. Are you planning to go out and celebrate Obama's inauguration? Or are you planning to host a party? Will you be in Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day? Barack Obama on the Inauguration Read more about the historical event: Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies

Plan to save London sparrows: turn parks into meadows

Parks plan to boost London's house sparrows Conservationists have launched a scheme to turn parts of London's parks into meadows in an attempt to reverse the decline of the once-common house sparrow. (link via independent.co.uk) Seeds and bugs experiement to save London's sparrows (link via the RSPB) House sparrow Red status - Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action.

Royal Mail honours British design icons with ten stamps

These new stamps are very cool - and a neat way to honour famous British designs! Stamps of approval: British design classics Sir Alec Issigonis's 1959 Mini The Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde Mini Skirt designed by Mary Quant London Transport's Routemaster bus London Underground map designed by Harry Beck RJ Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire Robin Day's polypropylene chair Sir Giles Gilbert Scott's red telephone kiosk Edward Young's covers for Penguin books Anglepoise lamp designed by George Carwardine (link via guardian.co.uk) Royal Mail - a series of British Design Classics By the way, did you know that British stamps are the only stamps in the world that don't have the country of origin printed on them? They simply display the reigning monarch's head. This is because Britain was the first country in the world to issue stamps in 1840. (Amazing stamp facts via royalmail.com)

New US entry rules begin Monday January 12th

From Monday, January 12th, Brits must register online for travel to the United States! Last-minute trips outlawed by new US travel red tape The DHS wants to make sure that prospective visitors are scrutinised by a range of US security agencies before they are allowed to board a plane to America. So every traveller hoping to enter without a visa must enrol at least three days in advance through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta). The only acceptable method of applying for permission to travel to the US will be online. (link via independent.co.uk) I can see how this is going to cause a lot of confusion and hassle for travellers - especially for people who don't have access to computers since the only acceptable method of applying for permission to travel to the US will be online. Passengers will not be allowed to board U.S.-bound planes unless they have been cleared in advance so I can only imagine the scenes of chaos at airports next week! The good news is that the completed online application is valid for multiple entries for two years. The bad news is that 'If your admission is denied, you have no right to appeal.' U.S Customs and Border Protection - Electronic System for Travel Authorization

British TV advert for the 25th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic

I love watching this very classy, retro style, advert that celebrates the 1984 launch of Richard Branson's airline ahead of its official 25th birthday on 22 June. Virgin Atlantic's 'Still red hot' ad: The crew, who walk past various 1980s icons (the Asteroids arcade game, a Rubik's Cube, a yuppie banker with a huge mobile and a Sun headline about the miner's strike) represent the first Virgin Atlantic crew on the virgin flight to New York in 1984.

Complaints about "probably no God" campaign

Atheist bus adverts could lead to watchdog ruling on God's existence (link via telegraph.co.uk) The advertising watchdog is being called upon to rule on the likelihood of God's existence after complaints were made about the atheist bus advert campaign. Members of the public donated £140,000 to the Atheist Bus Campaign after its founder, the writer Ariane Sherine, suggested there should be an antidote to religious posters on public transport that "threaten eternal damnation" to non-believers. I think this campaign is about freedom of speech as much as it is about religious beliefs versus non-religious beliefs. I did wonder about the wording of the message - "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." - since it sounds more like an agnostic campaign than an atheist one but the word, "probably" was only included to meet British advertising guidelines. Anyway, I think they were wise to include the word, probably because it is true to say there is no proof that "God” does exist or not. Since "God" can't be proved to exist, why should the opposing view - that there probably is no God - be offensive? It seems to me that people (particularly so called "religious" ones) should be more tolerant of other views! And if people believe in God, they shouldn't feel worried or threatened by this campaign. Indeed, in my opinion, their faith isn't very strong if this campaign bothers them enough to complain. Furthermore, the statement "There's probably no god" printed on the side of a bus is actually no different to the statement, "Jesus Christ: The Only Way" — printed on a message board outside a church or on a billboard. Both state a religious view that cannot be proved or disproved. Atheists tolerate religious views that are quite openly advertised and broadcast all the time and yet when the opposing view is aired, "religious" people like Stephen Green claim to be offended! If this campaign message is banned then all churches should be banned from displaying religious slogans outside where the public can see them. It's a shame the Atheist Bus Campaign is so controverial and is attracting complaints instead of promoting tolerance and being used as a platform for an open debate about religious and non-religious beliefs. Personally, I was raised a Christian but as I got older, I questioned my belief in God and became an agnostic (skeptical about the existence of God). I think this campaign is a good idea and I'm pleased the message will be spreading* all across the UK. *The campaign aimed to raise £5,500 but has ended up raising over £140,000 – enough to support buses all across the UK, adverts on the London Underground and two animated screens in Oxford Street. Official Website of the Atheist Bus Campaign What are your thoughts about the campaign?

Madame Tussauds:Free for Americans in London on Jan 20th

Madame Tussauds, the London waxwork museum, is offering FREE entry to all American citizens on January 20th to mark the inauguration of Barack Obama as US president. (Madame Tussauds is also marking the debut of the new waxwork figure of Obama) Americans go free at Madame Tussauds All U.S citizens bring along valid documentation on 20th January and you will be given FREE entry to the attraction! I've never been to the museum myself (it simply doesn't appeal to me) but for Americans in London that day, particularly tourists, they might want to check it out since it's free of charge - and it will be a chance to share the historic occasion with other Americans.

Brits panic buy as traditional lightbulbs are banned

Britons panic buying last stocks of conventional lightbulbs Britons are panic buying the last remaining stocks of traditional lightbulbs after the Government agreed to plans to phase them out completely. Britain has signed up to an European Union decision to replace conventional 100-watt bulbs with supposedly greener, low-energy alternatives. It means that the staple household item is vanishing from the high street after 120 years. (link via telegraph.co.uk) I understand the benefits to the environment for low-energy fluorescent bulbs but there are also some serious drawbacks. Have you noticed they take a while to warm up? I feel like I have candle-light when I first flip the switch to turn them on! And the new bulbs contain mercury so how are we supposed to dispose of them safely? Plus, there are potential health problems because the new light bulbs may trigger migraines and epilepsy attacks in some people. What are your thoughts about the new ruling? Will you miss the tradtional lightbulbs?

Arctic weather grips England

It has been very, very cold in Britain lately, and most noticeably in southern England lately. How cold? The cold weather snap across Britain plunged to new temperature lows causing the sea to freeze in Dorset and bringing chaos to the roads. The sub-zero temperatures have frozen the sea at Poole Harbour in Sandbanks, Dorset, with ice reaching 20 yards from the shoreline. Southern England, normally immune to the worst of the weather, was gripped by conditions colder than parts of Iceland and Greenland overnight as temperatures fell close to minus 10.4F (12C) (link via telegraph.co.uk) Sandbanks is a small peninsula jutting out across the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel coast at Poole in Dorset, England. In related news, because the temperature dropped below freezing for more than seven consecutive days, it means that pensioners, young families and severely disabled people are set to receive cold weather payments of £25. Millions of pensioners and vulnerable people around the UK have become eligible for cold weather payments. (link via BBC News) What is the weather like where you are? Related posts on my blog: Snow storm hits England (and most of Britain) - chaos on roads, rails & airports February 2, 2009 Brrr-itain: it's cold and we have snow! February 1, 2009

Recycle Christmas Cards to help the Woodland Trust plant a forest

Until the 31st January 2009, if you take your old Christmas cards to one of the following stores, they will be collected as part of the Woodland Trust Christmas Card Recycling Scheme to plant trees and create the largest new native forest in England - HEARTWOOD FOREST. The stores taking part are: WHSmith UK mainland high street stores Tesco All supermarkets including selected Express stores Marks and Spencer all stores including selected Simply Food stores TK Maxx

PG tips (tea) advert "Monkey and Al"

This advert - inspired by a Morecambe and Wise routine - for PG tips tea is hysterically funny: MONKEY AND AL "PG TIPS ADVERT"2008 And if you've never seen the famous Morecome and Wise breakfast sketch, you are in for a treat: PG tips tea

Rare snowy owl spotted in Cornwall, England

Hundreds of birdwatchers have gathered in a Cornish village to catch a glimpse of a rare snowy owl. The bird, which is a native of the Arctic Circle, and is usually found in Greenland, Canada and Russia, has been seen at Zennor, near St Ives. It is the first time in 60 years one has been seen in Cornwall. (link via telegraph.co.uk) Well it has been snowy in England recently!

Change 4 Life anti-obesity advert

The Department of Health has launched a new advertising campaign that aims to help families eat well and live longer. If you haven't seen the advert yet, you can watch it via this YouTube link: Change 4 Life anti-obesity advert via YouTube: Change4Life TV commercial (embedding link is disabled so you need to click on the link to watch it) It will be interesting to see if the campaign will work. It would be great if it did encourage viewers to lose weight, eat healthily and take more exercise but I don't think it will really have much impact on the people it's aimed at. It seems to me that the money spent on the advert could be put to better use, such as providing more swimming pools and (free) after school activities. Change4Life What are your thoughts about the advert and the campaign?

New Doctor Who: Matt Smith

I'm not really a fan of Doctor Who but I'm sort of coming round to the series, mostly because my husband and sons love the show. Tonight the name of the actor to play the new Doctor Who was revealed on a BBC special. I can't believe I actually watched it. Matt Smith is to be the 11th Doctor. So now we know. The funny thing is though that he won't take over the role until October 2010. I do think all the hype surrounding this news is quite funny. Apparently, while the special, Doctor Who Confidential – The Eleventh Doctor, was broadcast on BBC1, the programme was also being simultaneously cast on giant screens in city centres all over Britain. Unbelievable! I can't decide if it's funny or sad that this is what makes the news in Britain. I suppose I would be a bit more understanding about all the fuss if I was a die-hard fan like so many people are. Matt Smith interview (video via BBC) Are you a fan of Doctor Who? Are you pleased with the actor chosen to play the 11th Doctor?

Trivia: 100 things

How many of these facts do you remember reading about in 2008? 100 things we didn't know last year (link via BBC News - Magazine Monitor)

New Year's resolutions for 2009

These are my New Year's resolutions for 2009: 1. Stop buying so many books and get more books from library. 2. Spend less time reading news and forums on the internet. 3. Watch less TV. 4. Exercise more. 5. Write more. 6. Replace most of my flower beds with vegetables. 7. De-clutter the house. 8. Stop procrastinating. What are your resolutions?

Big Ben celebrates 150th anniversary

From today Big Ben – tourist landmark, London icon, symbol of parliamentary democracy – begins a year of anniversary celebrations starting with the launch of a website (www.parliament.uk/bigben). It is a very 21st-century way of marking the survival of an institution that is rooted in the technology of another era. (link via timesonline) Big Ben 1859 - 2009 Website: During 2009 Parliament celebrates the 150th anniversary of its world famous Clock Tower, Great Clock and Great Bell.

Goodbye to 2008...Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year filled with new hope, new joy and new beginnings...