A Fairly Reasonable Letter...

...In an attempt to defend Common Sense, Evidence Based Logic, and Reason.



So I'm certain that most of you have heard of the latest addition to our Zodiac. We've apparently moved from 12 Zodiac symbols that govern our lives, to 13 Zodiac symbols that govern our lives.

I'm not going to tread around this lightly, I'm happy to push away a small portion of possible readers here when I state that Astrology is utter bollocks.

The movements of stars, planets, and other "heavenly" bodies are supposed to affect each individual human to the extent that other humans (that are clearly more blessed than us) can predict what will happen to us from one day to the next.

We all know this is bollocks...some people like to hang on to it for as long as possible, but they can never really stand up to the studies. Oh yes, the studies...they've been done. There is no evidence to back up any of the claims made by Astrologers, except maybe that there are enough people that are easily duped into believing this claptrap because they lack the common sense to truly question how the movement of bodies billions of lightyears away from us can effect our lives.

Well, anyway, Professor Brian Cox hosted a show on the BBC a few weeks back called Wonders of the Solar System. On this show, he had the guest star of Dara O'Briain.

The excellent Irish Comedian/Skeptic/Atheist and the wonderful Professor/Skeptic/Atheist made a few remarks about Astrology, and how much bollocks it truly is.

Uh-oh! People using common sense and reason on TV? Stating their view on national TV?

Yep, somebody has complained.



The Astrological Association of Great Britain have gotten themselves all worked up, and are demanding an apology from (at the very least) the BBC, where they state that they do not agree with what Brian and Dara have stated.

So I took the time to sign the petition, using the name given to me by the great celestial gods (clearly): "Youreallidiots Thisisutterbollocks"

And, oh look, they've even put up a template for a Letter to send to someone at the BBC. So I took the time to change a few things and make my very own version to send off.

Here it is for your own reading pleasure, I do hope you all do the same:

Dear Secretary,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my satisfaction at the BBC for airing the evidence based views of Professor Brian Cox and Dara O'Briains on astrology which was aired during the programme Stargazing Live on the 3rd January 2011.

Their comments were a fair representation of astrology and I would like to request that that the BBC continue to take a stand for Common Sense, Reason, and Evidence Based Logic and do not make a public apology. I hope that they can also make a statement that they do support the evidence based views of Professor Brian Cox or Dara O'Briains on the subject of astrology. I would also request that the BBC continue making this fair and balanced representation of astrology when aired in the future.

Heck, if it comes down to it, I would greatly anticipate a show devoted to a debate between top Astronomers/Skeptics/Scientists and Astrologers. It could, after all, pave the way towards a great series where Scientists/Skeptics/Professionals within the field debating Science Deniers/other deluded people.

I greatly anticipate your response,
Yours sincerely,

Andrew King (note: I signed the astrology petition under my secret name that was gifted to me by the High Celestial Priesthood that governs the Zodiac “Youreallidiots Thisisutterbollocks”)

I think if this petition does kick off and get a strong following, the Secretary of the Editorial Standards Committee will greatly appreciate seeing something new...

I Don't Mind Getting Old...

...aslong as I can do it with dignity.

So I'm reaching the very end of my time at University. In 4 or 5 months time, I will no longer be a Student, but instead I will be a "productive member of society."

[Just to note, I'm not implying that Students aren't productives members of society, I'm simply stating that once you've left education, you become more productive, since you don't have your education holding you down.]

By this point in my life, I'm already considered "grown up" because of my age. I've already gained the occasional nickname of "old-man" from my fellow students, because whilst they're only just hitting their twenties, I'm reaching the mid-point. Ok, not a huge gap, but still a gap.

I have family and friends that are hitting, or nearing, the thirty mark that sometimes feel worried about their continuing march towards that particular point in your life when people expect you to no longer be interested in childish things and to take life seriously.

I assume this is what they worry about anyway, as it's what always worried me.

At what age, for instance, do I stop hanging around on forums and debating the intricacies of a Videogame storyline, and instead start debating the intracies of Tunisian Politics?

I've come to realise, however, that none of this particularly matters.

As I grow old, I will do so with dignity. Growing old with dignity means that I still get to do what I want to do, I still get to make my decisions, like what I like, love what I love.

Even if that means I come across as crazy or childish.

If I reach beyond the age of Seventy, I will still play videogames, I will still debate with friends over the intracicies of a Videogame storyline, and I will be happy.

The great thing about the human mind is that we have the ability to learn new things, gain new information and knowledge, and experience new things all the time...but at the end of the day, we also have the option to follow the things we're greatly interested in, and stick to them for the rest of our lives.

Who cares if one or two of my interests are childish in nature?

Life is short, and if we can't laugh at ourselves sometimes, then what on earth is the point?

I sincerely hope that when I reach Seventy, my future wife is still surrounded by cuddly toys...because the day that she abandons those is the day that she abandons everything about her that I truly love.

And so I ask myself...

...what does it all mean?

Welcome to The Way of Things, my second blog.

You'll notice a few things different from A Life of Sci whilst reading these entries, and perhaps browsing the blog, so I'll go ahead and explain everything now.

Unlike A Life of Sci, this blog will be aimed at...well, everything really.

A Life of Sci gives me a chance to review and preview (and occasionally rant) about things relating to Science Fiction and Fantasy. It's an entertainment blog. The Way of Things will be designed to cover life, in general.

I will be using this particular blog to jot down my experiences in day-to-day living, and also to promote pieces that I write that have no right to take up the space in A Life of Sci.

If anybody happens to stumble upon this by visiting A Life of Sci, they may be wondering why I've done this and not bothered updating my first blogsite in months.

I'll stand up and say honestly, right now, that I have commitment issues...

Not in a bad way, honestly. I'm a University student, I'm on the final stretch of my final year, and I have a lot of work to get done. This leaves me little spare time to write up reviews or previews, or even regular rants.

There is a lot I want to do with both blogs now, and will hopefully get the chance to do so in the following weeks, but I set no promises.

Until my final year is over, I may only post a blog every 2 or 3 weeks. I will aim for more, but cannot promise anything.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy my future entries, and I look forward to reading your responses.

TZM