caldrail

As an unemployed person I have to say there are one or two disadvantages to being on the dole. One is that everyone else think you're a lazy good for nothing sponging off the state, the second is that your Claims Advisor thinks you're a lazy good for nothing sponging off the state. She called my name out and as I stepped forward to her desk, she raised her eyebrows at my suntan. Fresh from my journey home from Newcastle a few hours earlier I looked like I'd spent the weekend on a tropical beach. It must be said, the weather on our weekend in Newcastle was glorious. Somehow, I doubt my excuse will be. "Hello Mr Caldrail. You alright?" Ummm.. Yeah... Bit tired... She looked straight at me with that maternal 'I know you've been naughty' look. And it works. I closed my eyes, sighed, and proceeded to explain my naughty weekend. It was a roman history field trip. I guess thats not the usual excuse is it? Her expression hadn't changed. She pointed at my jobsearch record. "What happened to that part time job?" Which one? Oh... That one.... No, I got nowhere with it... It was that moment I realised what she meant. I glanced up in horror at the prospect of being blamed for working whilst receiving benefits. She had that maternal look of 'Don't lie to me Caldrail'. No really, I was on a roman history field trip... Excuse of the Week Goes to Barry George, recently cleared of tv presenter Jill Dando's murder after eight years in jail. "I knew I was innocent" He said, "I was stalking someone else."

Life is incredibly tenacious, although its more complex forms are very fragile. Its also noticeable that the chemical structure and physical laws of this universe are conducive to the development of organic life - and thats the problem, because the conditions are hard to come by. A planet must form quickly to gather an atmosphere or the gas is stripped away by the solar wind. It should have an iron core to form a protective magnetic field or again, the atmosphere is lost. Mars has already lost its own, and Venus is slowly losing atmosphere steadily (it dumps its gas on us occaisionally, one more arguement in the global warming debate ). On top of that, the planet must be free of bombardment, have sufficient water and sunlight, and orbit within a narrow band of acceptable temperatures. Its a pretty tough list of conditions. The famous equation for the probable existence of intelligent life is way too optimistic.

What effect can luxury have on society? Firstly, it makes people less concerned with the welfare of others. If there is no luxury in life, people do tend to be more supportive to each other. Once luxury is available to those who can afford it, then it becomes a quest in itself. People vie for the most obviously luxurious lifestyle and derive some status from it. Since Rome was a society with very stratified status, what could be better than a display of luxury? It would define your wealth and influence visibly. The increasing hedonism of the late republic was noted by Mommsen. A pointless arguement, since once a luxury is accepted as normal then people seek more for the reasons given above. You're thinking in absolute terms. Society views itself according to its current viewpoint, not its past, and therefore the concept of luxury is relative. Then why do thieves break into houses to steal tv's? Why are cars stolen? For profit. The availability of luxury is limited and if offered at a lower price away from the marketplace, there will always be those willing to pay for luxury in order to establish their own comfort and status on the cheap. In that respect, what is so different from Rome? Is the traffic in stolen luxury not evidence of corruption? Do not drug dealers live luxurious lives off the misery of their customers? You can't get much more corrupt than that. Or shall we include the deals done behind closed doors in politics. A gift, and the agreement is made. It seems very logical to me. I live in a town, and thus witness the effects of luxury-seeking first hand. If you want to call me simple-minded you're welcome to, but expect an arguement.

Rome did not have a national army. It was never actually a nation to begin with, being a city state with imperial expansion. Instead, it had lots of mini-armies. A legion was not a unit in a large army, it was an army in its own right, and the concept of raising a 'levy', an annual army, was traditional. The Reforms of Marius had not doomed the Republic at all. Whilst it changed the format of the roman military and made it much more of a permanent institution, it was roman politics that doomed it. But lets remember - the Republic did not die. Far from it, it was still present in all its forms under the Principate, so it might be said that the Republic was still in place under the rule of the Caesars. It had allowed dictators to dominate. Dictatorship can be very popular with its people. It might provide a dynamic, strong rule, unfettered by committees and continual debate. It might be the focus for personal loyalty and popularity as opposed to a faceless group of remote politicians. After the internal struggles of leadership I can well imagine the public were only too glad to see the back of it, and since Augustus was careful to foster his popularity, there was no reason to oust a man who had brought peace to Rome. The Senate, divided and self obsessed, were not happy, but given Augustus's power base it was difficult to do more than wait in the wings for his failure. In effect, the loyalty of the roman legions had allowed certain men to seek ambition in political life. Where the Republic failed was its inability to establish loyalty to Rome, and that must be laid at the feet of the Senate.

The vikings established colonies in Greenland on the basis of simply that, colonisation, not raiding. One of the major reasons for expansion by the vikings was exactly the same as other warrior cultures - a unified, combative society with means to travel. Their members wanted new lands, to expand their own interests. Without this, they could only turn on themselves in the quest for personal ambition. The decline in warm temperatures certainly killed off the viking colonies in greenland. However, there were other factors present in the difficulties experienced in europe, such as disease. The Black Death reduced populations to something like 25% of its former size if I remember right. However, agriculture had been advancing during the Warm Period and this wasn't lost.

I've just watched an advert on tv. Its sponsored by the government, and tells us that if we don't act now our world will become hotter with dire results to our comfortable lives. It ends with a a view of the world wrapped in a red hot atmosphere. Thats a chilling message isn't it? It is of course designed to frighten us out of our complacency. It is, without doubt, propaganda. Our government is socialist and whilst it has politicans in the public eye who proclaim their wish to further the prosperity of their voters, it harbours many in the background who have no such wish. A fundamental feature of human society is that there will always be people who seek status, to have more than anyone else, to leave the Joneses in poverty while they revel in their relative wealth. Socialism in theory exists to prevent that by redistributing wealth. Its who receives that wealth that defines an ideal socialist government from a bunch of self-serving fat cats. Idealism is all very well, but as George Orwell observed, human beings will not change their spots. Paradise Lost On your local high street you come across travel agents selling foreign holidays. The list of possible destinations varies from the mundane to the exotic, and these little tastes of paradise are almost considered as socially mandatory. Yet the appeal of these locales hides a reality of the world which we tend to ignore in the quest for sun, sea, and sand. A newly wed couple shot in Antigua. A young woman is found on a beach in Thailand. Another left in a japanese bathtub. Still another left in a suitcase in Brazil. Backpackers thrown from a bridge or buried in the outback in Australia. Others left for dead in a chinese ditch. Paradise or not, you have no choice but to remember that the world can be a dangerous place. Dogs of the Week This weeks accolade goes to a pair of rottweilers on the sands of Whitly Bay, Northumberland. I

The comparison between ancient and modern is popular in some circumstances, not others. When looking at snapshots of social history and organisation these comparisons are very popular, because its easy. For instance, I regularly read that one roman military unit or rank is equivalent to one of ours in the modern day. Such comparisons rely on coincidence, not in form or function, and for that reason, they are fundamentally flawed. However, human social dynamics have not changed at all. People organise themselves into communities because we're social animals, and we gain survival advantages from doing this. Now if you apply a microscope on such things you simply focus on the differences, but if you stand back back and take in a broader picture, there are similarities of cultural development. Societies are not static - they change with time and circumstance - and whilst these changes cannot be charted exactly there are certain developments that reoccur over time. The thing is, we look at ourselves as something apart from nature, which believe is wrong. We are animals (whether we like it or not) and therefore obey instinctive guidelines for behaviour honed by evolution. The organic quality of the universe manifests itself time and again in all manner of ways, and the trick is not to compare two isolated cultures but to compare them all and if you consider the generic progress and decline - the similarities emerge. Its as if cultures have a birth, growth, maturity, and death, with their 'lives' altered by the events surrounding them. This view isn't popular with some people, especially those with detailed knowledge of a particular culture or two, but social behaviour is part of humanity - its encoded by genetics, instinct, and educational inheritance- thus we ultimately tend to do the same things over and over. Specifically then, you will find some huge differences between the US and Rome. Generically, you will see underlying it are the same behavioural developments that are part of mankind.

This period equates to the build up toward the Medieval Warm Period, which although produced hotter summers than today, allowed crop bonuses and aided agricultural recovery from the dark ages.

Our government thinks we drive like idiots regardless. I do think they'd rather we had gizmo's fitted so the we all get chauffered to our destinations by a microchip. Then again, they'd rather we didn't drive cars at all. That way their gas guzzling limousines would be a sign of status and not a green embarrasement.

Stop the earth. Minerva wants to get off. Stop climate change? How? Its been changing for billions of years. The current warming, apart from some variance, has been going on for at least 10,000 years. There weren't any cars back then. So who was responsible for climate change? Nature. The earth wobbles, the whole thing wobbles, and there's absolutely nothing you or anyone else can do except attempt to survive it, which is what we should be looking toward. The reason I brought up the subject is that green issues are generating exactly the same behaviour as religions. Anyone who doesn't repeat the mantras or obey the rituals gets ostracised. You cannot combat climate change. Its just not possible. We don't have anything like the climate engineering potential to do that. Thats the propaganda element. The government is telling us that we can. Nonsense. All they want is a compliant public all pulling together against a common threat. The threat in this case is global warming. The government want to be seen as being positive, as doing something to help their public. Truth is, it won't stop the temperature going up or down will it? Thats exactly what I mean about the religious overtones of the green agenda. You feel absolved because you adopted the desired attitude. Belief is what you hold to be true, religion is what someone tells you to believe. Who cares whether you feel guilty or not? Making the world a better place is a fine motive, but chances are all you've done is follow someone elses guidelines on how to live. You therefore feel you've done your bit, and so feel guiltless, but what have you actually achieved? Nothing. All you've done is stand in line and obey orders without thinking about it.

Spot on Neil. Its all about money. Thats what the control of the public is in aid of. Our government likes spending money. Ours. So if you save pennies with effiicient appliances, you can afford higher taxes. Also, I would point out that my last two cars were deliberately spiked and as a result its unlikely I'll be driving a car at all for the forseeable future. Does that make me any better off? No, because I've already lost the opportunity for well paid jobs because of my lack of transport.

Yes I've seen that problem in the railroad mags we get over here, and I've wondered how you guys cope with it. Over here, train services are cancelled until further notice. But hey - our country grinds to a halt after three snowflakes hit the asphalt.

It may well do. It also encroaches very heavily on personal liberties too - not because the world is changing, but because politicians like to exercise control over peoples lives and the threat of global warming is functionally no different to the threat of catastrophe, a day of judement, or simply being banged up in hell. Take your pick. Either way, the public perception is limited to whatever information is available and whose megaphone is loudest. Thats why the government issues those terrifying tv ads telling us the world is about to fall apart and only if we act NOW can we stop it. Which of course is ridiculous. The world isn't falling apart, its changing, like it changes in stops and starts all the time and has done since day one. Acting together really isn't going to change matters is it? I mean, just how powerful do these politicians actually believe we are? - thats just human folly and ego. And as far as stopping it is concerned, nobody has a megaphone loud enough to manage that. Guilt, irony or doing nothing are certainly not going to solve the problem. You see? You're doing it too! People are being brainwashed into believing that if they're doing as they're told the temperature rise will cease. Course it won't. Humans like to blame, to seek scapegoats, to point out the disbelievers and persecute those they believe are harming their interests. It just will NOT do any good. The world is changing - now - right in front of us - and if we sit still worshipping at the altar of greenness it won't make any difference to our fate whatsoever. Sea levels are going to rise whatever car we drive or how often we seperate our rubbish into coloured plastic bags - so why don't we start figuring out what to do when our immobile nests are inundated? When our infrastructure collapses? When we can't buy food in the supermarkets or take holidays in sunny exotic locations? Thats what will hit or miss, not this messianic devotion to changing light bulbs. Codswallop. You're just trying to sound intelligent. All I'm sceptical about is politicians integrity. Face it - you'll never find an honest one. Personally, I think life is a great deal richer than a seat in the House of Commons. Oh? You have a copy of my autobiography? I have some problems finding the religious analogy here. Soul ecology? You do like inventing phrases don't you? Read the newspapers. Watch the news. There's plenty of religious analogies in the 'green agenda'. Perhaps if you spent less time navel gazing and joining disparate words together you might actually start realising what the reports are telling you. Shoot politicians. Buy swimsuits. Rent houses on mountaintops. Dare I suggest building wooden aircraft carriers in your back yard? She's not the only one. And I'm not quoting Mr. Lennon's idealism; it's called pragmatism. No, its called running with the crowd. Lemmings do that too.

It caused network delays over the weekend, but very kindly they had it fixed for my return to Rushey Platt This sort of thing is expected on british railways. In autumn we get too many leaves on the track, in winter its the wrong kind of snow.

So the average westerner is destroying the planet by carrying on their comfortable lives? Oh how guilty we're being made to feel. Most of what we're told about global warming and the need to this that or not the other is nothing more than a shamefaced ruse to economise services and allow the government more tax profit to waste on their own comfort. Greener lifestyles? Don't make me laugh - the world is changing with or without us, and the results of climate change are not going to spare you because you adopted the green gospel. Constantine did something similar back in the 4th century AD - he got everybody involved in that christianity thing - not because it was worthy, but because it allowed him to control the public a little more easily. These days, fears of climate change are being exploited by governments for exactly the same reason. Keep the faith sister.

Once a week during training, and continuing during regular garrison unless excused duty. Vindolanda has a record of a considerable number of non-active troops at a particular moment.

The TA? They're too busy plugging the gaps left by deployment overseas.

Erm... No. DS is banned from Rushey Platt as a social undesirable. Even we have our limits!

Swindon to Newcastle is about six hours by train. Time to settle into the seat, relax, let the train take the strain. I watched the towns and countryside roll by. It was all going too well. The stop at Sheffield Station was a long one. The minutes ticked by and there was no sign of movement. Platform staff who usually shepherded the trains away were curiously absent. Please don't tell me another strike is in progress... Then the tannoy bleeped into life to make a passenger announcement. "If I could have your attention please," The Train Manager said, "I'm afraid there will be a delay before we can depart for Doncaster, as the track is broken." Broken? You broke the track? What did you do? Drop it? In situations like this all you can do is grin and bear it. Oh hang, the tannoy is bleeping again... "I apologise for the delay in services, but we're waiting for the track to be repaired. There will be a delay of at least another half an hour." Ok, I'll try to grin. I look around for something to occupy myself with and quietly lift a newspaper from the opposite seats. There's a story about scientists finding another planet thousands of light years away. I've decided to name it Sheffield. Hang on, the tannoy is bleeping... "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. Since the delays to services will probably be at least two hours, we're going to divert to another route. We will not therefore be calling at Doncaster so any passengers who wish to get off at Doncaster should leave the train to await further assistance." Nobody moved. Perhaps Doncaster isn't a popular stop? Or does no-one wish to admit they live there? We will never know. At last! The train edges forward out of Sheffield and my journey continues. About five minutes later the Train Manager enters the carriage. "Can I have your attention please? Is there anyone in here who is travelling to Doncaster? Only we're not stopping there... Ok." I settle back to enjoy the rest of my journey to Newcastle, and ten minutes later, the tannoy bleeps again... "Ladies and gentlemen, our next stop is Doncaster..." Douglas Adams Moment of the Week There's a cut on my left knee. According to Douglas Adams, the sci-fi/comedy author, this sort of thing happens all the time. But in case you're worried, I can assure you I return from Newcastle unscathed. Don't know what happened to the whale...

I read this mornings local paper with a smirk. It appears that a local club (the Lava Lounge) hasn't got a music license so under british law it cannot provide music for its customers without incurring a large fine - and they already have to pay more than

Armed officers? Not many. Such men are armed after selection tests and specialised training, we don't arm policemen as a matter of course in Britain. If the policemen fires his weapon for any reason and a death or injury results, there's a good chance the officer concerned will be subject to an enquiry and possible prosecution depending on circumstance. The media jump on any story of trigger happy policemen in this country and the authorities don't want an image of gun totin' marshals wandering around the capital. They're also concerned about an arms race between police and criminals although since the ban on handgun ownership the numbers of illegal weapons in circulation has rocketed.

But thats just it! We're NOT putting it right at all! Its all eco-propaganda designed to bring the modern west into line. Its turned into an industry in its own right, and is also exploited by those who want to influence our lives. Global warming is a natural phenomenon - there's been a gradual and ragged climb in temperatures for thousands of years - it was going to happen anyway.

Yes, and no doubt got fat on roman 'burgers, shooting his troupe of actors with an arrow in despair at their rubbish performance.... Whilst an exasperated lictor tells the senators that Elivisus has left the building...

Our contribution is outweighed by the methane produced by herbivorous animals. Methane is a far worse greenhouse gas than CO2, whose absorbtion is part of the normal eco-chemical cycle on earth. The oceans are scrubbing CO2 all the time, its part of earths checks and balances, as well as supplying it. CO2 is given off by earths fauna. If you want to reduce our contribution, then you need to reduce human population. That would solve a lot of ecological concerns, given that the need to create new land for agriculture or profit is reducing forestation and thus reducing the CO2 absorbtion. Its less of a case of what we're producing, more of what we're sticking spanners in. Are you going to dictate what lifestyle I should lead? The increased conformity and overcontrol by authority is a growing trend in Britain, where the ecological problem is less pronounced than some other nations. The third world nations who are destroying their forests aren't going to change their lifestyle - surely thats a more important issue? And how much reduction of the worlds CO2 has this resulted in? Not being funny, but the religious overtones of ecological movements gets on my wick. Even if you total everybodies elses efforts it doesn't amount to a huge volume compared to that obtained naturally. The earths climate changes, it is changing, there's stuff all you can do to stop it, so just deal with it. Survival of the fittest still applies to our own species however grandiose our self-opinion might be. Plenty of succesful species have hit the dust because the world has changed under their noses. Truth is, human beings really can't control their enviroment but they can control us, so they will increasingly regarding these eco concerns. The real issues are that - 1 - There's too many human beings 2 - We're too dependent on our nests/infrastructure