If you're a Queen fan........

Check out the new QNN Blog at http://qnnlatest.blogspot.com/

Here you can keep updated with all the latest developments across the Queen News Network, a series of sites dedicated to all things involving the band Queen. As you will see from the Blog, our latest developments are a QNN Street Team and a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' series.

Bulgaria's Abandoned Children

I watched this programme a few weeks ago and have been meaning to post my personal experience ever since.

I visited Bulgaria and did work in some of the orphanages a couple of years ago. We were told that we were visiting some of the better ones, as we would be shocked too much by the others.

Two of those that we visited we meant to be for children with special needs, but (as in the programme) there were some young people who didn't appear to have any special needs as such. We were told that many of the children had parents, but they couldn't afford to look after them. The staff were mostly very kind, but they had not received any training and did not really know how to interact with the children.

In one orphanage (for young children with special needs) the staff spent most of the time watching adult television in the same room as the children; at feeding time they stuffed food into the children's mouths so that they had time to get round them all. There was one young boy there who was older than the others and he used to take the toys off the younger children, the staff did not try to stop him.We bought some toys for these children, but they were not there when we returned.

I was shocked when I saw the programme about a worse orphanages. When we had been told that other oprhanages were worse I hadn't realised by how much. It seems to me that one of the main problems is a lack of trained staff. If staff were properly trained then the caring ones would be much more likely to realise when things were 'wrong'. We can go to Bulgaria and help by giving gifts, money and time, but we have to be assured that they will be well used to make sure that the children who need it get medical care, nutritious food and human attention.

It is the last of these that we can provide easily with time. When I was in Bulgaria the staff were shocked by how I tried to play with one boy who seemed to be totally unresponsive, maybe if she saw enough people doing this it might make some difference to him and she might see the benefits.

Radley Lakes

HELP SAVE RADLEY LAKES

Radley Lakes, a natural haven near my town, is to be filled in with ash by NPower. Until

recently, the area was a beautiful area for walkers, fishermen and bird watchers. There was much wildlife, including herons and other birds which would loose there homes. To make matters worse the ash that they are going to use to fill in the lake contains materials such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and

uranium which could poison any remaining wildlife.

Several of the lakes were filled in

1982 and, despite many local complaints; they are now planning to fill in more. They claim they can

restore the site back to what it is now, but the state of the other 'lakes' says otherwise. They appear more like areas of concrete than 'nature reserves'. To top it all, NPower have already started chopping down trees despite not yet having gained official permission to go ahead.

Myself and a group of other locals spent an afternoon a while back protesting at the site. Our right to protest is being decreased, the courts have ruled that we are not allowed to take pictures of personnel and walkers are often stopped despite there being a public footpath through the site.

Locals are now looking at registering Thrupp and Bullfield Lakes as a Town Green.

• This Wednesday there will be a public enquiry at the New Pavillion, Radley College. If you live locally then please come at 11am. The inquiry will continue from 11am-5pm Wednesday to Friday this week.
• If you have photographs taken at the lakes over the last 20 years or have walked them regularly please contact Jo Cartmell on 01235 534424 or David Guyoncourt on 01235 529151
• If you are able to help raise money to pay legal fees please contact David Guyoncourt
• Save Radley Lakes Summer Fete takes place at Radley Village Hall on Saturday July 28th
• There is a 50-50 Auction on Saturday August 18th
• There will also be a Race Night (date to be confirmed)
• If you can help with any of these events please contact Marjorie on 01235 530174
  
• For more information or to donate online visit www.saveradleylakes.org.uk
  

Combat Climate Chaos

iCount in London

Yesterday I was in London with 25,000 other people from a variety if organisations. What did we have in common? We all wanted governments to help stop global warming. To this end, thousands of us marched on Trafalgar Square to make our presence felt. Some of us had also come from otside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, where there had been a smaller rally earlier in the day.

My day began in the morning, when I headed off on the train. At the last station before London I was pleased to see that the carriages became packed with people, a lot of whom we obviously heading for this event.

Having found my way across London on the underground, I walked along the main shopping streets to Grosvenor Square. All of a sudden, a large group of bikes appeared in the road. This group of about 50 people had cycled to London for the event. They were escorted by policemen who were also on bikes.

I followed them down the street, until I began to see other protestors. Then, all of a sudden, the square appeared ahead of me. It was surrounded by a mixture of policemen, security guards and protestors giving out flyers. I was actually rather surprised at the number of leaflets being given out considering the cause. Anyway, after dodging a few of them, I got inside the fenced aread. I couldn't see the people on the stage, but I could hear them and I made my way over to listen.

A while later, the speaker told us that we would now march to Trafalgar. I made my way to the only exit I knew and queued to get out through the small gap. That was when the fun really started! The march was slow in places, but there was plenty of music to keep us entertained- a brass band and a drum band. One man amused many of the crowd by cycling against the traffic on the other side of the road (not that I'd recommend this of course).

At Trafalgar Square we squashed our way into the crowd that was already gathered. There was a big screen on which we could see the speakers. There were also performances from acts such as Razorlight. The only thing that spoiled it was the fact that when I went to purchase lunch from a nearby shop it came in far too much polystrene and plastic wrapping which I had to put in the bin afterwards.

The best thing about the event though was the opportunity it's given me to spread the message on. I remember learning about climate change when I was in primary school and I think it's often forgotten today how important an issue in still is. I do hope that the government does somethin, so that my children and grandchildren don't have to suffer in the future for our lack of action now!

Whale Hunting

Sorry I haven't posted for so long guys, been really busy with work and everything. Anyhow, I just had to pop back in here to comment on the Japan whal-hunting issue. This is the latest news: BBC

As you all know, I'm totally against hunting. But I am particularly against hunting these beautiful animals. I've seen plenty of videos of them doing it and nothing can convince me that they do not feel pain. Furthermore research has shown that they are extremly intelligent creatures. I hope the last statement in the linked article is true, otherwise we (the human race) are likely to wipe out the endangered whale species.

Rant over

Great advert!

Just been linked to this advert for GVH2. I can't believe I have never seen it before. As usual, Brian doesn't act particularly well, but it's great otherwise.

A Mayniac's Soapbox: Animal experimentation

Reply to: 'Animal Experimentation- Just Stop It'
6th March 2006

I am totally against animal experimentation! It hurts the animals and often results are inaccurate, so we can't guarantee they're safe for humans even after the experimentation. This means situations such as that which recently left 6 men serious ill (2 critical) in the UK after drugs testing still occur. Presumably, the reverse is also true, and some drugs that would work on humans are never followed up because they were unsuccessful on animals.

Brian has gone on record saying that he doesn't want to be kept alive by something tested on animals. The fact is that it is hard to know what medicines we have today are a result of testing on animals. You would really have to do your research to be able to avoid them all. Personally, I don't want to support further testing, but if the animal has already suffered then aren't we making things worse by not even using the results, otherwise they've died for nothing (this is hard to follow I know, but please bear with me).

In Oxford, there have recently been many protests against animal experimentation. Whilst I agree with the cause, I really can't see the point in threatening people, especially those connected with teh university but not the laboratories- this does not entreat the cause to the general public. I also disagree with Brian as regards the pro-testing marches- whilst I strongly disagree with their cause, I think they are extremly brave to go out on the streets in such an atmosphere and share their opinions in a peaceful manner.

So yes, STOP IT. But do it in a peaceful manner

A Mayniac's Soapbox: Seal-hunt

Reply to: 'Seal-hunt'
5th March 2006

This is truly terrible. I really can't see the point in killing animals just for a fashion item.

According to the BBC, it is claimed that the hunts are needed to control seal populations. Presumably this is so humans can operate better?- I think this is wrong, the animals were there first. Even if they really have to be killed, surely there are more humane ways?!

Here is a response to claims made by those against seal-hunting. One of their arguments is taht clubbing of seals is more human than killing in many slaughter-houses, a lot of animal campaigners would argue that these are often inhumane as well. They argue that most Canadians are in favour of the hunt by citing that 60% are in favour of a "responsible hunt"- however it does not say if the majority believe this is a "responsible hunt".

A Mayniac's Soapbox: WWRY for Schools

Reply to: 'The Mini-May and "We Will Rock You" For Schools'
3rd March 2006

I'm glad to hear that they're encouraging schools to do productions. I remember there being problems in the past with other musical productions over schools not being able to afford proper royalties etc, lets hope that it won't happen here. Children are the future and if you want to keep being popular, it's definatly importamt to get them on your side.

However, on another side note. I remember seeing pictures of Queen fans dressing they're young children in drag to perform videos of 'I Want To Break Free' etc- guys, please consider what this will do to your children long-term (enough said).

A Mayniac's Soapbox: WWRY to continue

Reply to: 'May To Rival We Will Rock You- "No... Sisters"
May 1st 2006

Great news to hear. They're looking to continue WWRY (the Queen musical) in another London theatre. I can't get enough of this stuff, so I will certainly be interested. I'm also much looking foward to catching the UK tour.

A Mayniac's Soapbox: Billy Elliot at Lawrence Olivier Awards

Reply to 'Jane Krakowski Saves The Day'
1st March 2006

It was a bit of a shame to hear that Brian didn't like the performance from Billy Elliot. I've seen snippets of this show in various places and have thought it looked pretty good. I'm certainly still interested in going to see it at some point, since I really liked the movie.

A Mayniac's Soapbox- Smoking Part 2

Reply to: 'Complete Smoking Ban Including Private Clubs' 15 Feb '06

So, in the UK we now have a complete smoking ban in enclosed public space on the cards for summer 2007. MPs voted for this on Tuesday.

As a non-smoker I am quite happy about this, I will no longer be forced to sit in smokey areas. However, I do wonder what happened to the smokers' right to smoke?- personally I would have been quite happy so long as there was a smoke-free environment available (i.e. at least some smoke-free restaurants within a reasonable distance).

A Mayniac's Soapbox- Return To The Forbidden Planet

Reply to: 'Return To The Forbidden Planet' 12 Feb '06

I have been lucky enough to see this wonderful, if tacky, musical twice quite a few years ago. I must say that I was quite excited to hear that Brian would appear in it, even if only on the video screen.

As Brian says, it's a spoof-musical with lots of great classic rock in it. When I last went to see it most of the music appeared to be performed live, it was quite an amzing sight to see; each actor could play several instruments extremly well.

Would love to hear from anyone who goes to see this, please let me know what you think.

My new Christian Message Board

If you consider yourself a Christian, or want to find out more about Christianity, please join my new message board: Jesus4ever (yes, I know it's corny)

Freddie Mercury Action Figure

Saw this on Brian's site and just had to comment. It's an Action Figure of Freddie commissioned by 'The National Entertainment Collectable Association'

It's hard to tell much from this small picture, but it looks a pretty good representation to me (unusually, most of what I've seen before now has been poor in comparison).

According to the website it also has motion activated sound, would be interested to know excatly what he says/sings. I hope they use actually Freddie and not some impressionist or something

No price as yet!

Endangered animals hunted in USA

I heard something about this on TV and couldn't believe it, so I had to investigate for myself. Apparently, it is easily possible and perfectly legal to hunt animals endangered in their natural habitat, so long as they are captively bred.

Upon searching the interenet I found this article from Born Free. It calls on California to stop huns of endangered african antelope. I'm not sure of the current position in California, but I did find plenty of sites offering such hunts in the USA. I provide a link one in Texas by way of an example.

I am appauled that such things still happen. What is the point of breeding endangered animals to send back to the wild if they are places where they are bred to be killed. Surely, efforts should be concentrated on getting them back to the wild. As a vegetarian I am against hunting all together, but that is another point..., I cannnot see how this can be condoned.

A Mayniac's Soapbox- Smoking

Reply to: Smoking: We Do Not Have To Wait (06 Feb)

There's been a lot of criticism of Brian's comments to the ladies who lit up in a previously smoke-free restaurant. Well, Brian admits that he could have been nicer, but I can understand his point of view. I remember being in many a bus queue when someone lit up (totally legally) and coughing until the bus arrived. Having said this, as a non-smoker myself, if I want to be guaranteed of a smoke-free environment I go to a place with a non-smoking area. These are not always satisfactory, but should the amoke waft over you have a very good reason 9and right) to complain. Was there really no-where nearby? If so, then surely someone should see a good gap in the market.

The question is where should it be acceptable to smoke? I go back to my bus queue- if someone starts smoking should I have no make the choice between not getting the bus or stinking of smoke and increasingly my risk of lung cancer? I think not, if I asked nicely I would think that this person would put out their cigarette. Ideally, we would ban smoking in places where non-smokers do not have a reasonable choice to move out the way, but this is nigh impossible in reality. So where should the line be drawn?

One place the line can be reasonably drawn is within restuarants and cafes. There should always be a smoke-free zone which is actually smoke-free. Also, a reasonable number of fully smoke-free premises in an area would be great. I would also be interested to hear of any people who can recommend places for good smoke-free eating.

A Mayniac's Soapbox- The much-talked about cartoons

In reply to: 'Cartoons, Free Speech and Responsibility'

Again, I totally agree with Brian on this one. As a Christian, I would be very hurt should such cartoons be published about Jesus (which I admit they often are). But, this goes even further, since for Muslims simply showing Mohammed is a terrible insult. Whatsmore, some press were daft enough to show the pictures after the complaints started under the line of 'this is what we are debating'- well done to the British press who didn't go down this line.

There is a subtle line to maintain between 'freedom of speech' and 'incitement to religious hatred' which, in my opinion, needs to be made just a little clearer.

I would also like to agree with Brian's sentiment that violence solves nothing. I think this is a lesson that a lot of us would do well to take to heart

A Mayniac's Soapbox- Iran and nuclear weapons

Welcome to the first of my 'Soapboxs' replies to that found on Brian May's site
Every now and again I'll post my views on 'Brian's rants', as they've become known.
Feel free to post your own point of view in comments (but note that comments considered racist, sexist etc. will be deleted).

Reply to: 'How Dare We' posted Sunday 5th Feb
Totally agree with Brian on this one. It doesn't seem fair that the USA and UK are allowed nuclear weapons but other people aren't. Don't get me wrong, I don't condone nuclear weapons at all. The point is that no-one should have them. Yes, I know it's practically impossible to get rid of them, but no-one seems to have apologised for having them and explained why it's not a good idea, they just say 'you can't'. Aren't they acting as if they're superior and know much better when really they don't? If anyone finds anyone I can vote for who would question this I'd like to know.

Rock Aid Armenia: Smoke On The Water

Someone on Queenzone shared this with members and I thought I'd share it with you guys. Brian and Roger play in this: