Posted on

Surfing the zeitgeist in the UK

Zeitgeist: \ ˈtsīt-ˌgīst , ˈzīt- \: the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era, or ‘the spirit of the times’. The spirit of the times in the UK is not exactly flash at the moment. There are long queues at airports and ports all over the UK, especially in Dover. COVID remains a thing, which worries many people still. Inflation is sharply up. Food, petrol and energy prices are sharply up. In fact, the UK has the highest inflation of all the G7 countries, at nearly 10% as of this writing. Winter is around the corner. And now the British public is being shown the spector of two libertarian candidates to lead the Tories for until the next general election. The zeitgeist of the UK is not one for happy campers, unless one happens to have heaps of dosh. Continue reading “Surfing the zeitgeist in the UK”

Posted on

Boris resigns (?)

Most of us by now will recognize an adulterated Turkish proverb doing the rounds: “When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.” Well, Boris, the clown has resigned and everyone hopes the circus will leave town along with the rest of the clowns, to be replaced with saner voices. But there is a question in all this: Why is he still sitting in Parliament doing PMQs? Has he really resigned? It would appear not. What is really going on here? For more, read on… Continue reading “Boris resigns (?)”

Posted on

Outbreak!

On the 6th of May this year a new disease outbreak was confirmed, curiously only in Western nations. Why that is curious is because monkeypox – our newest ‘dreaded disease’ – is endemic in Africa. It has been endemic in Africa for ages, literally. So, why the alarm bells now, and why are we seeing it only in the West, at least at the moment? Oh, and it also seems to be found among a certain social group. And, in case that is not enough, there are certain folks already trying to pin this outbreak on a certain ‘unfriendly’ nation. This is going to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys! (not) Continue reading “Outbreak!”

Posted on

Roe vs. Wade revisited

Few issues in American society have given rise to such heated and passionate debate as that of abortion. It is an issue about which most people have strong opinions, for or against and entrenched. There appears to be no middle ground, at least in the US, where abortion is seen as murder by opponents and a woman’s sacred right to choose for its adherents. Roe vs. Wade was the landmark decision that decided in favor of women’s rights in 1973. Now, in a recently leaked draft decision circulated among the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) justices, Roe vs. Wade looks set to be overturned. The battle for hearts and minds regarding abortion is on once again. But what is this really all about? Perhaps the US chart can give us some clues. Continue reading “Roe vs. Wade revisited”

Posted on

Who is Zelenskyy? – hero or tragic actor?

Since the Russian Special Military Operation began in Ukraine, the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been thrust into the limelight. Depending on who one asks, Zelenskyy is variously seen as a hero of democracy, a puppet leader, a coke-head (and that is not Coca Cola) or a grifter. He started his career as a stand-up comedian and actor, most famous for his role in the Ukrainian TV series, Servant of the People, where he played a teacher who was thrust into the position of the president of the country – a case of life imitating art. And now he is thrust into the role of his life. Just who is Zelenskyy, though? Astrology gives us some clues. Continue reading “Who is Zelenskyy? – hero or tragic actor?”

Posted on

What color is Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan in recent days has been in the midst of the biggest protests and violence it has seen since its independence in 1991, leading a few comments to call what has happened, ‘Black January’. The present violence and protests allegedly began as a result of sharp increases in fuel prices. But as things progressed there it became clear that the protests began almost simultaneously across the country, strongly suggesting central organization, and Kazakh social media is awash with demands from the protesters, some of which also suggest foreign interference. This is a situation in development. We will begin to have a look at it here, to be updated as time goes on. Continue reading “What color is Kazakhstan?”

Posted on

The lack of Truss in UK politics

In the latter part of 2021, as a Hail Mary to 2021 and as much to shunt her away from his problems, Boris Johnson appointed one Liz Truss to the cabinet position of Foreign Secretary during a cabinet reshuffle. The Russians may have raised an eyebrow at the new tank commander. Her appointment may come to be a move Johnson will regret – or maybe not. Since her appointment and since BoJo’s continuing gaffes and poor performance as PM, the rumour mill has been rife with talk of Liz Truss replacing Johnson as PM. As well as his Hail Mary move, the UK experienced its first exact solar arc square of Pluto to its Meridian axis, bringing in the New Year, in what is a clear and growing contest between the people and the government. For more, read on… Continue reading “The lack of Truss in UK politics”

Posted on

The Black Tiger: a prequel

The 2nd of January marks the start of the lunations for 2022, this one being the new moon of Capricorn. It also marks something else, that being the start of the Month of the Iron Ox, or ‘The Ox on the Road’. If that sounds familiar, it should – the lunar year drawing to a close has the same name, and that means we have a situation for the lunar month call fu yin in Chinese astrology. That can be either fortunate or auger difficult times, depending. But there is more. Continue reading “The Black Tiger: a prequel”