Blogs - He's Got One, She's Got One, Have You Got One?

Although blogs in some form have been on the Internet since 1993 it wasn't until the blog explosion of 2004 that the world went blogging mad and now blogs, blogging and bloggers are everywhere.However, although more and more people blog there are many others who have no interest or have still yet to discover blogging. Are you a blogger that has your own blog, or someone whose eyes glaze over when people mention blog, blogger and blogging?

Blogs - He's Got One, She's Got One, Have You Got One?

Torture By Proxy?

There is now strong evidence that hundreds of CIA flights have landed at European airports with the suggestion that terrorist suspects have been on board on the way to secret interrogation camps in eastern Europe, Egypt, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, and the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw have both issued carefully worded statement that still leaves wide open the question that the US are complicit, along with their allies, in torturing detainees by proxy.

Have both the US and British governments now become the very people that they have in the past so publicly denounced? Is there any justification for torturing suspects? If there is sufficient evidence to suggest that either government were complicit in torturing detainees should they be tried as criminals? Extraordinary rendition - where do you stand?

Torture By Proxy?

Have You Provided For Your Retirement?

With people now living longer and a decade of poor performing saving plans many countries are experiencing a crisis with regards to providing any state pension. Some have already taken action while others are considering asking people to work longer, or making it mandatory that people contribute towards their own pensions. Workers are being told that they can no longer expect pensions that are linked to their final salaries and some people are finding that the savings that they had made are no longer adequate to maintain the lifestyle that they expected. What is your own attitude towards retirement, do you feel that you are making adequate provision or are you living for today?

Have You Provided For Your Retirement?

Phishing - Whose Responsibility?

‘Phishermen’ trick people into revealing their personal details (such as their passwords or credit card numbers) by imitating reputable websites. This is known as ‘phishing’. Phishermen create website that closely resemble the home pages of online banks and commercial websites such as E-bay. They then send millions of emails out using mailing lists that give the people receiving the email the impression that they are receiving an official message from each website asking them to confirm their security details by clicking on a link. If the request is actioned the person will be taken to the fake website, where they will be persuaded to attempt to log on and as they do so their security details are recorded. The fake website tells them that an invalid password was entered and to try again at which point they are often sent to the bona-fide website where the person successfully logs on. The person is often unaware that a third-party has now recorded their security details and the bona-fide website is not aware of any problem. There are many variations but in all cases it is an attempt to get people to part with security information that can then be used dishonestly by a third-party. Where security is breached in this way who do you think should be held responsible for any loss?

Phishing - Whose Responsibility?

Is A Bird Flu Pandemic Inevitable?

Delegates from 100 nations recently met at the World Health Organization headquarters in San Francisco and were urged to prepare against the avian flu or risk a human pandemic that scientists fear could kill millions and cause up to $800 billion in economic damage worldwide. Migratory wildfowl are carrying the so-called H5N1 strain of avian influenza allowing it to spread from Asia to Eastern Europe and appears to be heading towards Africa. Half of those that have so far contracted Avian Flu have died and although so far there have been no recorded cases scientist believe that it is only a matter of time before an avian influenza, most likely the H5N1 strain, acquires the ability to be transmitted human-to-human. Existing vaccines for seasonal influenza are regarded as ineffective against any new strain. With international travel now being common place when this happens scientist warn that the next pandemic will cause incalculable human misery. How informed do you feel and how concerned are you that the predictions of untold deaths and economical consequences could become a reality?

Is A Bird Flu Pandemic Inevitable?

Can You Keep A Promise?

How good are you at keeping promises? Do you give them with gay abandon or are you someone who only gives a promises on rare occasions? Do you think any worse of people who break their promises or do you take the promises that people make to you with a pinch of salt?

Can You Keep A Promise?

Pierce Brosnan Is No Longer Bond - How Did You Rate Him?

Pierce Brosnan reign as 007 is now at an end with the announcement that the less well known Daniel Craig will become the sixth James Bond in the twenty-first Bond film. Pierce Brosnan took over the role from Timothy Dalton in 1995 and appeared in four bond films. Craig will now take over from Pierce Brosnan for the next film 'Casino Royale' which is due to start filming in January. How do you rate Pierce Brosnan's tenure as Bond and do you think that Daniel Craig will make a good Bond? Tell us which of Brosnan's Bond films was his best and where you rate him compared to the other four actors who have played Bond?

Pierce Brosnan Is No Longer Bond - How Did You Rate Him?

Will You Be Sending Microsoft Any Birthday Wishes?

In 30 years Microsoft has risen from nowhere to dominate and define the worlds computers. Love them or loathe them their technology is found everywhere throughout the world. Young pretenders like Google can dent but have a long way to go before they can hope to topple the Microsoft juggernaut that dominates the top spot. Ironically Microsoft was handed their opportunity by IBM who at the time ruled the computer industry roust. On their 30th year how do you view Microsoft and their key personalities like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer? Will a company like Google find a way to eventually topple Microsoft from their perch and has having such a dominate company benefited the computer industry?

Will You Be Sending Microsoft Any Birthday Wishes?

Hurricane Katrina

It seems that no one is arguing that the initial relief aid to areas affected by Hurricane Kartina was anything other that unacceptable. The US President, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state government officials have all acknowledged that mistakes have been made. Is enough now being done to tackle the enormous task to repair the breeches in the levees and clear the city of flood water or are the politicians still more concerned with shifting the blame?

Hurricane Katrina

Are You Ever Too Old?

The majority of the Rolling Stones are now in their 60's and are all old enough to be great-grandfathers. Not deterred 2005 sees them take to the stage for yet another world tour. With the Rolling Stones in mind we ask are you ever too old to rock and roll?

Are You Ever Too Old?

Was The Atomic Bombing Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki Necessary?

On August 6 and 9 1945, atomic bombs were dropped and destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings led to the Japanese surrender and the end of World War II. Was the dropping of the first bomb necessary and did a second have to be dropped? Did the awesome devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki inadvertently create a stand-off between the super powers that lasted for 45 years or would a stand-off have resulted anyway just knowing their destructive power?

Was The Atomic Bombing Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki Necessary?

What Is Treason?

In the climate of renewed terrorism some Governments are considering passing new laws that will broadening the term treason. Treason charges are rarely used outside time of war however it is now a charge that is being looked at to see if it can be adapted. The British prime minister has recently outlined plans which would consider deporting any foreigner involved in listed extremist centres and websites. Do you agree that such steps will help reduce terrorism or is the term 'treason' too vague and simplistic? We ask you where you would draw the line between free speech and treason?

What Is Treason?

What Are The Best Ever Children Films?

There are some children movies that have stood the test of time and are loved as much by the latest generation as they were when their grand parents first saw them. Does Disney still hold the crown or do film makers like Pixar now have their fingers firmly on the pulse of the young generation? Vote for your all time top three children's movies and also your top three animated feature length children's movies.

What Are The Best Ever Children Films?

Is A Shoot To Kill Policy Ever Justified?

With the London bombings still fresh in the minds of all Londoners terrorist tried to inflict further devastation but this time their bombs failed to explode. As the bombers fled and London's police force launched a full scale man hunt, armed police shot dead a Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes. Eyewitness reports indicated that the police chased and then caught Menezes and then shot him eight times suspecting that he was a suicide bomber. The police have since issued a statement that they are now satisfied that Jean Menezes was innocent of any connection to the London bombings. Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he was "desperately sorry" about the killing, but added that the police were working in "very, very difficult circumstances." Early reports seem to suggest that after being challenged by plain clothed policemen Mr Menezes fled into the tube station giving the impression to the chasing officers that he was indeed, as they had suspected, a suicide bomber. Was this just a tragic event or have the authorities, by adopting a "shoot to kill policy", played into the terrorist hands and made London a city where the general public now have to fear the police?

Is A Shoot To Kill Policy Ever Justified?

London Bombings July 7 2005

In the wake of the terrorist attacks in London on July 7 2005 this survey attempts to gauge the mood of ordinary people from around the world to some of the views and statements that have been reported through the many forms of media. How strongly do you agree with the following selected statements that attempt to explain the root causes of these barbaric acts, the steps that could be taken to prevent them and the need or otherwise to change US and UK policy?

London Bombings July 7 2005

The Chance To Make Poverty History

Twenty years on from the Live Aid concerts that galvanised individuals from the worlds richest nations into positive action to help save starving people, The Make Poverty History campaign, through Live 8, staged a demonstration, across four continents, against poverty.

200,000 people attended the London Hyde Park event, that along with concerts in Berlin, Moscow, Johannesburg, Paris, Philadelphia, Rome and Toronto was seen by a global audience estimated to be in the region of 3 billion.

Bob Geldof, who with his band the Boomtown Rats enjoyed musical success in the late 70's and early 80's, inspired the original Live Aid concerts and has had his achievements recognised with an honorary Knighthood making him Sir Bob. A tireless campaigner for the world’s poorest and with the ear of many a world leader, he has through staging Live 8 ensured that the plight of Africa is again centre stage.

With the music event now over and the G8 leaders now firmly in the spotlight, will Live 8 help the poor?

The Chance To Make Poverty History

Is The US At A Critical Moment In Iraq?

On the first anniversary of Iraq's sovereignty President Bush gave an address to the American people from Fort Bragg the home of the Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division. President Bush argued that there is no need to change course in Iraq despite the upsetting images produced by daily insurgent attacks. What are your views on a conflict that has cost the lives of more than 1,740 U.S. troops and has no end in sight?

Is The US At A Critical Moment In Iraq?

Did The US F1 Grand Prix, Born 2000, Die In 2005?

Only six of the expected twenty cars started the 2005 US F1 Grand Prix. 14 cars retired after the parade lap because their tyre manufacturer Michelin could not guarantee that their tyres were safe for the Indianapolis track. The six cars left running on Bridgestone tyres started to the sound of fans booing and throwing bottles on to the track. For the record in was the Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello who gave Ferrari its first 1-2 finish of the season, with Jordan’s Tiago Monteiro finishing 3rd but victories do not come any hollower. Was this just an unfortunate incident, was it the result of too stringent tyre rules and who if anyone is to blame?

Did The US F1 Grand Prix, Born 2000, Die In 2005?

X-Rated Scanners That Will Leave Nothing To The Imagination

America's Homeland Security Department is preparing to install and test high-tech scanning machines that will be able to see through clothes.The new machines known as backscatters give a detailed image of the body including nipples and a clear outline of genitalia.

Similar to the X-ray security screens featured in the film Total Recall the scanners are designed to detect any device no matter what it is made of and how well concealed on or in the body.

With the technology available will society allow the technology to be deployed, how will it be balanced with legitimate privacy concerns and how safe is it?

X-Rated Scanners That Will Leave Nothing To The Imagination

George Galloway V US Senate Sub-Committee On Investigations

The United Nations-backed oil-for-food scheme enabled Saddam Hussein to export oil to pay for essential humanitarian aid to help the Iraqi people cope with UN sanctions imposed in 1991.

The Senate sub-committee on investigations have alleged that Mr Galloway received options to buy barrels of Iraqi oil as a reward for supporting Saddam Hussein by selling the vouchers at below market prices to favoured parties, who were able to sell them on at profit.

The Senate committee's report also accused former French minister Charles Pasqua of receiving oil rights from Iraq, something he also has vehemently denied.

Mr Galloway, already a controversial British Member of Parliament, flew to Washington to defend himself and has now appeared before the Senate committee to answer their accusations.

What do you think?

George Galloway V US Senate Sub-Committee On Investigations

How Long Has Tony Blair Got Left As British Prime Minister?

Although Labour won the May 2005 UK elections it was the smallest winning share of the vote ever recorded. With a vastly reduced majority and with both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats making significant advances at Labour's cost, the labour celebrations were mixed and disenchanted Labour MP's have wasted no time in pressing the case for a new leader. Prior to the election Tony Blair announced this would be his last term as Prime Minister but will he go on his terms, or do you expect him to follow the fate of Margaret Thatcher and be ousted by his own party? Is is a forgone conclusion that Gordon Brown will replace Tony Blair or is there a chance that after waiting so long in the wings Gordon Brown will loose out on the top job to Jack Shaw, Robin Cook or someone else?

How Long Has Tony Blair Got Left As British Prime Minister?

Do You Use Alternative Medicine?

As more and more people seek relief from a variety of medical ailments with herbal and alternative remedies what is your own view?

How familiar are you with the various alternative treatments available and would you ever consider alternative treatment over mainstream health care?

Do You Use Alternative Medicine?

Is Tony Blair Home And Dry On Iraq?

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has come under fierce opposition attacks over his support for the Iraq war.

Blair has repeatedly said he believed he made the right decision on Iraq and that the world was now safer without Saddam.

His critics say that Tony Blair decided to go to war after meeting with President Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002 and after that he lied to persuade the country to support him.

It is estimated by people who have opposed the war that as a result of the USA/UK action over 35,000 Iraqis and 1,000 coalition personnel have been killed.

Do you think that Tony Blair lied or do you feel, however flawed the reasons, the end justifies the means?

Is Tony Blair Home And Dry On Iraq?

Prince Charles And Camilla Married At Last

After more than 30 troubled years, other marriages, divorces, tragic deaths and public and family disapproval, Princes Charles and Camilla finally married on Saturday April 9 2005.

A crowd of more than 20,000 cheered the couple as they arrived at Windsor's Guildhall for their small private civil wedding. After the ceremony they returned to Windsor Castle for a service of blessing led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and attended by about 800 of the couple's family and friends including the Queen and Prince Philip.

What do you think of their marriage?

Prince Charles And Camilla Married At Last

What Are Your Book Reading Habits?

What are your book reading habits? Are you currently reading a book? What influences you the most in choosing a book and what do you do with the book when you have finished with it?

What Are Your Book Reading Habits?

Think Of A Number And Let Us Read Your Mind

We would like to conduct a mind reading exercise.

Please answer the following questions without thinking too much about each one. At the end we will see if we can guess what you were thinking.

Think Of A Number And Let Us Read Your Mind

Valentines Day - Good Or Bad?

Valentines Day has passed for another year.

Is Valentines Day the day you send a token of your affection to someone close?

Do you think Valentines Day is a good or a bad thing? Perhaps you think that Valentines Day has become over commercialised and lost its meaning?

Tell us what you think.

Valentines Day - Good Or Bad?

A Bad Day At The Office? Need A Top Excuse For A Day Off?

Want a day off work and need a good excuse? A newspaper recently asked its readers to come up with an excuse to miss a day of work. We have listed the cream of the crop. And on those days that you are at work have you ever wanted to say something but thought better of it? We list what other people have been thinking; maybe you have been thinking the same.

A Bad Day At The Office? Need A Top Excuse For A Day Off?

It's All About Ethics!

Ethics are easy until you come face to face with an ethical problem. Would you always do what is right, even when no one would see and no one would know? Sometimes, are you just too busy to do the right thing?

From our list of ethical dilemmas what do you think you would most likely do in each situation

It's All About Ethics!

Tattoo And Body Piercings - Where Do You Stand?

In societies where tattoos and body piercing have historically only been worn by a minority it is fast becoming the norm to see one or other.Some tattoos and piercings are very discreet, while others are very much in your face.Do you have a body piercing or tattoo and what are your views on them? Are either a threat to someones career or are they common enough that they are no longer an issue?

Tattoo And Body Piercings - Where Do You Stand?

All Time Favourite Song And Dance Routine In A Movie

There have been many fine musicals brought to film but which do you think has the best song and dance routine?

We have compiled a short-list of movie musical numbers for you to choose from; or do you have your own that you would like to nominate?

All Time Favourite Song And Dance Routine In A Movie