HippyCentral

Ok, I’ve prattled about how I help save the world, and it’s pretty obvious to everyone that I call myself a Hippy – but what does that all mean?

I got asked the question in an e-mail (yes this site does get visitors other than you) “what do hippies do to help the earth?”.

Fair question. The answer: It depends on the hippy!

There are probably as many definitions of what a hippy is, and what a hippy does as there are hippies. This hippy says that “a hippy” is someone who believes in the power of love to heal the world. They believe in non-violence, peaceful protest, and that human beings are essentially good, spiritual creatures. Hippies believe in freedom of speech, thought and expression. They try to practice this as much as possible, but are often treated as outcasts because they refuse to conform with the regime.

This Hippy takes practical action, through my work with greenpeace. I try to bring about a happier planet, by working with like minded people in a way that doesn’t violate my non-violent principles, to prevent us humans doing too much damage – usually in the name of greed.

Hippies are often non-capitalist, and reject the materialistic “more more more, me me me” views of modern society – seeking self enlightenment instead. This can quite often mean they become involved in human rights campaigns and in dealing with poverty.

Some might say the question might’ve been meant to attack or insult me, but hopefully I’ve responded in the appropriate “hippy” manner, by spreading enlightenment. Or explaining. Whichever.

It’s a fact. Without any formal psychological training, I’ve develped a new psychological theorem. I’ve discovered a syndrome – Parental deafness.

Basically it works like this. Parent is stressed. Parent is hassled. Parent is at end of tether and if doesn’t get some peace soon will go bezerk with a shotgun or a variety of sharp implements.

Child wants something. Child doesn’t care that parent is desperately hiding their head in that book. Child wants. Child repeatedly asks. “Dad”, “Dad”, “Dad“, “Dad“, “DAD” –

Parent looks up and snaps – “What are you shouting at me for? What do you want?”, while deciding which kitchen tools would make the most damage with the least mess on the carpet.

Any parent will relate to that story (although they probably won’t confess to the homicidal bit), as will any child.

I reckon it’s a defence mechanism, put in place by the trauma of giving/watching birth.

I’m going to write a paper on it, and become a world famous expert in psychology.

(Rather than being famous in the world of psychology experts, as I am now).

Turns out that the worst fishy offender is (drum roll please) – ASDA.

They have the most dodgy fish about. Shame, but there we go. Why can’t we find an excuse to pick on Tesco anyway?

Having principles sucks.

Well, I’ve spent the last 2 weeks (feels like an eternity) campaigning on the new Greenpeace campaign.

Fish.

Greenpeace aren’t campaigning against fish – they tend not to be nasty multinationals causing all sorts of pollution – they’re campaigning for fish.

We want more fish! And the best way to get it is to force the supermarkets (who spend 90% of the £1.8 billion yearly UK fish-spend) to make sure they get their fish in a sustainable manner.

It’s been a pretty easy sell, mostly. Those nasty people at Tesco wouldn’t let us stand outside though. They wouldn’t even take the card that we got signed while we were waiting to talk to the manager! Miserable buggers.

Next time you’re in Tesco, ask where the fish comes from – and is it sustainable, and can they prove it!

For more info on sustainable fish visit the Marine Conservation Society.

Oh, and even you veggies can help out with this one, just don’t tell ’em you won’t eat food with a face.

Randomly wandering around the rather excellent http://www.quotationspage.com/ I found this quote from the late great Douglas Adams:

“Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.”

D’you think he knew Dubya was coming? I mean, he didn’t say “elected”, he said “made”. Which is exactly what happened with Dubya!

Geek knowledge: Quote actually comes from “Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy” referring to the fact that the President of the galaxy is only a figurehead, elected to distract attention from where the real power is. The real President doesn’t even know he’s doing the job.

Many thanks to Rebekah M. for bidding for a page on this site. You can see her work at .uk/rebekah/.

Not that I’m complaining, but after paying 15p to list the auction, and 22p in PayPal fees, I don’t think it was really worth it!

Gotta find another way to raise the cash. Anyone need any children? I’ve got 3 for sale……

Can’t vouch for their flavour, though.