Ask Militant Ginger

It's that time again! Another delve into the keyword questions that drove people to Militant Ginger.

Is Princess Diana more annoying dead than alive?

I don’t know – that’s a tough one to call. I would have to make a judgment call and say yes; because while the poor woman was still alive, at least the incessant media coverage about her was mitigated by the fact that ‘shedidaloddagudworkfurcharidy, mate.’

These days, she’s still rarely off the telly in one form or another (mostly conspiracy shows about her ‘murder’) but no longer contributes to children with AIDs or digging up landmines or anything jolly like that.

So incessant media attention MINUS charitable contributions EQUALS more annoying than ever.

What’s the Bluetooth Headset Captain Jack wears in Torchwood?

Sorry to disappoint you, guys – but Captain Jack’s stylish Bluetooth headset from the mediocre mess that was BBC’s Torchwood was actually a one-of-a-kind prop made from toilet rolls and washing up bottles in the BBC props department.

Ianto, Owen and the others, however, did use a real brand – the Jabra BT250v . You can get your own here.



Why do Christians hate gay people?

Christians technically don’t hate gay people.

Certain people claiming to be Christians (i.e. certain Evangelical groups) hate gay people, but they have as much to do with Christianity as Mormonism does. [Congrats, Militant Ginger. You managed to insult two religious demographics in a single sentence – Editorial Bear]

The truth be told, the official line is that no Christian ‘hates’ gay people. They just believe, rightly or wrongly [Erm, wrongly – Editorial Bear] that homosexuality is unnatural (despite it being practiced by a recorded 1,800 species of animals) and a sin against God.

They don’t hate the sinner, they hate the sin. This distinction does seem to confuse some Christians, hence the problems – but ‘hate’ is not the official line.

Anyway. While God was pretty clear on the matter (read Leviticus) his son, Jesus, was kind of ambivalent – a little like President Obama.

It’s possible to make a pretty convincing case against homosexuality using New Testament scripture (CK whipped me in this debate, so I have to give credit where it’s due) although I believe that Jesus was more about the ‘love your neighbor’ part of his belief system, rather than whether or not being gay was cool.

ибупрофен vs нурофен

I don’t even know what this means – nor do I know why it brought somebody to my blog! But I hope it has something to do with sexy Russian ladies in uniform.

I am so objectifying this lady right now.

Did Stephanie Meyer plagiarize Charlaine Harris?

Charlaine Harris, who wrote the Sookie Stackhouse series of vampire books, is often credited as the inspiration for Twilight. People have even accused Meyer of plagiarizing Harris directly – one commentor on this blog wrote “All you have to do is read Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series and L.J. Smith's Vampire Diaries and there's the whole storyline in all 4 of the Twilight books. Someone needs to sue this woman because she's just getting credit for what others have done and watering it down into her disgusting version. It's NOT FAIR!”

Personally, I think it’s difficult to accuse Stephanie Meyer of plagiarism, because the whole vampire genre is SO trite and derivative that there hasn’t been an original work of vampire-inspired fiction for decades. In fact, Meyer managed to inject a rare bit of originality into the genre by mixing it with the romantic tribulations of a narcissistic, self-obsessed teenager AND in making the whole series of books a clumsy metaphor for abstinence.

So, good for her.




Why can’t antibiotics cure the common cold?

One of the most annoying things about living in America is how people will rush to the doctors for a prescription of antibiotics as soon as they have the sniffles.

These people are retarded. They’re the idiots breeding antibiotic-resistant bacteria and driving up the cost of medical insurance. They’re too ignorant to research one of the most basic facts of modern medicine: Colds and flu are caused by viruses.

Antibiotics only treat bacteria. Taking antibiotics to cure your cold is utterly useless.

In fact, it’s more likely to make you sick than better, as each time you take antibiotics you perform a neat little holocaust of all the ‘good’ bacteria in your gut and screw up your digestion.

We can’t only hold the deeply stupid people who wolf down the pills responsible, though. Seriously lazy doctors have got into the habit of filling in these idiot’s prescriptions because it takes ten minutes to convince them that antibiotics are a waste of time, and just thirty seconds to give them the prescription they stupidly crave.

Educating the masses and convincing doctors not to pander to hypochondriacs is vitally important - unless we fancy all falling victim to an antibiotic-resistant super-bacteria five years in the future (hey, that's an idea for a book!)

The law, morality and Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

That’s not even a question. That sounds like the title of an undergraduate literature dissertation.

Twilight kind of went like this

Why do pirates wear eye patches?

Most people think pirates wore eye-patches to cover the hole in their skull where an eyeball used to be (remember, kids – cutlass fights are all well and good – right up until somebody loses an eye!)

But actually, patches were an essential accessory for bi-optic buccaneers as well.

On the sun-drenched seas of the Caribbean, an eye-patch was used during ship-to-ship combat. When a pirate descended into the bowels of a ship to loot the booty, he’d step from the sunshine on deck to the murky darkness of the unlit hold. As you’ll know if you’d ever had somebody shine a flashlight into your eyes, that renders you instantly blind – as it takes valuable minutes to build up ‘night vision’ after being in a well-lit environment.

Pirates would wear an eye-patch to force one eye to adjust to low-light conditions, so when they thundered downstairs into the lower decks of a raided galleon, they could lift their ‘patch’ and immediately see clearly in the darkness, without having to wait for their eyesight to adjust (which might lead to an adversary running them through in the mean time.)

It’s a good trick to remember. If you’re ever sneaking about outside, always keep one eye closed, so if the lights come on, or somebody shines a flashlight in your face, your ‘night vision’ won’t immediately vanish, leaving you temporarily blinded as soon as darkness falls again.

Which is better Nurofen or ibuprofen?

They’re both the same thing! Nurofen is an expensive brand-name pill that contains 200mg of ibuprofen – exactly the same dosage as the cheap, generic brand (but three times more expensive.)

Aside from an easy-to-swallow coating, they are exactly the same product – so use your noggin and plump for the generic pill when you get the chance. Anybody who tells you that brand-name pills have a ‘superior blend’ or similar rubbish are just buying into the hype.

Same drug, same thing – the only difference is whether you keep the difference in price, or you ‘donate’ it to a pharmaceutical giant (and believe me, baby, their profit margins make the oil industry look positively pauperish by comparison.)

Smith Cho drinks tequila in Knight Rider?

The delectable Smith Cho was one of the stars of Knight Rider’s aborted relaunch. In fact, as far as I was concerned, she was the star. Cute and funny and a mouthwatering sight in a bikini, she should have kept that show on the air even if Val Kilmer’s smooth-talking Ford Mustang didn’t.

There were other memorable parts of this episode - I just don't remember them

Anyway. In the third episode, Knight of the Iguana, our intrepid crew try to track down a stolen missile and to that end, Smith’s character – Zoe – poses as the hero’s wife and pours a bottle of tequila down him. It’s left ambiguous whether or not they got up to some tequila-fueled mischief later that evening - but I’d be thoroughly disappointed in the new ‘Michael Knight’ if he hadn’t! Girls like Smith Cho don’t come along very often.



Sweet, safe, grown-up pit bulls for sale?

If you’d read this post, you’d probably have realized that I’m not entirely convinced that pit bulls are ever entirely ‘safe.’ All dogs have the capacity to be dangerous - my wife was mauled by a tiny terrier when she was little - but I do believe that pit bulls are inherently more dangerous than most.

They're still beautiful animals, though.

Pit Bull - Bad dog, or just bad publicity?

In ‘Burn Notice’, what was the waist leather bag Fiona wears?



Fiona Glenanne, the former IRA assassin and femme fatale of USA’s Burn Notice, wears a Leather Hip Bag during some of her more dangerous missions and you can get one of your very own here.

Do Pit Bulls make safe pets?

Pit Bulls don't get good press.

Don't believe me? Just check out this story, in which a 9 year-old saved a dachshund from a vicious Pit Bull (and a little girl, apparently, but it's difficult for me to get as excited about that.)

The Pit Bull breed has earned itself a fearsome reputation over the years. A crossbreed between the tough, but sedentary English bulldog and the scrappy, aggressive English terrier, they were created during the Victorian era specifically for dog fighting.

In recent years, Pit Bulls have been at the center of an increasing controversy regarding 'dangerous dogs.' The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that a disproportionate number of fatal dog attacks in the United States involve a Pit Bull; making them clearly recognized as the most 'dangerous' dog in America.

Legislation is in place across North America regarding this breed of dog. In places like Winnipeg and Sioux City, Pit Bulls are banned, period. In other places, like Dade country, Florida, or Garfield Heights, Ohio, owning a Pit Bull is punishable by a $1000 fine or sixty days in the county jail. In many other places, all Pit Bulls must be registered as 'vicious dogs' and can be confiscated and destroyed if they go out without an appropriate muzzle and short leash.

Despite that, Pit Bulls continue to be a popular family pet; and breeders and owners are outspoken in their defense of the breed, claiming that the spate of vicious dog attacks isn't the fault of the breed itself, but irresponsible owners who fail to properly train and supervise their dogs.

So are Pit Bulls safe pets to have? Or is this breed inherently dangerous? I've put together popular reasons 'for' and 'against' labeling Pit Bulls as 'dangerous dogs' (these are not my opinions.)

The Prosecution

Pit Bulls are bred as fighting dogs. Like sheep dogs, who have in inherent drive to 'herd,' Pit Bulls have a similar 'genetic memory' instructing them to fight. Their strength, size and muscular build just exacerbate the danger these dogs pose, as what makes them truly 'dangerous dogs' is the fact that they are naturally, unavoidably aggressive in temperament.

What makes this breed even more dangerous is the fact that they tend to be popular with a specific demographic of dog owner. As 'tough, macho' animals, they are often seen as status symbols by similarly aggressive owners, who often cultivate their dog's aggressive behavior or, at the very least, fail to properly train and supervise them.

Given the illegal nature of the breed, many Pit Bulls are bred in underground circles, often linked to activities like dog fighting. This means some of the most aggressive dogs from the most aggressive breed are bred in an overtly aggressive environment. Factor in the commonality of inbreeding with pure-bred dogs (especially when bred underground) and behavioral problems are almost inevitable.

Pure-bred Pit Bulls are a beautiful, graceful breed of dog. However, much like a tiger, or a great white shark, they are inherently dangerous. Unless looked after by a knowledgeable, responsible owner, who takes precautions to protect themselves and the public from their pets, this particular breed poses a danger to any community it lives in.

The size and strength of a Pit Bull make them especially dangerous to children - who are sadly the most common victims of dog attacks.

The Supreme Court of the United States, when the constitutionality of 'dangerous dog' laws was debated, had this to say on the subject:

"Pit Bull attacks, unlike attacks by other dogs, occur more often, are more severe, and are more likely to result in fatalities. The trial court also found that Pit Bulls tend to be stronger than other dogs, often give no warning signals before attacking, and are less willing than other dogs to retreat from an attack, even when they are in considerable pain."

The Defense

Pit Bulls have received the short end of the stick for decades now. This beautiful breed of level-headed, loving dog has been labeled 'dangerous' through fear and ignorance alone.

Pit Bulls came to America during the mid-1800s, brought over largely by Irish and English immigrants to the United States. There, the breed found surprising popularity. They were considered good family pets and Pit Bulls soon became recognized as 'the all-American dog.'

It's only recently that this breed has come to be known as 'dangerous' and this is largely as a result of press hysteria. The dog attacks involving Pit Bulls generally involve animals raised by unqualified owners who failed to exercise the responsibility required to look after any dog, not just a Pit Bull. The dogs weren't to blame for the attacks. The people who raised them were.

If neglected or improperly trained, any dog can be dangerous. It's just unfortunate that the last people who should be owning dogs - the ignorant, neglectful and criminal - often tend to be the people who desire this specific breed the most. Their reputation as 'tough' dogs means they've become icons for 'tough' and overtly aggressive owners.

If this minority of irresponsible owners had favored dachshunds, for example, the news stories might have been very different - with 'weiner dogs' recognized as the most dangerous canine breed in America.

Dogs, like any domesticated animal, are the products of their upbringing. A few really irresponsible people have let a few really terrible things occur and, as a result, the entire Pit Bull breed has been tarred with the same brush. They don't deserve their reputation and make loyal and loving pets if properly raised.

So-called 'vicious' dogs can even be rehabilitated. When NFL player Michael Vick was arrested for running a dog fighting circle, nearly fifty 'fighting' Pit Bulls were rescued from the compound. Forty-nine of these animals were rehabilitated by groups like the "Best Friends Animal Society" and the "Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls" (BAD RAP - as in, what Pit Bulls have.) Almost all of them have been successfully re-homed.

BAD RAP have this to say about Pit Bulls and their reputation for viciousness:

"Like any breed of dog, a healthy pit bull that is properly raised will remain loving and friendly.

In the past 20 years, we've seen some sad examples of poorly bred and badly treated dogs that are the byproducts of irresponsible 'backyard breeders' and cruel and abusive homes. These improperly raised, unsocialized creatures can show temperaments far removed from the traditional authentic pit bull.

Don't confuse these unfortunate misbreds with the huge majority of well-loved dogs in this country that remain solid in temperament, affectionate, trustworthy and friendly to their dying day."

My Opinion

When it comes to the subject of Pit Bulls, I guess my opinion is clear: I'd never own one, especially with a young child to look after.

I spent my entire life growing up around dogs and I think there is some serious weight behind the 'nature or nurture' debate. The nature of a dog, I've come to understand, is largely formed by the upbringing it has. However, there will always be a sort of 'hardwired programming' in specific breeds that makes them behave in inevitable, predictable ways.

A prime example of this is my Border Collie, Tig. Tig was a family dog, raised on a farm but without any experience or training in, herding sheep. However, from the day she arrived on our farm, she was obsessive about herding things.

She'd try herding horses, cows and next door's chickens - but her enthusiasm was especially inflamed by sheep. Whenever she caught sight of my parent's sheep, she'd dart off and start circling them. She didn't know where she was trying to herd them - just that, dammit, that's what she'd do!

This kind of 'genetic memory' defies explanation, but it exists - especially in dogs, who tend to be bred for specific purposes. This is why terriers tend to be snappy and aggressive - because they were designed for killing rabbits - while whippets and greyhounds just love to run. They don't care where they're going, as long as it's at forty-five miles an hour.

This is why I'm utterly convinced that Pit Bulls are inherently more aggressive and dangerous than other breeds of dogs. It's built into their brain chemistry in the same way a cat automatically knows how to land on it's feet. Pit Bulls are fighting dogs and no amount of training will change that.

However, 'nurture' often trumps 'nature.' Domesticated dogs are universally open to obedience and training. The things some owners can make their pets do is astonishing.

In a household with a clearly defined hierarchy (parents and children are higher on the pecking order) and a calm, loving environment, Pit Bulls can spend their entire lives as well-natured, level-headed pets who are a delightful addition to the family. It's only when something 'triggers' a reaction - like jealousy, for example - that a Pit Bull might react aggressively.

And in all honesty, that 'trigger' exists in all breeds of dogs. With their sharp teeth and speed, no breed of dog makes an entirely 'safe' pet. The truth is, however, that the 'trigger' of Pit Bulls is simply a lot shorter than most other breeds. It takes less to trigger aggressive behavior with an 'aggressive' breed of dog than with a sedate pooch such as a bulldog or beagle.

All animals are in some way dangerous. My parents have a cockatoo who could snip your fingers off if you poke them in the cage too far. Part of growing up in a household of animals is learning the due respect and appreciation animals deserve. People with pets are almost universally better 'people persons' than those raised in an animal-free household.

But some breeds of dogs are more dangerous than others - and Pit Bulls are top of that list. There's an old farming expression: "A bull is a bull is a bull"; which refers to the fact that a bull is an inherently dangerous animal and should never be under appreciated. Likewise, even though some responsible owners have lived with generations of Pit Bulls without incident, it's always worth remembering that "A Pit Bull is a Pitt Bull is a Pit Bull."