What exactly is Fair Trade?

The last time you visited your local supermarket, you may have come across this blue and green logo pictured here. In fact it is more than likely, as this image can be found on a massive range of products, from coffee and fruits, beauty products and flowers, to sugar, wines, cosmetics and peanuts. But what exactly does this logo signify? And why does it matter?

About Fair Trade:

Fair Trade is a global organisation that acts to provide an alternative approach for farmers in developing countries, in terms of the conventional free trade that usually occurs between businesses. Free trade is the business policy where trade between businesses occurs without intervention from the government or other outside parties. This means that buyers and sellers are able to trade with one another under there own pre-concieved terms. This is widely considered the most efficient mode of trade today, as it allows businesses to fail or succeed based on their own merits in the free market. However, Fair Trade takes a much different approach to this method, by creating certain trade regulations and conditions for farmers and business owners in poorly developed countries to adhere to.

In certain countries, from Africa, India south america and the middle east, many smaller scale business owners are marginalised and are victims of their countries, due to crime, poverty, and adverse natural environments. This means that these workers (most often farmers) have major barriers when it comes to achieving high enough profits to sustain their business, and therefore eventually fail. This is bad news not only for the business owners trying to make a living, but also their families, the communities they live in, and their towns, cities and nations that require businesses such as this to thrive for the sake of economic stability. However, it is highly beneficial for a struggling business to sell its products as part of Fair Trade, if it is to succeed in the long-term due to the safety net it provides. For example, Fair Trade works to aid small scale businesses that struggle over larger organisations, by providing them with fair prices for the products they sell and good conditions for trade. It also aims to give business owners a vote in the Fair Trade organisation, and provide business owners with a minimum earning price. This means that regardless of the state of the market, these businesses will always gain a profit that can sustain them and their business. Before a business can achieve these benefits however,  it must adhere to a large set of regulations. These can include setting certain work condition standards, such as hiring a minimum or maximum number of employees, and getting them to follow particular health and safety protocols in the work place. Other regulations may also include using sustainable farming practices that do not adversely affect the environment or aid in global warming, as well as setting standards that decrease work discrimination. If businesses follow these, and many more regulations set up by the organisation, they have much to gain with Fair Trade.

By urging business owners to follow a large set of regulations, Fair trade provides them with the added support they would not have when going it alone. This gives them a better chance of making a profit, feeding their families, and benefiting their struggling communities. Evidence of this can be seen in the banana trade. Bananas are probably the most famous product to carry the fair trade symbol, however the industry of banana farming suffers a great deal of social turmoil. Due to precarious employment, crime, and poor health regulations for workers in areas such as Ecuador and costa rica, it is difficult for small businesses to succeed. However through the fair trade system, many communities in these areas are given a chance due to improved regulations, employment, and better pay, to provide bananas to millions around the world, and earn a decent and sustainable profit while doing so.

This simple Fair Trade logo sticker found on a huge range of products is a sign that these products are sold by small scale businesses, many of which are situated in third world countries, and are being given a helping hand by the Fair Trade organisation. So the next time you visit your local supermarket, and see the iconic logo on a piece of fruit, a packet of peanuts, or a bag of cosmetic products, remember the incredible organisation behind it, and the vital works the logo signifies.

-Thomas Glen

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My Top 5 Favourite Nature Reserves in London

5. Richmond Park

Richmond Park, situated in the borough of Richmond-upon Thames, is an absolutely massive place. At 856 hectares, the first few solo trips I made to the reserve ended in me wandering around for hours, trying desperately to find the main road back to the entrance gate before the park closed for the night. However when I do have my bearings, it is truly astounding.

Originally created as a deer hunting ground for the British monarchy in 1637, the constant grazing by the 630 Red and Fallow deer that live in the park today, easily seen roaming freely and clashing antlers in the breeding season, has developed the site into a haven for other wildlife.

From ponds and streams, lowland acid grassland, and ancient woodland dating back centuries, the diversity of habitats in Richmond Park allow a large range of organisms to survive. Woodpeckers, Kestrels, Frogs and Snakes, Dragonflies, Stag Beetles, Rabbits and Herons, flourishes greatly in this site, which has been officially made a National Nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and a Special Area of Conservation. And the scenery is something to behold.

4. Rainham Marshes

Rainham Marshes is a 479 hectare reserve in the east of London, adjacent to the Thames Estuary in Purfleet, Thurrock. This reserve, run by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a place of stunning beauty, not only due to beautiful wetland landscape that stretches far into the distance, or the rich bounty of wildlife, but also due to the attractive visitors centre that offers a great view of the landscape (pictured below) and which serves the best coffee cake I have ever had in my life.

Originally used as a firing range by the ministry of defence, after years of inactivity the site was turned into a nature reserve and opened to the public in 2006, and has since become a haven for a range of wildlife; most notably for the Watervole, whose populations have been dwindling in the UK for years, but survive in large numbers on the reserve. Other organisms that can be seen in the reserve include Birds of Prey such as Hen Harriers, frogs, dragonflies, Plovers, Lapwings and Avocets. This incredible marshland habitat is also an official site of Special Scientific Interest, and a place well worth a visit (even if there wasn't any coffee cake).

3. One Tree Hill Nature reserve

In the London borough of Southwark, and a mere 30 minute walk from my home, is the One Tree Hill nature reserve. Much smaller than the first two on this list, and definitely much less well known, this reserve still astounds me in the huge amount of biodiversity that I constantly find in its minuscule confines.

Named after a particular oak tree at the top of a pretty steep hill in the reserve, there is a legend that Queen Elizabeth 1 rested beneath this tree on her way to visit Lewisham in 1602. Although this is likely just a myth, if it is true I bet she found the trek through the picturesque reserve more than worthwhile. From the rich swathes of ancient woodland and grassland habitats, stunning wildlife sightings are common and on my last visit, I actually came across over 6 different Miner Bees; solitary-living bees that build burrows in the ground to lay their eggs (pictured).

From Sparrowhawks, Peregrine Falcons, Foxes, Speckled Wood and Gatekeeper Butterflies (left), squirrels and a whole host of other gorgeous creatures, this small reserve hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of urban south east London will easily provide any nature lover with a rich bounty of biological wonders. And if that steep hill I mentioned earlier sounds a little too much for you to handle, I must mention the incredible view of Central London you can get once reaching the top. And I mean seriously...

2. Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve

Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve is a 6.4 hectare reserve, found in the London borough of Ealing and hounslow, and is run by the London Wildlife Trust. Of all of my many visits to the many nature reserves London has to offer, never have I discovered a site so engulfed by the urban world, and yet is a site that can so easily make you forget about the urban world that surrounds it from every angle. Wedged between two well used railway lines, and towered over by huge office blocks and housing estates, this reserves diversity is truly astonishing. Containing birch woodland, hedgerow, acid grassland, and a small pond, I have on many an occasion found myself forgetting there exists a developed world barely a few minutes walk away as I have gotten absorbed among the green foliage, and the interesting creatures.

Although I have seen a variety of organisms in the reserve, such as Peregrine Falcons, foxes, frogs, common newts, and Jays, I would say the sites most impressive characteristic is its array of insect life. From scouring the wild flowers, tree canopies, and soils of this reserve, I have discovered some wonderful mini beasts, from grasshoppers, thick-thighed beetles, butterflies, Burner moths, Southern Hawker dragonflies, and this beautiful female Stag beetle pictured here.

What I most love about this reserve however is the amount of community support that has gone into its protection. In 1981 this area of land, little more than an abandoned landscape that had been taken over by nature at the time, was been proposed for commercial development. However due to a campaign by the "Chiswick Wildlife Group", the site was taken over by the London Wildlife Trust, and is now protected and managed solely for nature conservation. More recently in 2012, another campaign was created by local residents and wildlife enthusiasts called HOOT (Hands off our Triangle), which aimed to reverse the government plan of building huge luxury flats by the reserve that would block out precious sunlight to the sites plant life. Although this campaign sadly did not dissuade these plans, which can now be seen in the form of grey looming buildings that are far from easy on the eyes (pictured), the passion and determination of the Triangle community is definitely worth respecting and admiring. And if you pay a visit, you will see why they love and cherish it so much.

Before reaching number one, here is my...

Good Natured Special Mention:

Kirkwood Nature Reserve:

The kirkwood Nature Reserve, situated in the Cossal Estate in Peckham, of the London borough of Southwark, is a truly inconspicuous place. Left neglected for years and having suffered vandalism, excess litter, devastating damage at the hands of dogs, and once considered too dangerous to enter by the public due to high criminal activity, it took the passion of the community to turn the fate of this site around.

"Friends of Cossal Park and Kirkwood Nature Reserve"(check out their Facebook page) is a group that was formed to protect the two green areas of this south London estate, and turn them into places that the community can enjoy, and where wildlife can flourish. Through clearing the pond, removing litter, planting trees, carrying out community events and garnering support from other organisations, while getting children from the local "John Donne Primary School" involved in planting projects and nature walks at the Kirkwood reserve, this site has been turned from an ugly environment smothered in graffiti and beer cans, to a truly marvellous nature reserve.



Although the work is far from over, and there is much more conservation required, and funding to be gained, the wildlife has started to return. And now Great Tits and Robins, Foxes, Squirrels, tadpoles, and mice are a common sight.

1. Sydenham Hill Woods

Although I have visited a range of reserves around the British capital, many of which missed out on this list by the skin of their teeth, deciding my number one was pretty easy, as I have never visited any other natural site in the world as much as the glorious Sydenham Hill Woods. Situated in the London borough of Southwark, Sydenham Hill Woods is a 9 hectare woodland; owned by the Dulwich estate, but managed by the London Wildlife Trust.

If you are looking for a place to truly immerse yourself in the natural world, this is the reserve to visit. Upon entering Sydenham Hill Woods, the sounds of the surrounding main roads seem to disappear from earshot, only to be replaced by twittering blue tits, waffling green woodpeckers, and the rustling of the thick vegetation. From all angles tower a range of tall tree species, from ancient oaks, hornbeams, hazels and Horse chestnuts; usually witnessed with ring necked parakeets darting among the branches. Birds of Prey also run rife, and I have personally witnessed Peregrine Falcons, hobby's (pictured to the right on my first day at the woodland), Sparrowhawks, and Kestrels. 

Find one of the ponds and other forms of life appear before your eyes. From pond skaters skimming across the waters surface, to huge masses of frog spawn during the spring months, as well as common species of waterfowl and dazzling damselflies, water life is rich in the reserve. Although I'll admit, when sitting by the bank searching for insect life, I have gotten frustrated at the number of dog walkers that visit; their four legged canines inconveniently lapping at the water and scaring away anything interesting on many an occassion.

There is a whole host of other reasons why this is my favourite reserve in London. The site formally had housing on it in victorian times, and victorian plates, building remnants, and other old artefacts from this distant time can be easily found while walking though. Decades ago a train tunnel once ran through it, but since it was abandoned in 1961, the tunnel provides a roosting ground for bats (the tunnel pictured here with some recently added bat artwork on the outside). It also contains a range of different habitats, from woodland to bluebell meadow, and has a host of incredible fungal species that inhabit the reserve in gigantic quantities. These are just some of many reasons why it is so great here.



However I suppose my favourite part of the reserve is this dead tree pictured here. Hidden discretely in the woodland, and having fallen and died long before I started visiting this place years ago, it has provided me with an escape from the public; as for some reason no one but me ever seems to find it. The decaying wood attracts many insects, which I have spent many a few hours searching out between the trees crevices. And it has given me place to sit down and relax, while I watch Birds of Prey gliding, perching, and hunting up above; unaware of my presence.

London is definitely an astounding, and exciting place, But this isn't just because of its iconic landmarks, or its multi-culturalism. This is because the people of London really do seem to respect the wildlife that shares their city. And by these Londoners continuing to choose a city where Blackbirds can visit their garden, where Falcons can nest on their Tate Modern, and where a host of organisms can live among their developed world in these wonderful nature reserves, this city will continue to be a truly remarkable place.

-Thomas Glen

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All images of wildlife are my own

The Reptile Egg- A marvel of Design and Evolution

The cleidoic egg, laid by the vast majority of reptiles from snakes to crocodiles, has a leathery outer casing made up of calcium carbonate. It also has a number of internal membranes that all play a part in the protection and development of the embryo within.

1. Amnion is a membranous sack within the shell that surrounds the embryo, and is filled with amniotic fluid that provides a protective environment for the organism, and reduces its risk of injury.

2. Chorion is the outermost membrane layer of the egg, in direct contact with the inside of the calcerous shell. This membrane absorbs oxygen that permeates through the porous shell from the outside environment, and transports it to the embryo. It also releases waste carbon dioxide from within the egg through the shell, and to the outside world.

3. The allantois is a membrane found between the amnion and chorion, and acts as a storage facility for nitrogenous waste excretions produced by the embryo; keeping it away from the developing organism.

4. The yolk sack contains the yolk; a highly nutritious and protein rich food source that the developing embryo requires to develop.

The cleidoic egg is a true feat of evolution. Millions of years ago after fish-like amphibians left the water and attempted to survive on land, the ability to lay eggs with tough outer coverings that protected the inside from dehydration, rather than the gelatinous eggs of amphibians and fish that require moist environments to stop desiccation, improved the ability for land colonisation. This allowed them to inhabit more arid environments such as deserts, and lead to a range of vertebrate organisms effectively inhabiting the planets variety of terrains.

-Thomas Glen

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Homosexuality- An Evolutionary Conundrum:

Homosexuality is a subject that is brought up constantly in the media, whether discussing gay rights, adoption, and/or primitive biblical viewpoints on gay people and their ways of life. And as this topic is discussed, a number of questions appear. A popular one that has yet to be definitively proven is "How many gay people are there on Planet Earth?". The "Janus Report" carried out in 1993 claimed that 9% of the planets male population is gay. And a survey was recently carried out in the UK, that claimed 1.5% of british people under the age of 75 were gay or bisexual. There is even a popular view that everyone is a little gay, in some way or another. The true explanation for this quandary is yet to be proven without a shadow of a doubt, however there is an even bigger question that I believe also deserves an answer. Why do gay people exist in the first place? I mean, evolutionary speaking, their very existence does't seem to make much sense. If a man or woman only finds members of the same gender attractive, than the reproduction of offspring and the spreading of his/her genes is unlikely to happen, which should cause the extinction of these versions of human beings. However here they are, homosexual people, all over the world, from South America to the Middle East. But why is that?

Although an absolute answer has yet to be achieved, there are a number of theories, many of which that seem very credible, and others less so. One theory is known as the "Kin Altruism Hypothesis". This theory states that homosexuality could possibly exist if it was discovered that gay people provide a beneficial hand in looking after their own relatives, to a greater extent than they could if they had their own children to look after. By homosexuals providing help for their siblings, as well as the nieces and nephews their siblings produced, the survival rates of their family members could be improved, increasing the chance of the families genes being passed on to future generations; including the gay ones. This theory, although sounding plausible, was deemed unlikely after it was discovered that gay people added little more help to their immediate families survival, than other straight members.

Another idea that has been gaining traction in the scientific community in known as the "Female Fertility Hypothesis". This theory states that homosexuality could possibly exist, if a gay gene in the population leads to an increase in the sexual fertility of females. For example, if a woman is born who, once reaching sexual maturity,  has genetic characteristics that allow her to have a thin waist, larger breasts and thighs, and a high fertility rate, this would make her more attractive to the opposite sex and more likely to reproduce. But, if a by-product of these characteristics was that her brother (or other male relative) was gay and unlikely to reproduce, this would still be beneficial as she could have many healthy offspring herself. Evidence for this hypothesis has been found by measuring groups of women who have gay relatives, and it has been discovered that most seem to be highly fertile, and less susceptible to birth defects than others without gay relatives.

The "Alliance Formation Hypothesis" provides another possibility for the evolution of homosexuality. This hypothesis claims that this trait could possibly be an evolutionary strategy for men to form bonds and friendships with other males in their group; allowing improved statuses in the groups hierarchy, and higher chances of reproduction with females. These bonds could be formed through homo-erotic behaviours that lead to coercion and teamwork among men. This is something that can be seen in our ape ancestors Bonobo's, and in certain human cultures today. This theory however has gained mixed reviews from scientists, as it appears that only a small number of human tribes present these behaviours; the vast majority sticking to heterosexual monogamous relationships.

It seems that, when taking all the evidence into account, and according to the scientific community, that the "Female Fertility Hypothesis"is the most likely to be correct. However the evidence is not yet strong enough for it to be considered fact. Research continues to be ongoing, and one day we may have an answer that provides a true, biological reason why homosexuality exists today, revealing it to be caused by genetic/environmental factors, rather than by choice as scientifically wayward creationists seem to believe.

-Thomas Glen
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Archaeopteryx- a Bird like no other.

Archaeopteryx lithographica is a fossil originally unearthed in Germany in 1861, before being donated to the Natural History museum of London where it remains to this day. During the period of its discovery, the scientific thinkers of the time with the great fortune to be allowed access to such as specimen were baffled as to what exactly it was; which is very understandable as it is a very strange fossil indeed. 

“We know, on the authority of professor Owen, that a strange bird, the Archeopteryx, with a long lizard-like tail, bearing a pair of feathers on each joint, and with its wings furnished with two free claws, has been discovered in the oolitic slates of Solnhofen. Hardly any recent discovery shows more forcibly than this how little we as yet know of the former inhabitants of the world.” 

-Charles Darwin in "On the Origin of Species"

On the face of it, it appears to be some kind of bird. Close examination shows it to have impressions of feathers on its limbs, hollow bones that create a light body useful for bird flight, a furcula (wish bone), and finger bones that have been reduced and fused much like what is seen in the limbs of birds today. However, other characteristics are also seen that are definitely not common place among modern avian fauna. Teeth for example are visible in Archaeopteryx's mouth, rather than the avian keratinised beak. It had claws jutting out of its wings, and had no keeled sternum; the thick extension of bone on a birds chest that anchors muscles for flight.  A pygostyle was also missing from the fossil (fused, shortened tail bone), replaced with a long extended tailbone much like what is seen in dinosaurs. It has also been shown to have had scaled skin, again like dinosaurs. 

Since this initial discovery of an almost complete archaeopteryx fossil, many more have been discovered in geological strata around the world, providing greater insights into what exactly this fossil animal is, and what it was like as a living organism. What has been shown, and has now been widely accepted by the majority of the scientific community, is that this organism is an ancient ancestor of modern birds descended from reptiles, existed during the jurassic period 150 million years ago, and looked much like this (left); a dinosaur with feathers. Its feathers, although smothering the body, probably did not enable flight, but rather the ability to glide from great heights. These feathers were also likely used for camouflage from predators, as well as for display when mating. 

The archaeopteryx fossil is considered one of the most important paleontological discoveries of all time, as it provides a fantastic example of a transitional form; an ancient organism evolving from one particular type of animal to another, from dinosaur to bird. In the scientific community this is considered truly ground-breaking, however in creationist circles it is ridiculed, mocked, and made out to be a lie due to the fact that its existence goes against the unproven hypothesis that God created everything in its modern form. However, as has been proven again and again over the centuries through education, logical thought, the testing of ideas through experimentation, and the peer review of said ideas through the approach known as the scientific method, it is clear that this is not how life works in the slightest. And the discovery of a growing number of these fossils have come a long way in proving this fact.

-Thomas Glen

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CRISPR - A brand new technology that could change the world.

Crispr (Clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a revolutionary new biotechnology that allows particular segments of DNA to be modified or removed entirely, in an apparently cheap, fast, and easy way; especially in comparison to gene editing technologies that have existed before it.




How does it work?

Crispr technology is based on the evolutionary defence strategies of a bacterium known as Streptococcus Pyogenes. This bacterium, as a way to defending itself against viruses that attempt to use it as a host for its own DNA to reproduce, is able to attach itself to the viruses own DNA (using RNA as a guide to specific areas of its genetic code), and cleave or cut the DNA with the use of cas9 endonuclease (an enzyme molecule that breaks apart DNA strands).

Because of this bacterium, researchers are able to incorporate Cas9 endonuclease, and RNA into a living cell; the cell now able to be guided to a specific area of a gene, and cut, remove, and/or modify a particular segment. It could also replace a cut piece of DNA with an entirely new DNA replacement.

Why is this important?

The ability to modify or remove/add genes to DNA strands can have major connotations in the field of gene therapy. You could for example remove a gene in a persons DNA that would have later on developed into a form of cancer, or neurodegenerative disease. Or add a gene to the DNA where one is missing due to a birth defect. 

Of course this technology is very new, and due to ethical concerns may not be used in the field of human treatments for years to come. But looking at the incredible results it is achieving so far (link below on HIV treatment with crispr) it could develop into a very important technology indeed.

-Thomas Glen
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Images: Not my own

Alhazen - Physicist, Astronomer, Mathematician, Genius

Ibn al-Haythem, or Alhazen as he is most commonly referred to as, was a highly influential Arab scientist and devout muslim, who was born in Basra Iraq, and lived from 965 to 1040. Born 100 years after the development of the House of Wisdom, a centre of free thought and intellectualism in subjects ranging from medicine to astronomy in Iraq, he was brought up in the golden age of islamic knowledge. This had a real impact on him, and he went on to study islamic sciences; later on becoming mayor of Basra. This passion for science only grew stronger as he entered his adult years, and this passion lead to him making huge strides in the field of science that have greatly moulded the modern world we see today.

While acting as mayor of Basra, Alhazen made a bold and rather radical statement that he would be able to stop of River Nile from constantly flooding, with the use of a carefully constructed dam. He was therefore invited to Cairo-Egypt by Al Hakim (Egyptian ruler, also known as the mad caliph) to put this plan into action. However, upon arriving, Alhazen soon discovered that his statement may have been il-thought out, as with the technology existing at the time, a dam to stop the nile from flooding was impossible for him to do. Aware of the fact that Al hakim was a truly treacherous ruler, and would likely issue him a brutal punishment, Alhazen claimed insanity. Although this claim was believed by Al Hakim and spared him possible execution, he spent the next ten years confined to his home under house arrest. However, this punishment seemed to do no harm to Alhazen whatsoever, as he used this time to achieve great strides in many scientific fields. Most notably the field of light and optics.


"The seeker after truth is not one who studies the writings of the ancients and, following his natural disposition, puts his trust in them. But rather the one who suspects his faith in them and questions what he gathers from them, the one who submits to argument and demonstration and not the sayings of human beings whose nature is fraught with all kinds of imperfection and deficiency."

How do we see?

One of Alhazens greatest discoveries was the correct theory for how we are able to see the world. One of the leading theories of our ability of sight was "The Emission Theory". This theory states that we are able to perceive our surroundings with our eyes, because they emit a type of light that travels to an object, and bounces off of it and back to our eyes; allowing sight.

However Alhazen, through mathematical research, eye dissections, and with the use of previous research by other scientists, realised that to see, light rays must come from our surroundings; be emitted from a source such as the sun or a candle, reflect off of an object, before entering our eyes and allowing sight. This discovery was later presented in his iconic book called " The book of Optics".


This discovery opened up his eyes to other lines of scientific enquiry. If we perceived images based on the light that bounces off of an objects surface, how were we able to make out a coherent image produced by the huge amount of light that bombards our eyes from all angles? The light had to be focused in some way to make sense of it all. Although Alhazen did not discover every aspect behind the phenomenon of sight in his lifetime,  he seemingly attempted to.

This research into sight and optics lead to him creating the pinhole camera (also known as the camera obscura); a simple imaging device consisting of a small hole of light that is released into a dark room/box, allowing the image of the outside to be portrayed on the inside against a surface in a semi-focused manner. This is the general concept behind how modern cameras work today, and were developed based on this initial concept. It also gave Alhazen an idea of how lenses in our eyes reflect light towards the back of our eyes, creating an image.

Alhazen later studied how light reacts when travelling through certain mediums, and the fact that it can bend in water. This lead to his discovery of why the sky changes colour in twilight i.e. that fact that sunlight bends while travelling through the earths atmosphere as the earth changes angle, creating dark colours of orange and red at sunset and sunrise, due to the refracting of the light.


"The duty of the man who investigates the writings of scientists, if learning the truth is his goal, is to make himself an enemy of all that he reads, and attack it from every side. He should also suspect himself as he performs his critical examination of it, so that he may avoid falling into either prejudice or leniency."


The Scientific Method:

Alhazen, although most famous for his work in optics, was also a pioneer of the scientific method. This method of relying on experimentation, evidence, and past research to find answers to the worlds unanswered questions, was one he consistently used for his own quests for truth. He never took human opinions, or the "take my word for it" approach that was rife in his time seriously. He also didn't rely on divine creation or "design" to explain phenomena he was unable to explain, as most others did. He needed evidence to back up any statement, and this investigative technique is the mainstay behind modern science today.

Below: Alhazens image on modern Iraqi Dinar 
(Currency of Iraq)

Alhazen achieved many great things in his lifetime, and discovered much not just in the field of physics, but in astronomy, engineering, and geometry also; this information being scrupulously recorded by him and published in many of his books. However for someone of such intelligence, and who has affected the world to such an extent, his name has sadly not become as infamous as other great men from ptolemy, to Isaac Newton and others; many of which are in very similar lines of work, achieved less, and that have in some cases have even been given credit  for discoveries that were found out long before by Alhazen himself. However lets be thankful that such an awe-inspiringly meticulous, methodical, and brilliant man like this existed, whose ideas and thirst for truth improved our knowledge of the world around us.

-Thomas Glen

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Whats so great about Bird Watching?

The art of Bird-Watching is a hobby that seems to be widely respected by animal lovers, zoologists and adventurers, and widely taunted by most others not in such fields as a dull, and pointless past time. This derogatory opinion many members of the public have of this interest; the seeking out and observing of bird life in their natural habitats, tends to come from the common stereotypes presented by the media, and from cartoons, of what a bird watcher truly is. The majority of portrayals tend to present them as nerdy, scruffy haired men and women (usually men), wearing shorts and unappealing waterproof jackets, a large hat and a pair of ridiculously huge binoculars wrapped around their neck, who are constantly seen staring up at trees or staring down at old bird guides clutched in their hands; the guides pretty much obsolete however as they will almost definitely have memorised every species, their latin names, and every intricate bird call they make. This stereotype, although obviously untrue for many birders, can in my experience be completely factual however; myself personally having conversed with birders in nature reserves around London many times who fit this description to the letter. Birders that also travel all over the country, or even the planet, to catch sight of a particular specimen they have not had the benefit of seeing before; the sole purpose of which is to bear witness to it, mark it down on their piece of paper or in their memory, and add yet another addition to their lifetime achievement of  sightings known as their life list.

But why should this stereotype put people off participating in such a wonderful activity? The characteristic clothing commonly worn by birders are definitely appropriate for the task at hand after all. Birds are aerodynamic creatures, which travel vast distances at great speeds, and inhabit a range of environments from forests, to grasslands and wetlands. Binoculars, waterproof clothing, shielding hats and hardy footwear are a must if Birders are to stand any chance of catching sight of a particular warbler, finch or harrier. And what is this avoidance people have with being nerdy? Of enjoying a subect to such an extent that they become unofficial experts in their field. And why shouldn't it be enjoyed? Birds come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colours, and present some truly mesmerising behaviours that go completely unnoticed by many who do not consider binoculars their weapon of choice.

This stereotype is definitely not the norm however, and to be a Bird-Watcher does not require detailed knowledge of all avian species, their migration patterns, and the particular song patterns that differentiate the Song Thrush from the Mistle Thrush. It just takes a keen eye, a love of the outdoors, an appreciation of birds and the natural world, and patience; birds are awesome, but they won't just appear when you want them to.

The distances travelled by some birders as they chase rarer species are also not necessary. Simply walking through your local park and looking at the ducks in a pond can introduce you to the world of bird watching. Seeing the shimmering gleams and patterns of their feathers. The way they skim the water with their bills to sieve out aquatic invertebrates, and dunk their heads underneath the surface in search of fish. Even placing a bird feeder in your garden and watching it from a distance will bring you into this world. Watching small birds as they cautiously enter your garden after discovering the new food source, their heads swinging from left to right as they look out for predators, before leaping on a clutching it tightly with their talons; their heads bobbing back and forth as they feast on the bounty of seed and meal worms. The behaviours, the movements, and the sounds of these feathered creatures really becomes surprisingly interesting and thought provoking once you take the time to pay attention to them.

Bird Watching, due to its bad wrap from the media and the public, is not as popular as I think it should be. Probably because, like I said before, its considered as something mediocre, and reserved for boring people with bad social skills, dodgy fashion senses, and too much time on their hands. But what it is is a sport. An exciting activity. An activity that draws you out of your home and into the great outdoors, where looming trees surround you, fresh air engulfs you, and erratic weather poses little more than a minor inconvenience. Because the aim is clear, the passion deep, the payoff high. Find Birds. Find bull Finches and Sparrows. Peregrine Falcons and Swifts. Marsh Tits and Marsh Harriers, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and the rarer spotted Lesser Spotted. Travel far and wide if the urge is great enough, although local sightings can be just as brilliant. See them, hear them, remember them, admire them, and soar as birds do with exhilaration when you see something truly incredible.

-Thomas Glen
Facebook.com/goodnaturepage

President Obama-An Environmentalist By Trade

As an inhabitant of Great Britain, I tend to pay much more attention to the back-biting politics here at home, rather than in the distant United States of America; choosing to listen to idiots screwing everything up in parliament, rather than idiots screwing everything up in congress. However, since Barack Obama was elected as president way back in 2008, I began to take more of an interest in politics across the pond, and the leading role he played.

This was not just because Obama seemed more intelligent than some of the brain dead cretins that had preceded him before. Not just because he seemed to show great empathy for the poorer members of his nation. Not just because he was tolerant and supportive of the LGBT community, and not just because he didn't seem to let his christian faith cloud his judgement and fuel all of his decision making like most other american politicians seem to do. I mainly took more of an interest in american politics because the great man was, and continues to be, making the world pay attention to the truly devastating threats to the environment that, for some horrifying reason, seems to be of little importance to the majority of the american public. Barack Obama has always impressed me with his determination to make people aware of how fragile our planet is, and how important it is to respect and care for it, if we as well as the other organisms are to continue to survive for years to come. And this really shows in the great mans track record of environmental achievements.

Protection of natural eco-systems:

Barack Obamas administration shows great respect to natural eco-systems, and have invested 2 billion dollars in restoration efforts for environments such as the Everglades and the California Bay Delta; environments that must be kept healthy and bio-diverse for the good of the wildlife, the american public, and the rest of the planet. The Obama administration was also behind the creation of the largest network of ocean reserves on the planet, extending the original  "Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument reserve" (originally created by former president Bush) to six times its original size, while creating policies banning fishing, extraction of resources, and human interference within it. This will allow marine fauna from coral, crustaceans, whales and plant-life found nowhere else on earth to remain in their healthy, harmonious state.

Wildlife trafficking:

The Obama administration has created a wildlife trafficking strategy which aims to support and work together with non-governmeantal conservation groups and local communities, to provide enforcement in the fight against the barbaric plight of wildlife traffickers. The aim is also to prosecute increased numbers of ivory hunters, poachers, and collectors for the illegal pet trade in Africa and Asia, while also decreasing the high demand for wild animals through the education of the public.

The protection of waterways:

Of course wildlife populations aren't the only victims of ecological upheaval; The human public is as well. Which is why Obamas administration (in conjunction with the EPA) is acting to provide much needed protection for natural waterways such as rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and streams, and to restore polluted waterways to life-sustaining health through the "clean water rule". Obama has also recently vetoed a republican bid to kill this clean water rule, allowing american waterways that so many depend on to continue to have adequate protection. 

 "...too many of our waters have been left vulnerable. Pollution from upstream sources ends up in the rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters near which most Americans live and on which they depend for their drinking water, recreation, and economic development. Clarifying the scope of the Clean Water Act helps to protect these resources and safeguard public health."“

-Obama's vetoe message

Every kid in the park initiative:

Obama has proven himself to truly understand the importance of natural eco-systems, renewable energy, and the curbing of wildlife trafficking. But what he has also shown himself to be fully aware of is how vital it is to teach the young about wildlife and the environment. Which is why the Obama administration has created the "Every kid in a park initiative". The aim of this initiative is to give every child the ability to visit and explore the astonishing national parks found in the United States of America. And back in September, all children in the fourth grade (ages 8 or 9) were given passes that allowed free access to these wonderful places, and the opportunity to witness the wildlife and impressive landscapes that america has to offer. 

Paris Climate summit:

If you have kept up with the obstacles and republican backlash that the President has had to overcome over the last 7 years, you may have noticed that his views on man-made climate change and his attempts to rectify a dire environmental situation have commonly come under fire. However, the Obama administration really came into its own when it took a leading role during the iconic "Paris Climate summit", urging other countries to play their part in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and to be transparent about the levels of emissions they release, while creating an agreement that can be modified as new scientific evidence comes to light in the future, and that can't be easily overturned by the republicans. Although many claim the paris agreement is far from fool-proof, it is widely considered to be a strong turning point towards a cleaner, more environmentally friendly world. The fact that a year before it, President Obama vetoed a republican bill to extend the now infamous XL oil pipeline that would have caused great environmental damage, while releasing large quantities of fossil fuel emissions, also played a major part in garnering him much needed respect during the summit.

"America is now a global leader when it comes to taking serious action to fight climate change,”

There is so much more I could mention about the Obama administration environmental success stories, which has truly done much more for for the natural world than it is given credit for. As Barack Obama nears the end of his presidential career, republicans have been claiming that he is a failure, and that he has achieved little since he was first elected. Well, if we ignore his other great achievements (decreasing unemployment, providing poor americans with free healthcare etc), and just look at the environmental achievements I have listed above, can you honestly say the man is a failure? Can you really?

-Thomas Glen

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