Two Sykes better than one?
Firstly, I would just like to congratulate Mr Sykes on his victory as Felix editor; he obviously learnt a lot from seeing Rupert beat his housemate Simon so convincingly last year (only joking Andy, please don't take away my column). Secondly, I feel I should inform you all of the fact that Andrew `Psycho' Sykes is a distant relative of Sir Richard and in electing him you have effectively removed the freedom of the press. Could you not tell from their similar hairstyles? The two of them will form an unholy alliance and proceed to brain wash the entire student body. You will all then be used as foot soldiers in a mighty army that will march forth and take over the whole of UL. Once London is under control they will send out battalions all over the UK, and then the world! They will not rest until the entire universe is theirs!
Actually, that's a big lie. Andrew is actually a very nice boy from Sheffield, is no relative of Sir Richard and has no plans for world domination (that I know of). I have realised this week, however, that unless the world changes rapidly, Andy could well be one of the last Felix editors. Let's face it, one way or another I feel we are going to wiped out soon. I hate to be a doomsayer, but frankly there isn't a lot to be cheerful about. Long term we face major problems of global warming: rising sea levels, shortage of fossil fuels and extreme weather conditions. Short term, there is the threat of bird flu creeping ever closer. There is also risk of neuclear war, economical collapse, water shortage or even alien invasion resulting in eternal slavedom.
I have decided that something needs to be done. I considered digging a large bunker in my garden and stocking it with supplies, but I realised my landlady might not be too happy - plus, it would be hard work! So I sat down and thought.
I decided that things like alien invasions were out of my control. Bird flu quickly followed suit, after I had to disregard my plan to become an animagus and turn into a dog (because the Harry potter books just don't go into enough detail). Instead I have contented myself with avoiding sick looking birds. I pondered the issue of nuclear war for a short while and eventually shunted it aside after reading up on how to survive a nuclear holocaust (apparently the best way is to be a cockroach, so I have written to JK Rowling for more details on these animal transformation spells, but I don't hold much hope).
The only things I decided I could do anything about were environmental issues. This week I have attempted to be more environmentally friendly. Cambridge does have a very comprehensive recycling scheme and I have been making sure I put all the right items in the right coloured bins/boxes. I have also used my car as little as possible and attempted to save on things like electricity and gas (not easy in the middle of a cold snap but they do say every little helps).
Really we, as individuals, can only do little bits and pieces, but ultimately it might add up to something. I guess our next big chance to do anything is at the next general election because, as we have seen so many times, our government doesn't really listen to massive demonstrations or protests. Whether we can elect a new one that will listen is a different matter (history doesn't make me that optimistic ) but at least we can all read manifestos and vote for who we feel will do the best for our country and for the world as a whole. Until then I will try and keep doing little bits and pieces to help and I really would urge you all to do the same. The first thing you could do is recycle this copy of Felix!
