**Sat 31 May 08**
WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS?!

Siobhan Friel wrote:

Dear Brian,

I was absolutely stunned to read your letter from "Ms.A" about GMTV's allotment advice, it seems unimaginable that that kind of unjustifiable cruelty can be not only condoned, but advertised, on TV! The term "vile creatures" seems to be pretty ironic, as between snails going about their natural business and human beings intentionally murdering innocent creatures, I know which one I would term vile.

Even more sadly, it doesn't stop at slugs and snails. I was watching a late night chef programme about a week ago, during which how to hunt and kill a rabbit, or as they called it "great British game", was demonstrated. It comes to something when watching frantic rabbits running from their warren to be captured, have their necks snapped before being gutted, makes acceptable television. That any human could do it is bad enough! If it was in any way necessary for food, then maybe, at a stretch, it would be understandable, but for pure a simple indulgence...how do we let it happen? The term "game" tends to suggest the enjoyment is in the hunt too, which really says a lot for our race.

It seems to me that if a farmer deems another creature to be a 'pest', or 'vermin', then it is fair enough for them to be needlessly slaughtered to prevent our inconvenience. I'm sure if a fox or rabbit or snail could be consulted on the matter they would attest to humans being the biggest pest of them all!

It's everywhere! I was told by a tutor of mine last week that in his neighbourhood they get around the fox hunting ban by calling off the hounds (who just happened to be running with them) before they reach the fox, and releasing a captured bird of prey to kill it instead. The fact that people take pride in flouting the laws would be laughable was it not also absolutely sickening. So instead of preventing animal cruelty they've just added another creature's abuse to the list.

For such atrocities to happen in private is one thing, but for it to be promoted on TV is something else entirely. It's MADNESS, if you saw a man stabbing a snail between the eyes at night you'd call the police! But suggest it on TV and somehow it's not so sick and twisted anymore?

We can't seriously be just accepting this completely sadistic and heartless view of other animals? There have to be enough people who can see this kind of behaviour it wrong on every level. It seems to demonstrate perfectly the sad fact that of all the creatures inhabiting the planet, humans are in fact the least deserving of the role of ruling race.

Yours, shocked and saddened,
Siobhán x

---

Brian wrote:

Thanks Siobhan ... Great letter. (and not just because you agree with me !!)

I just got this just after I had written my reply to someone who was definitely sitting on the other side of the garden fence.

I think you say it very well. Thanks ... I wonder if we can ever make a difference in the world ....

Cheers, and more power to you !

Love
Bri

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**Fri 30 May 08**
SLUGS

Paul Newcombe wrote:

Hi Brian,

I've not written to you before but I've been reading your soapbox for years now.

So what's stirred me into writing today? Well, it's your post in response to the email you received about slugs. While I share your concerns when it comes to animal cruelty in general I'm afraid I have to disagree quite adamantly with you when it comes to applying the same logic to garden pests.

I didn't see the TV program mentioned but as an avid allotmenteer (if that's a word...) myself I wage a constant battle against the likes of slugs, snails etc and while I am generally against killing things however small (I spend ages catching flies and ushering them out of windows rather than swatting them for example) I draw the line at garden pests. I admit telling viewers to stalk them with knives in the dead of night is a little dramatic not to mention hugely impractical unless you have a don't mind not getting any sleep, but killing them in other ways? Hell yes!

You can take being kind to animals too far and getting upset about the killing slugs by people genuinely trying to do something for the good of their environment seems strange. Would you apply the same logic to a swarm of ants that were invading your house? A hive of wasps that had taken up residence in your attic? Woodworm that had infected your floor? Sometimes things are just pests, and there's only one way to deal with them. If you've spent months growing plants of any kind from seed it's the most disheartening thing in the world to wake up one morning and find them killed by slugs and the like. It's not like we're waging war on every slug in the world, I still step over a snail if I see it on the pavement, but when they're in my garden or on my allotment eating the food I've spent ages growing for my family, then I think I have every right to take action.

Encouraging people to grow their own food has so many benefits to their lives, it saves money (in this world of ever increasing food costs this is massively important to a lot of people) you get the health benifits of regular fresh organic produce, zero food miles is good for the environment, the good old fashioned outdoor exercise you get growing it improves your health, you get a fresh respect for nature and the seasons to name but a few.

Effectively calling all gardeners mass murdering animal haters seems horribly unfair (my two cats, parrot and fish would like to disagree for a start). Perhaps you're not much of a gardener, perhaps you've never nursed something from seed to fruit, but it seems a shame when you lump people who put down a few slug pellets, salt, beer traps or whatever to save their precious produce from these pests with people who club seals and hunt foxes.

There, just needed to get that off my chest, looking forward to seeing you and the guys in Cardiff later in the year!

Paul Newcombe

---

Brian replied:

SEE SOAPBOX

MORE SLUGS AND SNAILS TIPS HERE

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**Thu 29 May 08**
PLANET ROCK

Ian Collis wrote:

Hi Brian

I've just read your statement about a third party buying Planet Rock - and i'm gobsmacked. As a regular listener, I was really excited about you taking over - one of my musical hero's buying one of my favourite stations. But sadly, it looks as if it's not to be.

I just want to say a heartfelt 'Thank you' for everything you've done to try to buy Planet Rock and for raising the hopes of us Planet Rock Forum users.

I really hope the new owners keep it going and that if the opportunity comes up in the future, that you may get involved again - although after the way you've been treated, I certainly wouldn't blame you if you kept well clear.

Thanks again and all the best for the future.
Ian

PS
While i'm mailing you, I just want to say thank you for some of my best musical memories from the past. I saw Queen twice at Bingley Hall when I was younger and both gigs are among the best i've ever seen. And now, I feel like a silly little school kid

---

Brian replied;

Thanks Ian. Onwards, then !

Cheers
Bri

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**Thu 29 May 08**
BRIAN IN ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Jandgadkins wrote:

So I'm going through the May 30th issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine and as usual it's pretty much crap. I'm almost at the end and I turn to page 88-89 and low and behold there's a picture of Brian May, so it catches my attention. The article is about musician blogs. This is what it had to say about the Brian May blog (which they gave a B+).

The Bio: Onetime lead guitarist of classic-rock titans Queen, the 60-year-old Brit is also an astro-physicist (he recently completed his Ph.D., after years spent touring and recording).

The Gist: Read Brian's thoughts on the discovery of zodiacal light in 1685! Witness his photographic tribute to Spanish moss! Hear about his new job as chancellor of Liverpool John Moore University!

Grade: Totally random but surprisingly charming: it's like having a dotty scientist uncle who also just happened to play Live Aid. B+

---

Brian replied:

B Plus ?!! B plus ? Well, screw Entertainment Weekly !!! ha ha!

bri

Thanks Jandgadkins ! !

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**Thu 29 May 08**
WIKIPEDIA

Meg wrote:

Dear whoever reads this :P

Wikipedia... Another disappointing website. It's a shame because how well it's put together! I can always easily find my way around there.

Couple weeks ago had to check up on facts about Julius Caesar for my term paper and being that it seems to always be the first thing that comes up on Google, I went to Wikipedia. Thankfully I noticed some HORRIBLY inaccurate info before using anything from Wiki for my essay.

Not using it anymore...failed me too many times.. can't forget the time a few months ago when some boso posted an article about a Q+PR album titled "All Anchors Down" or something. What's the deal with these people? It's not like people are paying to buy these articles, why do they feel the need to post false information?

-meg

---

Brian replied:

Thanks Meg. It was I !

(Read more of reply on SOAPBOX)

Cheers
Bri

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**Wed 28 May 08**
NEW ALBUM?

Gary Lorrison wrote:

Hi

I've just seen this on Wikipedia. is there any truth to it?

Queen: Freddie Mercury Duets 08

Queen: Freddie Mercury Duets 08 is Queen's sixteenth studio album, released planned for release in October 16 2008. Queen: Freddie Mercury Duets 08, is the first newly recorded Queen album since 1999 greatest hits III album. Its planned to feature many of the past hit queen songs rerecorded to feature other artists. Brian may has stated this project been put off for far too long, out of respect for the former lead singer they would complete it before release the Queen + Paul Rodgers effort. [1]

A rough Edit song from the album can be heard here [2]

regards
gary

---

Brian replied:

See SOAPBOX

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**Wed 28 May 08**
OTHER WORLDS

Anna Crowell wrote:

Hello again Dr. May,

I know this marks two emails in a row, but I love chatting about these issues. Your post today on your soapbox allowed me to reflect on my passion for the landforms on Mars, and how much I would love to look at the rocks at the source, instead of remotely. I wonder how many other scientists (besides myself) lose sight of the bigger picture? Yes, it would be wonderful to be able to go there, but at what cost? How long would it be before those wonderful sand dunes with their untouched rocks have beer cans and food wrappings mixed in?

This also brings me back to Fermi's paradox. If there -is- intelligent life as we know it, why haven't we heard from them yet? Is it because they destroyed their planet like we have? Nuclear war? What does that mean for our future as a race? Do we deserve a chance at ruining another planet? I think not.

I'm in your camp fully. I'm very pessimistic about life elsewhere. Maybe that would be the best thing, really.

With love,
Anna Crowell

---

Brian replied:

Well, and I'm with you, Anna

The only really relevant question is the big one .... "is there intelligent life on Earth" ?!!

Love
Bri
x

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**Mon 26 May 08**
MARS!

Anna Crowell wrote:

Dear Dr. May,

As a space aficianado myself, I have been dying to ask you what you think of the meteorite ALH84001. I wasn't sure you were interested in Mars before, however. As a geologist, I am looking forward to the data we receieve from the Phoenix lander. Wouldn't it be an incredible experience to actually be able to go there and look at the rocks up close, hold them in your hands?

Ah, I'm all excited now, time to go to work and look at the rocks! =)

Cheers, and have a lovely Monday,
Anna Crowell

---

Brian replied:

See SOAPBOX

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**Mon 26 May 08**
HAVE YOU SEEN WIKI SKY??

Suzanne Roberts wrote:

Absolutely beautiful:

http://www.wikisky.org/

You could contribute pics, I’m sure….

Suzanne Roberts

---

Brian replied;

Thanks Suzanne .. I had not seen this ... things are changing so fast ... no time to keep up !

Take care and thanks again
Bri

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**Mon 26 May 08**
QUEEN MUSIC-SPOTTING

Paola Riccucci wrote:

Dear Dr.Brian,

jJust to let you know about a Queen song being spotted in an unlikely place.

Sometimes, aerobatic teams have their air displays accompanied by music, that is played on loudspeakers on the ground (works wonderfully with gliders, gets a bit drowned in noise with jets).

A reliable source tells me that the official aerobatic team of the Spanish Air Force, "Patrulla Aguila" [http://www.patrullaaguila.com], has "One Vision" in their air display soundtrack this year.

The public usually loves it, although of course the tannoys are hardly ever up to the task.

I guess their choice might be related to the song also being in the "Iron Eagle" aviation movie soundtrack ("Aguila" = "Eagle").

Love from Rome

---

Brian replied:

Ha ! Very good ! Well found, and thanks Paola !

Love
Bri

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**Tue 20 May 08**
BRI'S SOAPBOX FEATURED IN ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE!

Matthew Covington wrote:

Hi Brian,

Just wanted to let you know that Bri's Soapbox has been featured in the May 30th edition of the print magazine "Entertainment Weekly" here in the US! They have a spread on pages 88 and 89 talking about Blogs by musicians and they give the Soapbox a solid B+.

Here's the sum up comment, which I'm sure you'll love:

"Totally Random but surprisingly charming: it's like having a dotty scientist uncle who also just happened to play Live Aid."

Looking forward to the new Queen + PR release!
Matt, in CA
(ex-pat Brit, amateur astronomy nut, and Queen fan!)

---

Brian replied:

B Plus ? How dare they !

b
x

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**Tue 20 May 08**
UNWANTED ADVERTISING

Mary wrote:

Dear Brian May,

I have a picture of an "unwanted monstrosity" for you. This one's a cartoon and I tried to make it portray a message. Hopefully I got it right?

Luff,
mary

---

Brian replied:

SEE SOAPBOX

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**Mon 19 May 08**
BILLBOARD AND RARE 3D PICTURE

Daniel Gardiner wrote:

Brian, I agree with you regarding the brightly lit up billboards - there is one just as you drive into downtown Boise, Idaho from the freeway - highly annoying depending on how dark it is outside, all discussion of commercial vulgarity thrown out the window.

Separately: have you seen this?

http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=52935&item=320247383728 it claims to be an unused idea that sprang from your love of stereo pictures!

Thanks for everything you do for Queen! PS! Thanks so much for working with Meat Loaf on Bat III! I saw you guys jamming in Vegas in 2004 (on the roof of the casino) and I remember telling Mr. Loaf that it would be a shame if you guys never collaborated on anything again! You came through. Oh, and to follow up: I did get the tattoo over your signature, and I don't regret it one bit! Roger's too!

Impatiently waiting for the new album (as long as there's still that tongue-in-cheek Queen humor!),

Daniel Gardiner

---

DESCRIPTION FROM EBAY :

Link to larger image

DELETED ARTWORK DESIGN FOR THE 1979 ALBUM "JAZZ"
This was an idea for the inside of the folded sleeve of the JAZZ album cover.

As Brian May always was interested in 3D photography, they tried to achieve this 3D-effect through a special technique of printing on transparent plastic sheets, in order to create a kind of in-depth. The concept however, was too fragile to be put inside an album cover, as the material could easily be torn apart, folded or damaged. Queen later decided to put the infamous nude girls from "Bicycle Race" poster inside. This caused quite a stir and in many countries the album and/or the poster was banned. It certainly gave the band much more exposure. This artwork comes from the designing table, and was saved from being destroyed. In the shadows, one can (after a little while) clearly see Roger Taylor behind his drum kit, Freddie Mercury behind the piano, John Deacon and his Fender Precision Bass sitting, and Brian May standing with his famous, iconic, self built guitar "The Red Special" or: "Fireplace". The studio roof is exactly the same as on the picture inside the Jazz album, and this picture was taken in their -then- newly acquired "Mountain Studio's"in Montreux, where Freddie recorded his last vocals ever....At the time, Queen were then owners of the most expensive recording facility on the planet, even beating ABBA, and were also mentioned in "The Guiness Book Of World records" as the highest paid directors of the UK! (MY all-time favourite nr 1 song comes from this 1979 album, and is "musical red bull", "symphonic rock adrenaline", it is the song: "Don't Stop Me Now").

The lighting-rig in this clip, also shown on the single-cover, is still the favourite of most of the older fans, and was called "The Pizza Oven". The heat coming down on the band from the lamps was enormous, and as it had the colours of the Italian flag too, it got this name soon from the fans....and the band agreed on it. This artwork try-out, is extremely rare, as hardly ever anything gets out. It is a one-off opportunity to obtain a very nice piece of artwork, from one of the strongest albums of Queen ever.

---

Brian replied:

SEE SOAPBOX

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**Mon 19 May 08**
HOARDINGS/SOAPBOX

Dave Dilloway wrote:

Hi Brian,

Although I often 'dial in' to your web-site, don't panic I'm not going to start commenting on everything I see there ! BUT this time you've hit on one which has been bugging me also. I regularly drive into Chiswick to visit a customer (London Underground or as they are now called- Metronet) using the elevated section of the end of the M4 and the proliferation of hoardings along that section in both directions (into and out of London) is appalling and I reckon bl**dy dangerous and distracting. It's already a dodgy bit of road-only two lanes with no hard shoulder. They've swathed the buildings in huge static posters and now they've got one of the 'video type' ones you mention, although to be fair I've only seen static images on that so far. It really is a nightmare image coming into London for drivers ( and tourists just arriving from Heathrow) and a bit of an eyesore which if it weren't for some of the diverse commercial reasons you mention wouldn't be permitted. Just you try building a small extension using the wrong colour bricks or something like that and the 'authorities' will screw you for it !

How about asking your site readers to send you their worst examples of such hoardings-(safely taken from a static position of course-not hanging out of a moving car !)

Good luck with all the forthcoming projects - many as always but particularly the new album and tour.

Keep on rocking and ranting

Dave D

---

Brian replied:

Thanks Dave !!!

Rockin and Ranting !

I like it !!!

Yes, I'm already getting some images sent in ... We'll try to keep on it and publish the best ones ...

cheers !!!!!
Bri

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