"Better to make your mark on the world, than on the bed"
Do quotes happen naturally, evolve and bubble up into the collective consciousness as in times of yore, or like everything else these days can it be forced and sculpted and corrupted?
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
No-one expects inquisition
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but I'm certain it also led him on some fascinating and exciting journeys prior to his untimely demise.
It's something both organised religion and rulers of countries have in common, in that they would rather people simply accept what they are told as fact rather than seeking things out for themselves.
I find myself in an odd position as I rapidly reach the end of my early 30s, of having to stop myself sounding like a grumpy old git at times. This is generally based on the fact I am of a generation that grew up with the birth of home computing, can remember a time before mobile phones and who watched with fascination at the stumbling origins of the internet. Now all three are happily combined in one portable device available to one and all, and the answers to all life's questions are but a click away, I get the impression that there is a lack of curiosity about how any of it actually works.
Now you may rightly say that many people who drive a car know little of it's detail, though I would perhaps respond that I don't drive but still have at least a working knowledge of the mechanics, but I have yet to lose the fascination with all things that I had as a child.
Watching Tomorrows world in it's hayday, or the fantastic Tim Hunkin in the Secret Life Of Machines, this curiosity was sated and even encouraged. Now it seems whilst there is an apparently limitless source of shared knowledge available to almost all, so few actually care to spend the time to make use of it.
I have spent a vast amount of my life on the inside of TVs, computers, 'phones, cookers, bikes etc etc without being trained to do so. It is a combination of curiosity (as well as a healthy respect for electricity and it's friends) that allowed this to be possible.
A friend of mine was once asked by a female colleague (whom he had quite a crush on) to help her out with her car as one of the headlights had failed. There was some suggestion that this may have been partly an excuse on her part for communication, but in any case his manhood had been called upon. Some time later, having examined every inch of the front of the light but being unable to find a way of removing the headlamp assembly, he is accompanying her to a well known car supplies shop texting me the sorry story.
In 3 minutes, a man had opened the bonnet, undone a couple of bolts BEHIND the light and replaced the bulb.
Now of course you could argue that he was a proffesional and highly trained etc etc however I would say that a lack of curiosity and literally not looking at things from every angle resulted in the inability to spot the resolution.
To support my theory, a friend of mine's gas cooker was not staying on and would cut out regularly. It got to the point where it would only stay on with the ignition knob held in, and clearly needed something doing. Now of course here I hit a snag, as with curiosity comes great responsibility! I cannot suggest that everyone tried fiddling with everything to see how it works, as this would lead a sharp increase in the number of explosions and electrocutions dealt with by emergency services, but even purely as a thought process it was trivial to imagine the cause. As it remained lit while the ignition button was held, this must mean the rest of the system, gas supply, igniter etc are working. Something is cutting out the gas supply. Now assuming, as most thing do, the cooker has some sort of safety device to cut the gas supply in the event of a problem then what form would this take? The most logical way would be that if the flame is extinguished, its cuts the gas supply. How would it know the flame is out? The lack of heat would be the biggest clue.
So with just logic and curiosity, it would seem likely there is something near the flame which regulates the gas flow as a safety device, and on inspection a rather charred metal device was sat close to the flame outlet, but was bent up (possibly from a shalf or tray having mae contact with it at some point). This was confirmed by the gas engineer who explained a little more about the "flame failure device" which when heated allows the gas to flow, but cuts the supply otherwise.
Again, I accept that many people would have little care as to what this was, how it works or why. Their only care would be calling someone out to fix it and hopefully not costing too much, but I think there is a wealth of examples where people could excercise their minds or just prod their curiosity for a moment.
Try it next time you are faced with something you just accept, your inner child will thank you for it.
And as for the old saying... personally I think someone had the cat killed for being too curious.
It's something both organised religion and rulers of countries have in common, in that they would rather people simply accept what they are told as fact rather than seeking things out for themselves.
I find myself in an odd position as I rapidly reach the end of my early 30s, of having to stop myself sounding like a grumpy old git at times. This is generally based on the fact I am of a generation that grew up with the birth of home computing, can remember a time before mobile phones and who watched with fascination at the stumbling origins of the internet. Now all three are happily combined in one portable device available to one and all, and the answers to all life's questions are but a click away, I get the impression that there is a lack of curiosity about how any of it actually works.
Now you may rightly say that many people who drive a car know little of it's detail, though I would perhaps respond that I don't drive but still have at least a working knowledge of the mechanics, but I have yet to lose the fascination with all things that I had as a child.
Watching Tomorrows world in it's hayday, or the fantastic Tim Hunkin in the Secret Life Of Machines, this curiosity was sated and even encouraged. Now it seems whilst there is an apparently limitless source of shared knowledge available to almost all, so few actually care to spend the time to make use of it.
I have spent a vast amount of my life on the inside of TVs, computers, 'phones, cookers, bikes etc etc without being trained to do so. It is a combination of curiosity (as well as a healthy respect for electricity and it's friends) that allowed this to be possible.
A friend of mine was once asked by a female colleague (whom he had quite a crush on) to help her out with her car as one of the headlights had failed. There was some suggestion that this may have been partly an excuse on her part for communication, but in any case his manhood had been called upon. Some time later, having examined every inch of the front of the light but being unable to find a way of removing the headlamp assembly, he is accompanying her to a well known car supplies shop texting me the sorry story.
In 3 minutes, a man had opened the bonnet, undone a couple of bolts BEHIND the light and replaced the bulb.
Now of course you could argue that he was a proffesional and highly trained etc etc however I would say that a lack of curiosity and literally not looking at things from every angle resulted in the inability to spot the resolution.
To support my theory, a friend of mine's gas cooker was not staying on and would cut out regularly. It got to the point where it would only stay on with the ignition knob held in, and clearly needed something doing. Now of course here I hit a snag, as with curiosity comes great responsibility! I cannot suggest that everyone tried fiddling with everything to see how it works, as this would lead a sharp increase in the number of explosions and electrocutions dealt with by emergency services, but even purely as a thought process it was trivial to imagine the cause. As it remained lit while the ignition button was held, this must mean the rest of the system, gas supply, igniter etc are working. Something is cutting out the gas supply. Now assuming, as most thing do, the cooker has some sort of safety device to cut the gas supply in the event of a problem then what form would this take? The most logical way would be that if the flame is extinguished, its cuts the gas supply. How would it know the flame is out? The lack of heat would be the biggest clue.
So with just logic and curiosity, it would seem likely there is something near the flame which regulates the gas flow as a safety device, and on inspection a rather charred metal device was sat close to the flame outlet, but was bent up (possibly from a shalf or tray having mae contact with it at some point). This was confirmed by the gas engineer who explained a little more about the "flame failure device" which when heated allows the gas to flow, but cuts the supply otherwise.
Again, I accept that many people would have little care as to what this was, how it works or why. Their only care would be calling someone out to fix it and hopefully not costing too much, but I think there is a wealth of examples where people could excercise their minds or just prod their curiosity for a moment.
Try it next time you are faced with something you just accept, your inner child will thank you for it.
And as for the old saying... personally I think someone had the cat killed for being too curious.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
seeing as I have started...
I watch the news on one channel..
I'm told we have no money, everything is being cut, rising fuel costs impact every aspect, austerity measures, cuts, reductions, savings, losses...
But then I turn over, and find huge building and expenditure so some people can run around a bit, the largest shopping mall in europe (apparently) being built in stratford, and huge house full of bastards (in both senses) are having a party which we paid for but aren't invited to..
and I hate the patriotic bull that the "whole country is watching"... Iwould like to assert my democratic right to not give a crap about some wealthy people having a lovely time while I try to afford food.
Maybe some psychotic lunatics will doff their caps to disgustingly rich and pointless people, and the news channels cover every minute dreary detail, but I will do the same as for Diana's funeral, sleep through it.
I hope a corgi shits in the honeymoon bed.
I'm told we have no money, everything is being cut, rising fuel costs impact every aspect, austerity measures, cuts, reductions, savings, losses...
But then I turn over, and find huge building and expenditure so some people can run around a bit, the largest shopping mall in europe (apparently) being built in stratford, and huge house full of bastards (in both senses) are having a party which we paid for but aren't invited to..
and I hate the patriotic bull that the "whole country is watching"... Iwould like to assert my democratic right to not give a crap about some wealthy people having a lovely time while I try to afford food.
Maybe some psychotic lunatics will doff their caps to disgustingly rich and pointless people, and the news channels cover every minute dreary detail, but I will do the same as for Diana's funeral, sleep through it.
I hope a corgi shits in the honeymoon bed.
"we are all in this together"... well except the massively wealthy
I'm getting fed up with other people enjoying themselves at our expense...
The Olympics and wedding are costing massive amounts during time of cutbacks for us normal folk, they get to play games and have medals, or have a lovely day out... Surely the royals could have had a whip round between them and covered the cost..
Plenty of room at the palace for a bit of a do, the queen could have made sarnies, Phil could have shot a few game birds, Charles would cover the fruit + veg (Part catering, part guest list) and Andrew could find someone to help entertain the kids.
The Olympics and wedding are costing massive amounts during time of cutbacks for us normal folk, they get to play games and have medals, or have a lovely day out... Surely the royals could have had a whip round between them and covered the cost..
Plenty of room at the palace for a bit of a do, the queen could have made sarnies, Phil could have shot a few game birds, Charles would cover the fruit + veg (Part catering, part guest list) and Andrew could find someone to help entertain the kids.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Mr Tiggywinkle visits...
Got very excited at a hedgehog spending the night in my garden, I feel something of an affinity with him... ambling around in no particular direction, mostly surrounded by pricks, and wanting to curl up into a ball and hope things will go away.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Casey Haynes, Hero?
By now you will have all seen the video, the discussions and the accusations that are being thrown around the world regarding the events it contains.
Much has been written, by both hobbyist and professional alike, as to the actions taken by both children. However on a personal note it sparked a memory whilst also showing both how the world has changed, and stayed the same.
As with anyone who may be "different" in some way, be it something as simple as hair colour, wearing glasses or being a different shape, bullying is something I have experienced as a child. In my case, given my difference was being a giant and gentle tempered, I was evidently an easy target for bullies who also made them look tough in front of their peers given my stature.
Oddly, as I have grown much further into adulthood, I have noticed the occurrences reduced to nonexistence since reaching 6'8 and being decidedly less timid (apart from the occasional poorly targeted incomprehensible shout from drunken fool, usually from a nice safe distance..)
However, in the early 80's I had no such advantage and happily believed my elders and betters that I should not rise to the matter and merely tell a teacher or suitable member of staff. However, after quite some time my young brain made it's first connection between being told something and anything actually occurring as a result of it. (I fear this may also have sown the seeds of my general lack of regards for authority where I see it to be of no use.)
So as clothes were ripped, knees were scuffed, blood was lost and my name appeared in the accident book more than anyone else had ever achieved... I realised that no amount of telling would actually achieve anything..
I'm sure you will be amazed to hear that, soon after having a minor set to with my main protagonist whilst a little too close to a wire re-enforced window which was evidently broken with a body part not belonging to me...., the bullying stopped.
This brings me to the way things have changed. I see a certain comparison in a way with the subject of this youtube hit, but for me there were no camera phones, no worldwide audience. It was a regrettable event, but one that quickly passed into history with little more consequence.
Now Casey Haynes is being held both as a Hero for all the outsider kids in the world who have ever had some petty little prick decide they would make their life hell, and a villain for retaliating and not just "telling someone". This at least appears to have stayed the same stance from when I had my incident.
I may have a vested interest in the concept of "telling" and it's merits, or lack thereof, but I think perhaps it is quite easy for anyone who has not been punched repeatedly whilst a group of people look on to take the moral high ground.
In addition, there seems to be more of a culture of inclusion rather than exclusion (as with schools not removing problem kids as not fair on them, even to the extent of having "time out" cards so those less able to control themselves can be excused and not have to behave decently like the rest of the class) so I am not convinced it would have improved the situation... The old "short sharp shock" certainly seems to have happened in this case, and I can only hope Casey is allowed to get back to normality
Because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what the reason is, victims of bullying always seem to come out worse whether they follow the official method or opt for a more direct approach. I am glad my situation was so different, as at no point did I feel like a hero or a villain, I was just reacting to a situation which then passed.
I imagine that Casey would have just wanted to be left alone by the bullies and get on with his life, a pity then that the unwanted attention of the bullies may have been replaced by the eyes of the world.
Much has been written, by both hobbyist and professional alike, as to the actions taken by both children. However on a personal note it sparked a memory whilst also showing both how the world has changed, and stayed the same.
As with anyone who may be "different" in some way, be it something as simple as hair colour, wearing glasses or being a different shape, bullying is something I have experienced as a child. In my case, given my difference was being a giant and gentle tempered, I was evidently an easy target for bullies who also made them look tough in front of their peers given my stature.
Oddly, as I have grown much further into adulthood, I have noticed the occurrences reduced to nonexistence since reaching 6'8 and being decidedly less timid (apart from the occasional poorly targeted incomprehensible shout from drunken fool, usually from a nice safe distance..)
However, in the early 80's I had no such advantage and happily believed my elders and betters that I should not rise to the matter and merely tell a teacher or suitable member of staff. However, after quite some time my young brain made it's first connection between being told something and anything actually occurring as a result of it. (I fear this may also have sown the seeds of my general lack of regards for authority where I see it to be of no use.)
So as clothes were ripped, knees were scuffed, blood was lost and my name appeared in the accident book more than anyone else had ever achieved... I realised that no amount of telling would actually achieve anything..
I'm sure you will be amazed to hear that, soon after having a minor set to with my main protagonist whilst a little too close to a wire re-enforced window which was evidently broken with a body part not belonging to me...., the bullying stopped.
This brings me to the way things have changed. I see a certain comparison in a way with the subject of this youtube hit, but for me there were no camera phones, no worldwide audience. It was a regrettable event, but one that quickly passed into history with little more consequence.
Now Casey Haynes is being held both as a Hero for all the outsider kids in the world who have ever had some petty little prick decide they would make their life hell, and a villain for retaliating and not just "telling someone". This at least appears to have stayed the same stance from when I had my incident.
I may have a vested interest in the concept of "telling" and it's merits, or lack thereof, but I think perhaps it is quite easy for anyone who has not been punched repeatedly whilst a group of people look on to take the moral high ground.
In addition, there seems to be more of a culture of inclusion rather than exclusion (as with schools not removing problem kids as not fair on them, even to the extent of having "time out" cards so those less able to control themselves can be excused and not have to behave decently like the rest of the class) so I am not convinced it would have improved the situation... The old "short sharp shock" certainly seems to have happened in this case, and I can only hope Casey is allowed to get back to normality
Because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what the reason is, victims of bullying always seem to come out worse whether they follow the official method or opt for a more direct approach. I am glad my situation was so different, as at no point did I feel like a hero or a villain, I was just reacting to a situation which then passed.
I imagine that Casey would have just wanted to be left alone by the bullies and get on with his life, a pity then that the unwanted attention of the bullies may have been replaced by the eyes of the world.
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