Saturday, November 15, 2008
Weekly Quote 15/11/08
" 'What do you think it's like for me?' says Vicky. 'It's bad enough when you see a ghost. It's much odder being one.' " - Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 08/11/08
Well I'm going to give you a double quote this week you lucky people, first a quote from a book as per usual and then a quote from the author to complement it.
"In the four thousand rooms of the centre the four thousand electric clocks simultaneously struck four. Discarnate voices called from the trumpet mouths." - Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
"Technological progress has merely provided us with a more efficient means of going backwards." - Aldous Huxley
Well there you go - don't get used to it!!
"In the four thousand rooms of the centre the four thousand electric clocks simultaneously struck four. Discarnate voices called from the trumpet mouths." - Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
"Technological progress has merely provided us with a more efficient means of going backwards." - Aldous Huxley
Well there you go - don't get used to it!!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
The Ultimate Rehab Programme
This has been bouncing around the net for a while, but I've only recently watched it and I think it's brilliant, the Filipinos really know how to do prison!! I don't quite know what they wanted to achieve by getting 1500 prisoners to perform a classic dance routine (besides internet fame) but I bet it killed a few of those lonely hours. Note that the video uploaded is of a practice - I'd love to see what the finished version looks like.
Word of the post: Byzantine- adjective
Word of the post: Byzantine- adjective
| 5. | (sometimes lowercase ) complex or intricate: a deal requiring Byzantine financing. |
| 6. | (sometimes lowercase) characterized by elaborate scheming and intrigue, esp. for the gaining of political power or favor: Byzantine methods for holding on to his chairmanship. |
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 01/11/08
"When you were very small - so small that the lightest puff of breeze blew your little crinoline skirt over your head - you had seen something nasty in the woodshed." - Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
Friday, October 31, 2008
Frusciante's New Music Challenge (3 of 3)
Well there's some space to fill and I may's well get this last music post out of the way as it has been a while coming. I had to trawl for a bit to find this post and remind myself what I was doing and why I'd gone and spent money on CDs instead of listening to songs on YouTube. For those of you who've forgotten I have been buying albums based on criteria mentioned by John Frusciante as a way to widen your knowledge of this wonderful thing called music.
The last category mentioned is to buy an album because you like the cover and so I decided to give it a whirl. I struggled with this one as I generally like to know what I'm buying before spending money on it. There were a few albums that were a intriguing but none really cried out to me, not many albums seem to have that epic, stand out "Dark Side of the moon" cover. I was also trying to find albums that fitted into the 2 for £10 deal going, on, but eventually I found something that was part of the deal, something I'd heard of, though I didn't know the music and something that had a good cover, something a bit like this...
And again it was a very good album. There was more than a hint of REM in the first song, but that is no bad thing, and the band do quickly move into their own sound. I had no idea what would be coming out of my CD player, I'd heard Editors were good, but it was one of those names mentioned by cool people as one of those bands they think are cool, but don't want anyone else to know about because it would make them slightly less cool.
Despite this I found the band very accessible and some very distinctive songs on the album that I really enjoy listening to. "Blood" is a particular favourite of mine, with the chorus line "Blood runs through your veins, that's where our similarity ends" a particularly striking one. "Munich" and "Camera" are also good ones I think. They are much more downbeat than bands I would normally listen to and so I find I don't listen to them very often, but I do catch myself humming the chorus lines and there is a power to the vocals and music that makes me want to keep digging the album out.
Well to say more would be to pretend to know anything about music. I will briefly comment on the excersize and say that on the whole it has been positive, I had no idea what to expect when buying this album and would probably not even have thought about it other than for this challenge so I'm pleased with that. I have also felt freer to buy into music than I normally would feel, I got Pendulum's first album after being reintroduced to their hit "Slam" and I've thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the CD.
so yeah...s'been good.
Word of the post: Verbatim –adjective
The last category mentioned is to buy an album because you like the cover and so I decided to give it a whirl. I struggled with this one as I generally like to know what I'm buying before spending money on it. There were a few albums that were a intriguing but none really cried out to me, not many albums seem to have that epic, stand out "Dark Side of the moon" cover. I was also trying to find albums that fitted into the 2 for £10 deal going, on, but eventually I found something that was part of the deal, something I'd heard of, though I didn't know the music and something that had a good cover, something a bit like this...
And again it was a very good album. There was more than a hint of REM in the first song, but that is no bad thing, and the band do quickly move into their own sound. I had no idea what would be coming out of my CD player, I'd heard Editors were good, but it was one of those names mentioned by cool people as one of those bands they think are cool, but don't want anyone else to know about because it would make them slightly less cool.
Despite this I found the band very accessible and some very distinctive songs on the album that I really enjoy listening to. "Blood" is a particular favourite of mine, with the chorus line "Blood runs through your veins, that's where our similarity ends" a particularly striking one. "Munich" and "Camera" are also good ones I think. They are much more downbeat than bands I would normally listen to and so I find I don't listen to them very often, but I do catch myself humming the chorus lines and there is a power to the vocals and music that makes me want to keep digging the album out.
Well to say more would be to pretend to know anything about music. I will briefly comment on the excersize and say that on the whole it has been positive, I had no idea what to expect when buying this album and would probably not even have thought about it other than for this challenge so I'm pleased with that. I have also felt freer to buy into music than I normally would feel, I got Pendulum's first album after being reintroduced to their hit "Slam" and I've thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the CD.
so yeah...s'been good.
Word of the post: Verbatim –adjective
| 2. | corresponding word for word to the original source or text |
Monday, October 27, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 25/10/08
"The magician was engulfed in an eerie light., pulsating with energy. /he stood at the centre of the storm. A terrible figure in the dark." - Magician, Raymond E. Feist
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Stuff I've read recently 5
Wow! It's been a long time since I've done this, this is testament to my never failing laziness, my capacity for putting books in places I'll never pick them up from and being far busier than I ever have been before. I'm also really bad at reading my blog, so much so that I've missed comments that people have kindly put up on my blog, including one from the author of one of the books I talked about in my last post!!! I think it's partly the whole blogger self-esteem issue and I just assume that no one's commented at all. But enough self-deprecation, on with the post.
As per usual start with Christan stuff
The Bible - God et al
Right, it's going to be too much effort to actually recall what I've read, but basically I found my Bible, finished the book I was on (Acts or Romans) and then went back to wherever I was in the old testament and am now storming through Luke and nearly back to where I should be...yeah...that makes...moving on. Anyway it was all very good and helpful as the bible always is.
Ultimate Questions - John Blanchard
A nifty little booklet containing key questions people might ask or should ask about God and the Christian faith. Usually something you'd maybe give to a friend top help them understand, but I figured I should probably read the thing should it ever be something I'd need to do. And it was a pretty good and clear explanation of key information people might need to clear up, and going over the fundamentals of Christianity can never hurt!!
Moving on to "incidentals" books I've picked up along the way and aren't my "main" book, generally because they're easier to read!!
Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Invincible - Troy Denning
This book wrapped up the galactic civil war covered in the Legacy of the Force series of books, this book resolves the conflict across the stars, the reign of Sith Lord Jacen Solo and the tension between the Solo and Skywalker families because of the actions of their children. A fitting end to the series I thought, and I'm intrigued as to what they'll bring out next.
Dark Horse Heroes Omnibus vol 1 - Various
I bought this out of curiosity more than anything, but was pleasantly surprised at the story that unfolded in the book. The publishers started with a crossover title to introduce a load of new characters, some of which were popular enough to spawn their own series, such as X, Barb Wire and Ghost, who appears as only a minor character yet turned out to be the most longlived! The first part covers the experiment of an alien scientist and how it went wrong, creating superpowered humans all across the globe, we view the adventures of the more heroic of these individuals and the aliens who track them searching for the man who gave them their abilities. The next part covers one hero, Titan and how his powers coupled with his insecurities end up making him one of the most dangerous forces on Earth -a very good read.
Maus - Art Spiegelman
One of the most fantastic pieces of work done in the comic book format, if anyone says comic books are stupid or just for kids hand them a copy of this. This true account of holocaust survival is brilliantly illustrated with the characters drawn as animals based on race to emphasise the cruel racial distinctions made by the Nazi regime. The story is powerfully honest as it shows the survivor (also the author's father) as he was in present times, a cantankerous olf man that the author found frustrating to live with. A fantastic piece of art.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller
Another one of these great works of comic book writing I'd heard about and it was on the cheap so I purchased it and was glad I did. The story revitalised batman which had become something of a joke with the camp costumes and the "Kapow" and all that and this story is credited with bringing it back to the dark brooding title it should be. The story takes place when Batman is an old man of about 60, and is retired from his life as the caped crusader, and yet he feels something calling to him, something from the darkness. He returns to his former identity but finds there are big consequences and big changes ahead for the Batman. I can see it's been a big influence on the recent Batman movies and it's a very good read.
And now my "main" book.
Crime and Punishment - Fyodr Dostoyevsky
A really great book, and not hard to read at all so it's to my shame that I haven't finished it sooner. The story is of a student, who is compelled to murder and the consequences of his actions, but it's far more than just his journey to justice. The story explores his feelings as he deals with trying to have a normal life, the unexpected arrival of his family and his reactions to people who suddenly become part of his life. His sense of guilt and relief when he thinks judgement is passed is very tangible and real and the book is exciting and believable to read and I certainly enjoyed it and if you want to get into classic and/or Russian stuff this would be no bad start.
OK and that's (probably) it, I'll make no promises about when I do the next one of these!
Word of the post: Novel –adjective
of a new kind; different from anything seen or known before: a novel idea.
As per usual start with Christan stuff
The Bible - God et al
Right, it's going to be too much effort to actually recall what I've read, but basically I found my Bible, finished the book I was on (Acts or Romans) and then went back to wherever I was in the old testament and am now storming through Luke and nearly back to where I should be...yeah...that makes...moving on. Anyway it was all very good and helpful as the bible always is.
Ultimate Questions - John Blanchard
A nifty little booklet containing key questions people might ask or should ask about God and the Christian faith. Usually something you'd maybe give to a friend top help them understand, but I figured I should probably read the thing should it ever be something I'd need to do. And it was a pretty good and clear explanation of key information people might need to clear up, and going over the fundamentals of Christianity can never hurt!!
Moving on to "incidentals" books I've picked up along the way and aren't my "main" book, generally because they're easier to read!!
Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Invincible - Troy Denning
This book wrapped up the galactic civil war covered in the Legacy of the Force series of books, this book resolves the conflict across the stars, the reign of Sith Lord Jacen Solo and the tension between the Solo and Skywalker families because of the actions of their children. A fitting end to the series I thought, and I'm intrigued as to what they'll bring out next.
Dark Horse Heroes Omnibus vol 1 - Various
I bought this out of curiosity more than anything, but was pleasantly surprised at the story that unfolded in the book. The publishers started with a crossover title to introduce a load of new characters, some of which were popular enough to spawn their own series, such as X, Barb Wire and Ghost, who appears as only a minor character yet turned out to be the most longlived! The first part covers the experiment of an alien scientist and how it went wrong, creating superpowered humans all across the globe, we view the adventures of the more heroic of these individuals and the aliens who track them searching for the man who gave them their abilities. The next part covers one hero, Titan and how his powers coupled with his insecurities end up making him one of the most dangerous forces on Earth -a very good read.
Maus - Art Spiegelman
One of the most fantastic pieces of work done in the comic book format, if anyone says comic books are stupid or just for kids hand them a copy of this. This true account of holocaust survival is brilliantly illustrated with the characters drawn as animals based on race to emphasise the cruel racial distinctions made by the Nazi regime. The story is powerfully honest as it shows the survivor (also the author's father) as he was in present times, a cantankerous olf man that the author found frustrating to live with. A fantastic piece of art.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Frank Miller
Another one of these great works of comic book writing I'd heard about and it was on the cheap so I purchased it and was glad I did. The story revitalised batman which had become something of a joke with the camp costumes and the "Kapow" and all that and this story is credited with bringing it back to the dark brooding title it should be. The story takes place when Batman is an old man of about 60, and is retired from his life as the caped crusader, and yet he feels something calling to him, something from the darkness. He returns to his former identity but finds there are big consequences and big changes ahead for the Batman. I can see it's been a big influence on the recent Batman movies and it's a very good read.
And now my "main" book.
Crime and Punishment - Fyodr Dostoyevsky
A really great book, and not hard to read at all so it's to my shame that I haven't finished it sooner. The story is of a student, who is compelled to murder and the consequences of his actions, but it's far more than just his journey to justice. The story explores his feelings as he deals with trying to have a normal life, the unexpected arrival of his family and his reactions to people who suddenly become part of his life. His sense of guilt and relief when he thinks judgement is passed is very tangible and real and the book is exciting and believable to read and I certainly enjoyed it and if you want to get into classic and/or Russian stuff this would be no bad start.
OK and that's (probably) it, I'll make no promises about when I do the next one of these!
Word of the post: Novel –adjective
of a new kind; different from anything seen or known before: a novel idea.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 18/10/08
"Whee. Sal, we gotta go and never stop going till we get there.
Where we going, man?
I don't know but we gotta go." - On the Road, Jack Kerouac
Where we going, man?
I don't know but we gotta go." - On the Road, Jack Kerouac
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Charity Shopping
Well I nearly forgot like last year, but at the last minute I remembered it was the momentous Blogger Action day and time for me to pause from rambling about nothing in particular and instead to talk about something very particular - the issue of poverty. This is naturally a huge issue and I'm not going to pretend to have an easy answer to it, but I'm going to share one idea that I had on the issue and do no more than that - it is simply something I've thought about, not my absolute stance on the subject.
My idea would be something along the lines of this - that someone (initially I thought me, but I doubt I've got either the brains or the time) could set up a shop, probably online, where people could buy goods to help the poor and suffering, which would then get sent to the charities or organizations working with those who need it. It could be just like amazon or other online buying sites (or even become part of one who knows?) only instead of paying for stuff and having it sent to you you could buy say a hypodermic needle, parts for a well, leprosy vaccinations or materials to build a temporary shelter and then pay to have it flown to a third world country of your choice.
I guess this idea came out of a general desire to contribute to the poorest people in the world, but being in a very flexible financial situation (as well as being more than a little bit greedy and lazy I'm loathe to admit) I find this £2 a month business a bit hard to contemplate. While I definitely think we should give in this way and without charities doing the work my idea would be useless but I think this kind of idea could help someone who wants to give, but is not sure how or if they can afford to have money withdrawn from them constantly. Using this kind of system you could make a one off donation and know what the effect was. You could even make one off donations to charities through it, perhaps rectifying the people like me who would maybe use it to avoid regular giving.
Well that's my idea roughly - any takers?
OK, well I'm sure something similar is going on, and I doubt I'm the only one with that kind of idea and there are a few related sites that I will share with you now.
Kiva.org is the first I'll talk about and the one I'm most interested and since it's an official partner to Blog Action day it's not a bad start!! I've been really impressed by what I've seen on their website and it seems a really good way to give directly and make a direct impact on someone in poverty. Kiva is a micro-lending organisation, members of the public through them lend money (as little as $25) to an individual or a group in poverty to support their business or livelihood, people can contribute small amounts to a larger loan of around $1000 or more. What's interesting is it's done as a business so it is a loan, you will get repaid as the entrepenur's business grows and they get out of poverty - though this will naturally be a gradual process, and of course there's no such thing as interest in this arrangement. I think this idea is fantastic, you can contribute directly to people who are being held back by poverty, you know you are making a difference to an individual or a group and you even get your money back - I'm almost reaching for my wallet as we speak. If you haven't come across them before I strongly reccommend you take a look.
If you want to give to charity but aren't sure how then there's a way with agoodcause.com I'll admit to being a bit cuatious when it comes to these software download thingies, so I haven't signed up myself, though it seems like a good idea. Essentially through them every time you make a purchase on Amazon, Apple store or anywhere else then a donation will be made to charity - at no cost to you!!! I personally want to know a bit more before I sign up, and I'm slightly worried by the amount of dating companies that are signed up, but it's definitely worth a look at at least.
Right I think that's all I've got to say other than to encourage you, and more importantly me, to be active in giving to those who don't have what we have, whether it's through one of the sites above, or regular giving or even being involved. I've just demonstrated without much effort that there are ideas we can come up with and there are multiple ways to give so why not take action and give one a try? Have a look at the action day site for more ideas - I think I've got a link somewhere.
Word of the post: Malaise –noun
My idea would be something along the lines of this - that someone (initially I thought me, but I doubt I've got either the brains or the time) could set up a shop, probably online, where people could buy goods to help the poor and suffering, which would then get sent to the charities or organizations working with those who need it. It could be just like amazon or other online buying sites (or even become part of one who knows?) only instead of paying for stuff and having it sent to you you could buy say a hypodermic needle, parts for a well, leprosy vaccinations or materials to build a temporary shelter and then pay to have it flown to a third world country of your choice.
I guess this idea came out of a general desire to contribute to the poorest people in the world, but being in a very flexible financial situation (as well as being more than a little bit greedy and lazy I'm loathe to admit) I find this £2 a month business a bit hard to contemplate. While I definitely think we should give in this way and without charities doing the work my idea would be useless but I think this kind of idea could help someone who wants to give, but is not sure how or if they can afford to have money withdrawn from them constantly. Using this kind of system you could make a one off donation and know what the effect was. You could even make one off donations to charities through it, perhaps rectifying the people like me who would maybe use it to avoid regular giving.
Well that's my idea roughly - any takers?
OK, well I'm sure something similar is going on, and I doubt I'm the only one with that kind of idea and there are a few related sites that I will share with you now.
Kiva.org is the first I'll talk about and the one I'm most interested and since it's an official partner to Blog Action day it's not a bad start!! I've been really impressed by what I've seen on their website and it seems a really good way to give directly and make a direct impact on someone in poverty. Kiva is a micro-lending organisation, members of the public through them lend money (as little as $25) to an individual or a group in poverty to support their business or livelihood, people can contribute small amounts to a larger loan of around $1000 or more. What's interesting is it's done as a business so it is a loan, you will get repaid as the entrepenur's business grows and they get out of poverty - though this will naturally be a gradual process, and of course there's no such thing as interest in this arrangement. I think this idea is fantastic, you can contribute directly to people who are being held back by poverty, you know you are making a difference to an individual or a group and you even get your money back - I'm almost reaching for my wallet as we speak. If you haven't come across them before I strongly reccommend you take a look.
If you want to give to charity but aren't sure how then there's a way with agoodcause.com I'll admit to being a bit cuatious when it comes to these software download thingies, so I haven't signed up myself, though it seems like a good idea. Essentially through them every time you make a purchase on Amazon, Apple store or anywhere else then a donation will be made to charity - at no cost to you!!! I personally want to know a bit more before I sign up, and I'm slightly worried by the amount of dating companies that are signed up, but it's definitely worth a look at at least.
Right I think that's all I've got to say other than to encourage you, and more importantly me, to be active in giving to those who don't have what we have, whether it's through one of the sites above, or regular giving or even being involved. I've just demonstrated without much effort that there are ideas we can come up with and there are multiple ways to give so why not take action and give one a try? Have a look at the action day site for more ideas - I think I've got a link somewhere.
Word of the post: Malaise –noun
| 1. | a condition of general bodily weakness or discomfort, often marking the onset of a disease. |
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Weekly Quote - 11/10/08
"Who is to say we should obey the laws they make for their own interest and to our hurt? And who are they then to meddle when we look after our own affairs? We will manage our world for ourselves because it is our world, Cosa Nostra." - The Godfather, Mario Puzo.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
It's back!!!
Oh yeah - Cherry Coke is making a comeback, and with it no doubt my disturbing fondness for blogging about Coca-Cola. Well I think I'll let the picture do the talking this time (it comes, incidentally) from a blogger who obviously has a similar enthusiasm for Coke.
I'd always been rather partial to Cherry Coke, but it stopped appearing so regularly on the shelves a while back, and I only occasionally got it from some suppliers such as a local chippie. While I do miss the arty scrawl of the original can design I'm just glad to see the classic flavour make a return - my heart yearns for it to be more than a limited fad, though my teeth are secretly hopeful!!
Word of the post: Underwhelming -
To fail to excite, stimulate, or impress
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Blog Action Day 08 - October 15th
Greetings fellow Bloggers
I'm posting this as a heads up for those of you who may want to get involved and I would encourage you to think about it. You may not achieve much, but for one reason or another you have chosen to make your voice heard and perhaps it might be a good idea to use your voice as part of a bigger scheme looking at a global issue. I'm not going to be so pretentious as to say you can change the world, but it might be interesting, and it's not like it costs you anything.
Last years bloggers wrote about the envirovment in thousands of different ways, styles and approaches. The organisers don't want you to turn into a campaigner or to do in depth researched sob stories, they ask you to write as you normally would, only to use this day for writing about one issue - the issue of Poverty. Perhaps I'm not being as clear as I should be so I'll let you hear a message from the organizers themselves...
Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.
So I'm not going to give you a campaign spiel, I'm just going to suggest that maybe it'd be something you'd like to get involved in. If you think it is, let me know and I'll be interested to see what you write.
Word of the post: Amalgamate –verb (used with object)
1. to mix or merge so as to make a combination
I'm posting this as a heads up for those of you who may want to get involved and I would encourage you to think about it. You may not achieve much, but for one reason or another you have chosen to make your voice heard and perhaps it might be a good idea to use your voice as part of a bigger scheme looking at a global issue. I'm not going to be so pretentious as to say you can change the world, but it might be interesting, and it's not like it costs you anything.
Last years bloggers wrote about the envirovment in thousands of different ways, styles and approaches. The organisers don't want you to turn into a campaigner or to do in depth researched sob stories, they ask you to write as you normally would, only to use this day for writing about one issue - the issue of Poverty. Perhaps I'm not being as clear as I should be so I'll let you hear a message from the organizers themselves...
Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.
So I'm not going to give you a campaign spiel, I'm just going to suggest that maybe it'd be something you'd like to get involved in. If you think it is, let me know and I'll be interested to see what you write.
Word of the post: Amalgamate –verb (used with object)
1. to mix or merge so as to make a combination
Monday, September 29, 2008
Post 150
Well I've hit another landmark on the way to...well what is the ultimate goal of this thing, anybody know?! I feel slightly abashed at reading Tim bemoaning the fact that he's slipped down to around 200 posts a year, but nonetheless I'm still proud of my dent into the bloggosphere, even if it's not the biggest or most entertaining.
I must however address that my posts have decreased of late, which is not brilliant as I hope to make many more entries on this space in times future. But there does seem to be a lot less coming up, and while weekly quotes are at least keeping content regularly updated they are appearing too often with little in between. This is I think for two reasons - firstly I've reached something of a plateau content wise. I initially produced a flurry of lengthy, clunky posts which eventually became unreadable and hard to follow, I've since learned to be punchier and more interesting and I did at one stage have quite a frequent presence on the blog. I think the problem is now that I've reached a standard where I no longer feel comfortable just posting anything, but want to at least make the effort to post something witty or thoughtful, even getting the grand delusion of calling my posts 'articles' and thinking that people might read them - though apparently some people do (see last post.) So I do perhaps need to reevaluate what I write as it may promote more content...and it's not like what I write's that clever anyway! It shows in that I write far more on Blogga the Hutt now, as I'm happy to write lengthy ari...posts on Sci-Fi stuff as it's something I'm knowledgeable on etc.
The second reason is that I'm starting a PGCE and free time is something of a rich commodity now. I'm having a good time doing it, but the workload means I don't always have the time or the energy to write on a blog, though I seem to fit in a few Xbox sessions no problem! But it does take some degree of thought to blog and so when my brain wants to give up it's easier to pick up a game pad than try to write. I will try to rectify this, but things are likely to get harder before they get easier so we'll have to see.
Well this is getting far too mopey for what is after all a celebratory post - I think I will celebrate by perhaps picking up on some landmark posts and sharing the memories with you dear reader.
My first post - my cautious, and very clumsy entry into blogging, note the blog had a different name and style back then
My first comment - Again early days, note that I originally copied posts from another source
My first (an possibly only) classic post - very proud of this one
First original post - yup, all blogger this one...'cept what I copied!
Post 50 - post 100 is another memorial thing so I'll leave it
First official word of the post - I'd done many, but this marke the official beginnig of a tradition I'm proud of
First weekly quote - Another tradition that helps blow the dust off this blog every week.
A rant...blogging essential! - this one's about tree rats
My Coke phase - don't think it's over!!
A look at the future - something I'd like to develop...possibly...maybe...if I've got time.
Wow - I managed to crank out 10 special post out of the - even I'm impressed!! Guess thereis some life in the old gal yet!Well I'm feeling a bit more buoyant about things now and I do have one or two ideas for posts to bring out soon - but for now I'll keep up some old traditions
Weekly Quote W/E 27/09/08
"At this angle the dragonfolk looked reasonably bearable, but the dragons themselves, hanging from their perches. loomed over the scene like immense gargoyles. Their eyes glowed with interest." - The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett
Word of the post: Vainglorious - adj.
Characterized by or exhibiting excessive vanity
I must however address that my posts have decreased of late, which is not brilliant as I hope to make many more entries on this space in times future. But there does seem to be a lot less coming up, and while weekly quotes are at least keeping content regularly updated they are appearing too often with little in between. This is I think for two reasons - firstly I've reached something of a plateau content wise. I initially produced a flurry of lengthy, clunky posts which eventually became unreadable and hard to follow, I've since learned to be punchier and more interesting and I did at one stage have quite a frequent presence on the blog. I think the problem is now that I've reached a standard where I no longer feel comfortable just posting anything, but want to at least make the effort to post something witty or thoughtful, even getting the grand delusion of calling my posts 'articles' and thinking that people might read them - though apparently some people do (see last post.) So I do perhaps need to reevaluate what I write as it may promote more content...and it's not like what I write's that clever anyway! It shows in that I write far more on Blogga the Hutt now, as I'm happy to write lengthy ari...posts on Sci-Fi stuff as it's something I'm knowledgeable on etc.
The second reason is that I'm starting a PGCE and free time is something of a rich commodity now. I'm having a good time doing it, but the workload means I don't always have the time or the energy to write on a blog, though I seem to fit in a few Xbox sessions no problem! But it does take some degree of thought to blog and so when my brain wants to give up it's easier to pick up a game pad than try to write. I will try to rectify this, but things are likely to get harder before they get easier so we'll have to see.
Well this is getting far too mopey for what is after all a celebratory post - I think I will celebrate by perhaps picking up on some landmark posts and sharing the memories with you dear reader.
My first post - my cautious, and very clumsy entry into blogging, note the blog had a different name and style back then
My first comment - Again early days, note that I originally copied posts from another source
My first (an possibly only) classic post - very proud of this one
First original post - yup, all blogger this one...'cept what I copied!
Post 50 - post 100 is another memorial thing so I'll leave it
First official word of the post - I'd done many, but this marke the official beginnig of a tradition I'm proud of
First weekly quote - Another tradition that helps blow the dust off this blog every week.
A rant...blogging essential! - this one's about tree rats
My Coke phase - don't think it's over!!
A look at the future - something I'd like to develop...possibly...maybe...if I've got time.
Wow - I managed to crank out 10 special post out of the - even I'm impressed!! Guess thereis some life in the old gal yet!Well I'm feeling a bit more buoyant about things now and I do have one or two ideas for posts to bring out soon - but for now I'll keep up some old traditions
Weekly Quote W/E 27/09/08
"At this angle the dragonfolk looked reasonably bearable, but the dragons themselves, hanging from their perches. loomed over the scene like immense gargoyles. Their eyes glowed with interest." - The Colour of Magic, Terry Pratchett
Word of the post: Vainglorious - adj.
Characterized by or exhibiting excessive vanity
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 20/09/08
I've been busy, and I'm probably going to get busier
"To realise one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.". - The Alchemist, Paul Coelho
"To realise one's destiny is a person's only real obligation. All things are one. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.". - The Alchemist, Paul Coelho
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 13/09/08
Carrying on...
"...so when you go to bed at night Mr Kane, be sure to think about me. When you wake up in the morning, think about me again, because I'll never cease thinking about my plans for you." - Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer
"...so when you go to bed at night Mr Kane, be sure to think about me. When you wake up in the morning, think about me again, because I'll never cease thinking about my plans for you." - Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Oh yeah - the date
I just added the Blogger Play widget thing (I'll get into why maybe later) which adds pictures as they are uploaded onto people's blogs and was surprised at the number of pictures of the Twin Tower terrorist attacks, until I noticed the date.
I can't believe it's been, how many years is it now? I was still in high school so quite a few now I guess, even enough for the date to slip my mind. I don't know what to say if anything so I'll leave you with a thousand words instead...
In Memoriam 911
I can't believe it's been, how many years is it now? I was still in high school so quite a few now I guess, even enough for the date to slip my mind. I don't know what to say if anything so I'll leave you with a thousand words instead...
In Memoriam 911
The nature of blogging
All that thoughtfulness in that last post has provoked even more thought - I know, two days in a row, scary stuff huh?!
With writing about more serious stuff on the blog (can't say it's gonna be more than a one-off, but it was an interesting exercise nonetheless) I've had cause to think about how I blog and why I blog. I guess for me one of the fundamental practices is attention seeking, posting stuff on the internet in the vain hope that someone, anyone will take notice. This strikes a curious imbalance with a slight embarrassment at my opinions and keenness to maintain some layer of anonymity. So anyway I ten to just chuck stuff out there in the vain hope that someone may even like it and deign to comment on it.
I guess this is OK for my usual stuff, and maybe more of the content on Blogga. But for debating proper matters I guess just wanting people to read and admire isn't quite the right motivation. It also affects the writing, if I'm assuming people will admire my work I'll step up the eloquence of the speech a notch so that surely people will have to be impressed by the formality of my tone and assume that what I'm saying is good...right?
The other element of blogging is something of a cathartic nature, or that of a release. Blogging, for me, is worlds apart from fiction or essay writing. I find blogging a relaxing way of writing as I don't ten to plan or think through my posts much beyond the original idea. My fingers hit the keys and thoughts are electronically conveyed instantly. It means I can just write without the usual planning and thinking and editing involved - which I find quite liberating.
Again, I don't think this is wrong, but just tapping away when bringing up a serious issue is not necessarily the best way, though then again (thinking out loud) maybe it's not so bad. I suppose what I am always doing when blogging is thinking out loud, that is my blogging style. Sometimes I think long thoughts, sometimes only little snippets. Sometimes I plumb the depths, other times I laugh at squirrels, but I am always thinking and usually thinking 'live' as I write. So as a style it ain't bad and I suppose sticking to it means I'm not pretending to be beyond my capabilities, but nonetheless I need to take serious issues seriously and therin lies the struggle to find a balance between giving appropriate weight and writing pomp for pomp's sake.
I doubt very much whether I will ever get this balance right. It does have the downside of meaning that my posts never quite match up to the grand expectations I lay upon them (this very post is a good example), but nonetheless I will still enjoy the freedom to just write for most of my content, I just might have to practice putting a bit more thought into some of my content.
Well that was quite the excersise in rambling, but I wanted to think through the nature of blogging for myself and what better place for thinking out loud than a blog eh? I also want to make sure that there's more than just weekly quotes being posted up here to keep both myself and potential readers interested. But now I'll have to think of something else to write about - hmm, is there a new Coke out yet?
Word of the post: Coagulate - verb
With writing about more serious stuff on the blog (can't say it's gonna be more than a one-off, but it was an interesting exercise nonetheless) I've had cause to think about how I blog and why I blog. I guess for me one of the fundamental practices is attention seeking, posting stuff on the internet in the vain hope that someone, anyone will take notice. This strikes a curious imbalance with a slight embarrassment at my opinions and keenness to maintain some layer of anonymity. So anyway I ten to just chuck stuff out there in the vain hope that someone may even like it and deign to comment on it.
I guess this is OK for my usual stuff, and maybe more of the content on Blogga. But for debating proper matters I guess just wanting people to read and admire isn't quite the right motivation. It also affects the writing, if I'm assuming people will admire my work I'll step up the eloquence of the speech a notch so that surely people will have to be impressed by the formality of my tone and assume that what I'm saying is good...right?
The other element of blogging is something of a cathartic nature, or that of a release. Blogging, for me, is worlds apart from fiction or essay writing. I find blogging a relaxing way of writing as I don't ten to plan or think through my posts much beyond the original idea. My fingers hit the keys and thoughts are electronically conveyed instantly. It means I can just write without the usual planning and thinking and editing involved - which I find quite liberating.
Again, I don't think this is wrong, but just tapping away when bringing up a serious issue is not necessarily the best way, though then again (thinking out loud) maybe it's not so bad. I suppose what I am always doing when blogging is thinking out loud, that is my blogging style. Sometimes I think long thoughts, sometimes only little snippets. Sometimes I plumb the depths, other times I laugh at squirrels, but I am always thinking and usually thinking 'live' as I write. So as a style it ain't bad and I suppose sticking to it means I'm not pretending to be beyond my capabilities, but nonetheless I need to take serious issues seriously and therin lies the struggle to find a balance between giving appropriate weight and writing pomp for pomp's sake.
I doubt very much whether I will ever get this balance right. It does have the downside of meaning that my posts never quite match up to the grand expectations I lay upon them (this very post is a good example), but nonetheless I will still enjoy the freedom to just write for most of my content, I just might have to practice putting a bit more thought into some of my content.
Well that was quite the excersise in rambling, but I wanted to think through the nature of blogging for myself and what better place for thinking out loud than a blog eh? I also want to make sure that there's more than just weekly quotes being posted up here to keep both myself and potential readers interested. But now I'll have to think of something else to write about - hmm, is there a new Coke out yet?
Word of the post: Coagulate - verb
| 1. | to change from a fluid into a thickened mass |
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tim-inspired thinking post
I've been discussing with Tim over at his blog about posting up some
religious based stuff and whether it felt right to do so. We both
discussed that we sometimes feel unequal to the task and I'm still
cautious about it to be completely honest with you. I mean I'm no
theologian and I use this blog for posting up rubbish that pops into
my head, not like you know, serious things. I think there's also an
element of pride, as Tim mentioned, but also cowardice to use this
blog to talk about my God or Christianity which is stupid for two
reasons - firstly I should blog about what interests me, and second,
basically no one reads this thing and all those that do are Christians
anyway so what does it matter?
It is perhaps a little risky then that I start out with an exercise in
criticism, or at least what might appear to be so. I guess I should
firstly state that I am not critical of the song or it's writer. I
believe it is a good tool and has much instruction on living out the
Christian life, but I think it is one we don't necessarily think
through as we should. The tune is also an important element in
what I'm thinking about, so maybe if you haven't heard it you
should look it up on YouTube or something - or apparently
there's a GodTube now but I can't guarantee any content found
there! Anyhow, here's the latter half of the song, full lyrics aren't
hard to find if you want 'em.
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
My reasons for bringing this up are because of a bible study done with
Ian Fry on the excellent Contagious youth week. In our group we
studied Job and had a look at his suffering under the excellent heading
"how does God treat his friends?" which was very powerful and thought
provoking. One thing drawn up to the end was our perhaps unrealistic
attitude to suffering in Christian culture. I'm going to be very cautious
now as I don't have much experience in the area and I don't want to
inadvertently discredit either Ian or Matt Redman by what I'm writing
here and so I will stick to my usual 'something to think about' stance
rather than pretend to teach you something.
The problem with the song is that the tune is quite upbeat, whereas the
words are actually quite somber. Not to say the tune is wrong, a durgey
tune simply wouldn't work and there is a very real element of rejoicing
in suffering so I by no means think it's wrong, the problem is we as singers
forget the meaning of the words and get caught up in the moment and have
a risk of thinking it's easy for our hearts to choose to bless God, which from
my experience isn't true. Not when you compare it with the source for
the song and read the words of Job himself.
"13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15
and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to
the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart. [c]
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Job is not exactly joyful here, nor is he stoically saying "naked I came..."
look at the verses immediately prior, watch him rip his clothes, shave off
his hair and collapse to the ground. The words that follow are not easy
words, it is not easy for him to claim that the LORD has taken away, it
is not easy for him to praise God, and yet he does. I haven't the faintest
idea what suffering, real suffering feels like and so I cannot hope to
offer worthy advice to a reader who for all I know may be
experiencing real physical or emotional pain so I will address
myself from now on as I know this is something I need to hear,
from myself if no one else.
I thank God for revealing some of his plan in suffering through the
book of Job. I thank Him for Job's example, his faith but also his
real confusion and even anger about what was happening, yet not
turning from God. I thank Him also for the song above that puts
some of these thoughts an principles to music that can be
addressed to Him. And I pray that I might be able to grasp these
properly so that when suffering does come, though the pain and
anguish are no more diminished, I would still hold firm to him who
knows me, saved me and can keep me through all trials.
Please feel free to comment and to criticize, it's the only way I'll learn.
Word of the post: Acquaintance –noun
| 1. | a person known to one, but usually not a close friend. |
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Weekly Quote W/E 06/09/08
More stuff, least I posted something...today!
"The captain looked at Fermina Daza and saw on her eyelashes the first glimmer of wintry frost. Then he looked at Florentino Ariza, his invincible power, his intrepid love, and he was overwhelmed by the belated suspicion that it is life, more than death, that has no limits." - Love in the time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
"The captain looked at Fermina Daza and saw on her eyelashes the first glimmer of wintry frost. Then he looked at Florentino Ariza, his invincible power, his intrepid love, and he was overwhelmed by the belated suspicion that it is life, more than death, that has no limits." - Love in the time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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