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October 31 Life makes you stupid!So I downloaded Firefox 2.0 last week. I've been using FF 2.0 Beta for a little while now and before that FF 1.5 was my preference to the lagging Internet Explorer 6.
Of course, IE 7 recently launched too, and I've been using IE7 Beta for quite some time anyway, so I don't mind if we stop laughing at IE - they've finally caught up with modern features and that's all that matters.
So which do I like? Well though I've heard of a very worrying security issue with IE7, I'm actually more concerned about FireFox security with Vista, and if I was a mod-kid and had a million and one pluggins/extensions for my FF 1.5, I'd probably be annoyed that FF 2.0 isn't compatible with most of them. But those plugins are third party, and the writers will probably upgrade their extensions within the next few months, allowing the library to rapidly grow again. It's not the FF team's fault and it's still better than having no extensions at all (Though you can get some ad ons for IE7 now).
IE7 also has a quick tabs view. This, as far as I can tell, is useless... but it's the thought that counts and it was a good try at initiative. Some people might even think it's handy. Rumour has it (the ones I read anyway) that IE7 is more stable, and while FF2.0 has a session restore so that crashes don't impact you nearly as much as they did (and do in IE), it'd be nice if it never happened.
So performance and security... I have to hand it to them - I'm preferring IE7. Recovery and features - FF are still well in the lead.
Amongst the new FF inbuilt features - a spell checker for any forms you're filling in (such as this blog one if I were in FF... but because I used MSN to open my space I'm in IE so forgive spelling mistakes). I've really liked this feature and it's even hot on the grammar mistakes.
An 'unclose tab' option. Closed a tab you didn't mean to? No problem - you can unclose it. You can unclose them all. People who click on the 'X' one too many times and lose the tab they really wanted but don't know where you linked it from will appreciate this very very very nice feature.
But it's got me thinking about how easy everything is becoming. Since using FF 2.0, my spelling would seem to have improved, but will it in fact get worse as I become lazier, safe in the knowledge FF will correct my mistakes. Do I not concentrate on closing tabs and Windows, knowing I can open then if I get it wrong, then find as that becomes my habit, all other programs infuriate me as I haphazardly close them (I use a lot of apps that tab pages).
It's not just browsing and word processing - we get it in all areas of life. They did a test a while ago where they put a sample of drivers into an old car - one without ABS, power steering, parking sensors, no computer assistance at all in fact. They found those drivers who normally drove cars with little computer assistance didn't do too badly, though they were unable to break or handle corners as well as they should, while those drivers who had executive cars with all the latest safety assistance features did terribly. This was put down in part because the drivers no longer worried about noticing some things as the car would flag it up for them, and because the drivers had overconfidence in their control.
We're surrounded by safety systems - crossings, railings, cameras, alarms, assisted most things and auto-correct everything else. Our computers take care of so much you don't have to have the slightest idea of how they're actually working to use one (I just about come from the days where you could only use them if you knew how they worked) - and of course - all this knocks on to creating a need for more safety, as unskilled users are lulled into the false sense of security that they don't need to understand safety factors to be safe. This is how the vast majority of virus' are downloaded, which leads to the pressure to make the software 'safer' (which means users can be less informed, which leads to the need to make it safer... ... ...).
And brothers and sisters of the faith - you with the New Living Translation bibles and Word For Today opinions in a paragraph - where do we draw the line between helpful concordance and lazy supplement/effort replacement - and is it right or good enough?
I'm verging on sounding preachy here - don't get me wrong - I'm totally signed up to 'Assisted Living Lifestyle'. My XDA tells me where I'm meant to be, when I'm meant to be there, and it can even tell me what route I should take. That's another great example really as I'm always late - if I didn't think my XDA had it covered, I'd prolly have to prepare in some way, and inherently consider time more consciously - and don't ask about what happens when my XDA fails me. I don't use the NLT bible, but I have used nice soft modern English translations and though they don't have 'the answers' written along side, they lose a lot of the necessarily complication and depth. Let's not even get onto my driving skills.
But is any of this a good thing? Should bible have just stayed in it's original languages? Should our cars make driving easier? Should we build dual carriageways down into the ground with railing along the banks so children can play by the side of it instead of just making it clear it is dangerous? When do you draw the line between safety and sheltering; ease and dummed down? Did I just make an argument about a fundamental resources of the church, industrial standards, and social policies in the western world, from the release of new Browsers? You bet! :-D
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Phil UPDATE: Have now spell checked this post in FF :-P October 27 Silverscreen DreamsSues and I were talking about what it'd be like if they made a film about us. We covered a *lot* of story line, but there's still very much the question of who would play me. Sues is happy to play herself, but I don't think my acting is up to scratch and prefer to be backstage anyway so we need to cast someone. So who do you think? Suggestions for Sues too if you'd be so kind - she may join me behind the camera if you find just the perfect person. While you're on - if they made a film about you, would it be just about you or you and someone else? A group? And who'd play that cast? Super brownie points to those who go out and make a film :-P __ Phil October 23 Take you to a Gay BarLast week I had the immense pleasure of Miss Kellie Brigg's company. She came down on the Sunday from her North London £50'000/year lawyer school friend, down to the SPAC flat in Carshalton Beeches to slum it with us South of the river types. Ok - I think Surrey doesn't really get included in the 'South of the River' types - it's gone passed that point but still - there's a contrast there.
We had some fun - I worked late most days but we made good of the time and had a great night out in London too where Kel became a memeber of Barcode (a gay bar in Soho) - yes - she has a membership card and everything. We went to a comedy night which was *hillarious* and got some Japanese tuck at Satsuma.
The week was mostly filled with converstaion and DVD's, a bit of cooking and a bit of take-out, and of course, looking at pictures of Hanson (Zac grew up damn fine - no seriously, he's a hottie - don't get excited though - he's married).
(You see what I'm saying?)
After Kel left, I headed over to Clapham to sign the contracts on my new flat and hand over fork loads of cash, followed by a night in my new 'local' which was unexpectidly busy on account of a 'meat market' special event... crazy.
This weekend I was meant to be at a wedding, but with the flu that's been spreading around here and knowing I had it, I didn't want to risk infecting the other guests and people I was travelling with. So waste of train ticket, but at least the bride wont have the sniffles on her honey moon. I had plenty of work to get don though so I put the weekend into that instead. Going to be a really hard week ahead I think - it'll be work hard and play hard. Still got sniffly flemmy symptoms but a much clearer head than last week so I should be able to work well enough, and then spend the evenings with my Mother, who;s coming to visit for 3 days. We've also got Tim's gf and 2 kids, and a uni mate is dropping in for a night - so we're going to be pretty crampt but should manage :-)
Anywho - that's for next time so until then - be good :)
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Phil October 20 CatchphrasesI like to have catchphrases, it's part of my subtle charm and charaisma :)
Today, as geeky and self indulgent as it is, I feel like paying tribute to some catch phrases of old, as well as todays favorites.
And so, without further a-do... the top 3 catchphrases of 'days gone by' are...
At number 3, a firm favorite for several years - it's...
"Nowwww... stop that."
You have to elongate the 'Now', then be punchy with the 'stop that'. It was a sure fire way to quench any silliness, and re-itterated the order of things. In its' later days, as a result of a scrable gambit gone wrong, and the discovery of the under-used word 'tonking', this phrase became more jovial and less of a 'put-down' as it evolved into, 'Now... stop that, or you'll get a good tonking!'. While funnier, this was a threat I carried out many times.
At number 2, a long standing champion. It is quite simply...
"Indeed."
This single word catchphrase was only made more popular by its appearance in SG-1. It's a one-stop-answer-shop for almost every situation. Affirming and re-assuring, sarcastic and intollerant - with a shifted emphasis, this can be used, and was, to say just about anything. So often did I use the word, it became a predictable response in any siutation.
Shortly after it was phased out as a regular catchphrase, the word got a new jo in relationship guidence. One of my dear friends complained their boyfriend said 'Sorry' so much that it had just become annoying, and asked if I could modify him to use another word instead. I did that very thing, and planted the word 'Indeed' in his mind as the favoured response to any situation he wanted to defuse. The very next time they were together, 'Indeed' was passively uttered in place of an inappropriate 'Sorry', and the girl very quickly called me to have the conditioning reversed, as it felt like he'd become me for a second as he'd said it, and that was just too wierd.
The conditioning was reversed. Sorry wasn't annoying anymore.
But lacking in length, it can only be second place, leaving the top spot open for...
"This conversation is terminated."
You'd be amased how well this works on people. Some of you are remembering it now huh? Didn't like them apples did ya? Convo gone too soppy, aggressive, uncomfortable, boring, or anything else - just terminate it. Zero tollerance on re-opening combined with this catchphrase created a solid authority in inter-personal control. After closing it in such an abrupt way, you could move onto something else, or just sit there in silence - no need to go to effort to change the subject - cos it was a sterdy wall.
Many others didn't make it into the top three... and perhaps should've - I didn't spend any time deliberating over the choices. Here's a tribute to others I've thought of today....
'All life signs are...'
'Do you pledge your obedience to...'
'It's like coming into a whole new station!'
'Obedience brings victory'
'Hey! Monkeyboy!'
In our next section, we look at the catchphrases in current use...
In third place, for work and play...
"How hard can it be?"
Said in a naive and innocent tone, this phrase demonstrates that we have no idea about the task before us, but that we'll give it a go. Also used ironically when dealing with situations that are clearly, way to difficult. It's not all that elegant or witty, but it slots right in to daily life and brings a reliable smirk.
Innnnnnnnnnnn 2:
"Well, we've all been there"
Very situation dependant, but can be hillarious in reply to some things, and defusing in response to others. The best thing about using this, is that people aren't often sure when it's purely a joke, or if in fact, I have.. been there... whatever the context. It's mysterious *and* clever!
But at number 1, pulling just slightly ahead for it's positivity and moral boosting powers - it's a battle cry, it's a moto, it's a great front for helpful denial...
"We're Living the dream!"
Shouting it out the windows as we roar up the M6; Cheering the dispare as we go through our finances; Urging us on to work; and leading us out to play - this is the phrase of the hour because after all - We're young, we're free - This is our time - We truely are, living the dream.
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Phil
Do you remember any others? Stories of these phrases? Post 'em up on the comments :-D Do it now! October 16 Catching upThis weekend my Dad visited. We went out for a meal and tried to chat a bit - it was hard because I was suffering from a very painful throat but as I'd saved my voice all day, I could make a bit of conversation.
He set off on the Saturday and I prepared myself for a day in, but then George rang and invited me to hang out in town for a while. I met his lovely wife properly this time (the first time being on their wedding day and that's always a funny time to meet someone), and two of thier friends who shared my passionate interest in cake, and they all met my Claire (and me of course) before she had to go catch her train to see her people from back home.
I stayed with George and Claire for coffee and wondering before we headed back to their place for an evening meal. First off - they've got a great place. George denies all credit for any style and I belive him fully - Claire's really good with theme and balance when it comes to designing rooms. They also cooked a real meal - like a recipe level meal and everything which was really nice. Then G and I spent a few hours rambling into the night about all those things we geeks and Christians rant about. It was quality time, and so quickly did it pass that I stayed the night as we missed the last tube by about... 10/15 minutes.
This is where you can see true hospitality in action - they're so very prepared for waywards like me - and immediately produced a bed and covers, and then - get this - a fresh toothbrush and toiletries bag. Seriously - it's like a little hotel. And many stars should it have. When I'm settled into my new place I'll be having them round for a meal of some kind - though I might resort to ordering in :-P
Train services to my flat were down, so I had to get a train to Croydon and bus it from there. While in Croydon, I wander the shops a little and managed to needlessly buy a bunch of stuff I woulnd't have bought had I not been passing through - ah well. I bought a new alarm clock (though - I did need that), an airbed, The Movies (PC), and Morrowind (It was on offer with The Movies so it only cost £5 more to have it). After that, I went home, Kel arrived, and we watched Identity and chatted a while before arrising for work the next day. Kel's staying all week so we have lots of time to chat and stuff - if I weren't so uber busy I'd prolly make more of all these people visiting but it's nice all the same.
In other news, I'm moving to Clapham! A hub of social activity and merriment - I'm sure I'll fit right in.
The rents a bit more than I pay now, and I'll have a bit less room, but I think it's going to be a good move none the less.
It's going to be costly to move while making sure everyone's ok from the change, but it's still worth it in a long term investment - it's not a huge ammount of money to bare.
It's the one right in the middle - reddy/orangey one.
So when I'm moved and settle in, I'll let you all know how that's going. If anyone wants a room during November - don't hesitate to ask as I'll have two properties to fill anyway. Those people who never got round to visiting my old place - shame on you - it's a fantastic flat and just lovely to stay in. Still - my new flat is nice too, and you're as always, welcome there :) And that's it. All this action has meant no WoW for like... over 7 days now. And even then... wasn't much. Not much for a good month now - I need to make some quality time for that but dont' thik I'll get any till... week after next/week after that or maybe even week after that. :-o RL can suck like that sometimes.
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Phil October 13 Works of FictionAlready has 'MercyOnMysoul.co.uk' become useful. Last night I wanted to show some things on my space to some friends in a bar, and was able to get to it using said URL. :)
Today I decided it's been way too long since there's been a serious and decent lengthed post - anyone who was to look at my current page would think this site is just a few pics and links stuck together.
Having said that - I can't be bothered to write a post about anything in particular, so I'm still going to plagerise - but I'm plagerising me! So it's ok. As I'd written a massive comment on Carlos' blog, I'm going to steal it and re-use it as a blog post in itself :-P
the question was posed - "What, for you, is the value of literature?". There were two replies before mine and some of this is semi-responsive of those so sorry if that loses something - but here it goes:
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Well Carlos - if you insist....
Works of fiction are just as valuable, and perhaps more so than other forms of literature. Very little, if any fiction, is entirely without truth or basis in our own lives and persons. Anyone who's read a story of heroism, of honour, of adventure – can relate to those elements in themselves and make the story their own – taking from the experience if in but a shadow of the real thing. When ever I read a fantasy or Sci-Fi story, I find my days are looked upon with an optimistic attitude – I see the possibility in what is – I am reminded of the honour I have inside me and what difference it makes to apply it, and it's more than just short term inspiring.
Works of fiction can also be used to explore history in a much greater realism than a history book can capture. Lately I've been reading a novel about the life of a man in Nazi Germany, and his story of the concentration camps. It's fiction – but it's so raw, and so brutally real that I find with each page a massively deepened respect for those people that suffered and fought through that time – as well as something that perhaps not everyone would choose to face, I feel the shame for any part of me that could cause that kind of of suffering to others – by inaction or misguidance – having read this novel – I am suddenly sensitive to my role in society.
No history book could paint the picture with this level of empathy – and it's that which causes so much impact. That's a fiction based on a factual environment – but it's just as true of purer fictions. We can all relate to the consuming anger that blinded Captain Ahab so strongly, that he lost perspective and risked so much for mere pride and revenge. It speaks into our lives on a level that stays with us – and don't think I mean merely that it teaches you a 'moral' like a half hour Sunday School session – these works of art weave into the very being that we are, the education of emotions and experience of each character and action within the story.
"He piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it." It's not all doom and gloom though. I remember one of the most difficult things to truly read was A Mid-Summer Nights Dream. To read, as words and a story – it's easy enough. But to read as an experience I found it really hard to relate to the characters and what they were going through any more than seeing the raw passions and selfish relations. It was only when I got to the end and went about my daily life that I realised the book wasn't about love in itself, nor about magic and mystery – but about beauty. That's more than just entertainment isn't it? It's an integral part of creation and God and something I wonder had I been neglecting for so long? The book had simply made my mind more perceptive and receptive of the beauty in the world, in my life, in God.
As someone who delves into writing now and then, it's also about expression, and sharing, but I think you get where I'm coming from so I wont go into that.
I read the news and factual sources a lot. I read papers and references, manuals and teaching resources, but I find no literary form greater than the works of fiction.
To answer the question though... what is the value? Well that's a little more complicated. To read a trash novel in a mindless approach – some people love to relax that way and yes – that's a totally valid use and reason – everyone who works hard knows you have to relax and if this does it for you, great.
I don't find it relaxing, so for me I read to really engage in something – but this, in a very simialr way to various music, can be both good and bad. If I approached the novel on the concentration camp life, with a futile or despairing heart – the book would have spiraled me into a depression. In fact, I don't recommend casual readers reading anything like that – I read some pretty heavy stuff (on various directions) but only because I've worked up to it - because I approached it as a desire to respect and remember, and to learn from it. Similarly, if I'd tried to draw meaning from a Midsummer nights dream on direct lifestyle guidance, I would be shallow and careless – but it's not that kind of book, and I wrestled with myself to find a way to read it properly. I also don't think books are necessarily the only good form of fiction – we're in the modern age now and a film, play, piece of art or music can often say a great deal in a similar way, but I think there'll long be a place for books, which can convey so much on levels other mediums don't. Oh – it's interesting you mention the bible as of course, the only guaranteed God inspired 'stuff'. I'm strongly of the opinion some of the bible is 'fiction' in it's style – it amuses me to hear bible groups try to tackle Job as a historical narrative so determined God isn't artistic enough to have put some of his most significant message into a fictional story to give us an insight that highlighting events of history could not do on the same level – even though Jesus himself used parable after parable. God loves fiction – it could even be his preferred medium – so how can anyone say it's got no value?
In summary ...
"Don't read a carpet book - it's not that kind of book."
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I will say, if you disagree or wish to add comments that would add to discussion on this point - go to Carl's original post (http://carlonline.blogspot.com/2006/10/beard-scratcher-no-1.html) and join in there - no point in having a duplicate discussion and it's just polite :)
That is all of you who want to join in the debate. I figure some of you will see the ironey in this blog and might want to comment on the clever (/souless) use of material that's gone into this post itself - for that you can comment here so to keep Carl's blog 'on topic' and 'civil'. ;-)
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Phil October 12 Silly URL'sThe thing about Live Spaces is... I can't ever remember the URL. I get the live, spaces, and MercyOnMySoul bit mixed up all the time, and that's when I remember that those are the three parts to it.
Anywho - I've bought a domain for MercyOnMySoul which I'll just be redirecting here for now (well, actually Mattius bought it cos he likes buying domains).
So from now on - if you don't link through my MSN - you can reach MercyOnMySoul at:
I dunno why I made a sign for it... just felt like it. Deceptively, there's no spaces in the URL - cos that's silly. So it's www.MercyOnMySoul.co.uk. Got it? You may wonder why I explained this in as convoluted a way as possible. If that's the case... do you know me at all?! But also... I was being sneaky and trying to use the phrase 'Mercy On My Soul' as much as possible to make you remember it. I might try and get 'MOMS.something' as well, though as I have no real purpose for them I have to ask myself how many domains I really need. For now though - I just got the MercyOnMySoul.co.uk, and incidentally, I have a new e-mail address: Phil@MercyOnMySoul.co.uk which you can use if you really want to. In conclusion, MercyOnMySoul.co.uk __
Phil
P.S. MercyOnMySoul.co.uk October 11 LoreBeen looking at more Lore stuff than I usually intake and I ask myself why did I ever down my dosage. If you remember the glory days of The Brunching Shuttlecocks then you know what I'm talkin 'bout.
Anyway - added Lore Brand Comics to my recommended comic list - here's an example:
I'm hoping Lore doesn't sue me for using this - though... if he does - I guess that means he's visited my blog, and that's very cool (and I have nothing for him to sue me for anyway) :-P October 10 I just learnt Kung FuOften I'll ramble off some farfetched tech-centric story of how close we really are to true AI and computer-brain interfaces.
I get the feeling most people don't really take it in - I must confess I was even a little surprised to see this in my news today so really I can't blame you. But Seriously - controlling your curser directly from your brain - it's very very near. In fact... it's already here!
Who's excited? Who's scared? Who wants a data jack in their neck right now?
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Phil October 03 Super PhattInspired by the wolverine man in the last blog entry, and pestered into action by Mattius, I have resumed my work as a vigilante. Ok, not actually, but we have a cool pick of me and Mr Mattius in our super hero get up. I think I've got to go to the gym quite a bit more to get this exact look but the clothes are still in my wardrobe back at home somewhere... so if you're saved from a dangerous situation by one of these fellows (or both) - you know who to send the thankyou card too ;)
Power wise, it's quite well known amongst our friends that Mattius can slightly elevate the temperature of a small room, emmitting just that bit more heat from his body than the average Joe Bloggs can muster. Since uni he's been focusing hard on this gift and developing it into creating fire - he's still not really got it down but these things take time - he'll get there.
As for me, I don't have so much of a combative gifting, so I always carried a sword/dagger when I went out crime fighting - but I think these days I'd prolly have to admit, sometimes your just need a gun - so I'm switching to dual pistols. I'm not just a guy with 2 guns though - I too have my own super powers, which fall in the mind control area, and as always, continue in their development nicely.
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Phil |
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