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Don’t expect a thank you

12
Jan 2013

Don't expect a thank you

From what I’m told by my elders, manners used to be customary.

Putting aside the fact that we all usually swallow fistfuls of salt at an any sentence that opens with “Used to be…” or “In the old days…“, one thing certainly rings true; if common courtesy existed then – it is lacking now.

And although it was before my time, so I can’t accurately reference days gone by when the only available telly was in monochrome; I can dream.

Still, today – hardly anybody says thank you, or smiles. And that’s a shame.

Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', Random Chit-Chat, Stuff I Don't Like  Tags: a thought, Dreama, musings  

Thank you for not having a filter

11
Jan 2013

Embarrassed
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Nobody means everything they say. Am I gingerly calling us all liars? Perhaps.

But like one of Pavlov’s poor dogs, deceit has been hard-wired into us since we first learned to communicate. And this isn’t me being dramatic either, think about it for a second.

You’re told as a child not to react honestly at something where it would make you seem insensitive, to instead be understanding and compassionate for whatever another’s misfortune may be. So if somebody is hygienically challenged, saying they stink and offering them a bar of soap – is practically a sin.

As an adult, you say “fine” even to genuine “how are you’s” because you want to be polite. Even if you’re “absolutely amazing with a dash of brilliant” - You don’t get to say that – well of course you can badger on, but nobody is listening (and possibly, you’re annoying).

As an elderly person, you get shipped off to a care home, and using the word “care” is a stretch if recent news is anything to go by. Yet the word “care” suggests a life of bliss and remains to be the given for one of these organisations.

An then there are the honest and outspoken.

The ones we (think popular to) frown at outwardly, but inwardly thank the heavens for. The people that complain about how long the queues always are; which has a positive impact on that business hiring new staff.

The few that write into the customer care address on the back of a crisp packet; because the contents were not up to standard.

The handful that actually do sit through 5 hour phone calls on hold; and report the technical issue with their device that leads to a fix for all.

And even the little-ans; who don’t yet have a filter for their thoughts – I mean, who doesn’t like turtles? Ha!

Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', Random Chit-Chat, Stuff I Like  Tags: honesty, tell it like it is, unfiltered  

The truth about Santa!

19
Dec 2012

As a youngen, I knew he was fake, I wasn’t raised on that tale – but nonetheless, like many others – I used to think of Santa as a portly fellow with a penchant for red clothing (and a disliking of razors.)

Even as a bedtime story, a fairly-tale concept to sweeten the idea of my loved ones forking over hard earned cash for my wishes to come true, I was okay with the image drummed into me my entire childhood:

Santa_Claus

Turns out, I was wrong. Father Christmas wasn’t even his name! 8-O

The “REAL” Santa

…is based on this other depiction; a Dutch bloke named Sinterklaas (& the basis for the modern day Santa we all know & put up with):

Santa_Claus

 However, the Dutch depiction, is based on St. Nicholas (born circa 270 AD):

Santa_Claus
…& St. Nicholas is apparently very identical to a story of a Grecian fellow named St. Basil the Great (born circa 329 AD):

Santa_Claus…As well as them all being very similar to mythological the Norse God (of pre-Christian Pagan origin) Odin:

Santa_Claus

… It was only in the 19th century due to the heavy influence of  Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”) - as well as caricaturist Thomas Nast’s imagery, that reinforced the image of the Santa we are familiar with today.

Here’s (some of) that famous poem to refresh your memory:

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there [...]” etc.

 

Apparently after-which, St. Nicholas & Sinterklaas merged (like super saiyans) and became Father Christmas – for us Brits.

The yanks kept the wave going, and the name eventually evolved to Santa Claus in 1773.

His clothes?

However – St. Nick, Santa, Father Christmas or whatever name you fancy - still didn’t wear red at this point!

He actually appeared in his first few features in a Green getup (with what looks like bulging abs!):

Santa_Claus

Now I know he likes a mince pie & all, but he’s gained quite a few pounds since his hey-day in a Dickens novel!

Finally in the early 20th century (1930′s) following what usually happens in popular culture, the idea of Santa was eventually bastardized by the media; specifically – Cola-Cola, who used the name and rejigged old Nick, out of his green robes into his stunning red threads (that just happened to be the same color as Coca-Cola’s branding)…

So to sum up, “Santa” began as a good idea – that  the bigger countries with better advertising eventually evolved into a the face of an event that generates billions every year? – Sounds about right…

Category: I'm Just Sayin', Random Chit-Chat  Tags: Father Christmas, Santa Claus, The truth about Santa  

The 11 most popular ways to shut off your computer in a crisis

31
Oct 2012

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Picture any of the following scenarios:

    • the dreaded BSOD (or Blue Screen of Death) makes an appearance and there’s no way out, all you can see is a scary percentage count at the bottom of the screen and the technical information makes NO sense!
    • The computer has suddenly downloaded malware and is freezing & you don’t know what to do!
    • Your processor is under pressure and is struggling to play Windows Media Player and MS Paint – it crashes!
    • Insert similar computer-induced crisis here…
Well now there is help. Well – possibly ill-advised help. Okay maybe not help at all, more of a confirmation that you are not alone! – Here is a list of 11 popular (and mostly) effective ways to shut-down/stop your computer in a crisis:

1) Push and hold the power switch button for 5 seconds

A drastic approach but one that works. When in crisis, simply push and hold the on/off button  until the screen cuts off and the quiet whisper of the processor is no more. Success! The problem is out of sight, and you can go and put the kettle on! – Note: you may lose files, but sometimes these are recoverable…

2) Rip out the power cord from the mains

Usually sparked by much frustration and one or two swear words but works a charm! WARNING: This will cause unsaved work to be lost with little chance of recovery. Can also damage computer over time, and is only a quick fix.  Works though. *shrugs*

3) Push and hold the Escape key (ESC)

Usually does nothing. I think it’s there for decoration (or for sentimental reasons) since it is usually non-responsive in a computer crisis. Don’t take my word for it, try clicking this repeatedly when something is wrong and if it fails, at least you can distract yourself with the clicky sound of the button…

4) Push CTRL+ALT+DEL simultaneously

Used to be, this ‘three finger salute’ was THE go-to fail-safe in a crisis as if you did it continuously and ignored the warnings, it caused the computer to instantly shut itself down. Thanks to the many Windows’ upgrades, this can now also bring up several further options like locking the computer or changing the password. During a session with the old BSOD the last thing you’re thinking about is your password!

5) Call IT support

Now, you can always dial for help – bear in mind, you’re likely to have the pleasure of talking to a know-it-all with a thick foreign accent, and whilst this is something you might welcome in a social situation, (the accent not the arrogance), in a crisis this is annoying and will cost you extra on your phone bill as most of these kinds of calls are 50p+ per minute…

6) Use Windows’ own ‘Help & Support’ option

This in a crisis? Yeah right! You’re better off shouting at the screen. Now, if you ever want to access a web version of this, you can and it’s actually rather helpful in resolving most things computer when you’re not in a jam. But we are talking about crises – and something about an inescapable blue-screen that doesn’t react makes you want to select one of the other options.


Still, to access the above screen, just type help & support into the start-search and hey presto!

7) Wait for the issue to resolve by itself

You know that circly loading thing that rotates, and rotates, and rotates until you’ve forgotten what it is you were actually doing and have lost all hope in your computer? That’s the result of this option. You either have to be very patient or some masochist sort to go through this…

8) Shutdown the computer properly

If you’re the practical type, someone calm in a crisis, you might click the start button, followed by the little arrow that gives you several shutdown options (or alternatives) and choose one of these. However, this is usually a process reserved for a normal end of session, and chances are, this doesn’t apply in a crisis!

9) Manically click the red “X” in the top right of the screen

This only ever works in normal situations, like being done with a page, or programme. During the middle of a BSOD ep, you’ve got no chance. Typically a computer/internet noobs go-to, but they will be greatly disappointed. Surely though, someone so new to the interweb or a computer in general in this day and age, is questionable…

10) Close the screen & ignore the issue [Notebooks and Laptops only]

Out of sight, out of mind? Whoever said ridiculous conclusions don’t make us feel better? Of course, the issue will probably be patiently waiting for you upon your return, after which you can select another more suitable option…

11) Hit screen in anger/break computer

WARNING: May (or will) completely destroy system. Not advised by any means, but defo has pros and cons:

  • Pros:
    • Will stop BSOD or similar issues that are causing restricted computer use
    • Will provide temporary break from work/procrastination
  • Cons:
    • There is no recovery from this
    • You will feel silly and possible regretful about breaking a worthwhile piece of equipment
    • You will be greatly inconvenienced

So there you have it! Did I miss anything?

Category: I'm Just Sayin', Random Chit-Chat  Tags: blue screen of death, BSOD, CTRL+ALT+DEL, ESC key, laptop, Microsoft, PC, shutdown, Windows, windows helps and support  

Halloween, and the coffee flavoured Quality Streets

30
Oct 2012

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Life is like a big bowl of pick and mix; we hastily grab the things we want and pass up on the things we don’t – you know, like the coffee-cream flavoured Quality Streets in favour of the toffee ones.

Sure there are rules in place, like everyone should have first refusal of the toffee ones, and then there’s common courtesy, which tells us that being greedy and taking without offering is frowned upon.

Then there are traditions – Christmas, Diwali, Eid – in which we all take part. Even if taking part for us, means not taking part, because of religion etc, we kind of still take part by virtue of informing everyone else that we don’t.

So it’s Halloween (tomorrow). An old pagan celebration that lingers on. Most of us ignore it’s roots and the culture it’s so deeply embedded in because we’ve been seduced by luminous candy colours and impressive pumpkin-craftsmanship – no-one cares about that bit (much like the coffee-cream Quality Streets)…

Truth is, once we stop asking questions, it’s usually because we’ve pretty much stopped caring, or noticing or that we never really cared to begin with…

Halloween trivia:

What’s with the funny name?

  • Started by the Celts in Europe (who were Pagans) – Originally known as the festival of Samhain.
  • Adopted by Christianity (just like Christmas) & was renamed Hallow’s Eve.
  • Was soon known in shorthand as Hallowe’en – eventually evolved to Halloween.

Why Pumpkins?

  • The Irish. You see, the Celts didn’t have Pumpkins. They used Turnips.
  • Irish immigrants who travelled to the USA  first used Pumpkins because they couldn’t find any Turnips there.

…and the sweets and money?

  • Another adaptation. Originally people would leave fruit & nut on their doorsteps to cheer up wandering ghosts who came back to their old house. 8O

What about the scary masks and dodgy Spiderman costumes?

  • Used to be, people wore costumes to disguise themselves from any wandering ghosts they might run into.
  • Now worn to impress at parties and wow strangers into giving extra money/sweets.

Oh, and the lanterns?

  • Originally carved to scare off  any wandering ghosts, sort of like a “my dad is is stronger than your dad” scenario.
  • Now used to keep up with/outdo the Joneses next door.
Category: Random Chit-Chat  Tags: all saints day, Halloween, hallows eve, holidays, seasonal, trivia  

Murphy’s law?

28
Sep 2012

Law Image Source

Murphy and that old cliché.

If it can go wrong, it will.

If your late for an appointment and you haven’t driven in days, your engine will stall. If you are really hungry and there’s a particular food you want, they won’t have it in Morrisons.

Pessimistic much? Well, as with any grim view of certainty, it usually stems from mathematics. I mean, half of why we can’t fly is defined by the laws of Albie Einstein’s general theory of relativity. You do the math. (Pun seriously intended).

Back to Murphy though. Why is he taking the rap? It was actually this mathematician bloke called Augustus De Morgan that was first responsible for this way of thinking, when back in 1866 he said:

‘…whatever can happen, will happen if we make trials enough.’

Still, Murphy takes the heat. Wanna know something funny? This guy Murphy is actually reference to Edward Murphy, Jr. (his name’s Eddie Murphy :-D ) – hilarious.

The story goes…

Eddie gets dubbed with this forever because of a feud with him and a rival Dr. John Strapp. You see, Eddie was an engineer who had a fair bit of trouble creating new measurement devices that actually worked.

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Dr. Strapp worked in the air force, and was researching what the human tolerance for g-forces during rapid deceleration would be. He carried out these tests using a crash  dummy strapped to a seat on a sled.

After the whole dummy, sled thing – he used himself in the test, I guess for a more realistic take.

Anyway, during the tests, questions were raised about the accuracy of the instruments used to measure the g-forces Strapp was experiencing, and Eddie suggested that he use electronic equipment instead and this time, use a chimpanzee.

As exciting as it sounds, everyone was disappointed when the sensors read a big fat zero!

They had been loaded onto the machine backwards, and so didn’t trigger to get a reading.

Of course Murphy blamed his assistant and the Air Force blame Murphy. Other engineers in Air Force went off annoyed, including a fellow called George Nichols.

Nichols, in an interview about the failed experiment shed light on the topic of some of those secret discussions, revealed publicly that Murphy blamed his assistant.

Apparently the joint sentiment amongst the force on Murphy’s arrogant way of doing this was:

“If that guy has any way of making a mistake, he will.”

- so it’s a phrase that was said negatively about Murphy, by people that he disappointed.

However Murphy’s son disagreed with this. He believes that his father coined the term himself, rather than someone saying it about him.

According to Murphy’s son, when the assistant made the mistake his father ranted:

“If there’s more than one way to do a job, and one of those ways will result in disaster, then somebody will do it that way.”

Meh. Either way we get it. Human error can eventually lead to sayings. Oh and Einstein pee’d on our parade with the whole relativity thing. :-P

Category: Random Chit-Chat, Stuff I Like  Tags: Dr John Strapp, Edward Murphy, human error, Murphy's law, sods law  

The alarm conspiracy…

20
Sep 2012

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For the last two nights, I’ve had dreams where old friends have popped up.

That’s the nature of dreams, however, the weird thing in both dreams, is that I used to be close with both friends, and so it felt as if the dreams were like mini reunions for people whom I no longer see often, simply because we’ve grown apart.

Here’s a question though: why does the alarm go off JUST before whatever it seems is the crucial point in the dream, is reached? – Are we dreaming in routine, in sequence with when we know we’ll wake?

Then you wake up and can’t remember the dream. At all.

On another note, dreams are underrated. Think about it. We can create whole scenarios without even knowing it, and then forget them like we didn’t just spend hours carefully crating conversations, faces and settings – Amazing.

We don’t do that in any other aspect of life. Imagine writing an assignment, editing it, saving it. Printing it on beautiful paper, binding it, laminating the pages and then carefully transporting it…to the local shredder to destroy it! 8-O – Slightly extreme example, but you catch my drift.

Thoughts?

Category: A Thought..., Random Chit-Chat  Tags: alarm clock, dreams  

An old, rusty, predictable, (sometimes vicious) circle?

14
Sep 2012

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Folk who reference “the olden days” do so  through rose coloured lenses.

A perfect time when you could leave your door open and nobody would steal from your house – Or children could play knock-down-ginger, without the worry of some psycho being on the other side of the door.

Forget the fact technology has advanced light years,along with the way things are done, it was just “better then”.

I kinda think it’s all rubbish.

I mean, yeah things have worsened in terms of how often we’re bombarded with terrible news, an that’s mainly the doing of round-the-clock telly, but are things that awful or do they just repeat the same “problems” over and over?

They keep telling us:

  • Naughty food eaten too much will make you fatter
  • Skipping school will be an issue if you plan on getting a decent job
  • Drinking too much beer, often, will get you more drunk, more often
  • Talking on the phone whilst driving will increase the likelihood of an accident due to poor concentration
  • Stress causes all kinds of issues
  • Employers will cut jobs to lessen overall payouts
  • The concept of Liquidation means that Woolworths was never invincible – loads of businesses have gone down the toilet…
  • Better technology means older technology will be phased out, sorry Kodak
  • Bad governments mean angry citizens who will eventually rebel…and so on.

We know, right?

Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', Random Chit-Chat  Tags: old news, same old same old, vicious circle  

I met a “chugger” who told me he wants out!

11
Sep 2012

No really!

It was a few weeks ago, I was buying lunch and lost in the sound of my music (headphones on) avoiding all eye-contact with these charity muggers (which I might suggest is also cockney rhyming slang, but that’s another story) and there he was.

All smiles and arms extended, trying to stop me in my tracks. His effort made me feel like anything other than polite would have been wrong (plus he was cute), so I stopped to listen to his spiel for a moment.

So I press stop on my iPod and try not to look too annoyed. He starts with the usual formula about how I can make a difference, and I am genuinely interested.

I respond with how I would love to be able to afford to, and he comes back with how it would only cost me such-and-such a month (which always annoys me, because these people have no idea what bills you have or whether you can even afford them the 5 minutes you’ve just given up) – and then it clicks!

He starts talking about how good he is at his job, and how many people he has signed up. More spiel I think, since he follows that with how, because he is successful at the job, sign-ups aren’t based on commission, and are purely for the greater good.

Sounded like a line, and a cheesy one (abit Spiderman-ey to be honest) but it should be the truth so I agree. Anyway, we talk for a bit and he asks me what I do for a living, before we actually get into the deets, he says that he actually is tired of his job. That he’d like to do something else.

I ask him why, and he says that it’s tiresome and boring standing in the street all day, that he doesn’t get to have proper conversations with people.

I understand. I ask him whether he would rather be behind a desk? What he would most like to do instead of that job? He responds he doesn’t know, and are they hiring where I work. This throws me, because – this is someone saving lives. Someone who says he’s one of the best at his job. Someone that does it not for money, but for the difference he is making. – Yet he wants out? He wants to work with me, a stranger?

I tell him, no job is perfect. I said that wherever he worked, he would feel that. He might love the job at first, be passionate even, but that soon wears away. Heck, I even told him that Van Gogh cut off his ear; and he is one of the most notable artists we know!

He laughs. I laugh too. He then shakes my hand, and thanks me for that piece of advice. We part ways and I have this nice warm feeling in my gut.

You think it’s because he thanked me? Because I made him smile? No, it’s because I kinda made my own day with that conversation. I realised that people everywhere feel the exact same at the exact same time, it just doesn’t always look that way. Even people making a difference feel like unsung heroes. But here’s the punchline…we are all making a difference even when we don’t know it.

I hope he keeps his job, because if he’s as good as he says so, he is very much needed there…

Category: A Thought..., Out on the Town, Random Chit-Chat, Stuff I Like  Tags: Charity, Chugger, Dreama, Jobs, Occupations  

The party’s over, so who’s doing the washing up?

17
Aug 2012

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Before the London Olympics many precautions were taken to clean up the local area, ensure public transport was working great, that security were paid, and that strikes didn’t happen.

It was almost that kind of “lets throw everything under the bed because we’re having guests over” mentality.

Now it’s over, will people return to defacing public property, throwing empty lager cans over someone’s garden fence and/or looking so unapproachable that even a stranger wanting to approach to ask them for the time, is off the cards?

Time will tell.
What we had in London was a two week bonanza where we got to brag that we were hosting one of the most memorable sporting events known to man. But I hope that isn’t all it was.

The ‘United spirit’ got into everyone, even you – can you really say otherwise?

Now that the party is over, who’s responsible for maintaining that morale? In re-enforcing it when the chips are down and the banks are empty?

Are we really expected to go on the same way as before, waiting for the next thing to help us ignore this recession we’re apparently not having? Hmm… :-?

Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', Random Chit-Chat  Tags: London economy, London Olympics, public funding, recession  
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