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It's a bad, bad, bad, bad world....and don't I know it!!
Monday, January 12, 2004
And finally.......
Age: Above 35 and below 40...nosey aren't you?
Sex: Female....still nosey.
Degree: Creative & Professional Writing / Media & Communications.
Does "Being Bad" relate to other modules? Not so much the media side, however, I have found it very inspirational and thought provoking, which is a big help with my creative writing....most people like to read about bad things.
How & Why Not? I have not yet started to study the Communications aspect of my degree, so it's hard to know what will and will not be relevent. By the same token, I have only just completed the Introduction to Media Studies, so again the relevence of other topics is not yet that apparent. As already stated, the module has been very relevent to Creative Writing because it has provided inspiration.
Too Demanding, Too Easy, or Appropriate? I have found this module to be very interesting. I have found maintaining the level of blogs quite hard, but only because of the time involved....the actual writing has been fun. As a mature student, a lot of the topics covered were pretty much common sense, I have after all lived a little bit more than some of my younger colleagues.
Appropriate Topics? Yes, on the whole I do think that they have been appropriate...some were better than others...I was amazed at the fascination that most of the lecture group had with body piercing and tattoos....this was one subject that leftme a little cold....each to their own.
Any Topics Not Included? The only subject that I would think may be a valuable inclusion would be substance abuse...to include drink and drugs. It is appropriate to the target audience, and it is a subject that many students have included in their blogs even though it is not a topic that is cuurently included in the module.
Has the format worked? I can only repeat what has already been expressed during the final lecture...the lecture group was too large, especially for small group discussions...it was noticeable that the final lecture, where there were considerably fewer attendees than normal, the group discussions were far more productive...and as a consequence the whole group discussions had a greater student input.
The Module Team? As with most things, some were better than others, but on the whole the lecturers encouraged student involvement and made their lectures interesting. My main criticism would be that sometimes it was hard to hear both the lecturers and participating students.
More Small Discussion Groups? I think with a smaller overall group size and a more appropriate room, this would be a very good idea, but with the rooming circumstances as they are it is virtually impossible to engage properly in small group discussions. I again refer to my earlier point re the last lecture.
Whole class debate? I would have liked more time devoted to this. I understand that some will contribute more than others, but just because you're not saying anything doesn't mean you're not listening and thinking about what's being said....there's the blogs for the more reticent people to have their say.
Information Talk from Lecturers? No, I think that this was about right...in fact sometimes there was a little too much input from lecturers and not enough from students.
Interdisciplinary Approach, Useful? Yes I do think it is useful, if only for the fact that different approaches to a subject introduce variety and variety makes learning more interesting. It also gives you a chance to understand the differing influences that are relevent to all types of study. It reflects the complexities of life.
Interdisciplinary Modules, Good Idea? Yes, for the reasons given above.
Benefited from the Interdisciplinary Approach? Yes, again for the reasons earlier stated.
More Similar Modules? Not really. As useful and interesting as I have found this module, I think that there is a danger of wandering off the core intention of your degree if there were too many support options available.
Will You Take "Thou Shalt not"? I would very much like to, however, I have not yet considered my options for Year 2. If it is at all possible, I shall be taking this module.
Recommend "Being Bad"? Absolutely, in fact I have already and one friend is looking at changing her electives to take "Being Bad".
Blogs, Good or Bad? I personnally, have thoroughly enjoyed the blogs...as I have already stated in one of my blog entries, it's great to have the freedom to write what you think and not have to back it up academically.
Other Assessments? I think that the two shorter assessments should be retained. From a personal point of view as a creative and professional writing student, it is a great discipline to be able to write in concise and clear style. Therefore, the essays and the creative writing assessments were a valuable learning excercise.
What Have I Learned? I have learned to think, question and listen to what others have to say. If you read my "Metamorphosis" blog, I think you'll see that it has caused me re-evaluate how I approach living my life.
Most Useful and Why? I think that this module has been of use for several reasons:
a) It has made me think as previously stated, which has had a diect influence on the way I live.
b) I have enjoyed the relaxed, yet still informative approach.
c) I have been inspired to write about the subject matters...and others.
d) I have learned about blogs and a very limited amount of programing language.
Waste of Time and Why? I actually don't think that any of the content could be described as a waste of time.
Any other Comments? Yes. I thought that the idea suggested in the final lecture in relation to including some blog content for group discussion was an excellent one. I would propose that this should be done from very early on in the module in order to promote earlier blog contributions, and give people more of an idea as to what is expected of them in relation to blogs.
I found that in the early stages of the module hardly anyone was posting and many of those that were, were merely reflecting the content of the lecture instead of providing their own thoughts. This made it very difficult to respond to other people's opinions and thoughts.
If guidance was given and encouraged, by including some of the best in each lecture I think it would help everyone to become more actively and productively involved.
Another point in realtion to blogs is that I feel that there should be some system in place to allow for notification to made to a student when they have responded to someone's blog entry...this again would open up an opportunity for more in depth blog discussions.
Thanks to the team....a great module!!
Age: Above 35 and below 40...nosey aren't you?
Sex: Female....still nosey.
Degree: Creative & Professional Writing / Media & Communications.
Does "Being Bad" relate to other modules? Not so much the media side, however, I have found it very inspirational and thought provoking, which is a big help with my creative writing....most people like to read about bad things.
How & Why Not? I have not yet started to study the Communications aspect of my degree, so it's hard to know what will and will not be relevent. By the same token, I have only just completed the Introduction to Media Studies, so again the relevence of other topics is not yet that apparent. As already stated, the module has been very relevent to Creative Writing because it has provided inspiration.
Too Demanding, Too Easy, or Appropriate? I have found this module to be very interesting. I have found maintaining the level of blogs quite hard, but only because of the time involved....the actual writing has been fun. As a mature student, a lot of the topics covered were pretty much common sense, I have after all lived a little bit more than some of my younger colleagues.
Appropriate Topics? Yes, on the whole I do think that they have been appropriate...some were better than others...I was amazed at the fascination that most of the lecture group had with body piercing and tattoos....this was one subject that leftme a little cold....each to their own.
Any Topics Not Included? The only subject that I would think may be a valuable inclusion would be substance abuse...to include drink and drugs. It is appropriate to the target audience, and it is a subject that many students have included in their blogs even though it is not a topic that is cuurently included in the module.
Has the format worked? I can only repeat what has already been expressed during the final lecture...the lecture group was too large, especially for small group discussions...it was noticeable that the final lecture, where there were considerably fewer attendees than normal, the group discussions were far more productive...and as a consequence the whole group discussions had a greater student input.
The Module Team? As with most things, some were better than others, but on the whole the lecturers encouraged student involvement and made their lectures interesting. My main criticism would be that sometimes it was hard to hear both the lecturers and participating students.
More Small Discussion Groups? I think with a smaller overall group size and a more appropriate room, this would be a very good idea, but with the rooming circumstances as they are it is virtually impossible to engage properly in small group discussions. I again refer to my earlier point re the last lecture.
Whole class debate? I would have liked more time devoted to this. I understand that some will contribute more than others, but just because you're not saying anything doesn't mean you're not listening and thinking about what's being said....there's the blogs for the more reticent people to have their say.
Information Talk from Lecturers? No, I think that this was about right...in fact sometimes there was a little too much input from lecturers and not enough from students.
Interdisciplinary Approach, Useful? Yes I do think it is useful, if only for the fact that different approaches to a subject introduce variety and variety makes learning more interesting. It also gives you a chance to understand the differing influences that are relevent to all types of study. It reflects the complexities of life.
Interdisciplinary Modules, Good Idea? Yes, for the reasons given above.
Benefited from the Interdisciplinary Approach? Yes, again for the reasons earlier stated.
More Similar Modules? Not really. As useful and interesting as I have found this module, I think that there is a danger of wandering off the core intention of your degree if there were too many support options available.
Will You Take "Thou Shalt not"? I would very much like to, however, I have not yet considered my options for Year 2. If it is at all possible, I shall be taking this module.
Recommend "Being Bad"? Absolutely, in fact I have already and one friend is looking at changing her electives to take "Being Bad".
Blogs, Good or Bad? I personnally, have thoroughly enjoyed the blogs...as I have already stated in one of my blog entries, it's great to have the freedom to write what you think and not have to back it up academically.
Other Assessments? I think that the two shorter assessments should be retained. From a personal point of view as a creative and professional writing student, it is a great discipline to be able to write in concise and clear style. Therefore, the essays and the creative writing assessments were a valuable learning excercise.
What Have I Learned? I have learned to think, question and listen to what others have to say. If you read my "Metamorphosis" blog, I think you'll see that it has caused me re-evaluate how I approach living my life.
Most Useful and Why? I think that this module has been of use for several reasons:
a) It has made me think as previously stated, which has had a diect influence on the way I live.
b) I have enjoyed the relaxed, yet still informative approach.
c) I have been inspired to write about the subject matters...and others.
d) I have learned about blogs and a very limited amount of programing language.
Waste of Time and Why? I actually don't think that any of the content could be described as a waste of time.
Any other Comments? Yes. I thought that the idea suggested in the final lecture in relation to including some blog content for group discussion was an excellent one. I would propose that this should be done from very early on in the module in order to promote earlier blog contributions, and give people more of an idea as to what is expected of them in relation to blogs.
I found that in the early stages of the module hardly anyone was posting and many of those that were, were merely reflecting the content of the lecture instead of providing their own thoughts. This made it very difficult to respond to other people's opinions and thoughts.
If guidance was given and encouraged, by including some of the best in each lecture I think it would help everyone to become more actively and productively involved.
Another point in realtion to blogs is that I feel that there should be some system in place to allow for notification to made to a student when they have responded to someone's blog entry...this again would open up an opportunity for more in depth blog discussions.
Thanks to the team....a great module!!
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Metamorphosis....
Believe it or not I had written this blog prior to todays lecture....which when you've read it you'll find kind of spooky! The only reason it wasn't previously posted was because I needed the Uni computers to find an appropriate final image.
My entire life has been about being good. Do what is right, do what causes least offence, do what will keep the peace.
I have always been driven towards being good. I have a strong moral fibre. What is right is right, what is wrong is wrong. This isn't a learned phenomenom, it's just the way I'm made. Don't get me wrong, this does not apply to others. I am not judgemental, but what I do is something else. There are standards, and what I do has a direct affect on others.
But you know what? I want to finally acknowledge that I am not and cannot ever be perfect. Don't get me wrong, I will always hate injustice, that's within me, but that doesn't mean to say that there's not a dark side in me, indeed in all of us.
I want to turn round to all of the "controlling factors" and say, "Leave me alone, let me be what I want to be". But in truth, I am the one "controlling factor". I am the only one that can make that change.
I am a human being, this means that I lie to myself. I get drunk and allow my true feelings to be known. I hate. I want vengeance. I hurt those close to me by neglect. I am selfish. However, this is not about you hearing my confession, and me wishing that I were not al of the above. This is about me finally coming to realise that it is not my fault that I am human. I must embrace my dark side, my monsters, as much as what is good and right about me, because together the two make the whole. They make up who I am, and who I am is "ME".
Post lecture addendum......Kevin said during the lecture that most people strive to be the left side of the list, as I have already stated this is certainly the way I've lived my life, however, this course has made me realise that I must accept that this is not realistic.
Here's a pic about embracing the whole The Whole Person
Believe it or not I had written this blog prior to todays lecture....which when you've read it you'll find kind of spooky! The only reason it wasn't previously posted was because I needed the Uni computers to find an appropriate final image.
My entire life has been about being good. Do what is right, do what causes least offence, do what will keep the peace.
I have always been driven towards being good. I have a strong moral fibre. What is right is right, what is wrong is wrong. This isn't a learned phenomenom, it's just the way I'm made. Don't get me wrong, this does not apply to others. I am not judgemental, but what I do is something else. There are standards, and what I do has a direct affect on others.
But you know what? I want to finally acknowledge that I am not and cannot ever be perfect. Don't get me wrong, I will always hate injustice, that's within me, but that doesn't mean to say that there's not a dark side in me, indeed in all of us.
I want to turn round to all of the "controlling factors" and say, "Leave me alone, let me be what I want to be". But in truth, I am the one "controlling factor". I am the only one that can make that change.
I am a human being, this means that I lie to myself. I get drunk and allow my true feelings to be known. I hate. I want vengeance. I hurt those close to me by neglect. I am selfish. However, this is not about you hearing my confession, and me wishing that I were not al of the above. This is about me finally coming to realise that it is not my fault that I am human. I must embrace my dark side, my monsters, as much as what is good and right about me, because together the two make the whole. They make up who I am, and who I am is "ME".
Post lecture addendum......Kevin said during the lecture that most people strive to be the left side of the list, as I have already stated this is certainly the way I've lived my life, however, this course has made me realise that I must accept that this is not realistic.
Here's a pic about embracing the whole The Whole Person
Saturday, January 03, 2004
What's Going on?
I've just completed a mega blog....it's showing here on my edit page, but it's not coming up on the actual blog site!!!
Bugga!!!!!!
I've just completed a mega blog....it's showing here on my edit page, but it's not coming up on the actual blog site!!!
Bugga!!!!!!
Guess what Guys...even if I don't get my degree...I've learnt many things this semester....and most of them I'm not too proud of!
This module has really got me thinking, and I guess that that's not a bad thing as it's what it's designed to do.
I have an exam on Wednesday next week...and how am I spending my time?
Is my laboured brow bent over books?
Am I burning the midnight oil cramming as much information into my head as possible?
No...in fact what I have been doing is satisfying my newly discovered, massive ego. You may recall that I e-mailed all of you giving details of my blog address...I didn't realise at the time but boy, was that an arrogant act...I might as well have said, "Hey you Guys, look at what I've created...isn't it just great?"
To make matters worse, instead of studying, I have just been browsing through all of your entries, looking for any resposes to my blog!!!
Well, in for a penny, in for a pound...if I'm gonna gloat, I might as well go the whole way....so just as an ego boost for myself, I have included below a copy of my first assignment. I was particularly pleased with the mark I got....better not gloat too much so I'll not share the exact grade with you...so here goes:
Compare and Contrast the Motivational and Social Influences on the Criminal Careers of Charles Arthur (Pretty Boy) Floyd and Phoolan Devi.
(Catchy title eh?)
Hatred and revenge caused Phoolan Devi to commit violent crimes against her abusers and her "social superiors". In contrast, Charles Arthur (Pretty Boy) Floyd was attracted to the easier life of crime. Both were compared to Robin Hood. This essay aims to show the different motivational and social influences on their careers.
Devi was born into a low caste Indian farming family in 1963. She was raised in a social system that allowed girls to be used for work and sex. Devi rebelled and was a defiant child. Forced to marry at eleven, she was sexually and physically abused by her husband. Wrongly accused of theft, she was imprisoned, beaten and raped. Devi was determined to seek justice. She fell in love with a gangster Vikram Mallah. They formed a gang and won popular acclaim among locals because of their generosity. Unfortunately, Mallah was murdered, and Devi suffered three weeks of being gang-raped and humiliated. She escaped and vowed to avenge Mallah's murder. Devi formed her own gang that stole from higher caste communities, and avenged offences against women. She finally traced the murderes to Behmai and attacked. Mallahs murderers escaped, but twenty-two male villagers were killed in her attempt to locate them. Devi went into hiding but eventually surrendered. She served eleven years in prison without trial. She was later murdered outside her home address.
Charles Arthur Floyd was born into a farming family in America. His parents were of modest means and Floyd was a popular, happy child. His fascination with a gangster called Henry Starr would later influence his career choice. As a teenager Floyd worked away on farming gangs. His work-mates were well travelled, hard men who related stories of an easier life through crime. When he returned home Floyd settled down. He then met John Hilderbrand who was wanted by the police. Hilderbrand pursuaded Floyd to partner him on a crime spree. Floyd got caught and was imprisoned. Upon his release he returned to his criminal life. Floyd returned home on hearing of the death of his Father during an argument with a neighbour, Jim Mills. During this visit Mills "disappeared". The police discovered Floyd's location via two of his associates. Floyd left town quickly and his betrayers were found dead. He returned to Oklahoma which was drought ridden. Life was hard for the farmers which gave Floyd a new motivation for his crimes. He targeted rich corporate banks and shared the money with the community. The authorities hired Sheriff, Erv Kelly, to trace Floyd. When Kelly located him, Floyd shot and killed him. This damaged Floyds' reputation as Kelly had been a respected lawman and a father. Floyd later publically expresses remorse for the killing. Floyd was finalloy killed whilst evading arrest.
Both Devi and Floyd were from farming backgrounds. They each lost loved ones to violent deaths and they both targeted the wealthy and used the proceeds to benefit their communities. They both died violently. However, their criminal motivational influences were very different. Devi had suffered violence all her life and as a result her crimes were violent. She was driven by a need for revenge coupled with a desire to reform social practices. Her naturally defiant attitude made her strong enough to fight and to convince Indian men to join her. Religion was important to Devi. She constantly carried and prayed to an image of the Indian Goddess Durga. As a result, Devi believed that her actions were justified. In contrast, Floyd wanted to escape the drudgery of work in the cotton fields. The work was hard whilst the pay was bad. In addition, Floyd had a romanticised image of criminals and he merged fantasy and reality. It is interesting that his childhood hero was nicknamed "The Gentleman Bandit". Floyd targeted rich corporate "faceless" victims. The public can often accept crime if they cannot identify a victim. His popularity waned when he murdered Kelly.
Devi and Floyd, two violent criminals, each with a moral code but with very little in common in relation to their social and influential backgrounds.
THE END!!!!
Now see, I feel great...must be careful or else I wont be able to get my head through the office door!!!
If anyone wants to checkout these or any other well known criminals there is a great website...click here to go there The Crime Library Site
This module has really got me thinking, and I guess that that's not a bad thing as it's what it's designed to do.
I have an exam on Wednesday next week...and how am I spending my time?
Is my laboured brow bent over books?
Am I burning the midnight oil cramming as much information into my head as possible?
No...in fact what I have been doing is satisfying my newly discovered, massive ego. You may recall that I e-mailed all of you giving details of my blog address...I didn't realise at the time but boy, was that an arrogant act...I might as well have said, "Hey you Guys, look at what I've created...isn't it just great?"
To make matters worse, instead of studying, I have just been browsing through all of your entries, looking for any resposes to my blog!!!
Well, in for a penny, in for a pound...if I'm gonna gloat, I might as well go the whole way....so just as an ego boost for myself, I have included below a copy of my first assignment. I was particularly pleased with the mark I got....better not gloat too much so I'll not share the exact grade with you...so here goes:
Compare and Contrast the Motivational and Social Influences on the Criminal Careers of Charles Arthur (Pretty Boy) Floyd and Phoolan Devi.
(Catchy title eh?)
Hatred and revenge caused Phoolan Devi to commit violent crimes against her abusers and her "social superiors". In contrast, Charles Arthur (Pretty Boy) Floyd was attracted to the easier life of crime. Both were compared to Robin Hood. This essay aims to show the different motivational and social influences on their careers.
Devi was born into a low caste Indian farming family in 1963. She was raised in a social system that allowed girls to be used for work and sex. Devi rebelled and was a defiant child. Forced to marry at eleven, she was sexually and physically abused by her husband. Wrongly accused of theft, she was imprisoned, beaten and raped. Devi was determined to seek justice. She fell in love with a gangster Vikram Mallah. They formed a gang and won popular acclaim among locals because of their generosity. Unfortunately, Mallah was murdered, and Devi suffered three weeks of being gang-raped and humiliated. She escaped and vowed to avenge Mallah's murder. Devi formed her own gang that stole from higher caste communities, and avenged offences against women. She finally traced the murderes to Behmai and attacked. Mallahs murderers escaped, but twenty-two male villagers were killed in her attempt to locate them. Devi went into hiding but eventually surrendered. She served eleven years in prison without trial. She was later murdered outside her home address.
Charles Arthur Floyd was born into a farming family in America. His parents were of modest means and Floyd was a popular, happy child. His fascination with a gangster called Henry Starr would later influence his career choice. As a teenager Floyd worked away on farming gangs. His work-mates were well travelled, hard men who related stories of an easier life through crime. When he returned home Floyd settled down. He then met John Hilderbrand who was wanted by the police. Hilderbrand pursuaded Floyd to partner him on a crime spree. Floyd got caught and was imprisoned. Upon his release he returned to his criminal life. Floyd returned home on hearing of the death of his Father during an argument with a neighbour, Jim Mills. During this visit Mills "disappeared". The police discovered Floyd's location via two of his associates. Floyd left town quickly and his betrayers were found dead. He returned to Oklahoma which was drought ridden. Life was hard for the farmers which gave Floyd a new motivation for his crimes. He targeted rich corporate banks and shared the money with the community. The authorities hired Sheriff, Erv Kelly, to trace Floyd. When Kelly located him, Floyd shot and killed him. This damaged Floyds' reputation as Kelly had been a respected lawman and a father. Floyd later publically expresses remorse for the killing. Floyd was finalloy killed whilst evading arrest.
Both Devi and Floyd were from farming backgrounds. They each lost loved ones to violent deaths and they both targeted the wealthy and used the proceeds to benefit their communities. They both died violently. However, their criminal motivational influences were very different. Devi had suffered violence all her life and as a result her crimes were violent. She was driven by a need for revenge coupled with a desire to reform social practices. Her naturally defiant attitude made her strong enough to fight and to convince Indian men to join her. Religion was important to Devi. She constantly carried and prayed to an image of the Indian Goddess Durga. As a result, Devi believed that her actions were justified. In contrast, Floyd wanted to escape the drudgery of work in the cotton fields. The work was hard whilst the pay was bad. In addition, Floyd had a romanticised image of criminals and he merged fantasy and reality. It is interesting that his childhood hero was nicknamed "The Gentleman Bandit". Floyd targeted rich corporate "faceless" victims. The public can often accept crime if they cannot identify a victim. His popularity waned when he murdered Kelly.
Devi and Floyd, two violent criminals, each with a moral code but with very little in common in relation to their social and influential backgrounds.
THE END!!!!
Now see, I feel great...must be careful or else I wont be able to get my head through the office door!!!
If anyone wants to checkout these or any other well known criminals there is a great website...click here to go there The Crime Library Site
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Okay Guys Get Ready For This.....I'm Coming off The Moral High Ground....I've Been Bad!!
On Monday morning I went for a job interview. The job was minimum wage - £4.50 per hour, and all I had to do was feed paper into a scanning machine so that the data could be indexed on disc. No problem.
I arrived early and was asked to complete an application form..then this grotty little snivelly man came and asked me into the grotty little office. I should explain that I have several years experience in the Customer Relations business. As soon as Mr Snivelly saw a) that I was at University and b)that I was very experienced he decided that he didn't want me sitting feeding papers into a scanner. Instead he offered me a job doing some PR, customer liaison and writing some copy for his adverts - fantastic I thought, that would just suit me.
Then came the crux of the issue:
Snivelly Man: "Do you have any questions for me Mrs King?"
Me: "Er well yes actually, what would the remuneration be for the PR job?"
Snivelly Man: "Oh, I'm afraid we're a small company, I can only offer the same rate of pay"
So, like an idiot I accepted the job.
Then I got home, and I decided that I'd gone mad.....all that stress for £4.50 per hour....frankly he was taking the p***.
And here comes the bad bit, I phoned him yesterday and told him that I'd been offered a job in a Call Centre at weekends for £8.00 per hour, so I wouldn't be taking the job. I hadn't had any such offer.
How wonderfully appropriate is that to this weeks lecture?
You know what, I would normally have felt really guilty at telling even a little lie like that, but instead I felt quite good about it....he was taking the mickey and he knew it...so why should I worry if he now doesn't have a document feeder or a PR assistant? And even better, it's going to cost him more money to re-advertise the post!
To lie is a selfish act. I did it because I don't like people taking advantage of me....and because of that, I don't care about the effects of my lie on other people.
Some times you just gotta look after No.1 - Okay, I don't have a job now, but I'll get one...maybe I should concetrate on getting published, that is what I want to do with the rest of my life....
On Monday morning I went for a job interview. The job was minimum wage - £4.50 per hour, and all I had to do was feed paper into a scanning machine so that the data could be indexed on disc. No problem.
I arrived early and was asked to complete an application form..then this grotty little snivelly man came and asked me into the grotty little office. I should explain that I have several years experience in the Customer Relations business. As soon as Mr Snivelly saw a) that I was at University and b)that I was very experienced he decided that he didn't want me sitting feeding papers into a scanner. Instead he offered me a job doing some PR, customer liaison and writing some copy for his adverts - fantastic I thought, that would just suit me.
Then came the crux of the issue:
Snivelly Man: "Do you have any questions for me Mrs King?"
Me: "Er well yes actually, what would the remuneration be for the PR job?"
Snivelly Man: "Oh, I'm afraid we're a small company, I can only offer the same rate of pay"
So, like an idiot I accepted the job.
Then I got home, and I decided that I'd gone mad.....all that stress for £4.50 per hour....frankly he was taking the p***.
And here comes the bad bit, I phoned him yesterday and told him that I'd been offered a job in a Call Centre at weekends for £8.00 per hour, so I wouldn't be taking the job. I hadn't had any such offer.
How wonderfully appropriate is that to this weeks lecture?
You know what, I would normally have felt really guilty at telling even a little lie like that, but instead I felt quite good about it....he was taking the mickey and he knew it...so why should I worry if he now doesn't have a document feeder or a PR assistant? And even better, it's going to cost him more money to re-advertise the post!
To lie is a selfish act. I did it because I don't like people taking advantage of me....and because of that, I don't care about the effects of my lie on other people.
Some times you just gotta look after No.1 - Okay, I don't have a job now, but I'll get one...maybe I should concetrate on getting published, that is what I want to do with the rest of my life....
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Sorry Guys, but there was just too much to think about from lecture on lying...so I'm going to take some time to digest and come back to you with comment later.
In the meantime, I have a small point to make about a very small part of todays lecture.....
I cannot believe that a "Being Bad Lecturer" could ever be accused of "Very Good Behaviour", but today I discovered that everyone is vulnerable to the curse of "political correctness".
Sorry about this Kevin, but I noticed that you wished everybody a "Happy Festive Season" today....why didn't you say Christmas? It is Christmas after all.
I know that we live in a multi-cultural society, but that means that a level of tolerance is required between all of societies members....and Christmas is part of British culture....why should we refuse to acknowledge it?
So for everyone in Being Bad, here's a Christmas Card from me to you..... Merry Christmas All (By the way the link only lasts for 15 days from today....so be quick!)
In the meantime, I have a small point to make about a very small part of todays lecture.....
I cannot believe that a "Being Bad Lecturer" could ever be accused of "Very Good Behaviour", but today I discovered that everyone is vulnerable to the curse of "political correctness".
Sorry about this Kevin, but I noticed that you wished everybody a "Happy Festive Season" today....why didn't you say Christmas? It is Christmas after all.
I know that we live in a multi-cultural society, but that means that a level of tolerance is required between all of societies members....and Christmas is part of British culture....why should we refuse to acknowledge it?
So for everyone in Being Bad, here's a Christmas Card from me to you..... Merry Christmas All (By the way the link only lasts for 15 days from today....so be quick!)
Saturday, December 13, 2003
David Evan's Thoughts on Religion- an Interesting Insight into a "Philosophically Decaying Mind"........If Anti-Religious Feelings Are So Good...How Come David Wants to Kill?
Judging by David's latest Blog on religion, he wasn't joking when he named his Blog Site!!
In answer to a couple of his points in the early paragraphs:
1) Surely, sitting on a train listening to someone quietly reading outloud to themselves can be just as easily tolerated as sitting next to someone with music playing, allegedly directly into their ears, which results in an annoying drone (similar to someone reading to themselves), where the content cannot be fully heard, but the annoying bits can.
2) I do not believe that copyright laws apply to the bible any longer. I may be wrong but I believe that copyright dies after the seventieth anniversary of the death of the author...fairly safe to assume that noone will be sued on that one!
3) I equally believe that busking can be ruled out as a way to prevent such behaviour, that is unless the perpertrator is begging for money as he/she is reading to themselves.
On a more serious note, I would argue against the statement that most wars are fought about religion...I think history would show that most wars have been about land ownership, power and money....it just happens that often the parties involved are also from different religious backgrounds.
I think that we need to consider the end result, if the world were to be rid of religions completely. I can envisage a world where there are even fewer morals than there are now. I believe that I have highlighted this in a previous entry. But not all religious people are bad. There are millions who live in a peaceful, tolerant co-existance with many different races or creeds...it's just that these don't make interesting news, so the Media pay no attention.
In actual fact, I believe that David has proved my point in a way. His intolerance and desire to kill anyone caught reading a religious book (or any other book) out loud in public, shows the potential expansion of immoral behaviour, should religion be lost forever. (Before you get all upset David, I assume that you were joking, or at least grossly exagerating your point when you said you wanted to kill.....my point is, would everyone be joking when the rules have been removed?)
As for the point about "...slaying the dragon that guards the door..." against science. I say let's protect the dragon that at least makes people question the moralities of things like human cloning.....anyone ever read Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World"?
Judging by David's latest Blog on religion, he wasn't joking when he named his Blog Site!!
In answer to a couple of his points in the early paragraphs:
1) Surely, sitting on a train listening to someone quietly reading outloud to themselves can be just as easily tolerated as sitting next to someone with music playing, allegedly directly into their ears, which results in an annoying drone (similar to someone reading to themselves), where the content cannot be fully heard, but the annoying bits can.
2) I do not believe that copyright laws apply to the bible any longer. I may be wrong but I believe that copyright dies after the seventieth anniversary of the death of the author...fairly safe to assume that noone will be sued on that one!
3) I equally believe that busking can be ruled out as a way to prevent such behaviour, that is unless the perpertrator is begging for money as he/she is reading to themselves.
On a more serious note, I would argue against the statement that most wars are fought about religion...I think history would show that most wars have been about land ownership, power and money....it just happens that often the parties involved are also from different religious backgrounds.
I think that we need to consider the end result, if the world were to be rid of religions completely. I can envisage a world where there are even fewer morals than there are now. I believe that I have highlighted this in a previous entry. But not all religious people are bad. There are millions who live in a peaceful, tolerant co-existance with many different races or creeds...it's just that these don't make interesting news, so the Media pay no attention.
In actual fact, I believe that David has proved my point in a way. His intolerance and desire to kill anyone caught reading a religious book (or any other book) out loud in public, shows the potential expansion of immoral behaviour, should religion be lost forever. (Before you get all upset David, I assume that you were joking, or at least grossly exagerating your point when you said you wanted to kill.....my point is, would everyone be joking when the rules have been removed?)
As for the point about "...slaying the dragon that guards the door..." against science. I say let's protect the dragon that at least makes people question the moralities of things like human cloning.....anyone ever read Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World"?
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Was The Film "Kids" Over Exagerated as Kate thinks?...Kates Blog on "Kids"
I think this very much depends on your background....personally I was very lucky during my teenage years...I lead a pretty sheltered and protected life....largely because I'm from a small village in Staffordshire and come from a respectable law-abiding family.
However, my later career choice showed me a completely different way of life....a life where kids are bought up in families that don't care what their kids are up to....and therefore they do what they want....and very often what they want to do is BAD.
I agree with Kate, the parents of teenagers should watch this movie, and take note of the wake-up call, because this behaviour is spreading outward from the traditional problem areas of the inner cities to "middle England". The village where I grew up, and where I still live, is full of kids hanging round street corners, intimidating passers by, by being deliberately shocking and challenging in their behaviour.
I believe that society has become too free and liberal, don't get me wrong I'm not a "kill joy", but the boundaries of acceptable behaviour are rapidly being pushed further and further back, so that what was once considered to be unacceptable has now become normal behaviour.
So, in response to Kate's Blog....I don't think that the film really was that extreme given the backgound and social settings of the kids that were portrayed.....hey, if it's happening in America...it's on it's way here...if it hasn't already arrived!!
I think this very much depends on your background....personally I was very lucky during my teenage years...I lead a pretty sheltered and protected life....largely because I'm from a small village in Staffordshire and come from a respectable law-abiding family.
However, my later career choice showed me a completely different way of life....a life where kids are bought up in families that don't care what their kids are up to....and therefore they do what they want....and very often what they want to do is BAD.
I agree with Kate, the parents of teenagers should watch this movie, and take note of the wake-up call, because this behaviour is spreading outward from the traditional problem areas of the inner cities to "middle England". The village where I grew up, and where I still live, is full of kids hanging round street corners, intimidating passers by, by being deliberately shocking and challenging in their behaviour.
I believe that society has become too free and liberal, don't get me wrong I'm not a "kill joy", but the boundaries of acceptable behaviour are rapidly being pushed further and further back, so that what was once considered to be unacceptable has now become normal behaviour.
So, in response to Kate's Blog....I don't think that the film really was that extreme given the backgound and social settings of the kids that were portrayed.....hey, if it's happening in America...it's on it's way here...if it hasn't already arrived!!
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Naturally Good.....or Naturally Bad?
Question: Are we good people that occasionally do bad things....or are we bad people desperately trying to be good?
Question: If being good is so good, why do we fantasize about being bad?
I believe that it could be said that, as a species, we are fundamentally bad. The bad side of us is more natural. That would explain why most cultures, even the remotest tribes, create a deity that embodies conscience and provides us with a reason to fight our bad urges and strive towards a "good state".
In order for the common man to be able to relate to these "good role models", they have to occasionally display the real bad side of their personality. They then have to conquer that bad side in order to show us the "right way".
Christ experienced anger, loneliness and even despair, but he overcame these obstacles and emerged a better person. So, if even God's Son has natural feelings, does this not confirm the natural state of badness?
Sorry this is all based around Christianity, but that is all I know. I would be very interested to know whether this theory fits in with other religious ideals. If you do feel moved to respond, please e-mail me and let me know so that I can respond to your comments.
I further believe, that it could also be said that the "good role model" is missing from the Western World and that is why immoral, anti-social and criminal activity is on the increase.
I find myself having to ask, "How realistic is it to fight forever against your pure natural state? Is anarchy the way that nature intended?
For other ideas as to why we need religion have a gander at the website below:
Why Religion?
Question: Are we good people that occasionally do bad things....or are we bad people desperately trying to be good?
Question: If being good is so good, why do we fantasize about being bad?
I believe that it could be said that, as a species, we are fundamentally bad. The bad side of us is more natural. That would explain why most cultures, even the remotest tribes, create a deity that embodies conscience and provides us with a reason to fight our bad urges and strive towards a "good state".
In order for the common man to be able to relate to these "good role models", they have to occasionally display the real bad side of their personality. They then have to conquer that bad side in order to show us the "right way".
Christ experienced anger, loneliness and even despair, but he overcame these obstacles and emerged a better person. So, if even God's Son has natural feelings, does this not confirm the natural state of badness?
Sorry this is all based around Christianity, but that is all I know. I would be very interested to know whether this theory fits in with other religious ideals. If you do feel moved to respond, please e-mail me and let me know so that I can respond to your comments.
I further believe, that it could also be said that the "good role model" is missing from the Western World and that is why immoral, anti-social and criminal activity is on the increase.
I find myself having to ask, "How realistic is it to fight forever against your pure natural state? Is anarchy the way that nature intended?
For other ideas as to why we need religion have a gander at the website below:
Why Religion?
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
"Kids"....What a Film!!!
I have to be honest this is not the sort of movie that I would normally watch....and maybe I shouldn't have done now!!!
I found myself feeling incredibly sorry for the main female character who became infected with HIV after her first sexual experience. Is it just me, or did anyone else get a wonderful sense of irony at the fate of the rapist, even if he didn't know what that fate was by the end of the movie? The trouble is, he will continue to infect others in glorious ignorance.....but hey, maybe the "ignorance" thing is irrelevent....like he'd change his attitude if he did know he was affected! The picture below shows the incredible sadness of this killer disease, where infants are born with it and have no chance at life.
Is There Any Hope?
The whole thing involved a kind of hedonism that reminded me of scenes from programmes on the Ancient Greeks, the Romans and the Ancient Egyptians, particularly the scene towards the end when bodies were draped where they collapsed in the apartment,.....has society really not progressed any further than this?
Ancient Hedonism.....strangely familiar (to scenes in the film I mean, not my life!!!)
I also found myself thinking that films like this would appear to glamourise the teenage lifestyle of drink, drugs and sex....it's a long time ago now, but I think had I been a teenager watching that I would have been excited by the thought of all that freedom to do as you want...freedom is what most teenagers dream of after all...even if it ain't all that it's cracked up to be when you get it!!
I have to be honest this is not the sort of movie that I would normally watch....and maybe I shouldn't have done now!!!
I found myself feeling incredibly sorry for the main female character who became infected with HIV after her first sexual experience. Is it just me, or did anyone else get a wonderful sense of irony at the fate of the rapist, even if he didn't know what that fate was by the end of the movie? The trouble is, he will continue to infect others in glorious ignorance.....but hey, maybe the "ignorance" thing is irrelevent....like he'd change his attitude if he did know he was affected! The picture below shows the incredible sadness of this killer disease, where infants are born with it and have no chance at life.
Is There Any Hope?
The whole thing involved a kind of hedonism that reminded me of scenes from programmes on the Ancient Greeks, the Romans and the Ancient Egyptians, particularly the scene towards the end when bodies were draped where they collapsed in the apartment,.....has society really not progressed any further than this?
Ancient Hedonism.....strangely familiar (to scenes in the film I mean, not my life!!!)
I also found myself thinking that films like this would appear to glamourise the teenage lifestyle of drink, drugs and sex....it's a long time ago now, but I think had I been a teenager watching that I would have been excited by the thought of all that freedom to do as you want...freedom is what most teenagers dream of after all...even if it ain't all that it's cracked up to be when you get it!!
Friday, November 28, 2003
I AM INCENSED!!!!!
I feel that I've just got to respond to Graham Hollister's blog of 26/11/03.....his "Thought for the Day". For those who haven't had the opportunity to read it click here....Meridian Man
Graham's blog is pitying the poor misfortunes of the two children that murdered Jamie Bulger some years ago.
Graham states that he had a warder friend that dealt with one of the offenders for a short time, and that in her opinion he was just a "normal child" who didn't deserve to be incarcerated with the "dregs of a juvenile society".
1) It is no wonder that he appeared to be a "normal" child, he was clever and devious and knew how to "work people", they both were, that was why it took so long to catch them....they had previously shown no propensity towards this sort of behaviour, so why should they show it once convicted?
2) You can't have it both ways Graham....if they shouldn't be incarcerated for murdering a young innocent toddler, why shouldn't the other poor unfortunate "dregs of a juvenile society" be imprisoned. It is likely that the crimes of the other occupants of the establishment were nowhere near as horrific. I will bet that none of the other occupants were in there for murder...I'll guarantee that most were for crime against property rather than people.
3) They were in prison because they had been found guilty of murder in a Court of Law. The full facts of the case would have been presented to the Court in the presence of the Judge that made the comment that it was "an act of unparalleled evil and barbarity". That Judge will have heard every minute, brutal detail of the case, unlike Graham's Warder friend....I believe that this makes the Judge infinately more qualified to make comment....that's why they're called Judges!
4) As for treating two such young lives with such "vicious humanity", that is typical of todays "support the offender and forget the victim" society. They are out of prison now and living their lives in glorious anonimity and they're only twenty one now.....Jamie Bulger will never see twenty one.....his family will never celebrate his twenty first birthday with him..........
Sorry to rant but I needed it!!!!!
I feel that I've just got to respond to Graham Hollister's blog of 26/11/03.....his "Thought for the Day". For those who haven't had the opportunity to read it click here....Meridian Man
Graham's blog is pitying the poor misfortunes of the two children that murdered Jamie Bulger some years ago.
Graham states that he had a warder friend that dealt with one of the offenders for a short time, and that in her opinion he was just a "normal child" who didn't deserve to be incarcerated with the "dregs of a juvenile society".
1) It is no wonder that he appeared to be a "normal" child, he was clever and devious and knew how to "work people", they both were, that was why it took so long to catch them....they had previously shown no propensity towards this sort of behaviour, so why should they show it once convicted?
2) You can't have it both ways Graham....if they shouldn't be incarcerated for murdering a young innocent toddler, why shouldn't the other poor unfortunate "dregs of a juvenile society" be imprisoned. It is likely that the crimes of the other occupants of the establishment were nowhere near as horrific. I will bet that none of the other occupants were in there for murder...I'll guarantee that most were for crime against property rather than people.
3) They were in prison because they had been found guilty of murder in a Court of Law. The full facts of the case would have been presented to the Court in the presence of the Judge that made the comment that it was "an act of unparalleled evil and barbarity". That Judge will have heard every minute, brutal detail of the case, unlike Graham's Warder friend....I believe that this makes the Judge infinately more qualified to make comment....that's why they're called Judges!
4) As for treating two such young lives with such "vicious humanity", that is typical of todays "support the offender and forget the victim" society. They are out of prison now and living their lives in glorious anonimity and they're only twenty one now.....Jamie Bulger will never see twenty one.....his family will never celebrate his twenty first birthday with him..........
Sorry to rant but I needed it!!!!!
Free Hit Counters...How do you get one?
I have been asked how I put the hit counter on my blogger, so if any of you want to have a bash here goes......
First you need to find a site that offers to provide FREE hit counters. I went into Google and did a search, but if any of you want to use the one that I chose here's the link that will get you there Groovystats
Once on their home page click on "Sign Up" on the left hand side of the screen....this will take you to a simple form where you complete your personal details, your e-mail address and you choose the style of counter that you want.
When you have done this, Groovystats will very quickly send you an e-mail with a piece of computer code called html in it....you need to copy this html code.
Next open up your blogger as normal....this is where it does get a little tricky, but I'll make it as clear as I can...I'm not a computer whizz so bear with me....
Once in your blogger screen click on template (in the top right hand corner of the screen) this should take you to your main template. There you will find a whole page of html text.....scroll down until you see something similar to
Paste in the html that you copied fromyour e-mail immediately AFTER this piece of code....this will put your counter immediately after your introductory description....and that's it, you should have a fully functional hit counter to tell you how many people have viewed your Blogger.
Hope this helps....good luck!!!
I have been asked how I put the hit counter on my blogger, so if any of you want to have a bash here goes......
First you need to find a site that offers to provide FREE hit counters. I went into Google and did a search, but if any of you want to use the one that I chose here's the link that will get you there Groovystats
Once on their home page click on "Sign Up" on the left hand side of the screen....this will take you to a simple form where you complete your personal details, your e-mail address and you choose the style of counter that you want.
When you have done this, Groovystats will very quickly send you an e-mail with a piece of computer code called html in it....you need to copy this html code.
Next open up your blogger as normal....this is where it does get a little tricky, but I'll make it as clear as I can...I'm not a computer whizz so bear with me....
Once in your blogger screen click on template (in the top right hand corner of the screen) this should take you to your main template. There you will find a whole page of html text.....scroll down until you see something similar to
<$BlogDescription$>
Paste in the html that you copied fromyour e-mail immediately AFTER this piece of code....this will put your counter immediately after your introductory description....and that's it, you should have a fully functional hit counter to tell you how many people have viewed your Blogger.
Hope this helps....good luck!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Response to Jai's Blog....is alcohol bad?....Jai's Blog
I agree with what Jai had to say about alcohol, it is not the alcohol in itself that is bad it is using it to get drunk that people perceive as being bad. However, I'm not sure that it is always socially bad....I just get really funny....then fall asleep when I have a few too many. I am certainly not a problem to anyone else....except maybe my neighbour who has on occasion (once a week at least!!) had to half carry me up the road listening to my drunken ramblings!!! Well, you've only got to read this to know that I ramble and I'm sober right now!!!
It really becomes a problem when people :
a) Don't know their own limits; and
b) Don't refcognise or refuse to acknowledge anti-social reactions to consuming too much alcohol.
You know, going back to Jai's original comment that the bible states that alcohol is a sin. It doesn't actually, in fact old J.C. Himself was responsible for turning water into wine at the wedding at Canaan, when the party-goers realised they'd run out of loopy juice and the "offy" was shut!! Now there's a guy to have around on New Years Eve!!
No, I think that it is the same with alcohol as it is with anything else...it all come down to self control and personal choice.....and now I'm off to the pub, so I can have yet another hangover for tomorrows lecture!!
I agree with what Jai had to say about alcohol, it is not the alcohol in itself that is bad it is using it to get drunk that people perceive as being bad. However, I'm not sure that it is always socially bad....I just get really funny....then fall asleep when I have a few too many. I am certainly not a problem to anyone else....except maybe my neighbour who has on occasion (once a week at least!!) had to half carry me up the road listening to my drunken ramblings!!! Well, you've only got to read this to know that I ramble and I'm sober right now!!!
It really becomes a problem when people :
a) Don't know their own limits; and
b) Don't refcognise or refuse to acknowledge anti-social reactions to consuming too much alcohol.
You know, going back to Jai's original comment that the bible states that alcohol is a sin. It doesn't actually, in fact old J.C. Himself was responsible for turning water into wine at the wedding at Canaan, when the party-goers realised they'd run out of loopy juice and the "offy" was shut!! Now there's a guy to have around on New Years Eve!!
No, I think that it is the same with alcohol as it is with anything else...it all come down to self control and personal choice.....and now I'm off to the pub, so I can have yet another hangover for tomorrows lecture!!
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Masturbation......safe sex?
I have to admit to finding todays lecture somewhat uncomfortable....to me this is a taboo subject.
I guess this may be partly due to my age...sex education when I was at school comprised of an instruction manual on how to make babies! There was no mention of pleasure, desire or gratification, let alone self-pleasure.
I guess I first learned of it at school when I became involved in a conversation with some of the other girls who described what the "dirty boys" did. (Quite how they knew what the "dirty boys" did I'm not sure and didn't ask.) There was no mention of the fact that girls did it too.
Anyway I digress...I do go on!!! My point is this, whilst today masturbation is an accepted human activity in most social circles. You don't necessarily talk about it, but there is a silent acknowldgement that everyone does it. So it is truely the best way to have safe sex.
However, it hasn't always been this way. I couldn't believe some of those contraptions that people were made to wear in order to discourage the act. Pity the poor w**kers that got caught!!
Thankfully todays technology is aimed at pleasure not pain....some of you guys might like to check out "The Powerglove" below. The ultimate answer to an aching wrist.
PowerGlove....A Man's New Best Friend
I have to admit to finding todays lecture somewhat uncomfortable....to me this is a taboo subject.
I guess this may be partly due to my age...sex education when I was at school comprised of an instruction manual on how to make babies! There was no mention of pleasure, desire or gratification, let alone self-pleasure.
I guess I first learned of it at school when I became involved in a conversation with some of the other girls who described what the "dirty boys" did. (Quite how they knew what the "dirty boys" did I'm not sure and didn't ask.) There was no mention of the fact that girls did it too.
Anyway I digress...I do go on!!! My point is this, whilst today masturbation is an accepted human activity in most social circles. You don't necessarily talk about it, but there is a silent acknowldgement that everyone does it. So it is truely the best way to have safe sex.
However, it hasn't always been this way. I couldn't believe some of those contraptions that people were made to wear in order to discourage the act. Pity the poor w**kers that got caught!!
Thankfully todays technology is aimed at pleasure not pain....some of you guys might like to check out "The Powerglove" below. The ultimate answer to an aching wrist.
PowerGlove....A Man's New Best Friend
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Is Smoking Really Cool?
Yesterdays lecture portayed smoking as a glamourous, sensual and sexual activity.
Well I'm a smoker and I certainly wouldn't put myself in this category!
Whilst I could understand and agree, to a degree, I think that we only looked at a very narrow field. Who would argue that Bacall, Bogie and co. are sexy....I certainly wouldn't. But that's how those particular films wanted their characters to be portrayed and the cigarette is just a tool used to emphasise this.
I believe that there is another side to this. Nearly all of the "soaps" have character that smokes....and rarely is that character a sex God / Goddess. The older ones amongst you will remember Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street. It was a rare occasion when she didn't have a fag dangling from the corner of her mouth. Dot Cotton in Eastenders is pretty much the same. The main difference between these two was that Hilda was, for the most part, a "happy- go- lucky person who was very unlucky. In contrast Dot is rather a sad lonely character.
In short I believe that a cigarette in the visual media is just a versatile tool that, when put together with other tools, can be used to portray any image that the Director wants.
Another famous comedy character that constantly had a cigarette for a companion was a cartoon character called Andy Capp.....if you want to take a look at him see below....Andy Capp....a man after my own heart!!!
Yesterdays lecture portayed smoking as a glamourous, sensual and sexual activity.
Well I'm a smoker and I certainly wouldn't put myself in this category!
Whilst I could understand and agree, to a degree, I think that we only looked at a very narrow field. Who would argue that Bacall, Bogie and co. are sexy....I certainly wouldn't. But that's how those particular films wanted their characters to be portrayed and the cigarette is just a tool used to emphasise this.
I believe that there is another side to this. Nearly all of the "soaps" have character that smokes....and rarely is that character a sex God / Goddess. The older ones amongst you will remember Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street. It was a rare occasion when she didn't have a fag dangling from the corner of her mouth. Dot Cotton in Eastenders is pretty much the same. The main difference between these two was that Hilda was, for the most part, a "happy- go- lucky person who was very unlucky. In contrast Dot is rather a sad lonely character.
In short I believe that a cigarette in the visual media is just a versatile tool that, when put together with other tools, can be used to portray any image that the Director wants.
Another famous comedy character that constantly had a cigarette for a companion was a cartoon character called Andy Capp.....if you want to take a look at him see below....Andy Capp....a man after my own heart!!!
Friday, November 07, 2003
Reply to Heths Blog re the furtherance of a criminal's career.
Heths Being Bad
I believe that the answer to Heather's question is, no, you do not naturally progress to committing major crime, just because you've got away with committing a relatively minor crime.
In her blog, Heather states that police investigators commence a search for a rapist amongst known previous offenders. I do not agree with this. The police commence their investigations based on the descriptions provided by witnesses to the offence.
I agree that early on in an investigation the sex offenders register will be checked, but the investigating officers will liaise closely with an Intelligence Officer, who will have regular contact with the known offenders on his/her patch. The search will be centred on similar descriptions, if available, together with the modus operandii of the offence. The modus operandii is the method that the offender used in order to commit the offence. Obviously, not all offenders behave in the same way, and this can be a very useful tool for the police.
I would also like to point out that, there is, generally speaking, a big difference in the mind-set of a petty theif as opposed to that of a sex offender.
Both can be driven people.
For example, if I were to steal a bottle of whiskey a day, this could be because I'm an alcoholic. The need for alcohol drives me to steal. But, whilst my need for more may increase with time, I am still in effect only committing the same crime....theft. Okay, it may be now two bottles of whiskey rather than one, but it's the same offence.
Sex offenders are not usually motivated by material needs or wants. It may come as a surprise, but sex offenders are often not motivated by the sex act. It is often about power, and a hunger for power can lead to a progression in behaviour. This is why some sex offenders will progress from indecent exposure to rape.
In addition, I would like to correct a common misconception. Whilst the Courts regard a sexual assault to be a lesser offence than rape, to the victims it can be just as traumatic to be the victim of a sexual assault as it can to be raped.
Consider the scenario below:
Husband and wife have had a lovely romantic candle-lit supper, during which they've imbibed a couple of glasses of wine.
They go to bed and the action starts. Then suddenly, Mrs Wife changes her mind. She says no. Mr Hubby has passed the point of no return and doesn't stop......rape!
Now consider this scenario:
Young woman, say in her early twenties, walking home alone one evening. She suddenly becomes aware that somebody is following her. It's dark, secluded and there's nobody else about. She quickens her pace, but the pace of her pursuer quickens too. Suddenly, she is grabbed from behind. She is dragged into the nearby bushes. The man forces his hand over her mouth to suppress her screams. He tears down her jeans and violates her with his fingers. Suddenly, there's the sound of approaching footsteps and the man panics and runs off into the bushes....sexual assault.
I am not saying that either one is good or right, but I do believe that the sexual assault was the worst of the two described scenario's. I would be most interested to hear what others have to say on this.
This is why the Modus Operandii is so important to police investigations.
If anyone wants to know more about the Governments approach to sex offenders, you can use the link below to visit NCIS.
National Criminal Intelligence Service - Sex Offenders
Oh, and sorry about this Heather, but just to correct you on one small point....a Ram-Raider is a burglar...not a robber...hope you don't mind me pointing that out!!!
Please don't be offended!!
Heths Being Bad
I believe that the answer to Heather's question is, no, you do not naturally progress to committing major crime, just because you've got away with committing a relatively minor crime.
In her blog, Heather states that police investigators commence a search for a rapist amongst known previous offenders. I do not agree with this. The police commence their investigations based on the descriptions provided by witnesses to the offence.
I agree that early on in an investigation the sex offenders register will be checked, but the investigating officers will liaise closely with an Intelligence Officer, who will have regular contact with the known offenders on his/her patch. The search will be centred on similar descriptions, if available, together with the modus operandii of the offence. The modus operandii is the method that the offender used in order to commit the offence. Obviously, not all offenders behave in the same way, and this can be a very useful tool for the police.
I would also like to point out that, there is, generally speaking, a big difference in the mind-set of a petty theif as opposed to that of a sex offender.
Both can be driven people.
For example, if I were to steal a bottle of whiskey a day, this could be because I'm an alcoholic. The need for alcohol drives me to steal. But, whilst my need for more may increase with time, I am still in effect only committing the same crime....theft. Okay, it may be now two bottles of whiskey rather than one, but it's the same offence.
Sex offenders are not usually motivated by material needs or wants. It may come as a surprise, but sex offenders are often not motivated by the sex act. It is often about power, and a hunger for power can lead to a progression in behaviour. This is why some sex offenders will progress from indecent exposure to rape.
In addition, I would like to correct a common misconception. Whilst the Courts regard a sexual assault to be a lesser offence than rape, to the victims it can be just as traumatic to be the victim of a sexual assault as it can to be raped.
Consider the scenario below:
Husband and wife have had a lovely romantic candle-lit supper, during which they've imbibed a couple of glasses of wine.
They go to bed and the action starts. Then suddenly, Mrs Wife changes her mind. She says no. Mr Hubby has passed the point of no return and doesn't stop......rape!
Now consider this scenario:
Young woman, say in her early twenties, walking home alone one evening. She suddenly becomes aware that somebody is following her. It's dark, secluded and there's nobody else about. She quickens her pace, but the pace of her pursuer quickens too. Suddenly, she is grabbed from behind. She is dragged into the nearby bushes. The man forces his hand over her mouth to suppress her screams. He tears down her jeans and violates her with his fingers. Suddenly, there's the sound of approaching footsteps and the man panics and runs off into the bushes....sexual assault.
I am not saying that either one is good or right, but I do believe that the sexual assault was the worst of the two described scenario's. I would be most interested to hear what others have to say on this.
This is why the Modus Operandii is so important to police investigations.
If anyone wants to know more about the Governments approach to sex offenders, you can use the link below to visit NCIS.
National Criminal Intelligence Service - Sex Offenders
Oh, and sorry about this Heather, but just to correct you on one small point....a Ram-Raider is a burglar...not a robber...hope you don't mind me pointing that out!!!
Please don't be offended!!
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
I like blogging.....why?
Because it gives me a freedom. No academic restraints. No moral constraints, just real honest thoughts.
This is why I want to write.
My imagination, my reality are free to merge.
You don't have to agree with me. I don't have to agree with you, but that's okay, because we're not supposed to agree. This is a live forum, where opinions, rather than deference are allowed.
I don't have to argue that one person said this and that another person said that. This is the place where I'm allowed to say what I think, without necessarily, having to back it up. (Although, of course, it's always better if I can!!)
This is the place where being bad is not only allowed, it's encouraged!
Because it gives me a freedom. No academic restraints. No moral constraints, just real honest thoughts.
This is why I want to write.
My imagination, my reality are free to merge.
You don't have to agree with me. I don't have to agree with you, but that's okay, because we're not supposed to agree. This is a live forum, where opinions, rather than deference are allowed.
I don't have to argue that one person said this and that another person said that. This is the place where I'm allowed to say what I think, without necessarily, having to back it up. (Although, of course, it's always better if I can!!)
This is the place where being bad is not only allowed, it's encouraged!
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Infidelity.....a song.
I have been trying to find a link to a site whereby it would be possible to listen on line to a sound track that was written and performed by a guy called Jim Steinman.....for those of you that don't know, he was Meatloafs' partner in crime for many years.
The track is called Left in the Dark and if any of you are interested in soft rock it's worth checking out the "Bad for Good" album that it appears on.
Anyway, I couldn't find a site where you could listen to the music, however, I have found a site that allows you to view the lyrics. The link is given below:
Bad For Good Lyrics
This song sums up wonderfully one surprising side to infidelity.
The singer is hurting.....he's been waiting for his partner to come home to him since 7pm.....now it's a quarter to three.....and she's only just come home.
He knows she's been with another man, she doesn't appear to hide the fact......"you tell me who, you tell me where, you tell me when."
But he doesn't want to know the gory details, he... "just wants some love, so turn out the light and I'll be left in the dark again."
He would rather not think about the facts and just try to get on with his life and relationship, but can he? He goes on to say, "There are so many things that I just gotta know...."
Can't we all relate to this?
It's not necessarily about infidelety. Don't we all bury our heads in the sand when bad things are happening to us? At least for a short time, we need to try and carry on as normal and it's only when we reach crisis point that we realise that things have got to change.
If you get the chance listen to the song....I think it's lovely, but what do I know!
I have been trying to find a link to a site whereby it would be possible to listen on line to a sound track that was written and performed by a guy called Jim Steinman.....for those of you that don't know, he was Meatloafs' partner in crime for many years.
The track is called Left in the Dark and if any of you are interested in soft rock it's worth checking out the "Bad for Good" album that it appears on.
Anyway, I couldn't find a site where you could listen to the music, however, I have found a site that allows you to view the lyrics. The link is given below:
Bad For Good Lyrics
This song sums up wonderfully one surprising side to infidelity.
The singer is hurting.....he's been waiting for his partner to come home to him since 7pm.....now it's a quarter to three.....and she's only just come home.
He knows she's been with another man, she doesn't appear to hide the fact......"you tell me who, you tell me where, you tell me when."
But he doesn't want to know the gory details, he... "just wants some love, so turn out the light and I'll be left in the dark again."
He would rather not think about the facts and just try to get on with his life and relationship, but can he? He goes on to say, "There are so many things that I just gotta know...."
Can't we all relate to this?
It's not necessarily about infidelety. Don't we all bury our heads in the sand when bad things are happening to us? At least for a short time, we need to try and carry on as normal and it's only when we reach crisis point that we realise that things have got to change.
If you get the chance listen to the song....I think it's lovely, but what do I know!
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Would You Really Do It?
This is a reference to the question, if you could do anything and get away with it what would you do? I know we covered this a couple of weeks ago, but I'm a bit slow ok?
We all had a good laugh thinking of the worst things we could do....mine was one of revenge but I'm not going into details.....way too public a site!!!
Last night I was sitting quietly watching the television, not really thinking of anything, when a thought suddenly entered my head....not exactly a Eureka moment....but I don't get flashes of inspiration very often!
Anyway, I digress. I started to think about what I had written, and it was pretty outrageous, and I started to think, would you really do that Nicki?
Imagine for one horrible moment that the doctor has told you that you're going to die in exactly a week. However, unlike most terminal illnesses you will feel no ill effects from the illness until you die.
You have in effect got a free reign.
You could do anything you wanted, even if you got caught you're not going to be punished....there isn't time within the constraints of our wonderful justice system!
You are fit enough to travel, and to run if necessary.....would you do what you wrote on the piece of paper?
I suppose there's not much point in the people that said they would rob a bank following their dastardly deed through, you're hardly going to benefit much, unless you're into golden coffins!
For those of you that are maybe interested in funky coffins....check out the airplane shaped one on the link at the bottom of this entry.
But what about the acts of revenge? The perfect opportunity to get back at those that have hurt you most...Would you? Could you?
I know I couldn't. I would hate to think that I had wasted my last seven days on this earth on negative feelings and hatred. I would want to enjoy my final moments....knowing me through an alcoholic haze.
I don't think that I'm alone in this. So how valid is the question if very few people would really carry out their bad act?Check Out The Funky Coffins
This is a reference to the question, if you could do anything and get away with it what would you do? I know we covered this a couple of weeks ago, but I'm a bit slow ok?
We all had a good laugh thinking of the worst things we could do....mine was one of revenge but I'm not going into details.....way too public a site!!!
Last night I was sitting quietly watching the television, not really thinking of anything, when a thought suddenly entered my head....not exactly a Eureka moment....but I don't get flashes of inspiration very often!
Anyway, I digress. I started to think about what I had written, and it was pretty outrageous, and I started to think, would you really do that Nicki?
Imagine for one horrible moment that the doctor has told you that you're going to die in exactly a week. However, unlike most terminal illnesses you will feel no ill effects from the illness until you die.
You have in effect got a free reign.
You could do anything you wanted, even if you got caught you're not going to be punished....there isn't time within the constraints of our wonderful justice system!
You are fit enough to travel, and to run if necessary.....would you do what you wrote on the piece of paper?
I suppose there's not much point in the people that said they would rob a bank following their dastardly deed through, you're hardly going to benefit much, unless you're into golden coffins!
For those of you that are maybe interested in funky coffins....check out the airplane shaped one on the link at the bottom of this entry.
But what about the acts of revenge? The perfect opportunity to get back at those that have hurt you most...Would you? Could you?
I know I couldn't. I would hate to think that I had wasted my last seven days on this earth on negative feelings and hatred. I would want to enjoy my final moments....knowing me through an alcoholic haze.
I don't think that I'm alone in this. So how valid is the question if very few people would really carry out their bad act?Check Out The Funky Coffins
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Just having a bimble through some of the blogs posted on Wolf....some of you guys eh?
Anyway, had a read of Jackie's (not going to attempt the surname, but if I say American you'll probably all know who I mean!) blog Being Bad Blogspot
In it Jackie talks about "being caught with your hand in the cookie jar".
This reminds me of a time when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Every Tuesday evening we, as a family, would visit my Grandparents. During this visit, my sister and I, (my sister is three years younger than me) would be required to go the local shop and buy cigarettes for my Grandpa.....now there's a moral issue in itself!
Anyway, he always used to ask us before we went whether we wanted 10 pence worth of sweets....no he's not mean, it's just a very log time ago! I can remember on one occasion, saying thank you very much for the offer and politely refusing the offer of sweets....I think I was sulking over something!
My sister and I walked to the shop....and yep, you guessed it.....temptation overwhelmed me....my "cookie jar" was a sweet shop.
I bought my 10 pence worth of sweets, I didn't think my Grandpa would mind.....he'd offered originally hadn't he?
When we got back, boy was I in trouble, not with Grandpa, but with my Mother. She told me I was a thief and I felt as if I was damned to eternal hell for my willful sin.
Whatever, I was damned to a cold bedroom for a few hours.....with no sweets!
This probably sounds like a harsh punishment for a relatively minor crime, and a crime that wasn't even a conscious on at that.
But I tell you one thing...I never did it again!
Learning through fear....it works.
Anyway, had a read of Jackie's (not going to attempt the surname, but if I say American you'll probably all know who I mean!) blog Being Bad Blogspot
In it Jackie talks about "being caught with your hand in the cookie jar".
This reminds me of a time when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Every Tuesday evening we, as a family, would visit my Grandparents. During this visit, my sister and I, (my sister is three years younger than me) would be required to go the local shop and buy cigarettes for my Grandpa.....now there's a moral issue in itself!
Anyway, he always used to ask us before we went whether we wanted 10 pence worth of sweets....no he's not mean, it's just a very log time ago! I can remember on one occasion, saying thank you very much for the offer and politely refusing the offer of sweets....I think I was sulking over something!
My sister and I walked to the shop....and yep, you guessed it.....temptation overwhelmed me....my "cookie jar" was a sweet shop.
I bought my 10 pence worth of sweets, I didn't think my Grandpa would mind.....he'd offered originally hadn't he?
When we got back, boy was I in trouble, not with Grandpa, but with my Mother. She told me I was a thief and I felt as if I was damned to eternal hell for my willful sin.
Whatever, I was damned to a cold bedroom for a few hours.....with no sweets!
This probably sounds like a harsh punishment for a relatively minor crime, and a crime that wasn't even a conscious on at that.
But I tell you one thing...I never did it again!
Learning through fear....it works.
Sunday, October 19, 2003
In Reply to Heths Blog - What is the Influence of Religion on the Human Conscience?
I cannot really answer for English religions, but I am a Roman Catholic, and trust me we're born with a guilty conscience!
There is a term that any catholic is very familiar with, and that is "original sin".
This lovely phrase means that any new born child is born with original sin, because of the actions of Adam and Eve.
So, you've just given birth to this beautiful new baby, can there be anything more pure and innocent?
Well, according to the Catholic Church the only thing more pure than that besides the Holy Family, is a baptised child. Baptism is the only way that "original sin" can be removed.
I think what I'm trying to say in a very long winded way, is that I believe that we are conditioned right from birth as to what is right and wrong.
Conscience commences with your parents, and progresses through every other form of communication you encounter.
The church, and I do not mean to offend any catholics out there, uses "original sin" to ensure that they have a future congregation, by insisting on involvement in the church from the date of birth.
In addition to this, (wey hey I'm on a roll now!!!) I think that the main contributary factor to conscience is fear. If you are frightened of what will happen if you don't behave in a certain way, you make sure that you toe the line.
For example, if you're a catholic baby and you die before baptism, you die with original sin and as such you can't enter heaven.
Nothing like incentive eh?
Sorry if I've gone on a bit but I found that thought provoking....thanks!!!
I cannot really answer for English religions, but I am a Roman Catholic, and trust me we're born with a guilty conscience!
There is a term that any catholic is very familiar with, and that is "original sin".
This lovely phrase means that any new born child is born with original sin, because of the actions of Adam and Eve.
So, you've just given birth to this beautiful new baby, can there be anything more pure and innocent?
Well, according to the Catholic Church the only thing more pure than that besides the Holy Family, is a baptised child. Baptism is the only way that "original sin" can be removed.
I think what I'm trying to say in a very long winded way, is that I believe that we are conditioned right from birth as to what is right and wrong.
Conscience commences with your parents, and progresses through every other form of communication you encounter.
The church, and I do not mean to offend any catholics out there, uses "original sin" to ensure that they have a future congregation, by insisting on involvement in the church from the date of birth.
In addition to this, (wey hey I'm on a roll now!!!) I think that the main contributary factor to conscience is fear. If you are frightened of what will happen if you don't behave in a certain way, you make sure that you toe the line.
For example, if you're a catholic baby and you die before baptism, you die with original sin and as such you can't enter heaven.
Nothing like incentive eh?
Sorry if I've gone on a bit but I found that thought provoking....thanks!!!
On the eve of the release of David Blaine from his perspex box in London to hospital, (I hope it's a private one, we wouldn't want to waste valuable NHS resources would we?) I feel that I have to question the morality of a man that allegedly deliberately starves himself, for his own gains.
If he had performed this stunt in order to raise funds for the genuine starving people of the world, I might have understood.
But even leaving that aside. We should remember that Blaine is an illusionist. If he hasn't really performed this amazing stunt, how moral is it for him to deceive the public in such a way.
Even worse than that, is the fact that if he has convinced people that it really is possible to survive on water alone for forty four days, and he hasn't actually done it, what would be the consequences for the person that tries to beat his record? Catastrophic methinks.
I believe that Blaine is both bad and mad.
Blaine in a Bag
If he had performed this stunt in order to raise funds for the genuine starving people of the world, I might have understood.
But even leaving that aside. We should remember that Blaine is an illusionist. If he hasn't really performed this amazing stunt, how moral is it for him to deceive the public in such a way.
Even worse than that, is the fact that if he has convinced people that it really is possible to survive on water alone for forty four days, and he hasn't actually done it, what would be the consequences for the person that tries to beat his record? Catastrophic methinks.
I believe that Blaine is both bad and mad.
Blaine in a Bag
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Saw a TV programme today in which a so called illusionist played Russian Roulette, allegedly live on TV.This made me think - has civillisation really not progressed any further than the days when a good family day out was to watch public punishments and executions?
Do we really have the terrible desire to watch a man potentially kill himself in the name of entertainment, live on TV?
Even if it is just an illusion does it really matter?
The viewers stats. seemed to confirm a morbid need to watch amongst a large number of people.
Is it, that to watch the mortality of man somehow makes us feel more alive?
Posted by: Nichola / 10:56 AM
Do we really have the terrible desire to watch a man potentially kill himself in the name of entertainment, live on TV?
Even if it is just an illusion does it really matter?
The viewers stats. seemed to confirm a morbid need to watch amongst a large number of people.
Is it, that to watch the mortality of man somehow makes us feel more alive?
Posted by: Nichola / 10:56 AM
