Help, the Social Pressure!!
As I'm sure you guys know, Halloween is coming up and I'm looking back on it and realising there are changes afoot. Many of these public holidays are often aimed at the innocence of the youth, at least the material side of it. Christmas being a prime example of this. However; we must look and realise that a holiday will mean different things to different people.
Now, I'm not talking the different meaning or importance of cultural/ religious holidays such as Thanksgiving, Ramadan or Kwanzaa. But what it means to different age groups and social circles. I bring this up because of a change in the past few years of what Halloween means to me.
As a young kid, you look forward to an evening of wondering around with the family knocking on peoples doors leading the infamous phrase "Trick or Treat" being shouted from every door we saw a pumpkin/ decorations outside of. As I got older, the joy came in putting up our own decorations and being a kid who was obsessed with order, I wasn't really happy when my sister wanted the influence.
Unfortunately, we haven't had a lot of time in recent years. Also my parents haven't been that into it, so we've not been participating recently. This has left me in the last few years in a limbo mode. As much as I enjoyed it as a kid, it seemed beneath me. To add, it didn't help, I got mocked a few years back.
- Oh, boo hoo. You had a childhood trauma, get over it.
- It put me off Halloween for 2 years.
- So?! You're still happy aren't you.
- I suppose. Even so Halloween isn't what it use to be.
And I think that's the point here. I do feel I've been left in a nostalgic state of looking back at the past. However; now I'm in Sixth Form (its like college if you're American) I'm starting to see the pull of late night parties. After all its a bit of a stereotype that teens will find any excuse to have a party. Now I talk about "Trick or Treating" as if its generational. Its not and is still popular, I even have a few friends that still do it. However; as I grow I look at other ways this holiday makes me happy.
One final note, as this is a socially awkward blog, its only right, I should point out, I'm really concerned I'll be a social pariah. But none the less, I'm determined to make this work. While there are many changes as I go into this new stage, the one that seems the weirdest is that not everything has to be scary. Which, I believe to be the most unusual American-ism about Halloween.
Be Yourself
-|CJ|-
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Saturday, 25 October 2014
The Growth Map - First Impressions - Reading
More Holiday Loneliness
I've spoken before about the holidays being a time when people in education lose the motivation to work. So yeah... -_- Guess how much work I've completed today. But even ignoring that fact the holidays been good to me so far. I should however get on to Reading my book.
Yes, like any A-Level student knows, we have a load of Extra Reading. So my book I have to read for Business Studies this term;
- The Growth Map - by Jim O'Neill
Many of you know about my love for Economics and the wider world, so I suppose its unsurprising that I chose this book over a biography of some famous business person. As for the book itself, well, having read the first 2 chapters, I can say, its gone through a lot of build up. Many books have a back story so the reader can understand the situation and as someone who is acquainted with the topic but not the author it was interesting to see how his (and colleagues) idea has grown and the impact on their lives. However you do find yourself questioning how necessary the information is.
The book focuses on the BRIC countries and how they will shape our world economically as well as politically and socially. So far he has focused on the BRICs effect on the established countries, the G7 and how it will continue to shape the way trading blocks will interact.
The Book looks promising in terms of the lessons it can teach me. For someone born after 1995 it has done a good job in explaining to me why China is not part of any major unions like the G7 and surprisingly taught me how successful Japan/ France/ Italy actually is (as opposed to what the UK Media will make you believe.)
So far, I'm placing this on a higher pedestal than the other Economic/ Finance book I read (The Logic of Life) However; with all future prediction books, they must be taken with a pinch of salt, especially from someone who worked for Goldman Sachs, but then again maybe I'm too critical. Especially considering the performance of his predictions so far.
Rating: 4/5 some points are worth taking notice of.
- Well, there we go, now for the whole book
- Are you ever going to do a full book review
- Probably not
- Then why bother
- Because I can
So yeah... I'm making a habit of first impressions on Economic books, maybe I'll do more, if I have the time. It's unlikely, but we'll see.
Knowledge is our Greatest Weapon
-|CJ|-
I've spoken before about the holidays being a time when people in education lose the motivation to work. So yeah... -_- Guess how much work I've completed today. But even ignoring that fact the holidays been good to me so far. I should however get on to Reading my book.
Yes, like any A-Level student knows, we have a load of Extra Reading. So my book I have to read for Business Studies this term;
- The Growth Map - by Jim O'Neill
Many of you know about my love for Economics and the wider world, so I suppose its unsurprising that I chose this book over a biography of some famous business person. As for the book itself, well, having read the first 2 chapters, I can say, its gone through a lot of build up. Many books have a back story so the reader can understand the situation and as someone who is acquainted with the topic but not the author it was interesting to see how his (and colleagues) idea has grown and the impact on their lives. However you do find yourself questioning how necessary the information is.
The book focuses on the BRIC countries and how they will shape our world economically as well as politically and socially. So far he has focused on the BRICs effect on the established countries, the G7 and how it will continue to shape the way trading blocks will interact.
The Book looks promising in terms of the lessons it can teach me. For someone born after 1995 it has done a good job in explaining to me why China is not part of any major unions like the G7 and surprisingly taught me how successful Japan/ France/ Italy actually is (as opposed to what the UK Media will make you believe.)
So far, I'm placing this on a higher pedestal than the other Economic/ Finance book I read (The Logic of Life) However; with all future prediction books, they must be taken with a pinch of salt, especially from someone who worked for Goldman Sachs, but then again maybe I'm too critical. Especially considering the performance of his predictions so far.
Rating: 4/5 some points are worth taking notice of.
- Well, there we go, now for the whole book
- Are you ever going to do a full book review
- Probably not
- Then why bother
- Because I can
So yeah... I'm making a habit of first impressions on Economic books, maybe I'll do more, if I have the time. It's unlikely, but we'll see.
Knowledge is our Greatest Weapon
-|CJ|-
Friday, 24 October 2014
Age of Extremism - Ranting
And the Journey Continues
Now, I'm usually one to cover modern political affairs, so today is no exception. Yes, its one of those posts, to all those who don't want to hear it; I promise it'll be lighter next time.
It's common knowledge that the middle east has gone through a lot of changes in the past few years, as a result the political and geographic landscape could change in the next few years. But why, and what is my take on this?
THIS IS MY OPINION AND SHALL NOT BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY
While the news likes to focus on the now and immediate threat, the roots go back much further. To me, it started back in 2003 with the Iraq War. Now many will say the roots go back further, but in terms of unrest this seems to be a catalyst to many modern endeavours. The other main catalyst being the fall of the dictatorships in Libya and Egypt. But what does this have to do with the current ISIS incentive in Iraq and Syria.
As someone from the UK, the news is very determined to label the good and the bad amongst the fighting, while I don't necessarily disagree, it does raise suspicions of whether it could be seen as a form of propaganda to tell us which side to believe. Then again maybe I'm being too critical.
There was a BBC documentary some years back, about the worlds history and its ages. For the final episode, it was called the Age of Extremism. While this seemed weird at the time, I've taken it to heart, for you look at the main wars since 1900 and we see it is extremism that leads the way. So why is this? Our beliefs have not changed but our perception has. I believe that thanks to the rising power of the media the idea of good and bad has become set within our heads.
In no way am I bashing extremism, but with the rise of the opposition with communism and capitalism, less focus was on the nations power and more with its style of government. But I do feel that this was inevitable. Countries may have been run by whoever was more powerful, hence the rise of empires, but now we have got to a point with nuclear weapons that could take out life, it is impossible to be seen as more powerful, so we can be free to express our emotions in our beliefs. This could be a reason for the rise in Riots and coos over the last 100 years, because the deciding power is not the dictator but the peoples will on mass.
So, I feel that this isn't us being repressed to new powerhouses, but should be seen as an age of liberation where our beliefs will shape the world, not by the man with the biggest army, but the man with the strongest tongue. While I admit that this is not always the case everywhere around the world, freedom of speech and democracy has lead to the rise of extremism as it is those most committed to their beliefs that will shout them the loudest. Whether you see this is good or bad, like in ISIS, or Egypt, or in Hong Kong is up to you.
- Well that was long...
- People will probably hate you
- I know -_-
- No-ones probably read it
- I know, but I don't care.
Stand up, not because you have to, but because you can
-|CJ|-
Now, I'm usually one to cover modern political affairs, so today is no exception. Yes, its one of those posts, to all those who don't want to hear it; I promise it'll be lighter next time.
It's common knowledge that the middle east has gone through a lot of changes in the past few years, as a result the political and geographic landscape could change in the next few years. But why, and what is my take on this?
THIS IS MY OPINION AND SHALL NOT BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY
While the news likes to focus on the now and immediate threat, the roots go back much further. To me, it started back in 2003 with the Iraq War. Now many will say the roots go back further, but in terms of unrest this seems to be a catalyst to many modern endeavours. The other main catalyst being the fall of the dictatorships in Libya and Egypt. But what does this have to do with the current ISIS incentive in Iraq and Syria.
As someone from the UK, the news is very determined to label the good and the bad amongst the fighting, while I don't necessarily disagree, it does raise suspicions of whether it could be seen as a form of propaganda to tell us which side to believe. Then again maybe I'm being too critical.
There was a BBC documentary some years back, about the worlds history and its ages. For the final episode, it was called the Age of Extremism. While this seemed weird at the time, I've taken it to heart, for you look at the main wars since 1900 and we see it is extremism that leads the way. So why is this? Our beliefs have not changed but our perception has. I believe that thanks to the rising power of the media the idea of good and bad has become set within our heads.
In no way am I bashing extremism, but with the rise of the opposition with communism and capitalism, less focus was on the nations power and more with its style of government. But I do feel that this was inevitable. Countries may have been run by whoever was more powerful, hence the rise of empires, but now we have got to a point with nuclear weapons that could take out life, it is impossible to be seen as more powerful, so we can be free to express our emotions in our beliefs. This could be a reason for the rise in Riots and coos over the last 100 years, because the deciding power is not the dictator but the peoples will on mass.
So, I feel that this isn't us being repressed to new powerhouses, but should be seen as an age of liberation where our beliefs will shape the world, not by the man with the biggest army, but the man with the strongest tongue. While I admit that this is not always the case everywhere around the world, freedom of speech and democracy has lead to the rise of extremism as it is those most committed to their beliefs that will shout them the loudest. Whether you see this is good or bad, like in ISIS, or Egypt, or in Hong Kong is up to you.
- Well that was long...
- People will probably hate you
- I know -_-
- No-ones probably read it
- I know, but I don't care.
Stand up, not because you have to, but because you can
-|CJ|-
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Week of Relaxation and Hard Work - Reality
And Breath, its all over now.
School, I mean. Yes, thanks to some slightly odd local regulations we get 1 1/2 weeks away from the line light. With this, it gives us an opportunity to relax right? Well apparently no, teachers see it as an extended deadline. So that pressure is always nice.
But, anyway how am I doing? Fine. What about you guys?
- Hold it, are you talking to yourself?
- Isn't that kind of what WE do anyway
- What do you mean?
- Well isn't this just me talking to my split personality
- ....
Well, I think its fair to say, I've lost my mind. It took me half a term of second year sixth form and already the mind is boggling. For those who remember and read all my life posts, because you all have that much time. ;) Some may remember I'm picking up AS Chemistry, and can I tell you its a little unnerving being in a class that you haven't done for a year. To add to this, its Chemistry! So, all the kids are smarter than me and in the year below, so I feel intimidated.
When I say they're smarter than me, that's no exaggeration. Not only are most of them doing 4 subjects but some are doing others like Maths, Biology, Physics, you know, the hard stuff -_- To add to this we did an induction test to see whether we were good enough to stay in the subject. I passed, just! All those who didn't were not allowed to continue. So I have to continue on the knowledge that I'm the weakest in the class. So what does that mean for me? It means that I've got a steep mountain to climb and few assists along the way.
I complain, but at least I've got the friends in my current year, who I can ask about what they did last year in Chemistry. But, it is what they did last year, so its probably a nuisance for them. So yeah... Even so, I need to get up and get on with it. Lets make it to end
The challenges may be many but the pleasures make it worthwhile
-|CJ|-
School, I mean. Yes, thanks to some slightly odd local regulations we get 1 1/2 weeks away from the line light. With this, it gives us an opportunity to relax right? Well apparently no, teachers see it as an extended deadline. So that pressure is always nice.
But, anyway how am I doing? Fine. What about you guys?
- Hold it, are you talking to yourself?
- Isn't that kind of what WE do anyway
- What do you mean?
- Well isn't this just me talking to my split personality
- ....
Well, I think its fair to say, I've lost my mind. It took me half a term of second year sixth form and already the mind is boggling. For those who remember and read all my life posts, because you all have that much time. ;) Some may remember I'm picking up AS Chemistry, and can I tell you its a little unnerving being in a class that you haven't done for a year. To add to this, its Chemistry! So, all the kids are smarter than me and in the year below, so I feel intimidated.
When I say they're smarter than me, that's no exaggeration. Not only are most of them doing 4 subjects but some are doing others like Maths, Biology, Physics, you know, the hard stuff -_- To add to this we did an induction test to see whether we were good enough to stay in the subject. I passed, just! All those who didn't were not allowed to continue. So I have to continue on the knowledge that I'm the weakest in the class. So what does that mean for me? It means that I've got a steep mountain to climb and few assists along the way.
I complain, but at least I've got the friends in my current year, who I can ask about what they did last year in Chemistry. But, it is what they did last year, so its probably a nuisance for them. So yeah... Even so, I need to get up and get on with it. Lets make it to end
The challenges may be many but the pleasures make it worthwhile
-|CJ|-
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Pluto as a Planet (2014) - Reading
It's Back!!!
Well, not quite. There's been a lot of speculation and rumors reciently stating Pluto is back into the planet club. So lets get something clear first. PLUTO IS STILL NOT A PLANET. To any of you who have seen otherwise, I'm sorry to say you've been slightly misinformed. I say slightly because the point being it might change in the future.
- Well, what is it then smart ass?
- Rude. -_- But even so, it is a dwarf planet
- So its a planet.
- Well, not quite
Lets make this clear, nothing has changed, its been a dwarf planet since 2006 (when it was re classified.) It was origanally kicked out because it didn't reach the IAU's recommendations.
There were 3 sides to the Argument:
Is a Planet - Owen Gingerich - Saying that the word planet is historical word and should change as the culture changes.
Isn't a Planet - Gareth Williams (IAU) - Stating its inability to meet the official definition.
Exo-planet View - Dimitar Sasselov - that the criteria for planethood was sun-centric, excluding planets beyond our solar system, or so-called “exoplanets.” He offered an alternative definition: A planet, he argued, is “the smallest spherical lump of matter that formed around stars or stellar remnants.”
While Sasselovs argument won, it may bring up a bigger problem of what do about exoplanets (planets that don't orbit a star). So its unlikely that this issue will go away soon. Especially for the other dwarf planets; Eris, Charon, Ceres, who may want to be reclassified as well. However; I can't make a decision for you. Also, this is a 'reading' blog, so what do you think? Here's some news stories for you to read into;
Post Gazette Wikipedia on Pluto
Independant Video explaining the reason for demotion
Mirror Education is the Key
Well, hopefully you'll find something to debate about. Interestingly; since its discovery in 1930 it hadn't completed one orbit of the Sun until it was demoted in 2006.
Never doubt societies impact
-|CJ|-
Well, not quite. There's been a lot of speculation and rumors reciently stating Pluto is back into the planet club. So lets get something clear first. PLUTO IS STILL NOT A PLANET. To any of you who have seen otherwise, I'm sorry to say you've been slightly misinformed. I say slightly because the point being it might change in the future.
- Well, what is it then smart ass?
- Rude. -_- But even so, it is a dwarf planet
- So its a planet.
- Well, not quite
Lets make this clear, nothing has changed, its been a dwarf planet since 2006 (when it was re classified.) It was origanally kicked out because it didn't reach the IAU's recommendations.
- be in orbit around the Sun,
- be round or nearly round, and
- be shown to have “cleared the neighborhood” around its orbit, be gravitationally dominant in its area — the big kid on the block.
There were 3 sides to the Argument:
Is a Planet - Owen Gingerich - Saying that the word planet is historical word and should change as the culture changes.
Isn't a Planet - Gareth Williams (IAU) - Stating its inability to meet the official definition.
Exo-planet View - Dimitar Sasselov - that the criteria for planethood was sun-centric, excluding planets beyond our solar system, or so-called “exoplanets.” He offered an alternative definition: A planet, he argued, is “the smallest spherical lump of matter that formed around stars or stellar remnants.”
While Sasselovs argument won, it may bring up a bigger problem of what do about exoplanets (planets that don't orbit a star). So its unlikely that this issue will go away soon. Especially for the other dwarf planets; Eris, Charon, Ceres, who may want to be reclassified as well. However; I can't make a decision for you. Also, this is a 'reading' blog, so what do you think? Here's some news stories for you to read into;
Post Gazette Wikipedia on Pluto
Independant Video explaining the reason for demotion
Mirror Education is the Key
Well, hopefully you'll find something to debate about. Interestingly; since its discovery in 1930 it hadn't completed one orbit of the Sun until it was demoted in 2006.
Never doubt societies impact
-|CJ|-
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