Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
You can make me whole again.
As I look to trim down my belongings, I realise just how much I have. My dreams of minimalistic living are thwarted by the side of me the revels in consumerism. For example; why do I have dozens of empty notepads that I tell myself I will be filling with important information, yet after years of sitting on the bookshelf, they still remain depressingly empty?
Another complete waste of space is my antique CD collection, of music that I had almost forgotten about. Why do we feel the need to own a copy of the music when realistically, the popular tracks of today are repeated on the radio so often that it seems pointless to purchase the album because lets face it; in a few years time, it will not conjure the same emotions and feelings that it did when you considered it the soundtrack of your life.
This leads onto consumerism as an unobtainable ideal. Whatever we own, we want more. I'm pretty sure that the rich and famous never think they have enough 'stuff' in their lives and are constantly still striving to buy more. Are our belongings really that important to us? What do we really need to survive in the modern world?
Food
Has been fueling our existence since the beginning of time long before the invention of the iphone or a streamline technologically enhanced existence that can be connected through WiFi and HDMI cables. Could this be the most important, yet ironically the most neglected part of our existence? In a culture where fast food and convenience foods are what we instantly picture, are we running our bodies of sub standard, low grade fuel.
Internet
Not essential you say? Well I disagree. The internet has enriched our lives and made everything that little bit easier for us to the point that it has become an integral part of our existence. In the modern times, you expect everyone to have an email address. I don't really know how I would react if someone told me they didn't have one! Has it made us lazy though? I mean, how many of us know how to find a journal article or a book using the old fashioned methods? I would be stumped for one. I admire those from times gone by that used to search for hours in the library archives on the off chance a relevant publication is available. Perhaps these skills will be lost forever in this digital age where you only have to check the library database, or check for a publication online.
Computing
Lets face it, the humble computer is everything to us. It has expanded well beyond an office tool to replace pen and paper, it is now our source of entertainment, keeping our attention with a wide range of solitary activities such as gaming, catch-up TV, social networking and storing our memories in a series of digital photos and video clips. These things are so important to us, that we are devastated if our beloved machine breaks down, not because of the inconvenience of this, but because we do not want to lose our data as it were. Many things would not be possible without the computer, but I can't help thinking that it is running our lives. Internet shopping flourishes whilst high street shops are closing down, we find out more and more about our friends on social networking sites and have less social meetings with our nearest and dearest. Is this really progress?
Out of the few things I have been thinking about, everything seems to have it's flaws. What is the ultimate modern living accessory?
Another complete waste of space is my antique CD collection, of music that I had almost forgotten about. Why do we feel the need to own a copy of the music when realistically, the popular tracks of today are repeated on the radio so often that it seems pointless to purchase the album because lets face it; in a few years time, it will not conjure the same emotions and feelings that it did when you considered it the soundtrack of your life.
This leads onto consumerism as an unobtainable ideal. Whatever we own, we want more. I'm pretty sure that the rich and famous never think they have enough 'stuff' in their lives and are constantly still striving to buy more. Are our belongings really that important to us? What do we really need to survive in the modern world?
FoodHas been fueling our existence since the beginning of time long before the invention of the iphone or a streamline technologically enhanced existence that can be connected through WiFi and HDMI cables. Could this be the most important, yet ironically the most neglected part of our existence? In a culture where fast food and convenience foods are what we instantly picture, are we running our bodies of sub standard, low grade fuel.
InternetNot essential you say? Well I disagree. The internet has enriched our lives and made everything that little bit easier for us to the point that it has become an integral part of our existence. In the modern times, you expect everyone to have an email address. I don't really know how I would react if someone told me they didn't have one! Has it made us lazy though? I mean, how many of us know how to find a journal article or a book using the old fashioned methods? I would be stumped for one. I admire those from times gone by that used to search for hours in the library archives on the off chance a relevant publication is available. Perhaps these skills will be lost forever in this digital age where you only have to check the library database, or check for a publication online.
ComputingLets face it, the humble computer is everything to us. It has expanded well beyond an office tool to replace pen and paper, it is now our source of entertainment, keeping our attention with a wide range of solitary activities such as gaming, catch-up TV, social networking and storing our memories in a series of digital photos and video clips. These things are so important to us, that we are devastated if our beloved machine breaks down, not because of the inconvenience of this, but because we do not want to lose our data as it were. Many things would not be possible without the computer, but I can't help thinking that it is running our lives. Internet shopping flourishes whilst high street shops are closing down, we find out more and more about our friends on social networking sites and have less social meetings with our nearest and dearest. Is this really progress?
Out of the few things I have been thinking about, everything seems to have it's flaws. What is the ultimate modern living accessory?
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Top TV shows that you should be watching
In an era where there are more television channels than there are chocolate chips on a cookie, what is really worth tuning into every week?Sunday: Family Guy, FOX
A cartoon not suitable for the family but it provides me with lashings of entertainment and laughter. Adult humour mixed with childish pranks. A perfect start to the week.
Monday: Castle, ABC
A light-hearted modern day Murder She Wrote, only the writer is funny and charming in contrast to Jessica Fletcher, the nosy battle-axe who really had no reason to be at those crime scenes! Castle is witty, clever and heart warming with an interesting plot.
Tuesday: NCIS/ NCIS LA, CBS
NCIS was my favourite crime series, but now, not so much. The plot has become a bit bland. NCIS LA seems to be flourishing however, growing and becoming what NCIS used to be.
Wednesday: Human Target, FOX
Admittedly, season one was much better, with more action and a better plot, but come on! Christopher Chance is the man for the job!
Thursday: The Big Bang Theory, CBS
Those lovable geeks are back for another season of cringe worthy fun and laughs. A nice light hearted end to the week!
Overall I think TV is doing well for itself at the moment! I hope these series continue to entertain me throughout 2011!
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