I was rather tired last night; it was a shame that the
puppy chose to spend much of the night stomping over me. I got up and wasn’t
impressed to trip over one of my shoes that she had been chewing.
Over brekkie I watched the fourth episode of “The Expanse”; I think I’m now at the
stage where I will carry on watching it because I’ve come this far and it would
be a shame to stop. It is entertaining enough, but in order to maintain an aura
of mystery, the writers have created very uninspiring two-dimensional
characters. The show might improve. Here’s hoping.
I then had a look at the Internet. I’d received a private
message from someone who’d posted on one of the national geocaching pages. The
chap had asked for advice, and I was the only person who hadn’t responded with
sarcasm. Kite flying, snake-herding and astronomy in the past, Star Trek fandom
yesterday, geocaching today… why does everything have to be one big nasty
squabble?
I was particularly incensed about the geo-squabble though.
One of the leading protagonists was (and
usually is) one of the dozen or so national reviewers who really should
know better.
And so to work through a very wet
morning. As I drove it became clear that it wasn't just me who finds that
social media is little more than arguments. The pundits on the radio were
saying that more and more people are finding Facebook
to be depressing. This is especially a problem with children who are
finding it impossible to get away from the petty squabbles and niggles of
school.
I'm reminded of the Babel Fish in the
Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy which, by improving communication beyond
anyone's wildest dreams, was directly responsible for the worst wars in
history.
But social media can hardly be blamed
for human nature. I blame the schools.
Why can't people (from a young age) be taught how to conduct a disagreement. I was
taught the principles of a reasoned discussion at school. "I disagree with you for the following
reasons..." and then actually listening to the response you get rather
than getting all personal and nasty because someone else thinks differently to
you.
I might have asked this before... In
fact I'm getting tired of asking this.
Once I deliberately had a very active
social life. In the past I created clubs
for astronomy, snake-herding, star trekking. I would organise all sorts of
events and activities... and
unfortunately an integral part of that was dealing with the squabbles
that went with it. These days (more and more) I find myself actively
avoiding any bickering by keeping to myself
and a select group of friends and family. (And effectively working a five-day shift pattern has compounded this
recently)
I must stop being so reclusive and start
being more sociable again...
I was amazed to hear about how the Navy
are dealing with cuts to the defence budget by selling three frigates.
Surely in this age of international
terrorism, the national news is hardly the place to be discussing the country's
defence strategy?
I got to work; we had a good day. I say "we" - I certainly did. There was
cake. And with the good day done I came home, walked the dogs, and waited for "er
indoors TM" and "Daddy’s Little Angel TM"
to come home from shopping.
I’m in for a long wait…
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