So yeah, I’m back. (at least for today)

I’m doing my honours in philosophy at the moment, and I’m thinking blogging might be a good way to sort out my thoughts and process all of the new Ideas i’m encountering. A normal person would probably do this by talking notes and revising (you know, normal study stuff), however; it is well established that i am not a normal person.

No promises of cause. I may well forget. I may be too lazy to blog. But at least I have a  plan.

I’m not sure if either of those things will ever come in useful (except maybe in my rapidly approaching exams), but it just goes to show that I really have learned allot over the years, although I never really notice it at the time. I guess it also shown how much there is left for me to learn.

Well that’s it from me, there is no deeper meaning or great philosophical insight, i just though I’d share my thoughts.

Anyway, I break my long held silence to give an honorable mention to my newest cause of distraction, and the reason i will be failing all my unis this semester.

 I have been introduced to web comics, specifically Questionable Content (see My Linksto the right). I suggest you take a look, however be warred, I take no responsibility for any subsequent fall in productivity.  

In Honour of Stupid People . . .
In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On Tesco’s Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) — “Do not turn upside down.”
(well…duh, a bit late, huh!)   

On Sainsbury’s peanuts — “Warning: contains nuts.”
(talk about a news flash)

On Boot’s Children Cough Medicine — “Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication.”
(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5 year-olds with head-colds off those bulldozers.) 

On Marks &Spencer Bread Pudding — “Product will be hot after heating.”
(…and you thought????)

On a Sears hairdryer — Do not use while sleeping.
 (That’s the only time I have to work on my hair)  

On a bag of Fritos — You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.
(the shoplifter special?)  

On a bar of Dial soap — “Directions: Use like regular soap.”
(and that would be???…)   

On some Swanson frozen dinners — “Serving suggestion: Defrost.”
(but, it’s just a suggestion.)  

On packaging for a Rowenta iron — “Do not iron clothes on body.”
(but wouldn’t this save me time?)  

On Nytol Sleep Aid — “Warning: May cause drowsiness.”
(..I’m taking this because???….)  

On most brands of Christmas lights — “For indoor or outdoor use only.”
(as opposed to what?)  

On a Japanese food processor — “Not to be used for the other use.”
(now, somebody out there, help me on this. I’m a bit curious.)   

On an American Airlines packet of nuts — “Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts.”
(Step 3: say what?)  

On child’s Superman costume — “Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.”
(I don’t blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)  

On a Swedish chainsaw — “Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals.”
(Oh my God..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?) 

 ***Blessed are the cracked: for it is they who let in the light*****  

Dead fish, new fish

But back to the duck.

The obvious question is Why? what situation could possible have arisen that prompted the authorities to create a law banning one from carrying a duck across state lines on one’s head. I really don’t know, and I’m not sure i want to know. However there are other questions, for instance, how would one get a duck to stay on ones head? Would you have to tie it down? ( in which case the law may have been created to prevent cruelty to ducks). Has the duck in question simply been to duck obedience training? or are all these question irrelevant because the duck has been plucked roasted, and lightly drizzled with apple sauce? (Mmmm roast duck).

Now I’ve never had much experience with the fairer sex. I had one girlfriend in high school. It was a long term thing and in the end I must admit I ended it badly, and probably caused more hurt than I needed to. Not intentionally, it’s just the way thing turned out.

Anyway, that was a while ago. My rant now is not about that, and it’s not really about anyone in particular, I’m just ranting about the whole boy girl thing. See hears the thing. With only one or two exceptions all my friends are either female, or gay, of both. Now being a straight guy this can pose a bit of a problem.

Now it’s true that hanging around with girls and gay guy’s probably doesn’t do much for my masculine image, but that doesn’t really bother me. I can hold my own when it comes to beating the chest and all that, it just doesn’t really interest

My real problem is in the way I relate to women, and they relate to me. You see most of the girls I know are good friends and would probably see me more as slightly annoying, but loveable little brother rather than potential dating material. Now I wouldn’t want any of these friends to think of me in any other way, but that doesn’t mean that I want all women to see me this way. The problem is that they do. I seem to be unable to for any kind of friendship with a girl that doesn’t’ lead to them seeing me like a brother. I know it is possible for other guys to have many friends who are girls without this occurring and even to end up dating those very girls who started as their friends. I’m clearly doing something wrong, however I don’t know what.

I leave you with an example, laugh as you see fit.

I am sitting in the computer labs at uni surrounded some fellow students both male and female, with home I am relatively friendly. One girl, who I admit I am somewhat attracted too says, “We need to find me a boy, I’m bored.” One of her friends promptly points to me across the table and says, “I’ve found one for you.” And every body present laughed at the funny joke.

It’s true we have done more of the friend type things over the last few years and we’re probably closer since we both finished high school and moved out of home, but now our lives seem to be going in different directions. We live 2 ½ hours apart, I’m at uni while he works, and we are both developing new friends and new lives for ourselves as adults. We still hit it of immediately whenever we get together, but I’m starting to get the feeling that sometimes he’s reluctant to let me into his new life, and I’m  not always sure that I’d want him in part’s of mine.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like our friendship’s in trouble or anything, it’s just changing, I guess that’s normal, it’s changed before and it will change again. He’s still the best friend I’ve got and hope he always will be.

           —————————————————————————–

It is true that there is the occasional field of study where original thought is encouraged, but this privilege is usually reserved only for the most esteemed members of the upper academic circles. Take philosophy for example. Of all arias of study this surly would be the most likely to encourage original though, after all philosophy is “the love of wisdom”. But even in this most wise are of academic enquiry it is not original thought that is valued, but the ability to quote the thoughts of those who have gone before you. Lecturers are not interested in a students own insight on an issue but their ability to explain the insights of Kant, Plato, Descartes and so on.  

It seems to me that you need at least PhD before anyone will show interest in thoughts of your own. Even then all you have achieved is to add to the great list of thinkers who future students will be forced to quote at great length.