Archive for January, 2010
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 31, 2010
In this age there is a fairly rapid progress and development in many areas of life. Great strides in the name of science and technology at times are difficult to keep up with. At a more personal level we see how much technology has progressed in the products we buy. It was only in the early 1980′s that personal computers became popular but these machines had only the processing power that is common today on credit cards! How different things are now yet the technology keeps marching on. We have at our fingertips enormous resources for computing, information and communication that was not possible on the same scale even a matter of a few years past. Some might say that we take it all in our stride and easily accept new ideas but do we really? Old habits die-hard and for some too much new technology is not appreciated. Progress happens I suppose and those who fail to embrace that progress are simply left behind. Not all technology is necessary or even desired by some but that should not prevent progress. One day something we reject now may prove of benefit after all. In areas of medicine this is particularly so. We are all different. Some accept progress, others have too many ‘Old habits’.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Technology | Tagged: Technology | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 30, 2010
From Wikipedia………..
A ghost has been defined as the disembodied spirit or soul of a deceased person,[1] although in popular usage the term refers only to the apparition of such a person.[2] Often described as immaterial and partly transparent, ghosts are reported to haunt particular locations or people that they were associated with in life or at time of death.
Phantom armies, ghost animals, ghost trains and phantom ships have also been reported.[3][4]
Ghosts or similar paranormal entities appear in film, theatre, literature, myths, legends, and some religions.
So what about you? Do you believe in ghosts? Have you seen an apparition of any description that would incline you to think what it might have been? There are many stories about encounters with ghosts, spirits even angels and possibly many of them based in fact. Countless pictures and photographs exist of ‘ghosts’ but of course a photograph can be ‘doctored’. It would be difficult to make a decision one way or another just by viewing a picture. I think a personal encounter is the only way we can prove to ourselves one way or another whether ghosts really do exist. I have reservations but I do believe in spirits both angelic and demonic. Whether a ghost is the same as a spirit I could not say. Usually ghosts are reported as an apparition of somebody who once lived, maybe their ‘spirit’ but that would mean that they were neither in heaven nor in hell, if you believe in such things. I do. That would also mean that their spirits would remain forever roaming about. Why would that be the case? Why then should they become partially visible to us? There are many things we do not understand and perhaps never will. Once as a very young child, I was awakened in the night by something and gazed toward the foot of my bed and saw my brother standing there. He was actually lying next to me as we shared a bed in those days! I never did get to understand that experience. Perhaps it was a ghost, perhaps it was just my imagination but I know what I saw.
I cannot place photographs here because of copyright restrictions but you may see them by clicking on this link http://www.ghostresearch.org/ghostpics/
Shirley Anne
Posted in Paranormal | Tagged: Paranormal | 8 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 30, 2010
I am sitting here at almost 12.30am after another day without work. My ex. and I have been out for the afternoon dining and enjoying the time together. Later we chilled out at home and I continued to have a few more glasses of wine. I have to admit here that I have demolished two full bottles since the afternoon. Naughty but nice. Anyhow as they say nothing ventured nothing gained and as we wanted to enjoy the day we went for it!
To live a life of self-denial all the time is a waste of one’s life but on the other hand a life spent seeking self-gratification through possessions or monetary wealth is also a waste of one’s life. Do we work to live or do we live to work? Anything we gain above and beyond that which we need is really futile. We gain absolutely nothing. We come into this world with nothing and we leave it in the same way. Anything we have gained is lost, we cannot take it with us. We gain nothing except perhaps knowing our achievements. However, achievements are nothing unless they have a proper purpose. Achieving for achievement’s sake is a waste of time but achieving for some noble cause is rewarding even if we don’t benefit ourselves. I would even venture to say that achieving in life for the benefit of others alone is far more worthy. So what are you doing with your life that is more beneficial to others and not yourself? A question perhaps we should all take to heart. The only real treasure we can hold in this life is inside our hearts. No amount of gold, silver or any other possessions is worth the treasures we have in our hearts but we have to put those treasures there in the first place. Our whole lives are meaningless unless we live them as we should. In any case a life of toil and chasing after the wind is pointless because we can never satisfy ourselves in a material way. We are essentially spirit and it is only spiritual things which can really satisfy and in the end only spiritual things we can take with us.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Philosophy, Uncategorized | Tagged: Philosophy | 2 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 29, 2010
I was looking out of my window tonight when I saw the full Moon and just to the left, Mars shining so brightly against the dark sky. Mars is presently in ‘opposition’, that is it is in the same line (roughly speaking) as both the Moon and the Earth on the same side of the Sun. If it was exactly on the same plane, the Moon too, Mars would be eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow if it was closer to us. As it happens that could never be as it never gets closer than about 35 million miles. At this time it is about 62 million miles away but still at it’s closest at this present time. It depends on where the Earth and Mars are in their respective orbits when opposition happens. I have always been keen on astronomy so the subject fascinates me. Seeing the heavens on a clear night in Winter is something special. The air is crisp, dry and cold so visibility is excellent. Objects in the telescope or binoculars don’t jump about as they do when the air is warm. What is extra special is the beauty of it all, creation. I am a firm believer in God the creator, our Father in Heaven and I am awestruck at His creation. Whatever you may think, it is still a beautiful sight to behold and it makes me realise at least just how small we are in the scheme of things. Not in God’s eyes though for to Him we are very much more important.
Posted in Astronomy, Religion | Tagged: Religion | 2 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 29, 2010
Just watching the evening news I see Andrew Flintoff is enjoying a lifestyle in Dubai. There is absolutely nothing wrong in that of course, he can afford it. He and many more like him or rather having the same opportunity can live in such a place. Dubai, as in other Middle-Eastern countries have built their wealth and status on the proceeds of oil. We pay for that. It is the public at large who are paying for the extravagance that is Dubai. Priorities in this world are all wrong. It is only because Andrew is well remunerated for his talent and is in the public eye so to speak, that he can afford such luxuries. Do not mis-understand me here, it isn’t about jealousy but a more about wrong standards and morality. I have no problems with those who are financially wealthy but I do object to the system which enables some to prosper as they do when others probably more worthy and dare I say more talented are not so appreciated. It isn’t really about money but more about values. Society values and appreciates the dedication in serving others, nurses, doctors, police, fire services and others for instance but appreciate more those who entertain. Why is this so? Why are those who entertain given so much attention? Why are they paid so much? They become ‘celebrities’ and are seemingly revered for their efforts. The efforts of those who deserve recognition are not acknowledged in the same way. I wonder how many people presently in the public eye would be there if they had everyday mundane jobs? Probably none of them.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Uncategorized, Values | Tagged: Entertainment, Values | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 29, 2010
Just a thought……..
Do you remember the film ‘Romancing the Stone’ with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner? A romantic adventure revolving around a kidnapping and a treasure map, full of excitement and daring. Many people live their lives in a romantic way, not perhaps as adventurous as the film but more in a psychological way. There is nothing wrong with romanticism of course but when it is all imaginary there is something wrong. Some people live in a fairy-tale, make-believe world of their own making and are quite out of touch with everyday things. I suppose in a way it is a form of escapism and we all can see why it would be attractive occasionally. Normally one would delve into a novel or a fantasy tale to escape reality for an hour or so. A completely harmless and probably beneficial thing to do. I like reading fantasy tales myself. The danger is when people carry over too much of the romance into their lives and effectively lose control. Their lives become filled with imaginings and strange ideas. In some cases their whole lives revolve around romantic ideas without there being any confirmation of truth. They simply believe that what they feel is true, even if it isn’t! This is quite irrational. I like the idea of romance in my life in whatever form it takes but at the same time I like to think I am in touch with reality! A life without romance is dull but one filled with too much is full of nonsense.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Romance | Tagged: Life, Romance | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 28, 2010
I have just read an article of news on Yahoo whereby a guy was fined a £60 fixed penalty and had three points put on his licence. He had been parked, with his hand-brake on I might add, at traffic lights which were against him, that is in stationary traffic and he blew his nose on a handkerchief! He was told that he wasn’t in control of his vehicle! How bloody stupid are the police for doing that? No wonder they get a bad name. I’m furious! I cannot believe how stupid some people can be and the law, if it is true is an absolute asshole in this case! The guy hasn’t paid the fine and his solicitor is pleading his case but it may go to court yet as the guy has no intentions of paying. Why he should have earned three penalty points on his licence also beggars belief. They should be instantly removed. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr………….
Shirley Anne
Posted in Law, Motoring | Tagged: Law, Motoring | 7 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 28, 2010
Again, whilst dining out yesterday I noticed the gentleman sitting at the next table struggling with his piece of chicken. I had ordered the same meal as he and I also found it difficult to eat. The menu read ‘Half a chicken’ and that is what it was on the plate. Eating it required using a knife and fork which would be the normal thing to do when dining out. It is simple etiquette. My ex. said that she would have picked the chicken up with her hands because after all, fingers came before knives and forks! Well that is perfectly true of course but it isn’t something that is usually an accepted thing to do in a restaurant. We, as a society, impose certain rules of behaviour when we are away from home. We are not expected to do things in public that we might do in our homes. Why do we follow rules of etiquette when in public when we may not have the same attitude to things when at home? We all know that things go on in people’s homes which don’t happen in public. Some things would obviously not be done in public but other things don’t necessarily deserve the same treatment. It’s a though there is an unwritten code that everybody follows automatically. We live in a society which has double standards. It isn’t just etiquette at the table but our double standards apply in many other areas of our lives too. Why is one thing found acceptable when something similar is not? We are strange people indeed and by imposing unfair restrictions on behaviour we are alienating many of our fellow beings.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Behaviour | Tagged: Behaviour, People | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 28, 2010
When I think of rosy cheeks I think of children and children’s dolls. Children are very active and when they run about a lot, especially if the weather is cool, their cheeks often turn rosy like those on a doll. Of course anybody can have rosy cheeks and mine do the same thing in cold weather. I think it is quite attractive to have rosy cheeks. However some people get rosy cheeks by other means. If I drink, especially red wine, I get rosy cheeks. Yesterday my ex. and I dined out and I was drinking red wine. On visiting the toilet naturally I looked into the mirrors there. My cheeks were in full bloom! I looked as if I’d just completed a marathon! I have to say though that I looked very healthy as a result. One thing is for certain, I didn’t really need the make-up.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Health | Tagged: Drink, Health | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 27, 2010
In my life as in anyone else’s there are hard times and there are easier times. Peaks and troughs, hills and valleys, ups and downs, whichever way you wish to describe it. We all have to cope in the end. Problems will always arise and without them life would be very boring even if the problems prove awkward and inconvenient. We happily sail through life most of the time until we get hit by some unforseen difficulty. Then we get knocked back into reality. It stands to reason that we can expect both the good and the not so good moments in our lives. It would be heaven on earth if everything went well, or would it? We all might say that life would be better if it was all plain sailing, if nothing ever went wrong but it is all a matter of how we handle life. We should take things in our stride but many struggle with that philosophy. Some are simply overwhelmed by circumstances which turn against them and they cannot cope. At least they think they cannot. In reality they do manage else they wouldn’t still be here. It is sad to say though that life can prove just too much for some and they take their own lives through suicide. That is more of a slur on Society as anything else. Life can make us feel at ease in whatever it presents to us and it is really a state of mind. If your attitude is right it doesn’t matter if the roof caves in or the car breaks down. What is more important, the things in our lives or life itself? We have no choice in being here but we do have a choice in how we live out our existence and how happy life makes us feel. Believe it or not every experience is a good one in some way. Things which tax us also build us up. It’s not just the nice things which are beneficial but also those things which test us. Life is a long song as the Jethro Tull song goes. Should we not be singing along with it? Life isn’t all plain sailing but we can make it so in our hearts.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Life, Philosophy | Tagged: Attitude, Happiness, Philosophy | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 26, 2010
There are times in my life when I wished I was far, far away from where I live. I get fed-up sometimes at how stupid some people are. If you care to browse my last comment on my last post (Carts, horses and things) you might get an idea of what I mean. Do you ever get cheesed-off with what happens in your life? I am sure you do. I suppose it’s just me though but when you’ve worked in my industry for almost 48 years you find at times that things are very taxing. Sometimes I wish I could retire but then I think I’d most probably get bored. I am not one to complain too much whilst the cash is coming in but do I need the hassle? Life is full of ups and downs of course and there are both good days and bad days. As long as there are more good ones than bad ones I suppose that’s all anyone could ask for. Well that’s my rant for the day!
Shirley Anne
Posted in Life | Tagged: Life, Work | 6 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 25, 2010
Do people really think before they act? When doing a job, a task, is there any forward planning? Often in my job I get called to do work as an afterthought. Today for instance a guy asked me to do two jobs, the first was straight-forward because it simply involved replacing a light fitting with a different type. The second job however meant a part re-decoration to a newly decorated room and possibly lifting up a newly laid laminate floor. I mentioned this to him and he looked somewhat surprised. ‘Ok’, I said and after explaining the required work needed, continued, ‘How did you think I would carry out the work?’ ‘Oh’ he replied, ‘I hadn’t thought about it’. I told him that I’d left my magic wand at home so I’d have to do it the hard way. He saw the funny side of that and decided he would defer the second job until later. That I think will be the next time he decorates, perhaps in five year’s time or more! Why do people put the cart before the horse? All it takes is a little forward planning. In one house, a couple of years ago now, one guy decided he would do his own electrics. This is actually banned by law in the UK if you are not qualified but many still don’t call out an electrician preferring to do it themselves. A problem would only arise if the DIY job then caused an electrocution or perhaps a fire but some people are willing to take the chance. Anyhow this guy discovered that his workmanship wasn’t quite up to the standard, in fact it didn’t work! He had however concealed all of his work, junction boxes and the like, behind a newly installed and decorated ceiling. I had the job of informing him of his mistakes and what I would need to do to correct them. He wasn’t a happy chappy when I told him half the ceiling would need to come down! Unfortunately the work could not be done from the floor above because there wasn’t a floor above. The roof was flat, mounted directly on top of the same joists under which was fixed the ceiling. As I couldn’t remove the roof, the ceiling was the only option. I sensed his wife was very displeased with him for not calling an electrician to do the work in the first place. It doesn’t pay sometimes to cut corners. Always remember in every case that the horse comes before the cart and not the other way round!
Shirley Anne
Posted in Work | Tagged: People, Work | 11 Comments »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 24, 2010
I have just been reading my word for today taken from Scripture. I receive a booklet from UCB (United Christian Broadcasting) and inside is a different message for each day. I cheat a bit and read two day’s messages. Tomorrow I will re-read today’s message followed by Tuesday’s. This way I find the messages are easier to remember. It’s just my way of doing things. Anyhow tomorrow’s word is about honesty and character. You can read the articles for yourself if you click on the link for UCB under ‘Religion’ below on the right.
We all would like to say that we are honest and that we deal with others in an honest way but if an opportunity to make a great deal of money that could make us rich for life by being a bit dishonest, how many of us would succumb to the temptation? Assuming there would be takers for that proposition, would they be able to live with their consciences? Would they find it difficult to look at themselves in a mirror each day and be happy with what they see? How tempted would you be knowing that you may not like yourselves afterwards?
To be tempted in the first place we have to have a code of ethics. If there are no issues there are no problems. Why do people live by a code which psychologically prevents them from doing what they please? Some people of course are not bothered by ethics, moral codes, sins if you like or have any respect for law. Temptation for them means nothing, they simply seize the opportunity. The result is that we have lawbreakers in our midst. There are other forms of temptation too whereby we test ourselves against a set of standards which may differ from those of others or even Society . Whatever the temptation are you strong enough to resist or are you too weak and give in? Are you being honest with others and perhaps more importantly are you being honest with yourself?
Shirley Anne
Posted in Morality, Temptation | Tagged: Behaviour, Law, Morality, Temptation | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 23, 2010
Recently I have had bouts of stomach upset. On New Years Eve I felt a little queasy after a meal and later expelled it all. Not very pleasant and I continued vomiting during New Years Day. It wasn’t until Saturday afternoon that I began to feel better. I was grateful for that because we were having a buffet/dinner at home on Sunday afternoon with some guests. All went well fortunately. I believe I had caught what the medical world were calling ‘the vomiting bug’, a self-explanatory illness. Evidently many people were suffering in the same way. The following week I wasn’t feeling well for another reason, a severe cold took hold of me and all I wanted to do was stay in bed! That lasted a few days and interrupted my work schedule. I had enjoyed good health until these two incidences so it was surprising to find myself yet again at the mercy of a stomach upset last night. It is possible that a ‘bug’ made me ill but most probably it was a reaction to what I’d eaten. My stomach and I don’t get on very well at times. I have to watch what I eat. Certain foods bring on severe wind and that is most uncomfortable to say the least. Of course too much alcohol doesn’t help and I instinctively know now when not to drink. Mostly I do not suffer but when I do it is very unpleasant. Yes, my stomach and I do not get on very well at times!
Shirley Anne
Posted in Health | Tagged: Drink, Food, Health | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Shirley Anne on January 22, 2010
A couple of days ago I was reporting on my compter’s demise. This time the sound system had failed. Well my comuter has been reprieved. It pays to know what you are doing with computers but you would think the very basic aspects not a problem to fault when they go wrong. Not so. Not with me anyway! Sometimes it is the obvious things that we miss. My eldest son paid me a visit earlier, basically to chat about financial matters and how I can help him and his wife over a forthcoming situation. That sorted I asked if he would look at the problem with my computer. Within minutes he had the sound working again. Evidently it was a simple configuration problem which I should have spotted but he corrected it for me. I blame it on my age….LOL. The point is though that now I don’t need to rush out and buy another computer just yet.
Shirley Anne
Posted in Computer | Tagged: Computer | 3 Comments »
