Technology - Oh How I Hate Thee

If there is anything out there, that I cannot stand - it's technology. Not the old stuff - like your classic TVs and computers, but the new stuff - the Ipod's, Iphones, Ipads (OK, anything starting with "I") smart phones, 3D televisions and don't even get me started on "Smart TVs".

It's that friend that we love, but they don't love us back.

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We've all been friends with technology for a while. These are our old, childhood friends; who we grew up with.
These guys - our true friends, they work for us when we need them to.
They know what programs we like to watch if they are a TV, and they know what temperature we like to heat our quick meals on when we can't be bothered to cook (this is an oven/microwave.)
Your old PlayStation knows that no matter how old you get, you are never to old for Crash Team Racing.
And even though you hate to admit it - your classic mobile knows your Mother is the one you call the most.

Thanks Google Images

Technology and the human race were living in harmony - and life was pretty great.
But somewhere down the line humans decided that we needed something flashier, more advanced - something better than our neighbours.

So we created them.

Technology took a turn (in my opinion for the worse) and the 2000's saw the boom of technology like never before - for this technology was purely for the humans entertainment - they were wants and not needs.
Humans entered "Generation Me."
And our old technology got left behind.

We chucked our little TVs for flat screens, we took the sims out of our old, flip-top mobiles and placed it in a smart phone, we chucked out Nintendo games for PS3's, Xbox's and 3D game consoles. And said goodbye to your Ipod Shuffle and welcomed your new touch screen Ipod.

In fact everything we have now (even my family computer) has touch screen availability. This actually destroys me inside...I hate touch screens!

So, humans embraced this new wave of technology - and for the most part life was better (at least it seemed to be) than before.
Life was quicker, equipment had specialist modes, they didn't need to be warmed up before working, foil on top of the antennae, and buttons only needed to be pushed once for it to start working.

Then, things just decided to stop. Literally stop.
TV functions were so complicated that you needed a translator to figure it out, your games involved so many buttons you needed the arms of an octopus to play them, things began to freeze on you, and hitting it wasn't going to fix it this time.
We now need specialist help. If something doesn't work, we don't have a chance in Hell to try and fix it ourselves - it's just so complicated and advanced.
Companies employ hundreds of "technical support" whose sole job is to fix these "better" pieces of technology.

As much as the humans love this new technology - this technology doesn't seem to love us.
They don't care about your favourite game - they just want to make sure you're buying the next one.
They don't care if your favourite show is on - they want the Blue -Ray player that will fit nicely in the cabinet underneath.
And phones don't care about you calling your grandmother on a Sunday night - why not spend your money on finding out the weather, or the news instead? "And don't worry, I'll charge it straight to your account."

I'm taking a stand people - and by that I mean doing nothing.
Well, OK it's not nothing... I chose not to buy the latest gadgets when they come out - I'm happy with the phone I have and don't need to run out and get the new one.
I refuse to buy ANYTHING 3D - unless it's at the movie cinema's.
Even though my phone is a touch screen, my Ipod isn't - and I'm happy to keep it that way.

I guess my post comes down to this - yes technology doesn't work for us all the time - but without it we would be screwed (let's face it.)
But the technology I'm talking about today, is not the important stuff - not the things we NEED - like electricity for example, or equipment doctors use.

But when it comes to entertainment technology - instead of playing an app on your phone or Ipod, and instead of watching a 3D movie - why not play an old fashioned board game - and have some classic family fun.

You know you'd enjoy it. I definitely will.

Just When I Thought I couldn't get any Cooler

With the long uni break, the fact I don't have a job, I'm so bored and I have nothing to do, I decided to revisit a part of my childhood. 


For those who are aware, I joined Pottermore recently and I've really gotten into it ("go Ravenclaw.") It's fun  and I can play it for a couple of hours with no problem. But I do find it can get repetitive and I eventually get sick of it. I honestly don't know how people could play on it all day long.
What is a fun part, is the common room forum - now that can be really entertaining. But the creator's of Pottermore really need to tweak it a bit, because it's not faultless (sorry, but I had to say.) 


This got me thinking of when I was a kid, during the times I got into Neopets. Another online game with the same principles as Pottermore, (instead of a Harry Potter world, you entre the world of Neopets) but has a WAY better forum/chat area. 


So for about a week now I've been thinking about Neopets and what happened to the Neopet I completely abandoned. I don't feel bad though - it's been years and the only thing I remember about it, was that it was blue, and I think it was a water creature, type thing. 
And let's face it; they aren't REAL pets anyway. 


Then today (I blame boredom) I decided to create a new Neopets account. Besides the forums, I really loved the games they had on that game, they were addictive and I wouldn't get off the computer until my mother/grandmother/father were calling me for dinner.
So I did. I created a new account. 
It was exactly how I remember. And to boot, they gave me gifts as a new member (OK, I would've gone back to my old account, but I have a new email now, and I wouldn't have been able to remember my password, for the life of me). 


So with the new gifts in my inventory and a happy (new) Neopet, I went searching for my favourite game. And with the click of the games button I found it - right there in the favourite section. 
So I clicked to play (after I remembered how to). 
 But after the game loaded (a lot more quicker thanks to the addition of broadband in my family) the game started. But unfortunately the game had changed. 
The stones for example were smaller (I liked the big stones personally), there were different tools to use, they added these buttons part where a dinosaur flew past when you pressed on of them. 
It was different, the game was different. And I didn't like it. 


I started to doubt my new account, when I thought I'd hit the forum section. 
There are different forum rooms depending on what you want to talk about. So, I clicked the newbie section (well I haven't played in years). 
But alas, scrolling down the topics, none of them got my attention. So, I thought I'd start my own post. 
After I'd clicked the post button a message came up; "no posting until you have had the account for 24 hours." Damn. 


That was it for me. I logged off. And I don't have any attention in going back. I might though, suss out other games, but other than that, I doubt I'll be a heavy Neopets player. All well. 


Guess it's back to Pottermore. 

What Society Thinks I Do.

I have found myself fascinated with memes. 
You know them; I'm sure you would have seen them floating around - the video/photo that gets passed and viewed online for the world to see. 
They are everywhere, and endless in themes and layouts. 
But in today's post, I want to focus on a particular form of meme. 
These are the ones that take a different thing E:G law students, teachers, cats, storm troopers...no one is safe. 
They then all work with the same format. 
I was going to go into it, but instead i'll put pictures up and you can view them for yourself. 
And no need to thank me for the laughs that are about to surface. 

* Thank you Google images for supplying me with these images. 

Sorry, It's been a few days.

Sorry guys and yes it has been a while.
Not long though - more than a couple of days, but that is nothing for some; while a lifetime for others.
But regardless, I thought I'd say hi.
I would have written earlier, I promise, but I really have been through a lot. OK, well a lot for me.

On Monday, my family was shook with horrible, horrible news. Which (for reasons) I'm not going to go into. Sorry, but...nah.
Then yesterday, I got great news. The uni offered me a place in the course I wanted to get into. So I spent this morning trying to figure all that out - hey, it actually is pretty difficult.

And between Monday and today - I've been playing Pottermore. Lol, I know! I'm becoming slightly obsessed, but seeing as I have nothing better to do in my time - It's so much fun!

Sorry, this was a short, narcissistic post, that (probably) has no value to you.
I promise next time I'll have something more exciting.

Potter More - Cheating in the Game!

Oh My God, so, I've had Potter more for around three days or so - and my brother and I have uncovered something very foul in the game...cheating!

OK, so technically we didn't discover it, and it's been going on for a while, but I'm still seriously shocked.

So yes, Potter more is an online game - and with a gazillion glitches they must have to deal with, I have just discovered cheating. But it's not only cheating, but cheating on a grand scale.
People have been creating more than one account, which they are put into a different house. Then using the new account, they deliberately lose house points for their rival houses; with this new account.
During potions, you can blow up your cauldron, which loses points for your house.
You can also verse people in your house for duels and lose deliberately, gaining points for your original house.

There is also a house common room chat forum, where only people in your house can view the posts.
It has been discovered that people have been discussing plot plans to target other houses and make them lose points.
So, there's the cheating on a grand scale.
People are actually devising plans, talking about sabotage, in common rooms where others are unaware that this goes on.

So, I know it's the Internet - and there are going to be haters and bad people who only like causing havoc. But c'mon people they ruining what is supposed to be a fun, new, Harry Potter experience, which can be shared with all around the world.
They are abusing a game and taking (what is just a game) far too seriously.
I think the online world is forgetting that this is only a game, and people who are cheating are ruining it for everyone.

Please, if you read this and you are one of those cheaters - please stop, no one likes a bully.

Pottermore: entre Harry's World

Today I took my Harry Potter obsession to a new level, when I signed up to Pottermore.

I've known about it for a while - I even have a friend who won a competition, allowing her to be one of the first people to experience the wizarding world on a whole new level.
Then (in May of this year, I believe) my brother signed up as well. He has more than a few friends who also play the online game; add to that, their brothers and sisters, who no doubt, have it as well.
So, my connected community, is already, deep into the game.
Then (presuaded by my brother) my mother signed up.
I watched her play some of it.
This included picking a pet (you can choose between an owl, cat or a toad), and having your wand be chosen for you (you answer questions) and I even watched the sorting ceremony; again you answer questions about yourself, so they can determine you best fit.

And then it was.

I had to join too.

Watching how they took you through the chapters, the graphics and the interest of Harry Potter was partly because of it. But I have to admit, watching those questions, to determine what you got, really got me wondering. Naturally my answers were different than my mother's and I wanted to know what wand I would recieve, or what house I would be placed in.

So what is Pottermore? I would say an online game, but I feel (and so would HP fanatics,) it's the Harry Potter experience. I'm not far in, but I believe it takes you through all seven books, experiencing everything Harry, Ron, and Hermione had too.
As I mentioned you get sorted into one of the four houses, you can earn points for that house, you can duel, learn spells, make potions - you live and breath the Hogworts world. And all through your computer screen.
Because it's online, you can verse and meet people from all over the world - of course you don't know who they really are (you get a username, picked out, which detatches who you are, from that in the game).
You have your houses common room, where you can view your houses leader board - so, who in your house has earnt the most points for example. You can also go into the Great Hall, which you can look at the houses leaderboard.

But not a Harry Potter fan? They take you through each chapter of the book - so you never feel like you don't know what is going on, or how to do stuff.
It's extremely close to the books, so I would suggest if you want to get into the Harry Potter phenomenon, you read the books first.
However, if you just want to get into this kind of gaming experience, then you should check it out as well.

So, I've only just begun my journey; I chose a brown owl as my pet, my wand is made of dogwood (or something like that) and the house I was put in was Ravenclaw.
I have no doubt, as I get used to the game and how it works, the more addictive the game will become.
But for now, I'm only a newbie, and I'm still getting used to the whole experience.
But as a serious Harry Potter fan - I'm sure I'll love every step of the way.

To Keep the Degree, or Change the Degree? That is the Question.

University - the place where your decisions will have an impact on the rest of your life.
Well, career wise, anyway.

HELP!
Recently I made the decision to change my bachelor degree. I've been mulling it over for ages now, but until recently decided to take the plunge.
So I emailed the people I needed to talk to and asked how I change my degree.
I didn't think it would be that hard - I've already done units, which can be crossed over into my new degree and any that can't can be applied to credit.
Too easy.

Well, so I thought.

The process will take at least two weeks. I have only a month before enrolments close. And I can't enrol until they have given me an offer.
So I'm working against the clock here.
The longer I put off enrolling - the harder it will be to get the classes and the times I want.

Shit.

And on top of that, I've missed units, which can only be done in Semester one. So I will be behind - but I'm pretty sure, I can catch up next year - well at least I think.
And then I think, "what if I can't?"
 I know, just email people who can help and they will tell you. Well I have. Several times.
And here's my second worry.

I emailed the people to talk to on Monday, since then - today's Wednesday, I have been emailing them with new questions. Because obviously, once they answer something, a new question comes into my head.
And I'm a worrier. So I've been asking everything.
I know it's their job, and I'm sure they're happy to do it. But I can't help but feel sorry for them.
Here's a girl, changing her degree at the last minute, has a gazillion questions....

But I have to say, the women who has been helping me has been extremely helpful, and is doing a great job, helping me make a decision.

And yet, I still haven't made it.

To keep the degree?
Or change the degree?

I'm worried if I change my degree, it wont get processed in time, and then I don't know what I could do. I honestly don't.
On the other hand, if I keep the degree I'm doing now, the chances of me not enjoying it are high. I won't be interested in it and I'm positive it will impact my marks. In a negative way, obviously.

So what to do?
To be honest, I don't know. And with time working against me, I'm really starting to freak out.

Oh, and did I mention:
I've only done one semester of uni. I'm still new to this whole world, and mixing it up is seriously freaking me out!

Praise to The Simpsons

As I speak (ok, well type) The Simpsons are on TV. And the more I thought about, they've been there for a long time.

Google Images

The Simpsons have been on air for 20 years! I know, doesn't that make you feel old?
They've had 24 seasons, with over 500 hundred episodes and counting.
And they aren't slowing down - well at least they don't seem to show it.

Today I read an article about Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) will be voicing in their new season. It's proof that they are still raking in high profile names who are lining up to appear with the world's most famous family.

The episode that's playing on TV, is an old one. To be specific, it's the one where Homer becomes a bodyguard and works for Mayor Quimby.
Even though I've watched it a million times, I find myself still laughing at all the right parts.
In this particular episode, the mix of pop cultural references (The Bodyguard and Starwars) is an unlikely, perfect match.

It's the longest running prime time animation series (well at least that's what Wiki says), they've won Emmy's, People's Choice Awards, and three British Comedy Awards. Don't believe me - check Wikipedia.
Those awards are no suprise though, are they really?

They (and this is my opinion personally) changed children's television, animation TV and shaped the lives of generations of children.

As an adult now - I still love The Simpsons.
And there isn't a person I know, who hasn't ever watched (at least one) episode of them.
And that's what makes them so popular.

They appeal to the youngest of children, to the oldest of adults (OK, well maybe not my grandparents, but my Dad still loves them!)

As long as they keep pumping out episodes, I'll continue to watch them.
There will be a time though when Matt Groening says no more.
Or maybe the station says no more.
And then - no more episodes.
But, then, we'll always have the old eps - the one playing on my TV right now, and whenever they decide to stop making the show, I will cry (yes I know, I'm lame).

But we'll always have our fond memories.
Thankyou, The Simpsons; You made my childhood.
And my adulthood.

Songs: The Perfect Mood Changers

I've come across a problem.
I wanted to write something representing loneliness, sadness and something almost to the point of depression.
Problem was (though really I'm glad I wasn't) I wasn't feeling anything like this. In fact I felt great. And as much as I hate feeling depressed, I kinda really needed it for the mood of the story to work.

Trying to write somehing down was exhusting, I just couldn't feel sad.
And that's when my baby (AKA my ipod) knew what to do.
I ran down my music list and played sad song, after sad song.

Almost instantly I started to feel less happy than what I did a song ago.
Listening to heavy lyrics, soft voices and heart-wrenching instruments that can make you feel like your heart valves are being plucked and not those of the guitar strings.

In fact, I'm still listening to those songs, and it's still effective.
You listen to the lyrics and start to believe that the singer is telling your story - you delve into the story of the song, and you begin to think of your life and even start to question how your living it.

Yep, music is that powerful.

For example listening to Bitter Sweet Symphony makes me feel like I'm running. Even when I'm sitting down doing nothing, I always feel the need to run when I hear that song. And when I listen to Open Arms, it also makes me feel like running, but to something, rather than away from it.

Different songs give us different moods. And there is always a song to go with any mood.

Even though, I don't want to feel sad, it's the perfect way to create the right vibe...well it is, for me at least.
Same say it's only music. It's nothing but a beat and lyrics; but boy it helps. As I listen to it, I feel like I'm ready to continue with the story.
And that's what I'm gonna do.

I'm falling behind.

I felt like writing.

I've been feeling like that a lot lately. 

But instead of writing here, I've been drawn to other means. 

So this blog has been a bit neglected. Sorry. 

It's not entirely my fault though.

In a turn of uncontrollable events, I found myself at the coast. The trip wasn't a happy one, which had to do with one of my Grandparents being ill. So off my Mum and I went. 

And because they lived in a rural area, and because they have slow internet (unbearably slow) I was stuck without this blog for over a week.

I have no doubt, I thought of many wonderful things to write about while I was there, but couldn't actually get access to write them down...well not on computer anyway. 

Now I'm back though. And of course, with nothing to say.

But I still wish to write though.

I'll probably think of something as soon as I hit the publish button. That's always the way, isn't it?

So, even with nothing to say, I decided writing something is better than nothing (though I'm sure there's some of you who disagree). As I logged on I saw a post by one of the blogs I follow. Within 14 months they had written 400 posts. Different stories, things of interest to them, that they had written down and in only 14 months. That's a lot. A hell of a lot. 

That got me thinking of myself. I've had this blog since March of this year. And I have 19 posts. If I was to try to match that record or even beat it...well let's work it out. 

I've had my blog for 5 months. 14 - 4 = 10. I have ten months to go. 

I have 19 posts. 400 - 19 = 381. 

Crap. I have to write 381 posts in the next 10 months....so that's until...May of next year. I think. 

Feels like it's ages away, but that's gonna creep up on us. 

I also know, I'm not an interesting person, so this is where I need your help. 

Have something you want written about?

Have a hot topic you want out in the public?

Books, movies, music you want reviewed?

Actually, I'll accept anything...you want it written, I'll do it!!

Send your topics to my email 

*I've since removed it, cause I was a dildo putting it up in the first place! 

or you can send them as a comment. 

Also, if you happen to notice my maths isn't right, and it needs to be changed...please tell me! I was never good at maths.