Blogging Hitting The Big Time

Even the Economist has an whole special section on blogging on its latest issue. What I found surprising was that 41% of blogs are written in Japanese. Those guys are technology nuts over there!

This transition away from the mass media has been going on for a while. In terms of TV watching and radio listening, I have really cut down the amount of time I spend on those mediums. I do still read magazines and newspapers, but the ability to be disrupted by advertisements is not an issue. I go in, get the info I want and get out. No waiting around because a commercial break kicks in.

I think everyone can relate to particpatory media. We all get that warm and fuzzy feeling when people comment on our blogs, and we feel validated that our opinions are, if not approved, at least read and digested. It's human nature to be involved in conversations, as well as providing an outlet for our perspectives.

The big question is will having all these extra opinions help? Yes, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but does it add any value? The more voices there are, the less anyone can stand out as a voice of authority. It might mean that it's even harder now to determine what's good and what's bad. Sometimes ignorance is bliss :) For me, though, I would like to know the other side of the coin, and blogging is definitely a way to understand how other people think.

Damn! five cheap calls already:

"The big question is will having all these extra opinions help? Yes, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but does it add any value?"

The answer to both parts is, of course, yes. While not all blogs are equal, (some have much higher 'influencer' measures than others), for so long as we live, having an opinion is indicia that we, as sentient beings, have the ability to reason, to argue and that we are not wasting our God-given gifts to exercise these talents.

And most certainly it adds value. Blogs are here to stay and are not some random, temporal idea that's going to dissipate faster than dot.com-era shareholder wealth. For as long as we live in a civilisation with a diverse range of beliefs and interests, any and all viewpoints will continue to enrich our life-long experiences. And for as long as we live in a participatory democracy, it is our civic right and duty to express such opinions. But what makes blogging different is that unlike a backyard BBQ conversation, those opinions are attributable and on public display. While blogging may have the kitsch of the new to it, it has become one of the most efficient ways to get our message across to whoever wants to hear it - and isn't that just the lifeblood of freedom?

In short, blogging's really just the devolution downwards of the privileges of the old media - and those that control it.
Stephen (link) - 23 April '06 - 15:28

yeah, I've gotta get up my blog and start documenting my sexcapades here in Japan :-o Then I can stop spamming your blog.

Speaking of which, should be buying the car tomorrow. A mazda bongo friendee diesel 4wd with popup roof. A real beast, should be on the road for under $3,000 if all goes well at auction.

www.autoadvan.co.uk/vehicle/4ebay04.jpg

Check out that roof-poppin' madness!

RC
randomcow (email) - 26 April '06 - 09:24

What a crazy car! Which part of Japan are you in now? Wish I could visit...
Al
Al - 02 May '06 - 23:05

Haha, quality car mate. Send me a picture of you next to it (on in that roof) when it's purchased.

Wise words Stephen. The ability to participate is vastly more available with the internet (and blogging) than it has ever been.
JookBoy (link) - 06 May '06 - 06:16

dude, I've been marked as a spammer by your blog. I think it's because I tried to post with five links in my last post.

RC
randomcow - 07 May '06 - 18:09

1421 - A Review

It's a strange thing that my perception of the book has changed because I decided to read some more reviews on the book itself. Taken at face value, 1421 is a mind-blowing book that makes the Chinese look all that in maritime travel. Having sailed to Americas, Australia/New Zealand, around Greenland...if it was true, then I am thoroughly impressed with my great ancestors. The evidence given seems logical, and maybe a part of me wanted to believe that the Chinese actually did something in those days, instead of tooling around with the jade sphere within sphere things that take 2 years to create, and don't do much.

However, reading more reviews, this seems like it's falling into the "Da Vinci Code" category, only with more pictures and footnotes. There are many fallacies in Menzies' arguments ie the assumptions he makes leads to logical conclusions and then because of that conclusion he asserts that the assumption is a fact (?!). That and his website is very sparse on details and hard evidence.

One the bright aims of the book would have been to create awareness of history and more curious minds to delve deeper into it. Of course, the darker aim of this book is to create a bit of contraversy to help sales of the book. On both counts, Menzies has succeeded.

One of the quotes from the Amazon review page puts it very well:

"So, one is left at this - history is not an exact science much of the time, but it isn't a complete fiction or completely subjective dependent upon the whims of those who believe what they will believe, either. It is true that China was more advanced that Europe in many ways at this time, and that the Chinese did command larger fleets than the Europeans at this point in time. However, Menzies' conclusions here are based on interpretation that rests on the shifting sands of myth, legend, and documents with variable ideas of accuracy."

I wait to see what becomes of this thread. Maybe history will get rewritten...

Only one cheap call:

we rooled the seas (and da world) once upon a time (in china).. and one day soon we will again dominate this earth. reprezents yo!
giz - 20 April '06 - 23:32

Enjoy The Present

Talking to a friend the other day, and we were comparing the qualities of being in a relationship and being single. Being in a relationship means that I am very much in sync with my girlfriend's activities, and her with mine. We know where the other person is with a fairly high level of accuracy. Being single, on the other hand, means that you are free to come and go as you please. Go overseas for a while, take a day off work, try out a new hobby on a weeknight....all these things are possible because you have that freedom.

Another friend of mine talks about their singleness as if it's a really bad condition that they want to get rid of as soon as possible. What I have realised is that you have to take the good and the bad. You can be a when you're single, but at the risk of loneliness. You can have the comfort and companionship when you're going out, but at the risk of not being able to "play".

What it comes down to is that you should enjoy the present, and enjoy the situation as much as you can. Don't wish to be single when you're a couple, and don't wish to be a couple when you're single, because in reality the other side of the fence is never ever as good as you think it is. And if you do try to have your cake and eat it at the same time, it works for about a month....after that, someone is bound to get hurt.

Almost Famous

Newsflash: "The famous 'Ron' from Harry Potter, Rupert Grint, has been found to have identical twins who live in Sydney. When asked for a comment, Rupert responded on email the following message:

:|

Damn! three cheap calls already:

Hahahahaahahaaa. Ha.

The depths that some of us will go to for some connection with the famous :|
beckster (link) - 19 February '06 - 03:22

i dont know the one on the right ... i swearz ...... :P
addy - 19 February '06 - 05:24

*rolling my eyes all the way from YVR* :Þ
Wendy - 03 March '06 - 05:57

Calling The Folks

I called my grandfather (dad's side) in Toronto, and my grandmother (mum's side) in Hong Kong to wish them a belated Chinese New Year. It's amazing the amount of Cantonesse that I remember when it's the only language to communicate on. I had prepared myself was a few choice phrases and half expected the conversation to be very very short.

I was plesantly surprised to hear the enthusiasm in their voice, and the amount of stuff that we talked about. Topics of birthdays, what my plans are, how my realtionship is going when I was going to visit (that's one of the 'always gets asked' questions) filled up the chat. And the coolest thing is that they're quite good at ending the conversation, saying "well, you have to go, so I'll talk to you later!" :)

So if you're dreading the phone call to old relos, fear not. You will be as happy as me to have made the call. It makes their day, and makes you feel good. What more do you need?

Only one cheap call:

it's such a blessing to still have your grandparents. a reallllllll blessing! :) cherish them! :)
alvina - 22 February '06 - 12:27

Is The Job Right?

It's been nearly 5 years since I've come out of uni, with all the dreams and aspirations that a university grad has. Having done some work experience during uni, I was used to the corporate life and all that it entails. I'm now at a stage of thinking about the quality of my job and how far I can see myself going down this path.

Can I be a Chief Information Officer? Can I be a Project Director for a large multinational? I don't know...
I have other friends who have great aspirations to be involved in social work, and "making a difference". These are the people whom I have the most interest in, in terms of their jobs. Perhaps I could join the two areas together, project work and social work??

I think the best way to judge my job would be whether it satisfies one word: "Wow". If the work is interesting, then it would be a "wow". If I am passionate about what I do, then it would be a "wow". That's the focus I will have going forward.

Is my job like that now? It has its moments, but not really. I know, however, that it is a stepping stone to get that knowledge and skill to move to that dream job later on. Project work is change management, and that always makes a difference in someone's life.

Only one cheap call:

Ultimately work has to be fulfilling and satisfying - of available awake hours (say 7-8 hours sleep a night) I figure you spend at least HALF at work or travelling there.

For me personally, I wouldn't say that "WOW" was a great way to indicate the right job. I'm lucky enough to be working in a job i find enjoyable and not too stressful - but ultimately i want work to be sufficient to allow me to enjoy the time NOT at work.

If as you say your job "is the stepping stone ... to that dream job later on" then I'd say you probably are in the right place and should plug along. It might not be WOW but it's taking you were you want to go - and hopefully we all are making those right steps towards our goals for now and in the future.
Dessy - 17 February '06 - 12:52

Squeezy

Yes, I have no original thoughts on this website :) Click through to get the full size pic.



Damn! two cheap calls already:
HAHAHAH thats hilarious.... and yet disturbing .....
but nonetheless..... HAHAHAHAH
Addy - 23 January '06 - 12:40

hahaha - as if you guys haven't done that yourself!

RC
randomcow - 24 January '06 - 08:25

Balancing The Alone Time

Having just gone down to Jervis Bay for a New Years celebration with 20 friends, I'm beginning to realise that I draw a lot of my energy by having those good friends around me. When they are animated, I'm animated. When they're calm and settled, I'm still animated. They bring out the entertainer in me, and I laugh myself to the floor at some of their antics.

What I do miss out on is the real alone time needed for deep contemplation. The kind of alone time where I find out what I really want out of life, what motivates and drives me forward. The kind of alone time that energises me in a different way, and provides insights to the real me.

So the 30 day trial is to draw upon energies from my relationship, my friends and myself and not just my relationship and my friends. The morning walk has definitely helped. Anyone know much about that meditation stuff?

Yay for New Years and new 30 day trials!

Damn! two cheap calls already:

Travelling to new and different places.. the great energiser.
Bjee - 03 January '06 - 07:42

Yeah, its funny how when travelling, even when you're in a big crowd or city, you can feel alone in your thoughts and emotions. Can really help to focus and clarify things in life. And yes Bjee, also a great energiser!
anton - 03 January '06 - 16:15

The Art Of The Early Riser

For years, waking up late has been a chronic problem of mine. No matter what it was, school, uni, work, I would have issues getting there on time. Granted in those early days, I would be up late playing games, going out partying, or even using that nostalgic internet app ICQ, these days I still have those issues but without the partying!

Reading on a website, there was an article about a method to waking up early. So I decided to give it a go.

It's been a week and one day since I've started this attempt to wake up at 6:30am each day, even on Saturdays. I go for a walk around St Leonards, before coming home to do some reading or what not. Here's what I've found out:

1. It's much easier to get up if as soon as the alarm rings you get out of bed and have something to do i.e. brush your teeth immediately.
2. Have an activity whether it be gym or a walk around to get the fresh morning air. Now in summer is especially a good time since it's not too hot but there's plenty of sunshine.
3. I feel a lot more awake going to work at 8:30am, and feel more productive in the mornings.
4. I do drop off quite quickly at night, due to the body getting used to the routine.

So the process continues this week. What this is really about is achieving some mental discipline. It's a small private victory that is affirming every morning. Having the feeling that I can achieve the little things sets my mind up for bigger victories during the day.

Damn! nine cheap calls already:

From a first-hand viewpoint at knowing just how difficult it is for you to get out of bed on time, I'm impressed and inspired by your new found mental discipline. I'm also half afraid you'll break your neck the way you sprint off the bed when the alarm rings =) Keep up the super work!
beckster (link) - 18 December '05 - 04:50

i have developed a very annoying body alarm clock which wakes me up at 7.20am sharp! This also applies on weekends!! Fortunately and unfortunately, once im up, im up and its tricky for me to fall back asleep unless im very tired. And whats worse is that even with the 3 hour difference im experiencing in Perth, Im STILL waking up at 7.20am. ARGHHH
Its true though, The snooze button often doesnt work as it resets ur sleep clock and often makes you more tired than rested. And yes, once you roll out of bed and shower (thats my trick) or brush your teeth, it does make you more awake. Good luck in this tricky endeavour! I wonder if i can get ben to do it! HAHAHAHA
Addy - 18 December '05 - 07:50

i sense a balancing comment is needed. kev you wake up around the time jojo and I are leaving the bar!! an invitation for random phone calls if ever there was one... BAH!
Bjee - 20 December '05 - 19:09

Then call me biatch :) All I heard was silence when Mantwaan was over there!
JookBoy (link) - 21 December '05 - 02:00

ooooooooooooooooooooooo :P
addy - 21 December '05 - 15:12

one word... bizzzaaay!!
Bjee - 28 December '05 - 09:32

you can try the bart simpson approach, drink 12 glasses of water before going to bed. you're bound to wake up early in the morning to pee ^_^
reenie - 02 January '06 - 07:20

just don't drink too much water or you'll be waking up all night to pee...just like me after field day. damn that 44 degree day!
anton - 02 January '06 - 16:49

BJee: Hope MoS was the bomb.

reenie: What I did have the other day was the strangest dream where the dream told me to wake up when the alarm rang, and I got up at exactly 6:30am.

anton: I think I did that at Jervis...at least you didn't have to navigate past 6 bodies to get to the toilet!
JookBoy (link) - 03 January '06 - 01:31

Food Flavourings

Reading an article about why Macdonald's fries taste so good, it's amazing what food manufacturers do these days. That "natural flavour" at the bottom of the contents list really means a lot. I liked the metaphor that the flavourists are like the modern-day alchemist, mix a few ingredients, and poof! a new flavour appears.

As a beginner foodie, I am already impressed by the quality of some of the meals that I have tasted in the last few months. Places I used to deem pointlessly expensive have now moved into the "still expensive, but there's something worthwhile there."

I wonder if in the future we will just eat a slab of material (probably plasticy) and you can create any taste, any texture with the right chemicals. It would just be like Star Trek, where they can reform atoms into any meal that is required. What would become of the Tetsuya's, the Bennelong's, the Claudes's (I feel cool just knowing these names!) of Sydney? Will they disappear? Can a food flavourist ever get a Three-hat rating from Sydney Morning Herald?

Or will people place an even greater premium to the "wizards" who can create flavour not from chemicals, but from a mixture of natural foodstuffs? Theirs may the skill that will live on.

Damn! five cheap calls already:

I don't make no damn fries! If you said chicken nuggets I'd understand...
h0rnbag - 09 December '05 - 06:55

if you want a rant about maccas, read morgan spurlock's "don't eat this book". i'm sure you've seen supersize me. this is just more information that came out from making the movie. interestingly enough, maccas in europe have changed the oil they use to make fries. maccas in the US still refuse to do it.
reenie (email) - 11 December '05 - 05:23

I saw these in Time Magazine in the 2005 Best Inventions section. Flavor Spray is a collection of delectable flavor sprays that can be mixed with a variety of foods including poultry, seafood, beef, salads, vegetables, dairy and bread products.

The flavor sprays are designed to simulate the taste of dieters' favorite foods while eliminating the guilt of eating them -- each contains no fat, calories, carbohydrates or cholesterol. Each spray contains a liquid extract made up of water, salts, emulsifiers, and natural and artificial flavors, with Splenda used as a sweetener in the “dessert” sprays.

Hmmm. Now they've just gone too far.
http://www.flavorspraydiet.com/
milli - 12 December '05 - 06:25

geez, wheres the enjoyment in that.......
i like my food , like kev, only recently have i learnt not to be so damn picky and try different foods - in particular, sample fine cuisine. Im so glad i have. yumbo
addy - 12 December '05 - 16:30

So all I'm eating is water and salts. Are emulsifiers things that make other things gooey? Yum! :P
JookBoy (link) - 18 December '05 - 01:33