Reply to Andrew Heaton (Hied)

What Andrew said -
Well for some people, it gives them a fucking huge stiffy.The PG version of that above sentence reads: It excites people and makes them feel alive.Why people do it is subjective. But the obvious answer to this question is that if the opportunity arises for one to steal something chances are most people will take that chance. With on-the-spot fines / punishments being carried out it seems that shoplifting has a more lenient attitude. So have at that George summer blouse and those bottles of Irish Knights!Another reason people do it is they could see it as a form of anarchy. To be honest I have yet to come across any scenario whereby a young juvenile has dashed out of a local Tesco supermarket with a bottle of gin cradled under their bomber jacket screaming at the top of their lungs "Down with the establishment!"I think the whole anarchy side of shop-lifting is a ploy. Face it, you wanna get wasted on cider and copydex that you just couldn't be arsed to pay for...

My Response -
Yeah i agree. People do do it for that feeling. It excites them and makes them feel like they've 'got one over' on that shop or something stupid like that. Although i have to admit when i was little and i'd get pic 'n' mix, if i managed to steal one i felt like i was sooo cool.
But to be honest i think it's stupid to steal things. Maybe that's becasue i have a stupid thing called guilt inside of me. Some people don't give a damn. To them it's no big deal.
To comment on your disbelief of the anarchy theory, you've made me agree. You're right. No one runs out of tesco with stolen drink and says 'this was to fight the good fight'. I think when people say that they mean they did it to rebel. I don't know what against. The growth in prices? "That was only a pound last week and now it's £1.10! The madness" or possibily their parents or someting. Kids get in trouble just to get caught so their parents notice them. Then again it can just fall to the age old -i coulnd't be bothered to pay for it. Yes, i think that is the route of all stealing. Unless someone can't afford food. Then i think it's okay for them to steal. It's not fun to be hungry.

Reply to Kathyrn Melluish

What Kathyrn said -
I don't have a problem with Tattoos or Body Piercings. I myself want a tattoo when I'm twenty-one which is in July. Though, the only problem I have with myself getting a tattoo is what to get and what will it look like when I'm older. I might just get a celtic band around my arm or a tiger on my shoulder. My mom has a problem with it, she doesn't like them. Neither does my dad. But my mom wants her nose pierced. I did once fancy having my eyebrow done, but I grew out of wanting that.Some tattoos can be really good, but I think some people just go excessive. Specially those who are covered head to toe in tattoos. They get a bit disgusting. What's even more sick, is the rude piercing's you can get. Nipple piercings, clit piercing, penis piercings. They're just going too far.

My Response -
I agree. I don't have a problem with tatoos or anything like that either. Yes, i did contemplate having one to, but then i realized it might hurt and i decided to think about it for a much longer time. I do think they look good but i agree about what you said about moderation. It must be in moderation. It just goes to far when people get them all over their bodies. Personally i think if you're covered in them it isn't very attractive. My mum is 'oh you shouldn't because you'll get it and them regret it - it's for life' like yours. I wanted to get the red hot chili pepper star on my arm but she was like what if you don't like them one day. I don't see that ever happening but it did make me think. I hate when mums do that. I don't know. It's somthing i'll have to REALLY want if i do do it when i can. I agree about not liking the wierd and rude piercings. They are a bit too far aren't they. That is a deffo no no for me.

Gambling

Gambling is something we have all done in some way. Whether it’s been a little bet with a mate or something you’re wagering big money on. I don’t tend to gamble so it doesn’t really affect me, but I have noticed a surge in its popularity as of late.
The most common form of gambling that is enjoyed by everyone from young adults to housewives is The National Lottery. A lot of people play the lottery every week and its main form of attraction is the fact you’re only spending a pound on a ticket and you could come away with millions. My mum used to play the lottery, and she still does form time to time, but the most she’s ever won is ten pounds. This was what made her stop playing it so frequently. The truth is your chances of winning the lottery are very slim. There’s a very funny episode of ‘Friends’ where they play the lottery and they buy an obscene amount of tickets to up their chance. They end up winning three pounds on one ticket. While they’re contemplating whether to play the Lottery Ross say’s something that I think brings the chances of winning home. ‘The lottery, ha, you have a better chance of being hit by lighting 42 times’ now I know that’s in America and America is way bigger than little old England but still…
Actually winning the lottery is used with a comedy element quite often. In ‘The Simpson’s ‘Lottery Fever’ hits Springfield (eg. One man buys a wheelbarrow of tickets and they all blow away as soon as he gets out of the shop) and Homer buys fifty tickets – but doesn’t win. He used the children’s ages for some of his numbers and blames Bart on being the wrong age. Then of course there’s the popular saying ‘you have more chance of winning the lottery’
Casinos, betting shops etc are popular forms of gambling also. I’ve never been in either but seen then on TV. For example one owner of a casino in a film said this about his business, “It’s the perfect business. People come in, empty their pockets, and leave.’
Gambling can be an addiction and with the rise of Internet gambling more and more people are getting hooked onto this ‘get rich quick’ dream.
All I can say is don’t bet you’re first born. You’ll wake up and regret it.

A good link to a gambling addiction site is: http://http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/

Racism

Racism is a topic I feel very strongly about. It is something that is NEVER acceptable and always frowned upon in all ways – so why does it still happen?
I have never understood what makes a person make a racist comment. Ever since I was little and realized what the term meant it baffled me. Why? It’s just skin colour. Why do people not like others just because of something as simple as their race? It amazes me. I never see a persons colour when I meet them. If they are nice to me I like them and if they are horrible to me I don’t like them. Simple. I would never make a decision on someone based on their race. To me if you are a racist person you are missing out on a lot of very nice people that you don’t like just because of the colour of their skin. What people are like is on the inside. We all bleed the same red blood. Racist people are just ignorant and small-minded.
Once I was watching a television show on racism and there was a little girl, about ten, and she told her experience of racism. She said she was taunted and bullied so badly that she could not go to school and if she did she would get beaten up. Once her mother caught her rubbing a piece of sandpaper against her arm until it started to bleed trying to change her skin colour. This made me so upset. Just imaging this little girl scraping at her arm trying to rub her colour away so she wouldn’t get bullied was chilling. I’ve always remembered that.
As the world gets more diverse and people get more tolerant I hope racism will be something that will be wiped out. Everyone is equal no matter what colour or race they are.

A good link to check out is -http://http://www.childline.org.uk/Racism.asp

Reply to Ruby Mahay

What Ruby Said-
Personally I am not a religious person, however I respect that other people are deeply religious, which is fine. However I don’t agree with preaching in streets and town, because in today’s society everybody is aware of the different religions and if they are interested about a ‘faith – change’ then they can research and ask people as to how to go about it. However to me, a non religious person, when people preach at me, I find it imposing and annoying because it feels uneasy and forceful.In my experiences relating to religion I have realised that many people try to impose culture as religion in order to give their thoughts credibility, such as their thoughts over gender or social values.

My Response -
I agree that preaching about religion is wrong. People are born with a faith and if they don't like it they will take that step into finding one they do like. If you believe in something this is fine but don't push it onto people that are trying to do their shopping. Religion is a good thing. I also have respect for people who have alot of faith, i sometimes wish i had more. People are all different and what they choose to believe in is their choice
I think most people think like this but the extremists go to far.There is no need to stand in a shopping center and force people to lisen to you. If they really wanted to join that religion they woulnd find out about it by themselves. I have noticed conversion is on the up as of late but i'm sure that is a result of people taking that step themselves, and not being forced.

Bandits And Outlaws

When I hear the words ‘bandits and outlaws’ I immediately think of men on horses running towards a train and robbing it. Or many a sandy piece of paper with the words ‘WANTED’ on it. I guess this is because these words are no longer used to describe criminals today. Bandits and outlaws are usually people who are on the run indefinitely and commit crime after crime without getting caught. Sometimes they are said to be standing up for the little guy too. Lets take Robin Hood for example. He stole from the rich to give to the poor. Now I never really think of Robin Hood as a bandit or outlaw because he is such a well know figure today, but he was. Everyone knows who Robin Hood is though and he is thought of as the good guy. Someone I didn’t know that well was Jesse James. I’d heard his name and saw films with his name in the TV guide without actually watching them, but I never really knew anything about him. Just the fact he was a bandit/outlaw. In the lesson I learned he was a popular American outlaw with a social conscience, he was a bank/train robber and he had the image of standing up for the little guy. He was not a product of the Wild West, he didn’t come from a poor family and he was quite political. I think people like Robin Hood, who did bad things for good reasons, do have a danger of glamorising criminal behaviour. I guess it depends how bad the thing is that the person is doing to help the poor. Stealing is very different from killing for example. Villains become heroes when they do something the public approve of. This shows it is possible for a bad guy to be a good guy if he has the right intentions.
Heres a great link for info about bandits and outlaws - http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WE-Outlaws.html

Lying with integrity

Lying is always seen a wrong. Even when it is used with good intentions like when mothers lie to children about Father Christmas. This was discussed in class and while some thought it was okay to lie to kids about Santa others thought it was wrong because of the disappointment they would suffer when they found out the truth. But why do people lie? Everybody lies. Whether it is a little white lie or a hugely dishonest one – we all do it. Why? I don’t really know. People usually lie in situations so they don’t get in trouble. Unless you’re lying for someone lying is usually something only beneficial to you. You lie because you have something to gain. If you are telling a lie, like for example you cheated on your partner but you say you didn’t, I think it all comes down to respect. The backbone of it is you don’t have enough respect for that person to tell the truth.
However lying is used in everyday life. It isn’t just used in very serious situations.
When you play a prank on someone you’re lying to them.
When you’re off in your own world and your friend is talking to you and you nod and say ‘I’m listening’ - you’re lying to them.
It’s as common as anything. Sometimes it’s essential. A scene in the film ‘Liar Lair’ illustrates this point well. There’s a scene where the main protagonist is asked if he likes his boss. Like most people he doesn’t but then he is put in a situation where he is asked in front of his boss what he thinks of him. Not being able to lie he tells the boss exactly what he really thinks of him and it is not too polite. But in real life you have to lie in a situation like this to keep your job. You can’t just sit there with a man that can make or break your career and say ‘well actually I think you’re quite a loser’
When it comes down to it lying it something everyone does and always will do. Sometimes it’s so natural it’s a reflex. It would be nice to live in a world where nobody lies but it isn’t going to happen. I don’t think lying is good because it always comes back to bite you in the bottom. You either get caught out or the guilt makes you throw up. It’s best to be honest because once you tell one lie, and have to keep it going, it becomes a full time job.

Heres a site that tells you the 7 signs yo wheather a person is lying to you - http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/06/29/the_top_seven_signs_that_someone_is_lying_to_you.htm

Reply To Mark Preston

What Mark Said -
Starting the lecture with a prayer was certainly a good way of grabbing the attention of the audience, whether they approved of it or not. The prayer itself was also very specific, excluding all faiths but Christianity and mentioning men being the ‘knowledge seekers’ it made many people feel uncomfortable, segregated even annoyed. The reason for this soon became apparent as George explained the main topic behind the lecture was to test peoples reactions to religion and see if there was a point in which a person became ‘too religious’. The lecture itself turned out to be highly interesting, looking into various sections of religion including cults and the overall role of the church.

My Response-
Yes i agree starting the lecture with a prayer was a bit of a shock. To be honest i didn't know how to feel. Some people got angry becasue they felt they were forced to pray but because i was so suprised i didn't have time to form any other emotions. And i agree with what you picked up on about the pray only being concerned with Christians. That was highly unusual in such a multicultural society. It was a good tactic to get a reaction out of us though. I agree it was a intertesting lecture. It was thought provoking.

Reply to Megan Hellowell

What Megan said -
The week two discussion was all about smoking, which in all honesty isn't something I know much about. When asked to write down my own experiences with smoking, all I could think of was:Er... I've never smoked. My mum used to, but she gave up before I was born, and my nan gave up when my dad died.That was it. Not "I tried it once and saw a giant purple fox, then figured I'd best not do it again", I've never tried it. I guess it just doesn't appeal to me. I think it scares me slightly that my dad didn't really smoke or drink and had a heart attack and died at the age of 47, so I don't wish to give myself even LESS of a chance by smoking.I can't say it bothers me if people smoke, I'd rather they didn't, but at the end of the day it's their choice.Also, glancing over my notes just now, when asked what "cool" was, I appear to have written:COOL = SLASHin big letters at the top of the page. Hmmm... That'd make me a good anti-smoking campaigner... Has Slash (if you don't know who Slash is, you must DIE. Or listen to more Guns N Roses anyway) ever been seen without a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth as he plays? If he has, I've not seen it. Not that that's what makes him cool, but you know what I mean. Just look at him!Look me in the eye and tell me that's not cool personified!Anyway, smoking, wasn't it? Got kinda... distracted... by Slash there...I can't think of much more I can say, not being a smoker and not having a strong opinion on it... Um... What about the smoking in public places ban? Good or bad? I can imagine you can ask someone if they smoke or not and automatically know what their opinion is from that, can't you really? I was always anti-smoking when I was younger, I think it was drilled into my brain by my family, none of them really smoking since before I was born, apart from my nan, who gave up when I was 11, but I think as time's gone on I've sort of given up caring. If people want to smoke themselves to death, let them do it. As long as they enjoy themselves doing it, you can't really judge them. It's like saying people can't eat chocolate cos one day it MAY give you cancer. You can't live in fear of what MAY happen. Well, you can, but if you do, I'm fairly sure you'll die pretty young, as EVERYTHING is bad for you now... Oh well.

My Response -
Yes firstly i agree about Slash looking effortlessly cool with a cigarette in his mouth. You did go off on a tangent about him but you are forgiven as he does rock.But he IS sending out a bad image that smoking is cool (even if he doesn't mean to) when it is not. I also agree with what you said about it being people's choice wheather they want to smoke becasue the warnings are EVERYWHERE that it is bad for you and will kill you - but people do not lisen. Like you said i had it drilled into my brain when i was young that smoking was bad for you. I have ashma though (did i spell that wrong, don't even know my own problem!) so smoking was a big no no anyway. I don't like smoking though so even if i was healthy as a horse i would still not smoke. What's the point? xx

The internet

Now we all think the internet is a wonderful thing, but is it? It certainly makes life easier for businesses and school work. Information is avaliable easily and anyone can access it.


Problems start to arise when people take advantage of the internet. For example some people use it for scams or to harm others. In the news recently there was a story of a young girl who went into one of those chat rooms and 'fell in love' with this guy in America. So thinking all was nice and fine she arrangd to meet him when he was in England on holiday and...he turned out to be a horrible dirty old man. Now i'm not saying all people on the internet do this but it is incredible how much the internet has affected us.


In this university the internet is used alot. Now people like me hate this as i do not have access to the internet at home so it's a real pain, but alot love it. It's even got to the point where pen and paper are becoming redudant. Forshame.


I'm not against the internet - i love it - i just think it is way to relyed on in this day and age. And as i write this (on the internet) i wonder what do you think? You see - we're not discussing topics in class face to face - it's all on the computer. Ah the digital age
This is a good site if you need help with the net. It has lots of useful links. - http://www.refdesk.com/help.html

This is a good site for internet safety. Especially if you have chidren - http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html

The Demon Drink

So fancy a drink?
As we covered smoking quite early on in the being bad topic I thought it appropriate to mention its best friend. Drink. Now I admit I do drink and so do a lot of people I know, but I don’t really drink that often. I don’t sit at home shaking with a bottle in one hand and a shotgun in the other. No. I mostly drink when I go out with mates. It’s the only time it’s necessary for me. Go out and get pissed.
Now I’ve never know anyone who had a drink problem, but when I see it in the media it’s usually connected to escapism and the old saying ‘the answer to life’s problems aren’t at the bottom of a bottle’ (insert the correct saying I know that’s a bit messed). Advertisements for drink awareness have been getting darker as the years have gone on. Especially for drink driving. The makers have mainly tried to get their point across by really showing the reality of what can happen if you drink and drive, and this mainly involves showing the blood. These adverts may be hard to watch but I think they are necessary to get the point across. There was also one about ‘drinking to much alcohol can make you feel invincible’ and I think that one was realty hard hitting too. In my opinion I think drinking is okay as long as it’s in moderation. I don’t practically enjoy it when people get really plastered. (Mainly because I’m the one holding their hair back as they hurl) but that much drink is not needed to have a good time. Think of your liver!!!!!!

Here's a good site to keep you drink aware - http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/