Friday 20 February 2009

Historicity of things

"The historical conception of things rejects of necessity a creator of the world, while accepting creators and creation within the world. The world as a whole when viewed historically is self-creative. If, indeed, we take God to mean no more than the creative impulse by which the world goes its restless way in time, in this sense there is indeed a Creator God. This is not, however, the sense which commonly attaches to the notion of a Creator God, if only because it implies that the creator is himself created along with his world. We are involved otherwise in all the mystery of a God who can foresee the history of the world, and this, if history is history, is self contradictory." (The historicity of things, S. Alexander circa. 1939)

Friday 13 February 2009

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Manners

Manners matter. Not being matter makes some issues less noticable. Things that have opened doors and aided us for centuries should not be dropped, but should be encouraged. A Yorkshireperson has manners as distinguished as their morals. What goes around comes around on this Earth and there is no greater reward for good than good. At times i question what things i should mention, at others there is no doubt. To travel far opens doors, as for me it's important that my countrymen and countrywomen command the respect they have been given as British citizens.

Thursday 5 February 2009

Regret

Regret is a useless emotion. ignorance, well, that's different. The Japanese have a concept known as 'Kaizen'. it is a philosophy of continual improvement. things happen, but, they cannot happen any other way, and it should be obvious how ridiculous it is considering the ideas of what should have been, or what 'should have' been done. However, to move forward without regard or retrospect for the past is ignorant and blind. Perhaps, a good way to appreciate a given situation is like a knife and it's condition. A sharp knife will cut clean, straight and through, it is only this because it is prepared and ready, the best it can be for a given situation. Pablo Picasso said when asked:
"How do you create the perfect painting?"
"Well that's simple. Make yourself perfect, then paint as normal."
furthermore, when things do not conclude as you might have planned them to, maybe you should relax in the knowledge that they rarely do, as Robert Burns suggested in 1785:
"But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!"



Monday 2 February 2009

Footprints

i myself have been using skateparks for over 10 years and i think it is an excellent investment for young people to take up a sport or lifestyle that will help them develop their bodies and their minds. as a rollerblader and skateboarder i am part of an international community of like minded talented individuals. what does irritate me is that some councils spend thousands of pounds building some skateparks as cheap as humanly possible. drilling a hole in the concrete to solve poor drainage issues makes about as much sense as going to an indian restaurant and ordering a burger and chips.

the young gentlemen informs me "they put a hole here somewhere"


today i walked 6 miles in the fresh cool crisp air. educated three students in the use of superior firepower and guerilla technique during a snowball fight. made winter photographs, then drank tea and discussed the 21st century with my Uncle. we agreed that certain things are rather good, like walking, England, Scotland and drinking tea. Happy Birthday Graham.