Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 23
June 20, 2021
Crystal Radio.
Thinking back to a momentous event at school, it is with some nostalgia that I recall the day my science teacher proclaimed our task for the next week. The objective would be constructing a crystal radio.
I, like many of the other students had never built anything like it before but the idea, I have to say appealed very much. The device comprised of a rectangular wooden base and fixed at right angle, a clear Perspex front. For the coil, a cardboard tube was used and thin coated copper wire tightly wound around nearly the length of the tube. When finished, the coil was coated with varnish. A hole was made in the Perspex for the shaft of the tuning capacitor and a nob fixed on to the outside. In the circuit was placed, what in modern terms would be a signal diode, which does the important job of ensuring the signal flows in one direction.
The very name crystal radio comes from using a crystal to do the same job as the signal diode. Ear phones were included in the circuit that I made, and either side of the coil was the aerial and a good earth.
I have factually mentioned the items above to indicate the process involved in constructing a basic radio device, but in actual fact the attaining and constructing part of the build, contains a certain type of excitement. To have any chance of successfully constructing a serviceable device, a much more detailed program of instruction could of course be sought, but for me, the one we involved ourselves in making was quite some neat feat.
The feeling of accomplishment in making that crystal radio can not be overstated, because for me once a working set has been built, it made the theoretical a practical possibility.
I, like many of the other students had never built anything like it before but the idea, I have to say appealed very much. The device comprised of a rectangular wooden base and fixed at right angle, a clear Perspex front. For the coil, a cardboard tube was used and thin coated copper wire tightly wound around nearly the length of the tube. When finished, the coil was coated with varnish. A hole was made in the Perspex for the shaft of the tuning capacitor and a nob fixed on to the outside. In the circuit was placed, what in modern terms would be a signal diode, which does the important job of ensuring the signal flows in one direction.
The very name crystal radio comes from using a crystal to do the same job as the signal diode. Ear phones were included in the circuit that I made, and either side of the coil was the aerial and a good earth.
I have factually mentioned the items above to indicate the process involved in constructing a basic radio device, but in actual fact the attaining and constructing part of the build, contains a certain type of excitement. To have any chance of successfully constructing a serviceable device, a much more detailed program of instruction could of course be sought, but for me, the one we involved ourselves in making was quite some neat feat.
The feeling of accomplishment in making that crystal radio can not be overstated, because for me once a working set has been built, it made the theoretical a practical possibility.
June 14, 2021
Existence.
Existence is an interesting phenomenon. A particular view for example, could be formed by observing Australia's Great Barrier reef, it can be seen from space and is the largest natural living structure on Earth. The coral is formed by millions of small polyps that are actually forms of sea life between jelly fish and anemones. They have a skeleton structure made of calcium carbonate that on their death this forms the structure of the reef.
The White Cliffs of Dover England are formed by a mixture of calcite shells and single celled plants by the name of coccolithophores, which is a type of algae that was present on the sea floor. The formation of the cliffs took about one hundred million years, and it took that long for what once was the sea floor to become towering cliffs.
The realty is existence has no intention and things survive because they can. Things that have naturally survived can develop intention to increase its ability to survive and shape its environment.
The beaver is an industrious example of shaping its environment by building dams and constructing its floating lodge, that are found in the middle of the pond. The purpose of the dam is to provide water deep enough for security and the lodge is constructed with entrances that are underwater.
The Great Wall of China built two thousand seven hundred years ago, was constructed with the intention for defence against invaders. This is an impressive monument and example to highlight the significant altering the environment.
To keep things simple, the human race has evolved through interbreeding with early hominids and through their demise there is left one species. However, to continue to exist there is no reason that humans after millions of years and physical separation would through natural selection become new diverse forms of life.
No, I have not been watching too many Star Trek shows. The mechanism of evolution is isolation and genetic inheritance of specific traits, that in time will cause a species that no longer can interbreed with the original form of life.
Existence is required before the ability of intension can be developed and utilised.
Life is a specific form of existence that came about by a very long process of change from one form of substance to the next. It is profound and an awesome prospect for consideration.
The White Cliffs of Dover England are formed by a mixture of calcite shells and single celled plants by the name of coccolithophores, which is a type of algae that was present on the sea floor. The formation of the cliffs took about one hundred million years, and it took that long for what once was the sea floor to become towering cliffs.
The realty is existence has no intention and things survive because they can. Things that have naturally survived can develop intention to increase its ability to survive and shape its environment.
The beaver is an industrious example of shaping its environment by building dams and constructing its floating lodge, that are found in the middle of the pond. The purpose of the dam is to provide water deep enough for security and the lodge is constructed with entrances that are underwater.
The Great Wall of China built two thousand seven hundred years ago, was constructed with the intention for defence against invaders. This is an impressive monument and example to highlight the significant altering the environment.
To keep things simple, the human race has evolved through interbreeding with early hominids and through their demise there is left one species. However, to continue to exist there is no reason that humans after millions of years and physical separation would through natural selection become new diverse forms of life.
No, I have not been watching too many Star Trek shows. The mechanism of evolution is isolation and genetic inheritance of specific traits, that in time will cause a species that no longer can interbreed with the original form of life.
Existence is required before the ability of intension can be developed and utilised.
Life is a specific form of existence that came about by a very long process of change from one form of substance to the next. It is profound and an awesome prospect for consideration.
June 6, 2021
Bird Bath.
I have found something simple but significant, it is a great delight and it is the bird bath located in my back garden. Sometimes the bowl disappears from view as it is obscured by so many birds fluttering their wings and causing a virtual spray, a natural water feature and a cascade for other birds surrounding the bath on the ground. Behind the birdbath is a large leafy multi branched tree and within its protection other small birds seem to be waiting there in turn to join the festivities, each eagerly anticipating when a place becomes vacant around the birdbath. There is a constant sound of birds tweeting happily and the rays of sunlight bathe the whole area in brilliant glory.
At one time I used to visit a nearby common that had large water areas that were used by small model boat enthusiasts. Their craft had remote control capabilities and it was fascinating watching small vessels navigate their way around the pond. Little puffs of smoke would drift from the tiny chimney stacks on the vessels, enhancing the miniature spectacle of powered water transport. Some of the crafts, had sails as well as a small engine, and that would be necessary to return the vehicle to its owner.
My grandmother lived in a small village surrounded by open fields and up a country single track road there was a hump back bridge over a shallow stream. I used to explore the surrounding countryside and to one side of the country road, there was a field which I began to cross. I noticed that there was an extremely strong smell of the countryside and the reason was evident as scattered across the field were cow pats. A glance to one side of the field told me that I was not alone. My companion or I should say companions, were showing an interest in me and were coming in my direction. I quickly ran to the fence and climbed over into the woods.
As I made my way through the trees I could hear a haunting repetitive call of a bird. In some places the sunlight disappeared and on looking up, the shadows of trees seemed to take on a life of their own. Eventually I came to a clearing and sat down for a short rest. After a few minutes I noticed something moving at the base of a tree, that was facing me. A stag beetle. It was the biggest beetle I have ever seen. It was black, except for the wing cases and the large antler like mandibles that were a sort of dark red. I tried to keep quiet but it suddenly became aware of my presence and disappeared into the ground, below the tree’s roots.
Nature is a treasure trove of spectacles that can entertain and educate, if we are wiling to share the planet’s resources. Of course there is another side to nature that is harsh and unforgiving but that does not mean we should add to the destruction of the natural habitat that our exquisite wildlife depends on.
At one time I used to visit a nearby common that had large water areas that were used by small model boat enthusiasts. Their craft had remote control capabilities and it was fascinating watching small vessels navigate their way around the pond. Little puffs of smoke would drift from the tiny chimney stacks on the vessels, enhancing the miniature spectacle of powered water transport. Some of the crafts, had sails as well as a small engine, and that would be necessary to return the vehicle to its owner.
My grandmother lived in a small village surrounded by open fields and up a country single track road there was a hump back bridge over a shallow stream. I used to explore the surrounding countryside and to one side of the country road, there was a field which I began to cross. I noticed that there was an extremely strong smell of the countryside and the reason was evident as scattered across the field were cow pats. A glance to one side of the field told me that I was not alone. My companion or I should say companions, were showing an interest in me and were coming in my direction. I quickly ran to the fence and climbed over into the woods.
As I made my way through the trees I could hear a haunting repetitive call of a bird. In some places the sunlight disappeared and on looking up, the shadows of trees seemed to take on a life of their own. Eventually I came to a clearing and sat down for a short rest. After a few minutes I noticed something moving at the base of a tree, that was facing me. A stag beetle. It was the biggest beetle I have ever seen. It was black, except for the wing cases and the large antler like mandibles that were a sort of dark red. I tried to keep quiet but it suddenly became aware of my presence and disappeared into the ground, below the tree’s roots.
Nature is a treasure trove of spectacles that can entertain and educate, if we are wiling to share the planet’s resources. Of course there is another side to nature that is harsh and unforgiving but that does not mean we should add to the destruction of the natural habitat that our exquisite wildlife depends on.
May 30, 2021
Confirmation Bias.
Confirmation bias is one of those things that once identified seems so obvious. Even though it might be widely acknowledged yet stubbornly it can persist, all the way from seemingly small examples, to life influencing and shaping thought about it.
In many scenarios initial acknowledgement and first impression acceptance can lead to misinterpretation. Take this instance whereby a friend after getting a new car, was amazed at how many cars of the same colour they began to notice. It appeared that the colour of their car was the most popular, but was that really the case? In actual fact on checking the facts, it was not, but it just goes to show how easily on first impression one can believe something that is not true.
The type of contentious beliefs could include the age of the universe, as well as the earth being denoted as flat or round. Evolution and Creation beliefs are one arena which appears to be in constant arrears, whereby evidence that conflicts with already established ideas are occasionally rejected in favour of dogma.
I think all ideas, even long historically held beliefs should be independent of the majority view. The reason to accept them individually is if they are based on logical reality.
Of course there are some things that have no positive proof at this moment in time but it is fascinating to speculate the possibility of their existence.
Are their aliens scattered throughout the Universe? I like to think there are. I back this thought up with the facts that each scientific discovery points to increasing the likelihood of life in other places than Earth. In my own lifetime the Universe has transformed for me. In terms of knowledge, it has gone from a few galaxies to there being more stars than individual grains of sand on all the beaches of Earth. However, I believe that the chances of contact from other alien life forms are getting less likely for the simple reason that the Universe is inflating at an incredible rate and the physical distance is growing all the time. Another point is life does not have to gain technical capabilities for communication in order to exist. That still leaves the possibility that aliens are all ready here but choose not to reveal themselves.
My bias for belief in the possibility of aliens is in the present day understanding of scientific knowledge but that could change with new scientific discoveries. It is so easy to form beliefs that come from first impression but to have a true understanding of reality one has to check the foundations of why one believes something in the first place.
In many scenarios initial acknowledgement and first impression acceptance can lead to misinterpretation. Take this instance whereby a friend after getting a new car, was amazed at how many cars of the same colour they began to notice. It appeared that the colour of their car was the most popular, but was that really the case? In actual fact on checking the facts, it was not, but it just goes to show how easily on first impression one can believe something that is not true.
The type of contentious beliefs could include the age of the universe, as well as the earth being denoted as flat or round. Evolution and Creation beliefs are one arena which appears to be in constant arrears, whereby evidence that conflicts with already established ideas are occasionally rejected in favour of dogma.
I think all ideas, even long historically held beliefs should be independent of the majority view. The reason to accept them individually is if they are based on logical reality.
Of course there are some things that have no positive proof at this moment in time but it is fascinating to speculate the possibility of their existence.
Are their aliens scattered throughout the Universe? I like to think there are. I back this thought up with the facts that each scientific discovery points to increasing the likelihood of life in other places than Earth. In my own lifetime the Universe has transformed for me. In terms of knowledge, it has gone from a few galaxies to there being more stars than individual grains of sand on all the beaches of Earth. However, I believe that the chances of contact from other alien life forms are getting less likely for the simple reason that the Universe is inflating at an incredible rate and the physical distance is growing all the time. Another point is life does not have to gain technical capabilities for communication in order to exist. That still leaves the possibility that aliens are all ready here but choose not to reveal themselves.
My bias for belief in the possibility of aliens is in the present day understanding of scientific knowledge but that could change with new scientific discoveries. It is so easy to form beliefs that come from first impression but to have a true understanding of reality one has to check the foundations of why one believes something in the first place.
May 24, 2021
Origin of Humans.
Have you ever wondered, how we humans have come into being what we are today? We have in our power the ability to explore our environment and also the potential to annihilate most living organisms. We posses the talent to organise and feel comparison, yet wage endless wars.
Let’s start at the beginning. It has been recorded that twenty million years ago, a creature called Proconsul lived in the trees and fed off fruit and leaves. There were other varying species that varied in size and they clambered through the safety of the trees, moving from one branch of a tree to the next. When on the ground these species walked with open flat hands and their limbs were all the same size. Fossils suggest they were non aggressive and this may have helped with their capability to developing reason.
Ten million years ago, the temperature became extremely cold and trees became scarce thus forcing the Proconsul to move on to the ground and to move about on all four limbs. This state of affairs was to change in about four million years when Ardipithecus came on the scene. Ardipithecus possessed hands that were between human and ape, plus they walked on two legs and had arms that were knee height. The terrain at that time became a boundless savannah and the new home for Ardipithecus who evidenced the physical traits of both apes and humans.
As each species appeared there is factual evidence of an increase in brain size and the aesthetics altering, such as a protruding muzzle receding. Over time the forehead and eyes of developing species became more recognizable to modern humans.
The progress of evolution is not in a straight line. So at times there are various lines of different development. At about two million years go Homo Habilis has the first claim to human creative development. It is possible they may have had knowledge of making fire and have historically gained the nickname of handymen, possibly because of their useful ability to make tools and fashion wood.
At about one point five million years ago, a new development appeared in that of the Homo Augusta. A new era of man turned hunter as he used spears and other weapons on all forms of life. He also set about exploring his environment.
Homo heidelbergensis possessed the same brain size as modern man. They buried their dead and created art. They used their reason to build shelters and protect themselves. They lived about two hundred thousand to six hundred thousand years ago.
The most recent example of competing species of humans are represented by the Neanderthals. They lived about forty thousand years ago, and it is not clear what happened to them. Their DNA is evidence that Neanderthals and humans interbred and there are several branches of human like species such as the Denisovan which too could have bred with Neanderthals and humans.
Another group of early humans is the Homo floresiensis nicknamed the hobbit as they lived on an island about fifty thousand years ago. The hobbit refers to the fact they would have been fully grown at three foot seven inches tall.
One fascinating thought, is there another hominid that could have bred with early humans? Perhaps one or maybe more, but of which we have no fossil records to evidence that it took place? The mechanism of evolution is adaption for survival. If there is no need for change, then a species will stay generally the same. Individually there is constant variation and a competitor for survival will favour a more advantageous development and we know from both science and history that over long periods of time the individuals with a better rate of survival will dictate the course of evolution for that species.
Let’s start at the beginning. It has been recorded that twenty million years ago, a creature called Proconsul lived in the trees and fed off fruit and leaves. There were other varying species that varied in size and they clambered through the safety of the trees, moving from one branch of a tree to the next. When on the ground these species walked with open flat hands and their limbs were all the same size. Fossils suggest they were non aggressive and this may have helped with their capability to developing reason.
Ten million years ago, the temperature became extremely cold and trees became scarce thus forcing the Proconsul to move on to the ground and to move about on all four limbs. This state of affairs was to change in about four million years when Ardipithecus came on the scene. Ardipithecus possessed hands that were between human and ape, plus they walked on two legs and had arms that were knee height. The terrain at that time became a boundless savannah and the new home for Ardipithecus who evidenced the physical traits of both apes and humans.
As each species appeared there is factual evidence of an increase in brain size and the aesthetics altering, such as a protruding muzzle receding. Over time the forehead and eyes of developing species became more recognizable to modern humans.
The progress of evolution is not in a straight line. So at times there are various lines of different development. At about two million years go Homo Habilis has the first claim to human creative development. It is possible they may have had knowledge of making fire and have historically gained the nickname of handymen, possibly because of their useful ability to make tools and fashion wood.
At about one point five million years ago, a new development appeared in that of the Homo Augusta. A new era of man turned hunter as he used spears and other weapons on all forms of life. He also set about exploring his environment.
Homo heidelbergensis possessed the same brain size as modern man. They buried their dead and created art. They used their reason to build shelters and protect themselves. They lived about two hundred thousand to six hundred thousand years ago.
The most recent example of competing species of humans are represented by the Neanderthals. They lived about forty thousand years ago, and it is not clear what happened to them. Their DNA is evidence that Neanderthals and humans interbred and there are several branches of human like species such as the Denisovan which too could have bred with Neanderthals and humans.
Another group of early humans is the Homo floresiensis nicknamed the hobbit as they lived on an island about fifty thousand years ago. The hobbit refers to the fact they would have been fully grown at three foot seven inches tall.
One fascinating thought, is there another hominid that could have bred with early humans? Perhaps one or maybe more, but of which we have no fossil records to evidence that it took place? The mechanism of evolution is adaption for survival. If there is no need for change, then a species will stay generally the same. Individually there is constant variation and a competitor for survival will favour a more advantageous development and we know from both science and history that over long periods of time the individuals with a better rate of survival will dictate the course of evolution for that species.
May 16, 2021
Fear Factor.
I like films and stories that can really involve you in the action and leave you with a satisfied feeling of enjoyment. Does that mean for a horror film, there has to be loads of blood and gore? To be quite honest, personally that is a real turn off. The psychological build up of identifying with the characters and involvement of the plot, plus a timely element for a conclusion and of course a subtle twist, is for me sure to be a delight.
The nightmare scenario is going from being a passive watcher to becoming the real dinner of the feast of activity. The very thought of this starts the urge to suppress the troubling scenes, but that is no longer an option, as escape is impossible. The subconscious mind is unable to analyse reality from suggestion and once imagination takes control, just enjoy what there is to come.
Why do I, like most people, enjoy scaring myself? Could it be the sense of relief on returning to normality that is so reassuring.
Life itself has a prospect that can involve fear and it perhaps surpasses all the horror films ever thought of throughout history. There are plenty of horrifying true to life scenarios, as in for instance the fragility of so many human concepts held dear and the juxtaposition of more psychological notions or trait inspired behaviour.
Personally, the fear factor for me is closely linked with significant issues that influence who I am, what I do and how I go about life. Fears can be extremely individual but when the film industry tackles this hugely motivating market it can lead to all sorts of different and contrasting ideas of what truly scares someone.
The fear factor could translate into a multitude of possibilities, for example if you are of the more true to the actual persuasion and not surreal perception, the likelihood of losing one’s identity or feeling of control due to the reduction of mental ability. The good news is that unlike an observer of a horror film, you are in charge of how the action plays out and in terms of positive action, you can vastly influence the theme. Stimulating the mind has beneficial results and while I do like a good dip into the fear factor on occasion, I also balance this out with mental health entertainment involving such mind games as Tetris or Sudoku, as motivating the mind in all sorts of positive ways can really make a difference and provide a fun form of engagement too.
The nightmare scenario is going from being a passive watcher to becoming the real dinner of the feast of activity. The very thought of this starts the urge to suppress the troubling scenes, but that is no longer an option, as escape is impossible. The subconscious mind is unable to analyse reality from suggestion and once imagination takes control, just enjoy what there is to come.
Why do I, like most people, enjoy scaring myself? Could it be the sense of relief on returning to normality that is so reassuring.
Life itself has a prospect that can involve fear and it perhaps surpasses all the horror films ever thought of throughout history. There are plenty of horrifying true to life scenarios, as in for instance the fragility of so many human concepts held dear and the juxtaposition of more psychological notions or trait inspired behaviour.
Personally, the fear factor for me is closely linked with significant issues that influence who I am, what I do and how I go about life. Fears can be extremely individual but when the film industry tackles this hugely motivating market it can lead to all sorts of different and contrasting ideas of what truly scares someone.
The fear factor could translate into a multitude of possibilities, for example if you are of the more true to the actual persuasion and not surreal perception, the likelihood of losing one’s identity or feeling of control due to the reduction of mental ability. The good news is that unlike an observer of a horror film, you are in charge of how the action plays out and in terms of positive action, you can vastly influence the theme. Stimulating the mind has beneficial results and while I do like a good dip into the fear factor on occasion, I also balance this out with mental health entertainment involving such mind games as Tetris or Sudoku, as motivating the mind in all sorts of positive ways can really make a difference and provide a fun form of engagement too.
May 10, 2021
Animal Variations.
The details and vibrancy of life in general can be interesting, especially when noticing facts about the contrasts and comparisons that can exist in that of animal variations.
Did you know that whales and dolphins are mammals and can easily be recognised by the fact that their tail fin is horizontal, they breathe air and give birth directly to offspring. When it comes to separating moths and butterflies, the moths generally park their wings horizontally and the butterflies vertically. The antenna of the butterfly is long and club shaped at the end whereas
the moth’s antenna is shorter and feathered on the side. Moths also are more frail and prone to damage if touched. It is believed the wide variety of colours of butterflies may be due to the benefit of camouflage. I personally have been prone to confusion over seeing white butterflies against certain backdrops, as the flower of vegetation can similarly be white and that is when the skill of camouflage can really become displayed. The beauty of these white winged forms of wildlife, when they have been clearly visible against the green vegetation in my garden, has been a most artistic worthy example of natural contrast.
Bats evolved more than fifty two million years ago and surprisingly are in actual fact, mammals. Their ability to fly is due to flaps of skin stretched to their forelimbs. The bat is the only mammal that can truly fly. Although called a Flying Squirrel, this particular name for a mammal could be debated as a little bit of an overstatement. The Flying Squirrel can not actually fly in the bird way of things but in actual fact glides, by using additional and stretched flaps of skin.
Adapting and altering appearance to mimic that of another creature is a neat ability and exhibited brilliantly, none more so than in the Rainforest Caterpillar. Their markings can resemble the head of a snake and they can be very effective in scaring predators away. Perhaps the master of mimicry is the octopus, that has the ability to change colour and form too, not only to blend into its background but copy the form of other creatures.
The critical point of existence is surviving long enough to perpetuate your species and there is no limit to the methods necessary to obtain that goal. It is such a joy to dip into the world of wonder and intrigue that Mother Nature has to accomplish for this very resplendent task and to marvel at all the comparisons and contrasts that can occur in such a multitude of settings.
Did you know that whales and dolphins are mammals and can easily be recognised by the fact that their tail fin is horizontal, they breathe air and give birth directly to offspring. When it comes to separating moths and butterflies, the moths generally park their wings horizontally and the butterflies vertically. The antenna of the butterfly is long and club shaped at the end whereas
the moth’s antenna is shorter and feathered on the side. Moths also are more frail and prone to damage if touched. It is believed the wide variety of colours of butterflies may be due to the benefit of camouflage. I personally have been prone to confusion over seeing white butterflies against certain backdrops, as the flower of vegetation can similarly be white and that is when the skill of camouflage can really become displayed. The beauty of these white winged forms of wildlife, when they have been clearly visible against the green vegetation in my garden, has been a most artistic worthy example of natural contrast.
Bats evolved more than fifty two million years ago and surprisingly are in actual fact, mammals. Their ability to fly is due to flaps of skin stretched to their forelimbs. The bat is the only mammal that can truly fly. Although called a Flying Squirrel, this particular name for a mammal could be debated as a little bit of an overstatement. The Flying Squirrel can not actually fly in the bird way of things but in actual fact glides, by using additional and stretched flaps of skin.
Adapting and altering appearance to mimic that of another creature is a neat ability and exhibited brilliantly, none more so than in the Rainforest Caterpillar. Their markings can resemble the head of a snake and they can be very effective in scaring predators away. Perhaps the master of mimicry is the octopus, that has the ability to change colour and form too, not only to blend into its background but copy the form of other creatures.
The critical point of existence is surviving long enough to perpetuate your species and there is no limit to the methods necessary to obtain that goal. It is such a joy to dip into the world of wonder and intrigue that Mother Nature has to accomplish for this very resplendent task and to marvel at all the comparisons and contrasts that can occur in such a multitude of settings.
May 3, 2021
Speeches.
Insightful and impactful, of all the most moving speeches I have learnt about or heard, the following are a few of the most interesting that come to mind.
First I am torn between Martin Luther King’s poignant I have a dream and although a maybe not so well known but incredibly significant, Emily Pankhurst impassioned Freedom or death speech, both given while in America. These two speeches were concerned with human dignity and release from oppression. Much earlier in the British House of Parliament William Wilberforce stated that people should not take for granted their present state of freedom as the slave trade was a blot on western human values, and for me collectively these words echo a plight for liberty and a sentiment for human equality.
In time of conflict and when stakes are high, arguably a rousing address to rally your troops is a major part of a subsequent success or defeat. Creating a motivational moment and making history, Queen Elizabeth and the first speech to the troops at Tilbury in 1588 was made in preparation to repel the Spanish Armada. She proclaimed to be a women with the heart of a king.
During the Second World War and at the time of military despair, Sir Winston Churchill rallied moral with the famous We shall fight on the beaches. After the Battle of Britain he made the speech Never was so much owed by so many to so few and this was aptly as the RAF had successfully repelled the invading forces.
The Gettysburg Speech was a few months after the turning point of the American Civil War whereby a great loss of life on both sides, had just taken place. Abraham Lincoln in a short but meaningful dedication to the fallen combatants, through words managed to portray the epic struggle for the direction of the USA and in his speech he stated the ideals of liberty but simultaneously conveyed in many practical ways, that there still was a journey to complete.
The word may be mightier than the sword, but it needs the will to proclaim those words, the basis for being able to provide a resolve to withstand opposing forces and the stirring for ultimate achievement.
First I am torn between Martin Luther King’s poignant I have a dream and although a maybe not so well known but incredibly significant, Emily Pankhurst impassioned Freedom or death speech, both given while in America. These two speeches were concerned with human dignity and release from oppression. Much earlier in the British House of Parliament William Wilberforce stated that people should not take for granted their present state of freedom as the slave trade was a blot on western human values, and for me collectively these words echo a plight for liberty and a sentiment for human equality.
In time of conflict and when stakes are high, arguably a rousing address to rally your troops is a major part of a subsequent success or defeat. Creating a motivational moment and making history, Queen Elizabeth and the first speech to the troops at Tilbury in 1588 was made in preparation to repel the Spanish Armada. She proclaimed to be a women with the heart of a king.
During the Second World War and at the time of military despair, Sir Winston Churchill rallied moral with the famous We shall fight on the beaches. After the Battle of Britain he made the speech Never was so much owed by so many to so few and this was aptly as the RAF had successfully repelled the invading forces.
The Gettysburg Speech was a few months after the turning point of the American Civil War whereby a great loss of life on both sides, had just taken place. Abraham Lincoln in a short but meaningful dedication to the fallen combatants, through words managed to portray the epic struggle for the direction of the USA and in his speech he stated the ideals of liberty but simultaneously conveyed in many practical ways, that there still was a journey to complete.
The word may be mightier than the sword, but it needs the will to proclaim those words, the basis for being able to provide a resolve to withstand opposing forces and the stirring for ultimate achievement.
April 26, 2021
Animal Associations.
Most people might be familiar with everyday names for groups of animals. Dropping them into conservations or hearing about them from an early age, the colourful and varied collections of animal collective nouns could well have been a part of your childhood memories of growing up. However, set on a bit of a mission of my own making and completely for a different reason, I stumbled upon a few of the perhaps lesser well known animal associations.
Both fascinating and unusual, did you know that a group of Crows are called a Horde or Murder, which is a little off putting for some. On a similar theme Buzzards are called a Wake. Then you can have an Army of Frogs, Ants or Caterpillars. One possible danger might be in encountering a Gang of Buffalo or Weasels. While we are on a mystery tour of collective creature names beware of a Pride of Lions or an Ambush of Tigers, not to forget a Mob of Kangaroos or a Pack of wolves and even Rats.
A lighter brush could be with a Kaleidoscope of Butterflies. If you are musically inclined maybe you would fancy a Rhumba with Rattlesnakes but all the while being careful to avoid falling into their Pit.
A collection of Skylarks are referred to as an Exultation but for some reason Rooks are called a Building, Clamour or Parliament.
A sweet turn of phrase is the name for Mice that can be referred to as a Mischief. Leopards have an appropriate name as they are a Leap and a group of Hyenas is aptly a Cackle.
Dolphins and Pelicans are a Pod and Porcupine are a Prickle.
Varied and many, collective references to animals can be, but a means to further or more profound thoughts. Learning about the collective names for animals is a treasure store of intriguing enjoyment, not least because it can enlighten you as to possible reasons for those animal associations and whether you agree with them or not, they can provide the basis for a lot of enlightenment.
Both fascinating and unusual, did you know that a group of Crows are called a Horde or Murder, which is a little off putting for some. On a similar theme Buzzards are called a Wake. Then you can have an Army of Frogs, Ants or Caterpillars. One possible danger might be in encountering a Gang of Buffalo or Weasels. While we are on a mystery tour of collective creature names beware of a Pride of Lions or an Ambush of Tigers, not to forget a Mob of Kangaroos or a Pack of wolves and even Rats.
A lighter brush could be with a Kaleidoscope of Butterflies. If you are musically inclined maybe you would fancy a Rhumba with Rattlesnakes but all the while being careful to avoid falling into their Pit.
A collection of Skylarks are referred to as an Exultation but for some reason Rooks are called a Building, Clamour or Parliament.
A sweet turn of phrase is the name for Mice that can be referred to as a Mischief. Leopards have an appropriate name as they are a Leap and a group of Hyenas is aptly a Cackle.
Dolphins and Pelicans are a Pod and Porcupine are a Prickle.
Varied and many, collective references to animals can be, but a means to further or more profound thoughts. Learning about the collective names for animals is a treasure store of intriguing enjoyment, not least because it can enlighten you as to possible reasons for those animal associations and whether you agree with them or not, they can provide the basis for a lot of enlightenment.
April 19, 2021
Moving Minds.
I have come to the conclusion that no single religion has a monopoly on making people good or bad. People have the opportunity through life and learning to select the most beneficial action for others and ultimately for themselves.
It is hard not to take stock of praise worthy figures who have in some significant way inspired populations to a positive result. In no particular order Mahatma Gandhi comes to mind. He motivated the independence of India from UK rule. He was well educated and well versed in many differing world views and displayed his knowledge with insightfulness.
Nelson Mandela helped to change history in South Africa by heading the fight against apartheid and becoming the first black president of the country.
Charles Darwin was not the first to propose a theory of evolution but after the success of his book Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, now there is an explanation of how life is possible in all its forms.
Socrates one of the three notable Greek philosophers had a main contribution to searching for thoughts supported by reality and it can be best described by testing the reliability of beliefs by the foundation they relied on.
Religion can be described in many ways and historically various applications of thought can all be ascribed to certain classifications or definitions of it. For me, the reality is people can be motivated for good or bad at any time. My short list of noteworthy figures show actions and ideas can be nurtured by a variety of beliefs. Independent thought and conviction can come from a culmination of experiences and ultimately as long as actions are moved by a positive mindsets and helpful consequence for people, there is far more that can unite us than ever drive us apart.
It is hard not to take stock of praise worthy figures who have in some significant way inspired populations to a positive result. In no particular order Mahatma Gandhi comes to mind. He motivated the independence of India from UK rule. He was well educated and well versed in many differing world views and displayed his knowledge with insightfulness.
Nelson Mandela helped to change history in South Africa by heading the fight against apartheid and becoming the first black president of the country.
Charles Darwin was not the first to propose a theory of evolution but after the success of his book Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, now there is an explanation of how life is possible in all its forms.
Socrates one of the three notable Greek philosophers had a main contribution to searching for thoughts supported by reality and it can be best described by testing the reliability of beliefs by the foundation they relied on.
Religion can be described in many ways and historically various applications of thought can all be ascribed to certain classifications or definitions of it. For me, the reality is people can be motivated for good or bad at any time. My short list of noteworthy figures show actions and ideas can be nurtured by a variety of beliefs. Independent thought and conviction can come from a culmination of experiences and ultimately as long as actions are moved by a positive mindsets and helpful consequence for people, there is far more that can unite us than ever drive us apart.
