Terry Lloyd's Blog, page 34
April 22, 2019
The Genuine Article.
It could be argued that it is one of the great loves of the UK, and I too, like to take advantage of a good deal but sometimes that acclaimed fantastic offer may not actually be such a bargain.
Shops often pack items into an attractive eye-catching display of multi-packs but is the price an actual reduction or a bit of an optical illusion? Buyer beware, because the size of the item in multi-purchase could be smaller than the single product or when split up and calculated cost even more than the individual item bought separately.
Sometimes there are offers that involve signing up for a period of time with attractive discount on products and services, but in the long-term the overall cost could outweigh those bargain prices. Another way to increase profits is the technique of added value by combining various extras to the
original product but it is so easy not to notice the increased price as compared with the original product. Do you really want or need those supposedly acclaimed package worthy extras? If you do, then the cost incurred could be worth it but if you simply want to buy the original item as stated, then you might want to think about the lure of that enticing bargain again.
There is a huge industry in the psychological reaction of potential customers, as in how items are
displayed and the right words used or emphasised to attract the purchase of a particular product. Whoever thought of the slogan “Buy one and get one free.” This was a master stroke, as do we ever check the individual price of an item as compared with what could be cheaper elsewhere and without any applied offer? The instinct to buy when we see the word offer can take over and even thinking about it can not always overwhelm that impulse to take the product at a stated reduced rate.
What a great strategy is “All products are fifty percent off.” On investigation other suppliers of a similar product will also have the same purchase price but the genuine article might not always be what you think it is. In some cases, the reason of the half price sale is that the product’s original price has been doubled and would not possibly stand any chance of being sold at that price. So the offer is a bit of an illusion. The practice of doubling the price, allows for extremely attractive offers such as buy two and the second one is only a matter of small change to acquire.
When thinking about the genuine article, an interesting experiment involved the price of a single car tyre. After considered research into buying this single tyre, it led to a surprise as when what appeared the best buy turned out to be more than the other quotes because undisclosed charges that supposedly went with the purchase, were added to the final bill.
Recently, in the media, the practice of salesmanship and how it can vary according to a company’s code of conduct has been highlighted. In establishing a sale at a bargain price, false need has been stipulated and terrible examples of buyer turned victim have been relayed.
A real bargain can only be ascertained by comparing quantity and quality and full investigation of possible limitations of the proposed offer. Fortunately, as a nation, we have become more buyer savvy and the introduction of certain comparison websites and cash back institutions have helped to show the vast range in proposed or genuinely good value for money offers. It is useful and insightful to gain a better practical pattern of seeing but not always believing the multitude of offers that are exposed to us on a daily basis. At a time when money matters even more, becoming aware of the possibility to make our money genuinely stretch just that little bit further can be a much-needed move for the better.
Shops often pack items into an attractive eye-catching display of multi-packs but is the price an actual reduction or a bit of an optical illusion? Buyer beware, because the size of the item in multi-purchase could be smaller than the single product or when split up and calculated cost even more than the individual item bought separately.
Sometimes there are offers that involve signing up for a period of time with attractive discount on products and services, but in the long-term the overall cost could outweigh those bargain prices. Another way to increase profits is the technique of added value by combining various extras to the
original product but it is so easy not to notice the increased price as compared with the original product. Do you really want or need those supposedly acclaimed package worthy extras? If you do, then the cost incurred could be worth it but if you simply want to buy the original item as stated, then you might want to think about the lure of that enticing bargain again.
There is a huge industry in the psychological reaction of potential customers, as in how items are
displayed and the right words used or emphasised to attract the purchase of a particular product. Whoever thought of the slogan “Buy one and get one free.” This was a master stroke, as do we ever check the individual price of an item as compared with what could be cheaper elsewhere and without any applied offer? The instinct to buy when we see the word offer can take over and even thinking about it can not always overwhelm that impulse to take the product at a stated reduced rate.
What a great strategy is “All products are fifty percent off.” On investigation other suppliers of a similar product will also have the same purchase price but the genuine article might not always be what you think it is. In some cases, the reason of the half price sale is that the product’s original price has been doubled and would not possibly stand any chance of being sold at that price. So the offer is a bit of an illusion. The practice of doubling the price, allows for extremely attractive offers such as buy two and the second one is only a matter of small change to acquire.
When thinking about the genuine article, an interesting experiment involved the price of a single car tyre. After considered research into buying this single tyre, it led to a surprise as when what appeared the best buy turned out to be more than the other quotes because undisclosed charges that supposedly went with the purchase, were added to the final bill.
Recently, in the media, the practice of salesmanship and how it can vary according to a company’s code of conduct has been highlighted. In establishing a sale at a bargain price, false need has been stipulated and terrible examples of buyer turned victim have been relayed.
A real bargain can only be ascertained by comparing quantity and quality and full investigation of possible limitations of the proposed offer. Fortunately, as a nation, we have become more buyer savvy and the introduction of certain comparison websites and cash back institutions have helped to show the vast range in proposed or genuinely good value for money offers. It is useful and insightful to gain a better practical pattern of seeing but not always believing the multitude of offers that are exposed to us on a daily basis. At a time when money matters even more, becoming aware of the possibility to make our money genuinely stretch just that little bit further can be a much-needed move for the better.
April 15, 2019
The Fatty Issue.
A little bit of knowledge can go a long way and this is especially true when it comes to diets. It is the bugbear of many a diet aficionado and it has to be one of the most diet-related, deliberated questions repeatedly and frustratedly wailed out over time. Why after strenuous effort do the pounds come off, only a short time later to return in equal measure or sometimes even more than before?
Well I am not going to tell you about some new, foolproof super diet that always works for every one, because there is no such thing. Instead I will start with something that influences weight and how it is processed, every body has them and you will have probably heard about them at one point or another. Hormones, these are the natural body switches that instruct whether to use fat for energy or store it in the body for later use. Sugar, solid and liquid will do the trick of storing fat, especially if combined with other foods. The body will treat all starches and grains the same as sugar and store them, if not used in energy, as fat for later use.
What ever you do, do not worry about weight fluctuation too deeply, as that too could trigger fat storage. In fact, the most powerful way of inducing the reduction of fat is a restful seven to eight hours sleep every night.
A combination of foods can buffer fat storage, such as the fibre and potassium contained in cruciferous vegetables, that are turned into potential energy. Edible fat on its own is completely neutral for storage. However, add sugar to fat at the same time and subsequently like other foods, the body will store it for use later on.
Understanding how the body processes a regular intake can be a useful measure by which to balance out the essential everyday needs and requirements. The average body has several days of stored fat and can easily sustain the body if necessary but water is a vital and frequent life requirement. Staying hydrated can indeed be beneficial as it maintains health in the body both internally and externally.
Diet, as a word is an opening introduction, it is just the start of approaching a healthy lifestyle. As is true, with any given goal, focus is needed to attain it but maintaining that new success is vital to continuous achievement.
The fatty issue is prevalent in weight gain and loss in multiple countries. It crosses the range of age and genders, shows no prejudice to any parts of societies. Barely is there a time when the media does not report on how to lose weight successfully via one means or another and there are millions of on-trend supposed secrets that promise to tip you off to a healthy diet based route to happiness. Most reliably, you can be your own best ally and this is where that little bit of knowledge comes in handy. Finding out the fitness facts that influence your overall sense of well being can guarantee continual success. After a diet, the real work begins because from now on you need to select foods and lifestyle habits that are right for you. Permanent achievement in weight loss can be a very personal and individual journey. Once you have studied your own patterns, being able to make healthier choices and implementing better techniques for maintaining weight balance can be far easier. Avoid stress factors because they can only build on the body’s fat retention and move towards a more mindful approach to eating, sleeping and appreciating life. Conscious, mindful awareness not only lets you into your own body’s best kept secrets but it enables you to then make healthier and potentially more enjoyable decisions to make or break those habits. Being able to find out what works best for you means getting to know yourself that bit better and finding out what fuel drives you forward.
Well I am not going to tell you about some new, foolproof super diet that always works for every one, because there is no such thing. Instead I will start with something that influences weight and how it is processed, every body has them and you will have probably heard about them at one point or another. Hormones, these are the natural body switches that instruct whether to use fat for energy or store it in the body for later use. Sugar, solid and liquid will do the trick of storing fat, especially if combined with other foods. The body will treat all starches and grains the same as sugar and store them, if not used in energy, as fat for later use.
What ever you do, do not worry about weight fluctuation too deeply, as that too could trigger fat storage. In fact, the most powerful way of inducing the reduction of fat is a restful seven to eight hours sleep every night.
A combination of foods can buffer fat storage, such as the fibre and potassium contained in cruciferous vegetables, that are turned into potential energy. Edible fat on its own is completely neutral for storage. However, add sugar to fat at the same time and subsequently like other foods, the body will store it for use later on.
Understanding how the body processes a regular intake can be a useful measure by which to balance out the essential everyday needs and requirements. The average body has several days of stored fat and can easily sustain the body if necessary but water is a vital and frequent life requirement. Staying hydrated can indeed be beneficial as it maintains health in the body both internally and externally.
Diet, as a word is an opening introduction, it is just the start of approaching a healthy lifestyle. As is true, with any given goal, focus is needed to attain it but maintaining that new success is vital to continuous achievement.
The fatty issue is prevalent in weight gain and loss in multiple countries. It crosses the range of age and genders, shows no prejudice to any parts of societies. Barely is there a time when the media does not report on how to lose weight successfully via one means or another and there are millions of on-trend supposed secrets that promise to tip you off to a healthy diet based route to happiness. Most reliably, you can be your own best ally and this is where that little bit of knowledge comes in handy. Finding out the fitness facts that influence your overall sense of well being can guarantee continual success. After a diet, the real work begins because from now on you need to select foods and lifestyle habits that are right for you. Permanent achievement in weight loss can be a very personal and individual journey. Once you have studied your own patterns, being able to make healthier choices and implementing better techniques for maintaining weight balance can be far easier. Avoid stress factors because they can only build on the body’s fat retention and move towards a more mindful approach to eating, sleeping and appreciating life. Conscious, mindful awareness not only lets you into your own body’s best kept secrets but it enables you to then make healthier and potentially more enjoyable decisions to make or break those habits. Being able to find out what works best for you means getting to know yourself that bit better and finding out what fuel drives you forward.
April 8, 2019
Modern Motivations.
Sensational, surreal or simply something unlike anything experienced before, in life there are some memories that undeniably stand out from the rest. Take for example, how it was that an innocuous
trip to see Disney's Alice in Wonderland for me had such a dramatic and unexpected effect. My mother, father and myself visited the local cinema but the film had already started. I was about six years old and disorientated by the sudden pitch black of the auditorium, we followed the usherette with a dimmed torch to the only vacant seats at the very front of the massive screen. The bright highly coloured characters really were larger than life and with deafening sounds they appeared to loom vividly out at me. As we watched, behind us a babe in arms started incessantly crying and wailing, until they decided to leave the cinema. It was that for quite a while afterwards I still would have nightmares of the Queen of Hearts’ thunderous voice demanding “Off with her head!” It is a strange fact that I never mentioned the nightmares to my parents but for me, they were a long-lived after effect of that particular trip to the cinema.
Why do we do the things that we do? I have heard the recounting of an acquaintance of mine who would talk about his own friend, someone who was proud of his weekend activities that involved, as he described it, a good old punch-up. He really was depicted as someone who did look forward to participating in the regular brawls, although his long-term ambition was to be a truck driver, not an ordinary articulated lorry but a juggernaut that could cross Australia. Another flamboyant character I had gotten to know about at one time was an amateur wrestler who had acquired an Alsation dog. Sadly, he deliberately incited the dog to be aggressive although the irony was with other people the animal was quite docile and that would be until provoked by his owner. It had seemed such an odd example to me at the time as this same person, who could entice a dog to violence, was an accomplished and extremely amenable guitarist who regularly played in a band. Expectations of people we hear about or think we might know can sometimes belie the actions they later become involved in.
Psychology and behaviour are linked and a question that aptly has to be asked of today’s culture in many countries, is what makes people carry knives and subsequently stab for what appears, no obvious reason, other people. Could it be something inside of them that craves violence or a pressure of conforming with a macabre culture? Negative and threatening affiliations, living circumstances such as overcrowding or disillusionment in work prospects can disengage people from society and precipitate violence. Food and drink, both in terms of habits and chemical value can constantly change peoples’ behaviour and there are highly addictive substances that have risen in popularity and can alter people’s ability to think clearly when dealing with potentially dangerous situations.
Is it fair to ask, if in attempting to solve the problem of knife crime violence, is it the knives that are the problem or the mentality of the user of the knife? Hypercritically, if a revulsion to using a knife on another person is instilled throughout all of society, would that not be a better way of approaching the situation. Being told not to kick anybody when they are on the ground and not able to defend themselves is important but even more relevant to today’s complex society culture, is to try to prevent that person from having to be on the ground in the first place.
My experience with an early trip to the cinema shows how impressionable people are at that stage of life. The moral structure of society depends on behaviour and modern motivations but there are multiple stages of exposure, experience and responsive interaction that are needed to ensure that generations have that opportunity to make informed decisions about themselves and the future of others around them.
trip to see Disney's Alice in Wonderland for me had such a dramatic and unexpected effect. My mother, father and myself visited the local cinema but the film had already started. I was about six years old and disorientated by the sudden pitch black of the auditorium, we followed the usherette with a dimmed torch to the only vacant seats at the very front of the massive screen. The bright highly coloured characters really were larger than life and with deafening sounds they appeared to loom vividly out at me. As we watched, behind us a babe in arms started incessantly crying and wailing, until they decided to leave the cinema. It was that for quite a while afterwards I still would have nightmares of the Queen of Hearts’ thunderous voice demanding “Off with her head!” It is a strange fact that I never mentioned the nightmares to my parents but for me, they were a long-lived after effect of that particular trip to the cinema.
Why do we do the things that we do? I have heard the recounting of an acquaintance of mine who would talk about his own friend, someone who was proud of his weekend activities that involved, as he described it, a good old punch-up. He really was depicted as someone who did look forward to participating in the regular brawls, although his long-term ambition was to be a truck driver, not an ordinary articulated lorry but a juggernaut that could cross Australia. Another flamboyant character I had gotten to know about at one time was an amateur wrestler who had acquired an Alsation dog. Sadly, he deliberately incited the dog to be aggressive although the irony was with other people the animal was quite docile and that would be until provoked by his owner. It had seemed such an odd example to me at the time as this same person, who could entice a dog to violence, was an accomplished and extremely amenable guitarist who regularly played in a band. Expectations of people we hear about or think we might know can sometimes belie the actions they later become involved in.
Psychology and behaviour are linked and a question that aptly has to be asked of today’s culture in many countries, is what makes people carry knives and subsequently stab for what appears, no obvious reason, other people. Could it be something inside of them that craves violence or a pressure of conforming with a macabre culture? Negative and threatening affiliations, living circumstances such as overcrowding or disillusionment in work prospects can disengage people from society and precipitate violence. Food and drink, both in terms of habits and chemical value can constantly change peoples’ behaviour and there are highly addictive substances that have risen in popularity and can alter people’s ability to think clearly when dealing with potentially dangerous situations.
Is it fair to ask, if in attempting to solve the problem of knife crime violence, is it the knives that are the problem or the mentality of the user of the knife? Hypercritically, if a revulsion to using a knife on another person is instilled throughout all of society, would that not be a better way of approaching the situation. Being told not to kick anybody when they are on the ground and not able to defend themselves is important but even more relevant to today’s complex society culture, is to try to prevent that person from having to be on the ground in the first place.
My experience with an early trip to the cinema shows how impressionable people are at that stage of life. The moral structure of society depends on behaviour and modern motivations but there are multiple stages of exposure, experience and responsive interaction that are needed to ensure that generations have that opportunity to make informed decisions about themselves and the future of others around them.
April 1, 2019
Mindful Sayings.
Ask a room of people what their choice of most meaningful or memorable quotes would be and immediately this question could provoke controversy. Everybody’s ideas on this sensitive subject naturally cover a wide spectrum of experiences and what is believed to be significantly important to them.
Inspirational, motivational and intriguing, mindful sayings can be that means to making history. In no particular order of importance but in allusion to historical fact, I feel compelled to mention Sir Winston Churchill's “We shall fight them on the beaches. We shall never surrender.” It has a particular significance as it is recognised for the quote itself and the consequences of it.
There is a golden quote in reference of everyday conduct and specifically how to behave towards your fellow human beings “do to others as you would have them do to you.” In this instance the implication does not specify a quality of action but focuses on the psychology of a positive promoting interaction and one often taken to heart from childhood.
A particular quote of Mahatma Gandhi always makes me smile because of the wit it enshrines in “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” Hate can only perpetuate hate and this is apt as in the practice of acting on vendettas. Wisdom has no boundaries and is not limited by culture or faith. Confucius also pointed out that “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” He emphasised that one should endeavour to “Forget crimes but never forget kindness.”
Mindful sayings can involve such a wealth of mind and body related advice such as Confucius “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” Some quotes are anonymous, or so similar it is difficult to identify the first person to introduce the idea, such as “If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all.” Or “It is not the falls in life, but the getting up, that counts.”
One of the fundamental points of contemplation, is first one needs to know oneself and in the realms of thought and knowledge Socrates put it this way “I only know one thing, and that is I know nothing.”
A unique and useful thinking tool is Occam`s razor that says the simplest answer is more likely to be correct. Problem solving and skill enhancing, meaningful expressive quotes have long taught that to achieve anything worthwhile in life one needs perseverance. A notion that has been illustrated by many notable characters’ own examples, documented throughout history. Plato has among many enlightening quotes, a view that “There will be no end to the troubles of states. Or of humanity itself. Till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers.” How extremely apt that so far later down the line of politics, this mindful quote could still be argued is applicable to this very day.
The great thing about quotes is the inspiration that stirs one to first think, then try your hand at constructing your own practical realisation of those same principles. Providing the base for ingenuity, innovation and individuality, mindful sayings have a special place in the past, present and potentially to a great extent, the future. Apt and appealing to both the mental and the physical construction of how situations are perceived, the power of a set of defined ideals can give pause for thought or even a possible basis to revaluate situations, problems and personal life encounters.
Inspirational, motivational and intriguing, mindful sayings can be that means to making history. In no particular order of importance but in allusion to historical fact, I feel compelled to mention Sir Winston Churchill's “We shall fight them on the beaches. We shall never surrender.” It has a particular significance as it is recognised for the quote itself and the consequences of it.
There is a golden quote in reference of everyday conduct and specifically how to behave towards your fellow human beings “do to others as you would have them do to you.” In this instance the implication does not specify a quality of action but focuses on the psychology of a positive promoting interaction and one often taken to heart from childhood.
A particular quote of Mahatma Gandhi always makes me smile because of the wit it enshrines in “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” Hate can only perpetuate hate and this is apt as in the practice of acting on vendettas. Wisdom has no boundaries and is not limited by culture or faith. Confucius also pointed out that “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” He emphasised that one should endeavour to “Forget crimes but never forget kindness.”
Mindful sayings can involve such a wealth of mind and body related advice such as Confucius “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” Some quotes are anonymous, or so similar it is difficult to identify the first person to introduce the idea, such as “If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all.” Or “It is not the falls in life, but the getting up, that counts.”
One of the fundamental points of contemplation, is first one needs to know oneself and in the realms of thought and knowledge Socrates put it this way “I only know one thing, and that is I know nothing.”
A unique and useful thinking tool is Occam`s razor that says the simplest answer is more likely to be correct. Problem solving and skill enhancing, meaningful expressive quotes have long taught that to achieve anything worthwhile in life one needs perseverance. A notion that has been illustrated by many notable characters’ own examples, documented throughout history. Plato has among many enlightening quotes, a view that “There will be no end to the troubles of states. Or of humanity itself. Till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers.” How extremely apt that so far later down the line of politics, this mindful quote could still be argued is applicable to this very day.
The great thing about quotes is the inspiration that stirs one to first think, then try your hand at constructing your own practical realisation of those same principles. Providing the base for ingenuity, innovation and individuality, mindful sayings have a special place in the past, present and potentially to a great extent, the future. Apt and appealing to both the mental and the physical construction of how situations are perceived, the power of a set of defined ideals can give pause for thought or even a possible basis to revaluate situations, problems and personal life encounters.
March 25, 2019
What Do You See?
What do you see?
Apart from the above blank line, your perception could differ vastly from that of mine. Art appreciation is an individual process and that is for certain. What can excite some minds can perplex others, art is a controversial medium but a deeper knowledge of the scope of any visual talent can only stimulate the enjoyment that can be experienced. Is understanding not the key to unlocking an artistic affinity? If someone feels the particular art, as in their sensory perception of it can be heightened or altered, then it has surely stimulated a shared or instigated vision.
The skill required in varying mediums can take years to master and sometimes for some, years to appreciate. Skills as used by outstanding portrait artists in examples used to represent true to life like images have over generations established historical meaning and the detail in them can be breathtaking. Large and small examples of landscapes and seafaring action have on many occasions moved the observer to immerse themselves into the very scene being portrayed. There are humorous portrayals of everyday life that are so deceiving, within the one canvas, so much action has been concealed that even after a long time viewing there seems almost no end of detailed surprises. It is the ingenuity of portraying an every day activity with a tongue-in-cheek swapping of the persona to unexpected characters, that can amuse the onlooker. The quality of the work is not just the practical creation but the mind stimulating result in the perception of what is displayed.
Hyperbolic depictions do not match everybody’s descriptions of art. Going over the top and not factually informing about the piece of work means that people can be put off, instead of being made aware of the hidden depths in an artwork, that may not always be apparent. All too often if a take on art goes too far into detail about the psychological state of mind of the artist at the time of creating the work and forgets to compare this with any actual relevant and obvious appraisal of the art itself, then assumptions are made and the ridiculous can overshadow the sublime.
One question can provoke a multitude of individually accurate answers. When it comes to art, it is integrity that leads the mind to explore and the spirit to feel. It is in finding out about art that a lot can be learnt about yourself and how you see your environment.
Mentally challenging, art can be a problem solving tool or a release from many stress induced experiences. As a form of therapy art can divulge difficulties and mental trauma in a way that other forms of verbal dialogue might not. It can actually help to build people’s feelings of competence and rehabilitate a sense of balance. There have been certain examples in this field that have provided artistic-based techniques as an approach to helping ex-military soldiers cope with mental health issues and discover profound skills.
Art can be a means of displaying talent or engaging an audience in answering or asking questions of their own. Environmental to political subjects can be driven through art to become that tool with which to bridge a gap or even open up a new horizon. In the extreme age ranges, both the very young and older generations, have found that art is a good source of inspiration and stimulation. Bonding with an artistic medium can bring up significant memories from the past or even bring about radical improvements in mental and physical health.
In summation of my own take on art, I believe it can make one think, rethink and even evaluate what one thinks of as possible and on this same subject I would like to ask you one question...
What do you see?
Apart from the above blank line, your perception could differ vastly from that of mine. Art appreciation is an individual process and that is for certain. What can excite some minds can perplex others, art is a controversial medium but a deeper knowledge of the scope of any visual talent can only stimulate the enjoyment that can be experienced. Is understanding not the key to unlocking an artistic affinity? If someone feels the particular art, as in their sensory perception of it can be heightened or altered, then it has surely stimulated a shared or instigated vision.
The skill required in varying mediums can take years to master and sometimes for some, years to appreciate. Skills as used by outstanding portrait artists in examples used to represent true to life like images have over generations established historical meaning and the detail in them can be breathtaking. Large and small examples of landscapes and seafaring action have on many occasions moved the observer to immerse themselves into the very scene being portrayed. There are humorous portrayals of everyday life that are so deceiving, within the one canvas, so much action has been concealed that even after a long time viewing there seems almost no end of detailed surprises. It is the ingenuity of portraying an every day activity with a tongue-in-cheek swapping of the persona to unexpected characters, that can amuse the onlooker. The quality of the work is not just the practical creation but the mind stimulating result in the perception of what is displayed.
Hyperbolic depictions do not match everybody’s descriptions of art. Going over the top and not factually informing about the piece of work means that people can be put off, instead of being made aware of the hidden depths in an artwork, that may not always be apparent. All too often if a take on art goes too far into detail about the psychological state of mind of the artist at the time of creating the work and forgets to compare this with any actual relevant and obvious appraisal of the art itself, then assumptions are made and the ridiculous can overshadow the sublime.
One question can provoke a multitude of individually accurate answers. When it comes to art, it is integrity that leads the mind to explore and the spirit to feel. It is in finding out about art that a lot can be learnt about yourself and how you see your environment.
Mentally challenging, art can be a problem solving tool or a release from many stress induced experiences. As a form of therapy art can divulge difficulties and mental trauma in a way that other forms of verbal dialogue might not. It can actually help to build people’s feelings of competence and rehabilitate a sense of balance. There have been certain examples in this field that have provided artistic-based techniques as an approach to helping ex-military soldiers cope with mental health issues and discover profound skills.
Art can be a means of displaying talent or engaging an audience in answering or asking questions of their own. Environmental to political subjects can be driven through art to become that tool with which to bridge a gap or even open up a new horizon. In the extreme age ranges, both the very young and older generations, have found that art is a good source of inspiration and stimulation. Bonding with an artistic medium can bring up significant memories from the past or even bring about radical improvements in mental and physical health.
In summation of my own take on art, I believe it can make one think, rethink and even evaluate what one thinks of as possible and on this same subject I would like to ask you one question...
What do you see?
March 18, 2019
Humour Through Time.
Humour for me, is an interesting subject as one would not think there would be such a diverse range in concept of what is funny.
An interesting and thoroughly enjoyable experience, which massively involved humour, was for me when I went on a visit to the local community centre hall. I was told that as a treat, at the age of about ten years old, we as a family were going to see a magic lantern show. Not sure what that entailed, the initial disappointment for me, was the projectionist’s announcement in explanation of the fact that none of the film had sound. I was at that point of my childhood quite crestfallen but then what a delight unfolded as black and white images displayed the fantastic talents of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy and many more great silent film stars. Together the audience were enthralled by the humorous antics and continues guffaws of laughter were heard throughout the night’s performance.
As a child, a local family very kindly offered the opportunity for me to watch their TV. Unbelievable as it might be to many, back then not everybody did have a television and the occasion to go and watch one, was quite extraordinary! At that time a TV consisted of a small screen, set in an upright oblong box, which had no colour and a limited number of stations. Exciting, I know! Quite honestly though, at that time in my life, I was thrilled by the prospect of watching the moving scenes and pictures on that same archaic sounding piece of equipment. My illicit TV watching had to be hidden from my father, who had a very strong view that TV was a time waster and interfered with productive family life. Now, I can see there is some value to his ideas but more because of the physical health implications of excessive and stationary TV watching. Ironically but purely coincidentally against the idea of fitness and health, Mr Pastry was the popular character that had continuous funny misfortunes on TV at that time. In a more family based environment I am reminded of the absolute epitome of humour in the comedy Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em with superb, eye-watering funny performances by all the stars in the show.
There are so many more humour-led glimpses through time, such as Man About the House that was able to spawn the subsequent George and Mildred. Of course humour does not come in one form as the Goon Show and Smith and Jones alongside The Two Ronnie's aptly have indicated. Diverse and representative of multi-angled jokes, associations to humour have meant that clever thinking literary plays on words have taken centre stage and our thoughts have gone on an incredible journey of alternative linguistic mindsets. Sadly, while there are some great contemporary comedies, there have been many recent failed attempts at bringing about an engaging and humorous comedy series.
Outside of the home, pantomime seasonally entertains audiences as there is active encouragement for humour to be taken to a different level through audience participation with an oh no he isn’t and oh yes he is philosophy. Including the audience on funny asides was a main trait of Shakespeare although the humour could occasionally be more on the macabre side.
Variety shows, at one time enjoyed an enviable popularity although risky acts could suffer persecution, as some people did not share their same scope of humour. The shocking material of that time would hardly be noticed today as stand-up comedians regularly extend the boundaries of what may bring on the laughs and be seen as funny. There can be such an intolerance to tongue-in-cheek references to family members even if done in a humorous way that clearly is not intended to offend. One person’s joke can so easily be misinterpreted as being derogatory to another.
Having a good sense of humour and enjoying laughter is actually physically and mentally health promoting. It can be that laughter is a great form of medicine because it works multiple muscles throughout the face and body. It can allow a bit of needed light relief from other strains and stresses and improve one’s ability to occasionally take life a little less seriously.
An interesting and thoroughly enjoyable experience, which massively involved humour, was for me when I went on a visit to the local community centre hall. I was told that as a treat, at the age of about ten years old, we as a family were going to see a magic lantern show. Not sure what that entailed, the initial disappointment for me, was the projectionist’s announcement in explanation of the fact that none of the film had sound. I was at that point of my childhood quite crestfallen but then what a delight unfolded as black and white images displayed the fantastic talents of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy and many more great silent film stars. Together the audience were enthralled by the humorous antics and continues guffaws of laughter were heard throughout the night’s performance.
As a child, a local family very kindly offered the opportunity for me to watch their TV. Unbelievable as it might be to many, back then not everybody did have a television and the occasion to go and watch one, was quite extraordinary! At that time a TV consisted of a small screen, set in an upright oblong box, which had no colour and a limited number of stations. Exciting, I know! Quite honestly though, at that time in my life, I was thrilled by the prospect of watching the moving scenes and pictures on that same archaic sounding piece of equipment. My illicit TV watching had to be hidden from my father, who had a very strong view that TV was a time waster and interfered with productive family life. Now, I can see there is some value to his ideas but more because of the physical health implications of excessive and stationary TV watching. Ironically but purely coincidentally against the idea of fitness and health, Mr Pastry was the popular character that had continuous funny misfortunes on TV at that time. In a more family based environment I am reminded of the absolute epitome of humour in the comedy Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em with superb, eye-watering funny performances by all the stars in the show.
There are so many more humour-led glimpses through time, such as Man About the House that was able to spawn the subsequent George and Mildred. Of course humour does not come in one form as the Goon Show and Smith and Jones alongside The Two Ronnie's aptly have indicated. Diverse and representative of multi-angled jokes, associations to humour have meant that clever thinking literary plays on words have taken centre stage and our thoughts have gone on an incredible journey of alternative linguistic mindsets. Sadly, while there are some great contemporary comedies, there have been many recent failed attempts at bringing about an engaging and humorous comedy series.
Outside of the home, pantomime seasonally entertains audiences as there is active encouragement for humour to be taken to a different level through audience participation with an oh no he isn’t and oh yes he is philosophy. Including the audience on funny asides was a main trait of Shakespeare although the humour could occasionally be more on the macabre side.
Variety shows, at one time enjoyed an enviable popularity although risky acts could suffer persecution, as some people did not share their same scope of humour. The shocking material of that time would hardly be noticed today as stand-up comedians regularly extend the boundaries of what may bring on the laughs and be seen as funny. There can be such an intolerance to tongue-in-cheek references to family members even if done in a humorous way that clearly is not intended to offend. One person’s joke can so easily be misinterpreted as being derogatory to another.
Having a good sense of humour and enjoying laughter is actually physically and mentally health promoting. It can be that laughter is a great form of medicine because it works multiple muscles throughout the face and body. It can allow a bit of needed light relief from other strains and stresses and improve one’s ability to occasionally take life a little less seriously.
March 11, 2019
Keeping Healthy.
Being healthy is an aim that we probably all aspire to achieve. In an already flooded market, promotions for the best way to keep healthy do not let an overpopulated arena stop them. Threatening to tear us in multiple directions, knowing exactly how to attain this most basic but important of needs, can be confusing.
The problem is that when there are so many variants on a theme, who do we listen to and how deeply do we go? There are so many myths involving foods and health. Unfortunately certain organisations seem to deliberately perpetuate and indeed exaggerate health promoting myths for their own benefit. Divided intentions and methodology can mean that keeping healthy is actually pushed away in favour of keeping sane, but seriously is this a goal that is too difficult to achieve?
It can be difficult to know what to believe. Each person’s body is different and can respond to ailments accordingly but there are certain ways of becoming more enlightened when it comes to keeping healthy. Generalisations can lead to misconceptions, these assumptions can consequently turn to wrong decisions and there is one prime example in the declaration of fats being bad for you. This has been claimed despite populations, that for years, have thrived on healthy various forms of the maligned fat. A myth that is worth millions of pounds is... eat fat and you will get fat. Based upon that very statement, a vast industry state their product has less fat and thereby is the one to buy. Absolutely, balancing your fat intake is crucial to health but the fatty issue and cholesterol in itself is actually a very in-depth subject. One can not presume that cholesterol is all the same and how this substance is processed within the body makes a difference. It is not so much what goes in, but how it is transferred within the body and the subsequent knock on physical processes, that are vital to health.
Maintaining a balanced outlook on health matters can be everything in keeping healthy. A mind, body and spirit approach can mean that keeping healthy treats every part of the self and enhances a longer-term health regime. Extreme philosophies that promote foods as bad or good can run the risk of classifying and stereotyping. This type of micro health management can be seen in ideas such as associating certain foods to a raised level of cholesterol in the blood. If foods are deemed to do this, in many instances they are automatically condemned to be bad. One can certainly take some of these health promoting campaigns at face value but in doing this, a lot of valuable knowledge could get lost. Edible cholesterol is often compensated for by a reduction in production of cholesterol by the liver, in the bloodstream, and healthy cholesterol is usually not problematic. The liver, every day, produces necessary cholesterol that is probably eight to ten times that of the quantity consumed. Each person has to moderate their own dietary intake but a better understanding of the facts can be gained in making sure of the information for yourself.
Oxidisation can cause damage to vessels that distribute important fats and cholesterol to every cell of the body. Food is the resource that can fundamentally dictate how successfully all the systems of the body can operate. Vitamin C and E plus other antioxidant foods are important for maintaining the integrity of the vascular system. Good lifestyle incorporates a good diet, sleep, rest and mental attitude. There is overwhelming proof that the state of mind has a powerful influence on physical health. Exercise needs a special mention as it is vital in maintaining and improving health. When blood rushes through the arteries it stimulates the production of the gas nitric oxide, that is an antioxidant, it relaxes blood vessels and stops blood cells coagulating into blood clots. This positive process can be released through the consumption of nitrate foods.
There can be a lot of conflicting health advice, one day dairy can be claimed as bad for you but another report might highlight it as essential. Maintaining myths rather than recognising the true benefit of the right food and lifestyle can make all the difference. Even small changes can have a large influence on both the short-term and long-term ability to keep healthy.
The problem is that when there are so many variants on a theme, who do we listen to and how deeply do we go? There are so many myths involving foods and health. Unfortunately certain organisations seem to deliberately perpetuate and indeed exaggerate health promoting myths for their own benefit. Divided intentions and methodology can mean that keeping healthy is actually pushed away in favour of keeping sane, but seriously is this a goal that is too difficult to achieve?
It can be difficult to know what to believe. Each person’s body is different and can respond to ailments accordingly but there are certain ways of becoming more enlightened when it comes to keeping healthy. Generalisations can lead to misconceptions, these assumptions can consequently turn to wrong decisions and there is one prime example in the declaration of fats being bad for you. This has been claimed despite populations, that for years, have thrived on healthy various forms of the maligned fat. A myth that is worth millions of pounds is... eat fat and you will get fat. Based upon that very statement, a vast industry state their product has less fat and thereby is the one to buy. Absolutely, balancing your fat intake is crucial to health but the fatty issue and cholesterol in itself is actually a very in-depth subject. One can not presume that cholesterol is all the same and how this substance is processed within the body makes a difference. It is not so much what goes in, but how it is transferred within the body and the subsequent knock on physical processes, that are vital to health.
Maintaining a balanced outlook on health matters can be everything in keeping healthy. A mind, body and spirit approach can mean that keeping healthy treats every part of the self and enhances a longer-term health regime. Extreme philosophies that promote foods as bad or good can run the risk of classifying and stereotyping. This type of micro health management can be seen in ideas such as associating certain foods to a raised level of cholesterol in the blood. If foods are deemed to do this, in many instances they are automatically condemned to be bad. One can certainly take some of these health promoting campaigns at face value but in doing this, a lot of valuable knowledge could get lost. Edible cholesterol is often compensated for by a reduction in production of cholesterol by the liver, in the bloodstream, and healthy cholesterol is usually not problematic. The liver, every day, produces necessary cholesterol that is probably eight to ten times that of the quantity consumed. Each person has to moderate their own dietary intake but a better understanding of the facts can be gained in making sure of the information for yourself.
Oxidisation can cause damage to vessels that distribute important fats and cholesterol to every cell of the body. Food is the resource that can fundamentally dictate how successfully all the systems of the body can operate. Vitamin C and E plus other antioxidant foods are important for maintaining the integrity of the vascular system. Good lifestyle incorporates a good diet, sleep, rest and mental attitude. There is overwhelming proof that the state of mind has a powerful influence on physical health. Exercise needs a special mention as it is vital in maintaining and improving health. When blood rushes through the arteries it stimulates the production of the gas nitric oxide, that is an antioxidant, it relaxes blood vessels and stops blood cells coagulating into blood clots. This positive process can be released through the consumption of nitrate foods.
There can be a lot of conflicting health advice, one day dairy can be claimed as bad for you but another report might highlight it as essential. Maintaining myths rather than recognising the true benefit of the right food and lifestyle can make all the difference. Even small changes can have a large influence on both the short-term and long-term ability to keep healthy.
March 4, 2019
Creativity.
There is noting more satisfying than appreciating peoples’ creativity in turning items discarded as trash into useful objects. Ranging from used tyres that are turned into tables with highly coloured shapes and patterns to a discarded fuselage of a plane transformed into a luxury living apartment. A novel adaption of a large cargo container was floated on the river and inside there was astounding home accommodation. Even a double decker bus has uniquely been utilised as a bed and breakfast utility.
Often eco-friendly, these environmentally sound transformations can highlight how one man’s trash truly can be many people’s treasure. I was looking one day for an unusual present, when I discovered in a shop window a set of human like figurines and animals all crafted from surplus metal nails and utensils. What struck me as innovative, was how an everyday mechanical concept had been turned into a particular perception of life.
There is another field of interest applicable to this type of upcycling process, as some people have turned the reprocessing of unwanted bric-a-brac into a very financially rewarding business. Of course there has always been street collectors of unwanted items and that form of buying and selling of unwanted or unused objects may depend on the modern day marketability of them. Trying to get rid of your broken-down sofa on its own, for example, could present a problem.
In a wider sense turning what could already be at hand into something more appealing or useful is a process that has been practised almost everywhere and since man has existed. Flint based stone tools and wood were historically transformed to make long bows and are obvious examples of early upcycling, this along with coracle boats can help to build a picture of those early figures putting a bit of Find it, Fix it and Flog it into practice.
I am particularly proud of my own father’s continuous ingenuity in adapting used vegetable tins to construct automatic seed hoppers for our aviary of budgerigars. More than that, in my early days I helped as the family spent time in creating our own numerous cane weaving household items such as side lamps, baskets and even tea trays.
A lizard point, Cornwall stone light house is an item that always reminds me of my happy holidays there. On holidays it can be revealing and rewarding to explore the local shops to see the ingenuity of local residents in the skill and creativity of utilising the natural resources because it gives a vivid, cultural idea of the meaning of a specific area.
Manufactured objects can come from all forms of instigation and objectives. For me, the personalised approach and creativity used in bringing about new from old, is extraordinary. I think that anything which represents longevity, individuality and cultural perceptions from disregarded or unused materials, does have a profound beauty about it.
Often eco-friendly, these environmentally sound transformations can highlight how one man’s trash truly can be many people’s treasure. I was looking one day for an unusual present, when I discovered in a shop window a set of human like figurines and animals all crafted from surplus metal nails and utensils. What struck me as innovative, was how an everyday mechanical concept had been turned into a particular perception of life.
There is another field of interest applicable to this type of upcycling process, as some people have turned the reprocessing of unwanted bric-a-brac into a very financially rewarding business. Of course there has always been street collectors of unwanted items and that form of buying and selling of unwanted or unused objects may depend on the modern day marketability of them. Trying to get rid of your broken-down sofa on its own, for example, could present a problem.
In a wider sense turning what could already be at hand into something more appealing or useful is a process that has been practised almost everywhere and since man has existed. Flint based stone tools and wood were historically transformed to make long bows and are obvious examples of early upcycling, this along with coracle boats can help to build a picture of those early figures putting a bit of Find it, Fix it and Flog it into practice.
I am particularly proud of my own father’s continuous ingenuity in adapting used vegetable tins to construct automatic seed hoppers for our aviary of budgerigars. More than that, in my early days I helped as the family spent time in creating our own numerous cane weaving household items such as side lamps, baskets and even tea trays.
A lizard point, Cornwall stone light house is an item that always reminds me of my happy holidays there. On holidays it can be revealing and rewarding to explore the local shops to see the ingenuity of local residents in the skill and creativity of utilising the natural resources because it gives a vivid, cultural idea of the meaning of a specific area.
Manufactured objects can come from all forms of instigation and objectives. For me, the personalised approach and creativity used in bringing about new from old, is extraordinary. I think that anything which represents longevity, individuality and cultural perceptions from disregarded or unused materials, does have a profound beauty about it.
February 25, 2019
Stroke.
The health of our significant others and that of our own, it has to be one of our biggest concerns. At the forefront of this concern is the general public’s recognition of the availability of emergency health care and if it can be reached, should it be required. There are of course financial and urgency influencing factors on emergency based health care decisions and often a very finite resource has to be used in multiple ways.
One of the ever growing afflictions to today’s population is the increasing number of strokes that are being experienced and according to national advertising in the UK immediate action is required to alleviate the damage sustained to the brain. It would appear every second counts! FAST action is recommended to be taken, the public have been urged to act and get the patient to an emergency service so as proper adequate care can halt the progression of a serious medical situation. It is rather puzzling then, that following this highly publicised campaign, a decision to close several local points of care and replace them with fewer high tech facilities that are further away has in certain localities been taken. In explanation for the favour of the change, certain individuals have suggested that the golden hour for treatment is a myth.
There are two kinds of strokes. One is caused by bleeding into the brain from a ruptured blood vessel and the other is caused by a blockage in the blood vessel cutting off an adequate supply of blood to the brain. In both cases, common sense and medical opinion state, the quicker appropriate remedial action is taken the less damage will result in the brain.
It is extremely worrying that doctors in favour of accepting a delay in the treatment and the severe consequences that it would entail, defend their position by stating that more patients will benefit from the superior treatment once they have arrived at those further but more enhanced technical facilities. They point out that there is a four hour period for which beneficial treatment can be started. They claim their intention to reduce that to a two hours before treatment is started. The obvious question is, if in their medical opinion time before treatment is not important, why go to lengths to reduce the start of treatment by two hours?
The good news is whatever is the final placement of medical help one does not have to wait for a stroke to occur. Actions that can reduce the chance of stroke is a diet that is high in vitamin C and the correct level of vitamin E, as well as antioxidants. The reason being that the build up of a blockage within an artery is believed to start with oxidised damaged cells, that eventually form a scab, that could rupture thus forming a blockage of blood supply to vital organs.
Vitamin C plays a part in the formation of collagen and that alongside calcium constructs the integrity of the covering scab, which within the artery, needs to be protected.
Within the body healthy arteries have an inner covering of cells that through the rush of blood naturally release nitric oxide. This important gas, although it does not last long, does an incredible job of relaxing blood vessels and enhancing the smooth inner layer of the artery, this also inhibits blood cell coagulation and the forming of blood clots.
Over time the production of nitrite oxide diminishes and if there is damage to the inside wall of the arteries, it will impair its production, so considered energetic full body exercise performed regularly will promote natural nitric oxide production. Diet wise, there are foods that are rich in nitrates and the body will convert them through digestion into nitrite oxide.
The nature of strokes are the silent way in which life threatening changes take place in the vascular system of the body without one realising it. So for every body improved diet and activity can only be for the good.
One of the ever growing afflictions to today’s population is the increasing number of strokes that are being experienced and according to national advertising in the UK immediate action is required to alleviate the damage sustained to the brain. It would appear every second counts! FAST action is recommended to be taken, the public have been urged to act and get the patient to an emergency service so as proper adequate care can halt the progression of a serious medical situation. It is rather puzzling then, that following this highly publicised campaign, a decision to close several local points of care and replace them with fewer high tech facilities that are further away has in certain localities been taken. In explanation for the favour of the change, certain individuals have suggested that the golden hour for treatment is a myth.
There are two kinds of strokes. One is caused by bleeding into the brain from a ruptured blood vessel and the other is caused by a blockage in the blood vessel cutting off an adequate supply of blood to the brain. In both cases, common sense and medical opinion state, the quicker appropriate remedial action is taken the less damage will result in the brain.
It is extremely worrying that doctors in favour of accepting a delay in the treatment and the severe consequences that it would entail, defend their position by stating that more patients will benefit from the superior treatment once they have arrived at those further but more enhanced technical facilities. They point out that there is a four hour period for which beneficial treatment can be started. They claim their intention to reduce that to a two hours before treatment is started. The obvious question is, if in their medical opinion time before treatment is not important, why go to lengths to reduce the start of treatment by two hours?
The good news is whatever is the final placement of medical help one does not have to wait for a stroke to occur. Actions that can reduce the chance of stroke is a diet that is high in vitamin C and the correct level of vitamin E, as well as antioxidants. The reason being that the build up of a blockage within an artery is believed to start with oxidised damaged cells, that eventually form a scab, that could rupture thus forming a blockage of blood supply to vital organs.
Vitamin C plays a part in the formation of collagen and that alongside calcium constructs the integrity of the covering scab, which within the artery, needs to be protected.
Within the body healthy arteries have an inner covering of cells that through the rush of blood naturally release nitric oxide. This important gas, although it does not last long, does an incredible job of relaxing blood vessels and enhancing the smooth inner layer of the artery, this also inhibits blood cell coagulation and the forming of blood clots.
Over time the production of nitrite oxide diminishes and if there is damage to the inside wall of the arteries, it will impair its production, so considered energetic full body exercise performed regularly will promote natural nitric oxide production. Diet wise, there are foods that are rich in nitrates and the body will convert them through digestion into nitrite oxide.
The nature of strokes are the silent way in which life threatening changes take place in the vascular system of the body without one realising it. So for every body improved diet and activity can only be for the good.
February 18, 2019
Gender Identity.
One of the most fundamental and integral issues about life, is knowing who you are and of course in establishing a sense of identity, gender can play an important role in this monumental voyage of discovery. Can gender identity and association ever be a problem? For some people, the answer is definitely. In the case of humans, in that stage of conception, at pre birth there is a process whereby over time the fetus is bathed in gender deciding hormones. Usually this is the point at which gender is determined. However in some instances there is an ambiguity, not only of the anatomy but a psychological sense of a person feeling as if they have been born into the wrong body. It is a very personal issue and one that latterly can influence identity and choice. While every case is individual, there is a need for everybody to feel as if such a physical and psychological issue is being resolved and to make matters worse there are extremely conflated and confusing policies and laws which seem to govern this life depending arena. If authorities in power actively refuse to enhance and clarify the legal practices concerning the gender identity issue then this could be a problem that damages many generations.
Gender orientation and reproduction can be complex subjects and there is a surprising contrast between that of the human and the animal world. Snails, for example have a varied approach to sex. Certain types of snails are independently able to make copies of themselves without any other intervention. There are cases that include examples being male and female simultaneously but then needing to find a partner to reproduce.
Sex change is not a problem for some species of coral reef fish, moray eels, gobies, wrasses and clownfish. Interestingly the clownfish observe a strict structure, dominated by a female fish. Should there be no female, a male fish will change sex to fill the vacant position. This is a one way change that is not reversible for them but some fish can alternate their gender.
When it comes to frogs, some species have the ability to change sex according to a requirement of the environment. If there is an unbalance of males and females, frogs have been known to alter gender and then even revert to their original sex. The XX female chromosome and the XY male chromosome stay the same, it is only the necessary equipment that dissolves or assembles.
If you are feeling content and not moved by the plight of mismatched genders spare a thought for the insect world that is prone to a mischief microscopic bug by the name of Wolbachia. This bacterium has the power to change the sex of it’s host. The same bacterium can even induce virgin births.
Did you know that the female stick insect can, without the male, produce female young? You might get the distinct feeling that in nature certain species of the males are getting the brush off.
Undeniably there are astounding examples in nature that realise sex can be a tool for survival of the species. The ability to alternate, switch and display gender according to need is useful. For me, it highlights the fact that gender is key not only to life itself but how that life is permitted to function and fulfil a purpose.
Gender orientation and reproduction can be complex subjects and there is a surprising contrast between that of the human and the animal world. Snails, for example have a varied approach to sex. Certain types of snails are independently able to make copies of themselves without any other intervention. There are cases that include examples being male and female simultaneously but then needing to find a partner to reproduce.
Sex change is not a problem for some species of coral reef fish, moray eels, gobies, wrasses and clownfish. Interestingly the clownfish observe a strict structure, dominated by a female fish. Should there be no female, a male fish will change sex to fill the vacant position. This is a one way change that is not reversible for them but some fish can alternate their gender.
When it comes to frogs, some species have the ability to change sex according to a requirement of the environment. If there is an unbalance of males and females, frogs have been known to alter gender and then even revert to their original sex. The XX female chromosome and the XY male chromosome stay the same, it is only the necessary equipment that dissolves or assembles.
If you are feeling content and not moved by the plight of mismatched genders spare a thought for the insect world that is prone to a mischief microscopic bug by the name of Wolbachia. This bacterium has the power to change the sex of it’s host. The same bacterium can even induce virgin births.
Did you know that the female stick insect can, without the male, produce female young? You might get the distinct feeling that in nature certain species of the males are getting the brush off.
Undeniably there are astounding examples in nature that realise sex can be a tool for survival of the species. The ability to alternate, switch and display gender according to need is useful. For me, it highlights the fact that gender is key not only to life itself but how that life is permitted to function and fulfil a purpose.
