Technological decluttering!

Or as hypno cat would put it “recycle your electricals”

Recycle Your Electricals: Hypnocat

Oh god don’t make me go back into that place, where the Amazon parcel cardboard lives along with the wrapping paper, old TV, computer screen, countless useless cables, plugs, installation CD’s (for things no longer even installed) and laptops dating back over 20 years – don’t make me go back there again. No, hypno cat, no! 

Ha Ha, it does not feel that bad though maybe it should! I am hopefully having a clear out towards the end of this month of some items all of which really do live in my flat rent free and everything. I’ve always tried to plan to recycle many of these items but I figure most are too old or broken to do anything useful with.

You can pay for the council to remove them or if valuable enough donate to a charity shop or if clapped out enough take to the nearest recycling centre. But you need a car to take them to the recycling centre which I don’t have! But I have asked a friend if he can hopefully assist me when I have some time off work and we should be able to sort most (hopefully as much as possible of it out then.

Prior to that day I need to try and do a bit of prep like seeing if the computers still switch on and if they do wipe their hard drives and google what else I might need to do to them, I also have a collection of mobile phone’s which a programme on BBC 1 called Antique Roadshow would be proud of not so much for how much they might be worth but for how old they are. I could free up quite a bit of cupboard and draw space if I can sort this lot all out this month.

I also have a bedroom with lots of no longer worn clothes and bedding that have not seen the light of day for a good few years, which I must also try and get sorted. Just thinking and typing how much stuff there is, is a little daunting, but I am counting on this being part of the process of sorting this stuff out.

I presently have a little Huawei P30 mobile phone, which has a matching tablet with it, for my day to day needs it works really well but the battery is not as good as it once was and sometimes I can’t get Wi-Fi for it, when other people are not having the same issues with their phone as me. One of the places where I can’t get mobile data or decent Wi-Fi is the office where I work, which is not great, I was all set to purchase a new Motorola phone this evening but resisted. I figure I have had my other phone for 4 years and it still works, so perhaps wait until I have had my recycling sort out of stuff at the end of the month and then perhaps treat myself to a new phone.

What’s that old phrase ‘if it’s not broken, nor stolen, still charges and takes updates don’t throw it away, well something like that!!!

Alas though some of this stuff has long passed its use by date and it’s just now a case of disposing of it responsibly and safely with Hypnocat!

Our Father who Art in algorithm

God be thy source coder!

A new physics paper suggests that we may all be living in a computer simulation.

Ok so this is one of the latest physics theories, which to be honest I am in no position to prove or disprove whether it is correct. But the sheer fact that a top physicist publishes what they believe to be ‘evidence’ that we’re living in a computer simulation is kind of fascinating.

Even if this were to one day be proven correct, just what exactly would that mean? I still have freedom of thought and will to write this article and publish it, so in no way am I being coerced into what to think, say or write. So us digital dudes do have some form of self expression and freedom of movement and thought within this computer simulation, just tapping my foot to confirm I also have freedom of movement, yep that’s true also.

But other bigger questions still appear such as who wrote the program and why and even how is the dam thing run and what happens if it crashes?

Also what would be the consequences of finding out that this is a simulation and would there be any cheats or ways of following or even bending the rules?

What are those rules, who wrote or writes them, is it non-consequential to follow them or are their actions and consequences for what you do, think, say or believe? Is the creator alive or dead or even more mind bending in a simulation themselves?

Also according to the programme why is the world in the situation it is, why do we live in what can be perceived to be a dystopian form of reality than a kinder utopian form of existence. Men and women have always focused on trying to better their existence and improving their lot sometimes even trying to improve the lot of their fellow man and women too. Yet somehow things can so quickly go badly wrong or for want of a better phrase turn to shit more often than not more often on global scale of shear incompetence, greed and downright skulduggery behaviour intent and attitude.   

Another interesting thing that I pondered on this subject is what happens when we die? Are we uploaded to the source (god), are we switched off, deleted or reset and started off in a new sentience?

The whole theory of whether we live in a computer simulation or what type of universe we live within godless, spiritual or deity controlled or uncontrolled has always fascinated me. The idea that there are so many sentient beings on this planet all ticking away with their own thoughts evolving or devolving, being born or dieing, or choosing to think in a certain way or not think at all is kind of fascinating.

Then you go to the next level of whether we are being looked after, controlled, ruled or governed by other thinking sentient beings or one ultimately powerful being that is omnipotent and omnipresent or whether we are just in an a soulless existence not run by anything or one, with no control or existence or even a simulation which runs itself as its created died a long time ago. All of these varying theories on the nature of existence have always fascinated me in many ways and to certain degrees at different times of my life.  

I wonder where in the machine of life or tapestry of existence, your views fit into or flow through to?

If only it were as simple or as dramatic as ‘The Matrix’ and there were sides to choose or rules to follow and or break free from!

The Matrix Resurrections – Official Trailer 1

It’s complicated              

Life has been busy and tiring for me since my Ireland holiday and also with the world in a continuous chaotic crisis, I sometimes just don’t want to type something in case the situation I’m typing about gets even more unstable than that it was when first put into words.

I just tried to shape a thought in my head which is why do people hate and fear refugees or asylum seekers so much, what exactly should we hate and fear them for? Why do they bother coming to a country like the USA or Britain to be hated and feared. why bother?

Well if the country that they lived in was at war or in some form of crisis resulting in no food or shelter, then some would run to the nearest refugee camp. But others not merely wanting to survive but thrive would seek a new life, not just for themselves but for their future generations and if the free world philosophy is to be believed then you would run to those countries that have freedoms for their citizens and a chance to thrive such as the USA or Britain. The USA did not become a great nation by turning people away and just looking after its own. It became a great nation by welcoming those from abroad not turning its back on them.

Admittedly there is not enough room or decent infrastructure within any country to welcome all of the immigrants that would choose to live within their new country of choice. But that does not in any way mean we must demonise people seeking a better life due to the hell of war, climate change and famine within the country they wish to escape from. We should be doing more to protect care for and humanise the living conditions of all people from all over the world. If the countries of the world do not collectively see other countries wars, climate change crisis and famines as there problems then sooner or later those starving and desperate people will turn up on your boarders trying to seek refuge and shelter.

It might be convenient then to blame them for the circumstances that led to the crisis that they finds them in, in your county but by trying to criminalise them or cart them off to an unsafe future is in no way solving the problems for them or clearing countries of their responsibility to other fellow  human beings.

There are many elections coming up in the UK and USA over the next 12 months which will have consequences upon not just you and your life but the lives of those whose very life or death might be in the hands of the politicians that you vote for as to whether they are given help or are hindered shown mercy or demonised so when you do vote, which of course you should really do, think about what and who you vote for and what and who the consequences are for from that vote.   

Read All About It, Pt. III by Emeli Sandé

Gaza is not a warzone it’s a one sided slaughter!

Countries take great pride in their military, revel in their fallen comrades and thank those that still serve in the forces. Or it’s all grist to the mill. (Grist is the corn that is brought to the mill to be ground into flour. In the days when farmers took ‘grist to the mill’ the phrase would have meant “everything can be made useful, or be a source of profit.”

As soon as you join the military you are taught of the honour and sacrifice of those that went before you. Your not just taught how to kill but you’re taught that when your side goes to war, your going in on the right side, so that when push comes to shove you don’t doubt, you don’t hesitate and most of all you are an effective killer of the other side.

One of the latest atrocities committed by Israel is to completely destroy and decoltate the main hospital in Gaza inthe name of killing terrorists’ sadly the citizens living around the hospital or getting treatment in the hospital are not just collateral damage but grist for the mill(itary machine). I have recently been visiting our local Royal Devon and Exeter hospital in Exeter due to one of my relatives being considerably ill, his National Health Service treatment has been first class and is truly giving him more than a fighting chance of a good recovery and life, but imagine living in gaze and having the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza as your main hospital it just doesn’t bare thinking about.

al-Shifa hospital in Gaza or what’s left of it

If you wanted to target a people and not a source of terrorism you would destroy their medical facilities, stop there means of being fed, watered and destroy over 50% of the building’s with their country which you control, this is still not a war it’s genocide.

Israel might be the one pulling the trigger and dropping the bombs but it is countries like mine and the US that are continuing to supply guns, bombs and F 16 planes.

Israel also needs to insure it tells its own people what it wants them to hear and so with this in mind, the Israeli parliament has approved a law giving the government the power to ban broadcasts of TV channels including Al Jazeera, the Qatari-owned network.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would “act immediately” to close the network’s local office.

The US expressed concern over the move.

What is the point of expressing concerns when you are adding fuel to the fire by supplying the petrol that is then set alight by Netanyahu. Its like handing a box of matches to a child and saying these are those wooden sticks I told you not to play with and when they start to throw those lit matches about rather than taking the matches of a child just express concern and hand them more matches.

💕Goodnight sweetheart 💕

Back from Ireland now after a wonderful holiday, I heard some news about a former partner that passed away while I was on a train in Ireland from Galway to Dublin. Her name is Marianne Morgans or Max and she died at the young age of 43. We were close and I last heard from her on the 29th February 2024 when she sent me a lovely message telling me to take care of myself. She would always think of others before herself and had such a loving and good spirit.  

Below is a partial cut of her last message she posted to me through messenger on the 29th February 2024, it shows a great deal about her spirit and love for others I don’t know if she was trying to help and guide me before she passed, talking about my mental health, my brother and the love and support she appreaicated from my family.

Part of Max’s last message sent to is below sent on 29th February 2024 at 1:39am:-

“I remember when you were in Wales, calling me in the middle of the night extremely unwell, confused and scared. And I remember feeling honoured it was me you called. So I knew you were still in there somewhere, trying to get out) You’ve come so far since then. I know you’ve had relapses, and I know you fight every day to keep level. That’s bloody brave! Don’t forget that. The easy way is to not bother with your meds, and let it take over you. But you don’t… you do all you can to stay well! Be proud of yourself! I remember after we broke up, and I was a little heartbroken still, bumping into Andy in the Wheelers, and him saying how impressed he was with you. How it couldn’t be easy as you couldn’t do all the shit he did at your age ( hello recreational party drugs or Colombian marching powder lol) But most of all, how adult and matter of fact you were about it. Or at least that’s what you showed on the outside. He had allot of love for you. Like you did him. I think he looked up to you just as much as you looked up to him. I was a little jealous that you had such an amazing relationship with your sibling and your mum and dad. You’re so much like them both, as caring as your mum, and as funny as your dad. Plus lots of other good things. I actually don’t think you have a bad bone in your body! Unlike me….. you’d be hard pressed to find anything in me that isn’t an asshole lol. I don’t mind, I quite like being an asshole. It means the people who aren’t worth it, or are users piss off fast, and the people who see though my assholeness and stick around, are the best sort of people. There aren’t many, and you’re definitely one of them . You don’t tolerate my bullshit and can see the real me…… which is vulnerable in some aspects. I don’t like people seeing that, as they try to take advantage… some manage it. I just wish you’d bloody tell me when you’re struggling. Because you told me years ago what sort of things happen to you when you’re spiralling , and when you’re in full blown psychosis. It doesn’t frighten me, or makes me think less of you. In fact, I think more of you because you’re reaching out… that means you’re asking for help even if you don’t realise it at the time. Please send my love to Mr E. your parents were the first parents to not look at me like trash. Treat me well even though I was poor as fuck. They didn’t care. I’ve tried to be a bit like Mrs E. poverty is the normal down here. Allot of parents numb themselves on the money they get for their kids …..( and that’s not a judgement… it’s a sad reality and it isn’t their fault. Being poor and not knowing how you’re going to feed everyone takes its toll. So they think … fuck it. And spend it on drink and drugs: use the food bank to feel the family and then numb themselves) ….. The amount of other people’s teenagers clothes I’ve washed and dried… I’ve lost count. All their clothes and bedding so dirty they’re crusty and solid. Them being so ashamed they don’t come to the house. Just help Lauren or Tom carry it all up, and run away because they don’t want to see how disgusted I might be. And … I’m never disgusted. It isn’t their fault. My reward is when the kids tell me how happy they are, wearing clothes that aren’t stiff with dirt. Clean knickers and bras. Fresh bedding … often the first good nights sleep in months. I think I probably look like how Mrs E would look when I ate 3 meals a day at a normal time lol. She’s such a material person just she 🙂basically….. when I was with you and your family, it’s the safest I’d ever really felt. Before or since. You all had a positive impact on my life. I think you all should know that. People don’t say thank you enough in my opinion. Anyhoo… ill stop rambling at you now. Please stay in touch, even when you’re well and life is good ( which you absolutely deserve) Sending you big hugs. And I’m here whenever you need me, or just want to say hello and a quick update. Much love my sweet. Xxxx

Damien Rice – the Blower’s daughter

Paddy’s day 2024

24 years ago today I was making my way to Temple bar area of Dublin for what was a really special and fun filled day of listening to live music and drinking Guinness in a pub called Fitzsimmons bar. Today I’m in Galway where the morning started with a wonderful plate of pancakes and fruit with a coffee and a drink of orange juice.

Happy St Patrick’s Day

We got home last night in a taxi after venturing around Galway city centre where we had a wonderful meal while watching England play France in the 6 nations rugby. We have been planning this holiday since boxing day 2023 and me and my Dad are really having a lovely time.

Lovely steak and chips

I was a little nervous about leaving the pub that we had just eaten in and going to another bar. But some great music came on from one of the bars we were outside so we decided to venture in.

Great bar with excellent music

When there we met Tony a local Galway lad that took us under his wing talking to us and even giving us a little tour of the city and taking us to a bar called Murphy which he said has the best Guinness in Galway and it was delicious.

Guinness Time

We are hoping to meet up with Tony and some of his friends later for a Paddy day drink. It’s been so cool to meet a local guy able to let us know where to head to in Galway. Such a lovely place.

Lovely day for a Limerick

So day 3 in Ireland, we have had a lot of rain on our travels but it certainly has not dampened our spirits. We were in Cork yesterday and Dad went on a wonder in the evening and managed to get some lovely evening photos.

Hotel Maldon Cork
Cork Opera house
Photo of one of the bridges across Cork.

The photos that Dad got above were taken on his iPhone ill try and pursade him to take some more while we are here. It’s been so cloudy since we have been in Ireland and it rained alot on the first day in Wexford. But when we arrived in Wexford this afternoon the sun came out to say hello.

Limerick train station
Father with pipe
Me with father’s finger in way

So we have checked in to the Old Quarter Town house now where I’m just catching my breath. It’s a bar and restaurant with live music reminds me a little of The Ship in Exeter though don’t know if any where here does karaoke on a Friday though.

Bedroom for the night
View from bedroom in Limerick

Three ports and a railway

So me and Dad arrived in Ireland yesterday evening, though we nearly did not make it due to our ferry being cancelled because of bad weather.

We set off from Exeter St David’s train station at 7.20am on Wednesday 13th March 2024.

Train from Exeter (It’s too early)
Woken up a little more now!

I’m going to try and get more photos of the trip this holiday I normally try to relax and enjoy the moment and drink too much Guinness and not look like a tourist. But what the heck I’m on holiday and I am a tourist.

So we then headed to Bristol it turns out the Cheltenham horse racing meeting was on too so as we got closer to Cheltenham the train got busier and busier. Luckily for us though we were able to change train at Bristol Temple Meads and head to Swansea in South Wales.

We got to Swansea dad dashed out of train station to smoke a pipe and I walked to the next platform our train to where we were hoping to get a ferry to Ireland from was departing from.

A message then came up saying ferry to Fishguard cancelled. We started worrying about what are options were then and I phoned the ferry company and they told us to get to Fishguard where they would lay on a taxi to Pembrook dock where we could catch a different ferry to rosslare Harbour. So off we went.

Our Ferry from the shore

So we were on the ferry and the waters a bit choppy but Ireland was our destination of choice. There were only 17 walk on passengers on the whole ferry the rest were in cars or lorries. Due to the time of year more people were heading from Ireland to Cheltenham for the races than the other way around.

A pint of Guinness each on the ferry.

We finally arrived at the hotel about 8pm so nearly a 13 hours traveling. It had been a long day and a little stressful not knowing at times how, when or if we would get to Ireland.

First pint on Irish soil was a lemonade.

The hotel that we stayed in on 13 March had a bar and restaurant where we were able to get some gorgeous food and I got my glass of lemonade. My stomach needed settling with some food as all I had ate on the day was a croissant for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch so by 9pm I was needing to eat.

We did make it out to a bar on our favourite part of Wexford where I was able to finally have my first pint in Ireland listen to local musicians play some traditional it was awesome!

We’re off to Cork today where my Dad’s grandfather was born. Dad has never visited Cork so he is really looking forward to going.

Also I nearly forgot to mention that a message came up on my Facebook page to say the 13th March 2000 me and some friends also went to Ireland for 8 days in Dublin. Some 24 years ago. How time flies.

Facebook Outage!

I survived the great Facebook outage of March 2024 and you know what, so did you my friend!

I tried to login to Facebook today when it turns out it had already been down for about 3 hours and it was asking me to enter password, at this time I realised I had about 3 passwords in my phone for it and was unsure which was the right one and the fact that none of them were working was even more confusing. I then had a message come saying they would send me a message through whatsapp with a code that I had to enter and access facebook, that did not work either, so they also offered me the option of sending a text to my phone which of course did not work either.

While all this was going on I was also logging onto google to check out if there was any news on Facebook having crashed and reassuringly all over the internet there were many articles about it being down and also a comment I could relate to saying  “Anyone else freak out and think they was being hacked?” well yes for a second yes I did.

Funny how when I was a teenager I had no mobile phone or concept of wifi and yet now in a time such as this, in a county such as mine, a mobile phone with wifi and a pair of glasses on to read what is or ia not working on the screen, are all taken for granted as essential parts of everyday life. So when it stops working we try to work out what has gone wrong or what the heck s going on.

I also wanted to send a message to friends and joke around with them but on messenger or Facebook saying that the computer is now fighting back and the revolution has began, so see you on the other side! But luckily for them I could not as facebook and messenger where still down!

The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1

So Spring has sprung

Now in March I hope that spring brings green shoots of optimism and a little bit of budding of new and fresh positivity like from the first sighting of snowdrops to blue bells in fields of raw emotion in woodlands of ages past. Where hope spring eternal and I am pleased to hope that a little bit more of a positive attitude and things to believe in are finally here.

Though life does not unfold like a story written in a book, often enough with chapters of trials leading to happy endings. We still interpret what is happening and write it down to share as if it were a story or as though we have a tale to tell.

One thing I am grateful to discover and am seeing alot at the moment is the value of friendships, in work, within family, at home and socially too from talking , texting, meeting and greeting and sharing moments too.

That lift you up too!

People really have shown compassion, strength of belief in me and support in a way I sometimes don’t expect. Or I sometimes expect to have to cope alone in life or on my own without the support of others, where as in reality to have that support of a call or text at a certain time or a shared drink in a bar or cheering of a song I have sung and assistance with a task in work are all very much valued moments in time which are very much appreciated.  

A rare last min photo of me, late night and scruffy but well its been taken now!

I am very much normally expect to rely on myself, but I have had a number of people remind me that I don’t need to do this all the time and that is comforting to see hear and know. As you get older you might think in some ways you are more alone but I feel if you give life and people a chance and reach out to others there is a chance that they will reach back to you too.  

Fast Changes by Seal