Today, on the train on the way back from work I was seated next to a man who was reading his newspaper. As usual I was reading over his shoulder. The article was about Madonna and the divorce settlement of £5m that she paid to Guy. I got a bit confused thinking how come a man reads this type of article.

After completing his reading he folded the newspaper and he took out of his pocket a stack of other papers. He began reading again but this time the articles were print-outs from the internet and the titles were: “Divorce Recovery Workshop”, “How to deal with Depression and Sadness” and lastly and most horrific “How to deal with suicidal feelings”!

Suddenly, everything fell into place…. For the first time in my life I felt like talking to this person and give him my advice. I didn’t. I don’t know if I regret it or not. Sometimes, we like remain anonymous among strangers however, if I had introduced myself to that man and talked to him, I might have made him feel happier even if it was for just the duration of my journey.

I always believed that democracy is the right political system for culturally advanced societies. That countries under democracy may not deserve it hence not apply it as it was originally intended. The abuse became a right and the rudeness and lack of self-respect became a privilege.We don’t seem to appreciate and honour the legacy that was passed to us.We believe that democracy equals freedom without limits while democracy’s limit is where the freedom of others begin. Respect for others and realisation of our position and responsibilities seems to go amiss. Oligarchic systems could be ideal for those who lost their way to true democracy. However, there is always a risk presenting itself when power, once again, is abused. This can take its toll on the wider public and its freedom. Those who lack manners, unfortunately, are seen as rebellious “idols” making their way to the top faster than ever before.  Those who speak faster than their head can think are admired. Constructive thinking and words of reason are rare. True debate with open mind without insulting your counterpart does not exist.

Have we ever thought what do we really contribute to our society? What do we have to offer? Do we really have anything to offer apart from a list of newly coined words? Have we ever considered that our modest personal knowledge could be greater if it was ever shared with the world? Knowledge of better value for the next generations that could be enhanced and grow. Self-destruction reigns where individual thought and self reasoning is non-existent. Corruption takes a few individuals to happen, growth needs many.

 I was sent this wonderful mail and I was reminded that people can only be as great as their words.  

“Η Δημοκρατία μας αυτοκαταστρέφεται διότι κατεχράσθη το δικαίωμα της ελευθερίας και της ισότητας, διότι έμαθε τους πολίτες να θεωρούν την αυθάδεια ως δικαίωμα, την παρανομία ως ελευθερία, την αναίδεια του λόγου ως ισότητα και την αναρχία ως ευδαιμονία.”  Ισοκράτης (436 π.Χ-338 π.Χ.)

 

Yesterday, I was reading the news during lunch time as usual when I fell upon this odd story. The man of the story definitely has a complex puzzle to put together for xmas day. I wish him courage and good luck!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20081204/tuk-bin-man-to-tackle-10-000-jigsaw-dba1618.html


 

That struck me as an interesting comparison to consider:

Starbacks waste of water!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/blog/editors_corner/article/3239/

Cholera in Zimbabwe!?!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20081205/thl-zimbabwe-pleads-for-help-amid-growin-da1a740.html

 

 

Well, after the disaster that was the HTC Touch Diamond I had a while ago, I decided I needed to call Orange and sort out my phones. I had been fancying an iPhone but I was loathed to move to O2 for it. I had been tracking the news around Orange because they were rumored to be selling the iPhone this year. But it being the end of November and there not being a press release in sight I decided just to call them and see what I could blackmail them in to providing.

I had seen the HTC Touch HD and thought, being the most expensive phone in the residential section I thought I should try it. I spoke to the nice lady at upgrades, she said she wasn’t authorised give me that for free and I should speak to “retentions”. I was duely transfered and speaking to the crack team; I mentioned that I wanted a good upgrade or an extreme downgrad. I asked about the HTC Touch HD and said I was looking for something like an iPhone. They said I had to pay £50 for it, I don’t normally pay for phone upgrades, however they offered me a halving of my line rental. So, I am now paying £22 per month for 1200 minutes, 900 texts, unlimited internet and I got a top of the line phone.Win!

The HTC Touch HD is much better than the Diamond, it is faster (although the processor is the same), it has a better display (a large 480×800 touch display) and all in all despite it’s relative weight it feels good to the touch. I was at a PR event last night for our company where our PR agency invited a group of journalists and we were discussing such devices. I bought out my phone and the considered opinion was that it was quite nice.

I think it won’t be going back and I can be quite happy with what I have.