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Nick Rambles Muchly - episode 7
Posted Feb 25, 2008
"Why?" is a question that is often asked. The obvious answer is "Why not?".
Oh, and just so you know, the irrational fear of palindromes (words that are spelt the same forwards and backwards) is called aibohphobia
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Latest reply: Feb 25, 2008
What's wrong with my life - a 'short' extract from my coursework
Posted Feb 23, 2008
ICT in the Modern World
ICT has, and probably will continue to have, an enormous influence on society. Life without ICT would be similar to the time of the industrial revolution, with all major industry being done by manual labour or with mechanical devices that need constant attention. With ICT, much industry can be automated, and safety systems can be much more sophisticated, activating themselves to prevent injury. This does not, however, reduce the need for human involvement. People are still needed to ensure that the automated systems are running correctly, and that certain raw materials go into the industrial process. The automation of industry has not reduced the number of jobs; it has actually increased it. As the systems for industrial processes become more advanced, more people are required to build them. As more systems become automated, more people are required to write the programs behind them, and more people are required to maintain them.
Socially, ICT has brought many advances in communications. It is now possible for two people standing on opposite sides of the world to have a conversation. Messages can be sent via landline telephones, mobile telephones, satellite telephones, SMS text messaging, email, over the Internet in chat rooms, or by video conferencing. All of these methods have their specific characteristics that mean they are chosen for certain situations. ICT has also increased access to information for many. The Internet provides a means of research as well as a means of communication. Both adults and children can also use the Internet to learn from, and then receive qualifications. It is also possible to use the Internet for shopping, and anything from groceries to holidays can be bought online. Alongside television and radio, the Internet can also be used for entertainment, with podcasts and film downloads becoming ever more popular. People can also use the Internet to ‘telecommute’. This allows people to work from home. It is, in theory possible to live your entire life indoors, working, communicating and shopping over the Internet.
ICT is has also made incredible advances in policing. Information about known criminals and offences is now stored on a national database, and this information can be accessed from any police station in the United Kingdom. Computers are used for fingerprint identification, and DNA profiling. Closed circuit television (CCTV) is now used to deter crime, and to track criminal’s movements.
Computers have proved themselves invaluable in the world of medicine as well. Without ICT, advances in the treatment to terminal illnesses would not have been made. The development of new drugs and new operating techniques would not have been possible. The use of ICT has saved many lives and improved the quality of many more. However, not all advancements in the world of medicine are so good. ICT has allowed scientists to alter or replace DNA. Many people feel that genetic engineering is wrong and should not be allowed, and at the moment it is illegal in most countries.
Many people have found that computers and computer systems, such as the one I have created, greatly reduce the amount of work that has to be done. I feel ICT has had an incredible impact on the world, and that my system would function well for the small company that it was designed for. I think that it could be very easily used by any small travel agency, and could be easily adapted for other businesses.
If you think it's bad reading, imagine what it was like to write. And that is just part of the coursework.
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Latest reply: Feb 23, 2008
Nick Rambles Muchly - episode 6
Posted Feb 20, 2008
An ant farting is the quietest sound in nature. No, really it is.
The loudest sound in nature is debatable. It is either an elephant exploding after dying from nitrogen-enduced hypoxia then having it's orifices sealed (duck tape works well for this), or a classic rock concert, depending on whether you think people are part of nature (they are really, I mean they evolved from squiggly things and those were natural, so why aren't people).
Remember, wear ear protection when in the vicinity of any legendary rock group (Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, Queen, Velvet Revolver, etc.), and if at first you don't succeed, try again with duck tape.
YRARH!
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Latest reply: Feb 20, 2008
Nick Rambles Muchly - episode 5
Posted Feb 18, 2008
I have no way of proving that anything does exist outside my head.
Therefore, it does not.
If everyone blinks at once then the universe will temporarily not exist, apart from the bits that people can smell/feel/hear/sense by some supernatural means.
I think perhaps I should go somewhere quiet for a few days.
Maybe Iceland.
Alternatively I could just sit at home playing rock music at 101% volume.
That would be good.
Bye!
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Latest reply: Feb 18, 2008
Nick Rambles Muchly - episode 4.5
Posted Feb 14, 2008
Also, sanity is the possesion of common sense, and to be able to make decisions based on the evidence provided. So if the evidence suggested that plumpday was preferable to tuesday, plumpday would be the sane route to take.
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Latest reply: Feb 14, 2008
Sceptical Nick - Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're NOT out to get me.
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