"A History of the World in a Hundred Objects"

The Typewriter



First developed as a tool for recording the written word, the Typewriter was “clunky” and “dirty” relying on a dial rather than keys to function. It emerged towards the end of the Industrial Revolution, meaning it would have been in direct competition with other technologies, such as the Automobile or the Telephone. Its “Q-W-E-R-T-Y” keyboard, first developed in the 1870’s, made it a commercial success and was later adapted by other manufacturers.

Radio News.

#1

Local Trade Unions surrounded Elizabeth II Court in Winchester today protesting against Public Sector Cuts.

Hampshire County Council are said to be cutting £100m from the local budget over the next two years, which could cost many people their jobs.

One council employee commented:

In: "You know I'm obviously seeing..."
Out: "... and this is a National problem."

Duration: 33 seconds.

#2

Hampshire Police have joined forces with Stonewall's "It Gets Better Today" Campaign to help those suffering from homophobic bullying.

The decision was made in response to growing reports of homophobic and transphobic incidents over the past months. 255 reports were recorded between April 2011 and January 2012 - 146 said to have been hate crimes.

For more information visit: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/

Source: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/releases/It+Gets+Better+Today.htm (06/02/2012)

#3

It has been revealed that Twitter can selectively "censor" tweets by country.

The announcement follows SOPA's Blackout Campaign against Internet Censorship which could jeopardize the right to freedom of expression, affecting 100 million users worldwide.

In: "In response to Twitter's decision..."
Out: "... of communicating with distant family."

Duration: 38 seconds.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16753729 (27/01/2012)

"A Tale Of Two Revolutions" #1

THE ROMANTIC MOVEMENT (page 615)

The Renaissance brought about a new respect for architecture, literature and the sciences. Romanticism, however, was of German influence and consisted of a 'revolt' against the current ethical and aesthetic standards brought about by the Italians.

ROUSSEAU (page 623)

"Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains"

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was said to be the 'father' of the Romantic Movement. He was a sinister man who glorified violence (with the contempt of traditional morals) and his 'anarchic tendencies' led to the questioning of the State's authority - Characteristic of 'German Idealism'.

The 'Principle of Nationality' eroded, as Idealists such as Rousseau, sought disruption throughout France. 'Sensibility' took the place of existing values as he longed for Liberty; it was 'absolute'. He believed himself to be superior, like that of a God, therefore, refused to be controlled by the State.

His "Discourse on Inequality", published in 1754, establishes how man is 'naturally good' but is made bad by the State. (Men are conscious of their submission and are "forced to be free"). Anarchy would be seen as 'heroic' in the eyes of Rousseau as it was his philosophy that you "follow feeling rather than reason to be virtuous" - "Emile" (1762)

Much like Plato, he claims reason to be on the side of religious belief. To Rousseau, religion was 'difficult' and 'abstruse'. There is nothing outside our own emotions, he claims, and therefore, anyone who believed was branded 'ignorant'.

"The heart has its reasons, of which reason is ignorant" (page 629)

His concept of the 'General Will' outlined the belief in a Totalitarian State, whereby the individual is branded 'powerless' by the "passive" institution.

CURRENTS OF THOUGHT IN THE 19TH CENTURY (page 652)

'German Idealism' dominanted in France and 'British Empricism' in England, producing various 'men of science', such as Immanuel Kant and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

With literary influences like William Cobbett, there remained a belief in Utilitarianism - 'Happiness is a pleasure and the absense of pain'. This is reminiscent of Locke's "blank slate", in which our sensory perceptions determine our reactions to certain external objects. We often seek short-term pain for long-term pleasure and therefore, happiness is considered a 'virtue'.

Naturalist Charles Darwin also helped to determine this increase in the sense of human power. He was a liberal who believed in a world of 'free competition' and the growing power of the State - "Theory of Evolution". He introduced 'scientific optimism' into the minds of the people, suggesting nature was biological rather than mechanical.

It was now believed that you could achieve anything using scientific method. The idea of 'natural beauty', characteristic of the Renaissance, vanquished and 'scientific propaganda' ruled.

All quotes sourced from:
Russell, Bertrand "The History Of Western Philosophy" (2009)

Writing For Radio.

( ) = to indicate pause

underlined = to indicate emphasis

We marvel at them (.) in a way we all want to be like them (.) they offer us an escape from the trials of the real world (.) allowing us to become engulfed in theirs (.) a place where good always prevails and the necessity of evil is short-lived (2)

They colour the world with their graphic existence (.) characterised by strength and independence (.) suave and elegant (2) some riddle us with fancy cars (.) some glide through the air (.) others pierce it with an impenetrable force as onlookers watch in awe (2) we are fascinated by them (.) fictional characters (.) narratives that explore a life outside reality (2)

We long to be like them (.) mutants (.) creatures that defy the laws of nature (.) yet we are compelled to read about them (.) watch them as they dedicate themselves to protect (.) to serve (.) to defend (2) a God-like figure (.) a Saviour (2)

A brand (.) integrated into the lives of ordinary people (.) affecting who we are and how we think (2) they represent a kind of freedom (.) yet they are isolated (.) imprisoned (.) ideological (2) they represent justice (.) of which they will defend to the death (2)

We can never know their true identities (.) they hide in the shadows (.) much like the monsters from our nightmares (.) we come to fear them (2) they all have a dark side (.) most live double lives (2) yet they continue to remain anonymous (.) even in the rawest of moments (2)

Reflections of a fair and just world (.) we admire them (.) they are revolutionary (.) distinct (5)

                                    What are they?



     Music by Brandon K. Guttenfelder. Available under Creative Commons.

Hume's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding": An Analysis.

(Following on from: http://scifichick93.blogspot.com/2011/12/hcj-seminar-paper-291111.html)

Published in 1751, Hume's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" became so significant that it was said to have awakened Kant from his 'dogmatic slumbers'.

As an amendment of his earlier Doctrine "A Treatise of Human Nature" which sadly "fell dead-born to the press", Hume's "Essay" was instead a shorter and more analytical piece.

I hope my analysis proves helpful to anyone else struggling with the Scottish Empiricists philosophy...

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS REVIEW.

WARNING. REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

"The thrill is in the chase, never in the capture." (Agatha Christie)

Prepare yourself for a banterous bromance, devilish disguises and a generic German villain who is determined to bring about the death of western civilisation, as a case of mistaken identity leads Holmes, Watson and their gypsy counterpart on A Game Of Shadows.

Image available under Wikimedia Commons.

Guy Ritchie is back, directing in my opinion, a brilliantly executed portrayal of the quick-witted detective's unforgettable escapades.

I found the first Sherlock Holmes film, in which Holmes was faced with the challenge of defeating occult sorcerer Lord Blackwood, rather underwhelming. Considering the supernatural storyline was a reference to author Doyle, it lacked the ominousity and the shock value that makes his stories so appealing.

Reading 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' it is evident that the films detach themselves significantly from the books. Instead, Ritchie has chosen to revamp Holmes into a modern-day action-hero, being portrayed as the "physical type" rather than the "thinker", making the film a comedy of sorts. 

In my opinion, he has done an elementary job. The bullet-time sequences are iconic as we are invited to enter the poetic mind of Holmes in a way that is somewhat intrusive yet captivating all the same. Robert Downey Jr never fails to impress with his portrayal of the sinister Holmes, and the on-screen chemistry between him and Jude Law is undeniably charming.

VERDICT:
"If convenient, come at once. If inconvenient, come all the same."

Festive Frenzy.

I am currently enjoying the satisfying lull that follows Christmas and New Year, having spent most of my time catching up with family and friends after twelve intense weeks of forceful motivation and hard work.

Granted, my first semester turned out to be both fun and enriching and I now embark on a New Year freshly bathed in knowledge and experience.

Wishing you all an exceptional New Year.