Educational Beliefs

Hi all,

Feeling the urge to take a break from emulating the ARM processor in the C programming language (I shit you not), I thought I'd share with you a few of my experiences of religious groups and Theology in general since the start of University. It's about time, right?

Needless to say, it's apparent that the majority of people at Bristol are either Agnostic or Atheist. Which felt kind of strange at first, after being around Catholics, Fundamental Christians and Muslims throughout my previous years. However, by no means have I escaped the aura of preachers and religious spokespeople. At the beginning of this term, the Christian Union held what I can only describe as a 'campaign' entitled "Dare to Believe", and organised a series of talks with somewhat questionable titles including "Do Atheists make good scientists?" - I mean, they were obviously going for the shock approach to get more people to attend the events. I wish I could have gone to one, but I do have an awesome set of flatmates, so I weighed up my options. I spoke to a guy on my course who attended the talk (also an Atheist from a religious school), and he said he was literally "shaking with rage" at what the speaker was saying.

On the one hand, I suppose I feel more comfortable in talking about my own beliefs openly, but I still can't help but feel so incredibly interested to hear what the religious people have to say. I guess it's because I can relate to them by comparing my experiences, coming from a religious school. When you're surrounded by people who (to you at least) are completely bonkers in how they view the origin of life, you're entitled to defend your opinion. I respect that.

One of the main things I've noticed about University is about how it seems to have filtered out the true believers and non-believers, as people tend to make up their own mind once free from the views administered by the family. I've noticed a few of my friends changing 'their views' from Catholic to Agnostic, but nobody the other way around. Of course, it makes me happy knowing they're finally making up their own minds about their religion and breaking themselves away from the confinement of it.

I guess I could say that I'm more passive about religion than I used to be. Then again, I haven't really come into contact with religious people in Bristol anywhere the scale of what I've experienced in East London. I still hold the same views though, on the whole.

Also, many thanks to Henry Murray and Sophie Valentine for the image up top :)

Until next time.

Social Clubbing

Hi all.

Okay so, I know it's been a long time since I last blogged, but I won't give you a full run-through of what's happened in the past few months because frankly, it'd be a bit tedious. Although, if you manage to make it to the end of this post, then cheers!

Why'd I decide to blog about something now? probably two reasons, the first being the fact that I made a 'pinky promise' with one of the flatmates to stay awake till 5, so I'm basically trying to kill time; the other reason would be the fact that I'm now back at my flat, after having left my flatmates in a club, mainly because my level of soberness was by far the highest out of everyone there. More importantly, I shall now explain why I hate clubs.

First off, I'd like to make it clear that I do understand why people go to clubs; it's a social thing to do, there's euphoric music with a decent soundsystem, there's a chance to pick up a one-night stand, and it's an excuse to get completely off your face on every substance known to man. They're fair points, depending on what sort of person you are. Personally, they're poor excuses.

As such, most if not all the times I've been at a club I've been sober enough to look at the complete mess of states that people are in. I can't help but observe people as they sway their wrecked masses about, casually bumping into each other, occasionally looking around for people to grind on. Possibly the thing that annoys me most about clubs are the people who casually move up behind someone they haven't met and proceed to rub themselves into the other person's crotch like a sexually frustrated chihuahua. Idiots. I go on a bit of a rage when the person involved is someone I know, and they clearly aren't comfortable.

After noticing that sort of thing happening, I begin to start judging everyone in the club, and come to the conclusion that simply put, society is really messed up. The worst thing is when I realise that I'm simply not of the right frame of mind to start a group conversation or contribute, because I'm too busy thinking about how much of a bad time I'm having. Either that reason, or the fact that I'm a lot shorter than everyone else so people don't notice me. Then again, this does happen to me even when we're having group conversations at other times. Perhaps it's my low self-esteem that I seem to have developed since the start of University. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving my time here, but I just feel like people view me in a completely different way to how my friends back in London did. Not that it's a bad thing, I just think I still have to have time to adjust. Mehhhhhh.

Until next time.

New Chapter

Hi all,

I was meant to post on my first day at Uni, but I've had so much to think about and do, I keep forgetting to, or fail to make enough time to blog.

So, I've begun my 4-year journey through Bristol University. The first day was quite surreal and to be honest, at times I was quite overwhelmed. My flatmates are some of the most awesome people I've met, and at times they remind me of my friends back in London. We haven't often ventured to the hall bar, mainly because we all click well and have a better time doing pre-drinks in our block. Thinking about it now, drinking on consecutive days probably isn't wise. Might try and sober myself up properly over the weekend, in time for my first lectures. I keep zoning out so much it's unreal.

Bristol's such a different place to London. Aside from the difference in ethnic minorities, the atmosphere seems so much more welcoming than in London. Whether that's to do with the fact that I've mostly been hanging around enthusiastic students is probably a factor to consider. My main gripe is the lack of a cheap supermarket nearby like ASDA or Lidl. I have to rely on Tesco Express and Sainsbury's, hardly on the working class man's budget. I think my diet for this week will ruin me slightly, but I can make up for that starting from next week.

Since my head's still ticking over, constantly thinking of what to do, It's kinda difficult to think of other things to say about Uni so far apart from that I'm really enjoying it, and really glad that I'm in good company!

Until next time, question everything, accept nothing without evidence.

Point Not Proven

Hi all,

I know it's been ages since I last blogged, and quite a few things have happened in my life since then. Uganda is amazing, I had a brilliant three weeks out there, and if you've read my previous post, you'll get the idea that my enthusiasm is now stronger than ever when it comes to travelling the world. Shortly after I came back to stubborn old London, I managed to get some temporary work at the same place my dad works at. The job was immensely brain-numbing, and let's just say I really do hope I find some work in Bristol next summer. I guess the main thing bugging me was the fact that such a high proportion of the other employees had little English skills, so having a conversation with them just wasn't possible. There's only so many times you can package nail polish before you start feeling like an emotionless machine. Nevertheless, the payment from the job means that I can now pay for my accommodation at Uni for the first term at least, since the government seem to like to take their time in giving people money (even though we people have to act hastily if it's the other way around).

So, today's the day before I move into Goldney Hall in Bristol, and I really can't wait any longer. These past few weeks have been dragging so much, especially seeing my friend's photos from their Freshers events. It'll be worth the wait, I know :)

Quite a few people have asked me if I'm going to join an Atheist society. It's funny, I guess the meetings of an Atheist society would be the equivalent of going to Church on Sunday for Christians. I've never really been in an environment where the people around me share the same theology as me, but I guess that's to do with being brought up in a Catholic school most of my life. I'll check out Bristol's 'Atheist, Agnostic and Secular Society', besides, they're meeting in a pub, how can I resist? Then again, I'm a bit cautious about how well theology goes down for anyone when they've had a few too many.

Had a conversation with a preacher earlier today up in Ilford town centre, after fetching lunch from Sainsbury's. The most interesting thing about what she said was the fact that she said my first name and mentioned that I am an engineer (Computer Science kinda counts, at least in Bristol it's under the faculty of engineering) without asking me, and the only piece of identification I had was my Oyster card, which was hidden in my pocket. It was impressive, I'll be honest. Then again, so is an experienced illusionist, or a psychic or a medium. Whether or not science explains her guessing my name correctly doesn't matter. It still doesn't prove her points about religion any further. She was a nice person, but like most people, she was too set in her own thoughts to even consider others. She admitted that she wouldn't believe in Jesus like she does if she was raised as a Muslim, yet she currently believes that the only way she will reach eternal life is by being submissive to Jesus and accepting Him as her saviour. I tried to put it into perspective for her, but she seems to lack the ability to understand that her thoughts are fallible. She gave me some leaflets and YouTube links, but like most people, I just put them into the bin along with the packaging from my lunch. I mean no offence to her by that action, but she and others like her need to understand that you should never try to invade people's beliefs (or non-beliefs) in theology unless you're the one being attacked. As much as she hopes her messages got across to me, I hope mine got across to her.

Until next time, question everything; accept nothing without evidence.

Thoughts on a Ugandan Bus

Hi all,

Although this blog post won't be up until I've arrived back from Uganda, I feel that my lack of blogging should be addressed, so I'm writing one now, while on board a public bus from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kampala (the capital of Uganda).

I'm already nearly finished the expedition, so apologies if my memory fails to provide a decent insight into how I have experienced life in Uganda thus far.

First off, this is Africa; a continent known for its masculinity in the face of all things even in everyday life. As such, there is a proliferation of misogyny. Men seem to be of a higher class than women, espeically so in the more rural areas, and in at least some parts of the country, a dowry system is still the norm for marriage. Payment could be in currency (Ugandan Shillings) or other items such as cattle or goats, which is to be paid by the groom to his partner's parents. Oh, and extra payment if a son is produces. As you may know, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, and I have not had the opportunity to discuss the issue with any locals.

- sorry to break the flow, the bus just stopped for a break and a line of men just started pissing in clear view of everyone on the bus. Anyways... -

Those of you who read my blog will know my standing on religion, however, I have held back my true thoughts on the most part, purely on grounds of respect for the local people. I did however mention my standing to a few boys in the school I had been helping out for nine days, none of whom had heard of the word 'Atheist' before. Again, this is Africa, and it is a very religious continent. References to faith can be seen pretty much everywhere in this country. Even the slogan for the bus I'm currently on is "In God we trust". Uganda's two main religions are Islam and (of course) Christianity, with what I can see as a fairly even balance between them, with both Churches and Mosques coming into view pretty regularly.

In terms of local opinion on their own country, I haven't had too many conversations, but the main topics that seem to come up include the need for more electricity, especially in rural areas, with the demand for solar panels, also the high level of corruption that seems to sweep local and national businesses alike, and also the strikes and protests by teachers over a lack in their payrise. So all in all, very similar to the problems we face in the UK.

If you imagined food shortages were a problem in Uganda, you'd be completely wrong. There is quite literally an abundance of food here. Practically everywhere that has been populated with humans has acres upon acres of banana plantations. The bananas mostly get used for making a local food called matoke, which tastes like a sweeter version of mashed potato (soft plantain, for those familiar with plantain). Oh, and over here, they don't call potatoes simply 'potatoes', they insist on calling them 'Irish potatoes', even though they are mostly grown in Uganda anyway. For most of the project/expedition I've been living off rice, pasta, bread and beanfeast that's cooked over either a methylated spirits canister or a good old wood fire. I love making fires (without sounding too psychopathic). Other times, when food is actually cooked for me and the other members of the team, I've tasted a few of the local foods like cassava, matoke and a bean stew-like soup concoction (tastes good). A few times I've had a whole fish (Tilapia), which is interesting because I have to decide which parts are edible. All in all, the local food is awesome.

Food is one of the two main subjects of importance throughout my time in-country. The other subject is transport, which is easier said than done when it comes to arranging. I have come to realise that sometimes arranging things last-minute in Uganda is actually the best way to go. Pre-booking transport causes a manner of problems, especially if the person has to drive halfway across the country to first meet up with the group or if the driver's English skills are lacking. On more than one occasion the person we booked for transport has tried to wager more money for no other legitimate reason than their own personal gain. They must think that because we are Westerners it means that we are willing to pay more money just because we seem to have more of it than they do. Nevertheless, our problems were always solved by someone close by who offered to do the same job for less than the original. More often than not, they were very nice people too! Aside from the few people who simply want to get money for nothing, Ugandans are an extremely friendly bunch, and most are willing to devote a lot of their time to help out us Westerners, or Muzungus, as they like to call us.

Looking forward to reaching Entebbe from Kampala and actually sleeping in a bed tonight.

Until next time. Question everything. Accept nothing without evidence.

Human Experiences

Hi all,

Well, thank God (lol) for that, I've now finished my A-Level exams. It is quite an amazing feeling. By far the hardest two exams were the ones I had today; COMP3 and FP2. Meh, what's done is done, and the results won't change, so there's no point in worrying!

Well, okay, so perhaps I can worry a little bit, you know, seeing as these are the exams that'll determine whether or not I get into Bristol or Sheffield University. I'm obviously hoping for Bristol, but won't be completely buggered if I end up at Sheffield by getting AAB (B most likely from Computing). I guess I'd be lying if I said that I'm not hoping for Bristol largely on the basis that I'd get the opportunity to study in America for a year. I guess I'm a guy who likes travelling a lot, and experiencing new things (within reason and sensibility).

I've never been outside of Europe, let alone been to America, but it's an amazing prospect for me. I guess I have drained all the joy I can (and can find) in London. It's a stubborn place, full of stubborn people, and more importantly, practically everything visible in London is man-made. I'd like to see a bit of greenery more often, you know what I mean? Quite often I stare up into the clouds or at sunsets, gazing at the wonderful complexity of the natural world. Might sound silly to you, but I'd sit there for hours on end staring into landscapes of trees, rolling hills, deserts, mountains, you name it. To me, it really does signify a lot about being human; the ability to observe the world around us; how it works, or our ability to at least try to understand. It makes me feel complete, especially when accompanied by some acoustic or euphoric music. I feel more alive. Our dependency as humans on 'The Big City' is the direct result of capitalism. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes I feel like people are missing the true meaning of what they're here on this earth to achieve: happiness, and as much of it as possible. In Tokyo, lots of people get so depressed living in the big, busy city that they actually PAY to have people to socialise with. Let alone go outside and experience the outdoors, these people are being deprived of human contact, and have to resort to the very thing imprisoning them in the first place; money. That's a terrible thing indeed.

I know you're probably thinking 'okay, so you like the outdoors, but you're choosing to go to America, the capital of capitalism'. Well yes, it may be the capital of capitalism, but only a few cities in the USA are anywhere near as big as London, and a great majority of the cities are easily navigable, and located near to amazing and (more specifically) different natural wonders. Plus, it's about the experience of the different sorts of people as well. I have a few family members who have been in practically half of all the states in America, and they've told me that each one has its own character, and the people there welcome you with open arms, especially once they know you're British. I guess it's good to know what it feels like to be a foreigner. Although in my current area, I may as well be a foreigner. Haha.

So yeah, hopefully in the third year of my Masters course at Bristol, I'll be heading off to California for a year. It'd be cool to get into Berkeley. One can only hope (and try).

Question everything, accept nothing without evidence. Until next time.

The Decision of Your Life

Hi all,

Did any of you manage to watch the BBC documentary presented by Terry Pratchett? If you didn't, you really should. In the programme he tracks the lives of a few people struck by terminal and life-devouring illnesses, eventually leading to decisions about whether or not to consciously end their own lives.

I'm sure you've heard something about euthanasia, and perhaps voiced your opinions on the ethical matters behind it. It's a tricky decision for any person, regardless of situation. I think those who are genuinely miserable with their lives deserve the right to end it if they wish. However, nobody should be offered the opportunity; the decision must be made solely by the person in question. There are only a few countries where euthanasia is legal (in case you didn't know it is currently illegal in the UK), Thailand, Luxembourg and of course, Switzerland are some of the few countries that allow people to legally commit suicide, or assisted suicide, depending on how you see it.

If you're a person living in the UK and wanting to end your life, and you can afford to pay the £10,000 fee for the procedure, you'll of course have to travel to one of the countries where euthanasia is legal. Most people choose to go to Switzerland, thanks to a well-known company called Dignitas. The country has almost become synonymous with human euthanasia. I guess you have to be a fairly liberal country to allow such things - 'fairly liberal' is a massive understatement.

Obviously, most people in this country disagree with euthanasia being legalised in this country, on grounds of things such as religion or ethics. In my opinion, I think euthanasia should be legalised. I really don't see the harm in legalising it whatsoever. It's not like there'll be a mass suicide, or people would feel pressured to end their own lives - look at Thailand or even Switzerland, Switzerland being among one of the happiest countries on the planet. I really don't see why people shouldn't be allowed to end their own lives if they wish - nobody else should have a say, they're not living the life of that person, they can't possibly understand the pure unhappiness that made them make their decision to end their life. You may say 'well, you'd be very selfish, because you'd leave behind a whole family of people who will be devastated'. Selfish? Really? Who are you to say 'stop moaning about your bleakness of life, your inability to walk anymore because of motor neurone disease, and carry on with your life, you selfish bugger' You want the person to carry on living their life in agony? If so, then you are a sadistic bastard. It'll save the family agony, too, from seeing their loved one suffer their affliction long term, to the point where the person can no longer say whether they want to end their life.

If I ever got such a terrible disease like Alzeimer's or Dementia, I really do think I'd consider euthanasia. I wouldn't want to be a burden to my family, because I'd hate myself for it. The only trouble is, you'd have to make the conscious decision to end your life before your mind is no longer able to make the decision. Death is sad for everyone except the person dying. Of course, if the person was religious, they could be absolutely terrified of dying. Or, they could be disconcertingly happy, almost to the point of celebration. But lets not go into religion for now.

Here's the link for the documentary:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0120dxp/Terry_Pratchett_Choosing_to_Die/

Tell me what you think..

Until next time