I should be so lucky....

I've just finished watching a program about the different rituals and celebrations young teens go through in different cultures and religions and just thought that I was kind of lucky to be born and brought up where I was.

In China, at the age of 15 it's compulsory to undertake 7 days of military training as a sign of respect to the communist government and normal school hours are around 7:00am till 5:30pm - could you go through 7 days of intense military training and also take those school hours? Probably not. And you'd have a lot of responsibility because parents in China are only allowed one child; so you'd carry all the weight on your shoulders.

Being Jewish carries a responsibility at 13 years of age to recite from the Torah infront of all your family, friends and high-level rabbis. Could you take that responsibility?

In the program I watched, a Russian teenager of about 17 join the 'People's National Party' which aims to `free` Russia of all `non-native` people's such as Black people and Afro-Caribbean people. Sounds a little like a Russian version of the British National Party? Anyway, he undertook a ceremony in which he could not turn back on, shaved his head and vowed to fight, maybe even die, for a cause he thought was just and right - something I strongly disagree with.

I have to say, here in the Western World, that we've got it so easy. Because I'm an atheist, I don't have any religious responsibilities which makes it easier but the laws and customs we live by are relaxed and nowhere near as strict as countries like China, Japan or religions such as Islam and Judaism. Christianity seems to be a far more relaxed religion, lazy shall we say, and I think that's why the West is considered to be lazy. All the other religions have strict customs, ceremonies and rules people follow. Take Buddhism for example, or Islam. Then take Christianity; no praying 5 times a day, no rules on clothing, no special clothing that has to be worn everyday and no 'coming-of-age' ceremonies. Anyway, my view is probably flawed but that's my point put across.

In the program, a boy from Africa who was a born-again Christian, had to undergo a circumcision in public and without pain relief. If he flinched, winced or made any movement to suggest pain, shame was bought on him, his family and his friends. Now that's pressure for you. Just think; what would you do if you were brought up in Africa? In China? As a Jew? As a Muslim.

My point? We have it easy as a culture and I think it has to do with religion. You never see or hear about obese Muslims do you? Or a Jew to `fat` to go out of his own front door?

Sunny Boy

*Please tell me if I have used any incorrect terminology and/or offended anyone. Also, how to rectify my mistake.

I'm back...

The title of this post refers to many things that have happened since my last post. I'm sure you're wondering the reason for not posting for so long. The reason is simply that I was so shattered and in sleep debt that I couldn't even be bothered to turn my computer on - yes, it was that bad. Anyway, lets get back to the most important thing: me.

Ok. Lets start from the last post which was January the 25th, (blimey!). Since then there has been a lot of activity on the internet and computer front. For starters, Smiley Xtra 3.1 has been released. You can visit the official site here: *clickage*. I know I go on about this tool but I do really think that it is a great accessory to Firefox and especially good if you are assigned to many forums, such as myself. Keep submitting those smilies!

I've been playing with the new mod for Wolfenstein ET for a while now and am more addicted. The game is getting its first patch sometime this week which will solve some problems with the graphics - which are already great - and some problems with connection. I've had no problems and I recommend this mod for the popular Wolfenstein ET. You can visit the site here and just scroll down to download from multiple mirrors based on your location. Gimme feedback on the game via a comment!

I'm currently sorting out a wireless connection for my laptop in my house. Because my ISP is NTL and my modem uses a satellite cable for the connection and not an ADSL connection, I had to look harder. But I came up with the solution. Just use the extra Ethernet slot provided in the cable modem and attach that to the wireless router. If you could maybe leave a comment if you have seen any wireless routers that fit my needs and are reasonably priced - I'd be thoroughly greatful.

Because I'm not using any of the computing skills I've learnt like PHP and that, I've decided to learn another computing language. I had a choice of languages such as ASEMBLY, C++, VB, VBScript and Java. I'll update you on my progress when I start to learn the one I've picked. Happy coding!!!!

I'm getting closer and closer to securing my work experience placement after going through 2 people who said they would help me. 1 of those 2 left the company, and didn't tell me, and the other has broken contact. I am now in negotiations with a more senior member of staff and I will continue my communications with her tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Now, a personal note, from me, Sunny Boy. I am getting really annoyed and ticked off with the people at school who think they're above the law. They prance round the school like they own the place, every so often leaning to their left, sucking and spitting white gunk onto the path where people walk. I find that in its self disgusting and that's only a crumb on the cake of their stupid habits and actions. If I had my way, there would be a few permanent expulsions from my year alone. One thing I have noticed is that they crave being told off, in front of their 'mates' but when they're on their own, they crumble like the buildings in Baghdad. Anyway, less of the personal crap.

May of this year is a very important month in the year of 2005 for me. There are 2 main things happening in this month. One, is the return of the return to flight for the space shuttle which is set to make it's first voyage for 2 years since the awful tradgedy with Columbia in which the whole crew was lost. I just hope this return goes well and that more scientific advances are allowed to go ahead. And, also on May, are the general elections where we decide our next primeminister. I, although I can't vote will be rooting for the Conservatives. I won't go into why I support them now but you can see more information about them on their website here.

Sunny Boy