THe evolution of word meanings

The word "Gay" (reference info from Dictionary.com)

1.	having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music.

2.	bright or showy: gay colors; gay ornaments.

3.	given to or abounding in social or other pleasures: a gay social season.

4.	licentious; dissipated; wanton: The baron is a gay old rogue with an eye for the ladies.

5.	homosexual.

6.	of, indicating, or supporting homosexual interests or issues: a gay organization.

–noun

7.	a homosexual person, esp. a male.

Usage Note: The word gay is now standard in its use to refer to people whose orientation is to the same sex, in large part because it is the term that most gay people prefer in referring to themselves. Gay is distinguished from homosexual primarily by the emphasis it places on the cultural and social aspects of homosexuality as opposed to sexual practice. Many writers reserve gay for males, but the word is also used to refer to both sexes; when the intended meaning is not clear in the context, the phrase gay and lesbian may be used. Gay is often considered objectionable when used as a noun to refer to particular individuals, as in There were two gays on the panel; here phrasing such as Two members of the panel were gay should be used instead. But there is no objection to the use of the noun in the plural to refer collectively either to gay men or to gay men and lesbians, so long as it is clear whether men alone or both men and women are being discussed. See Usage Note at homosexual.

The above states pretty much what I was going to begin with. Finding the info. saved me the trouble.
I don't know if this is happening in other parts of the world, but I have noticed in recent years that the word has evolved among young people into something new. I remember my son using the word and giggling when he was about 8 years old. I was concerned about this and explained the meaning I was aware of from my generation, as in referring to both sexes. It wasn't until the last couple of years that I've become aware of an unofficial change.

"gay" meaning stupid or ridiculous either referring to a person, object or situation. I

t's seems it can also mean "uncool" . The feeling I get is that this reference is not particularly dereogarty. It's used in a more fun and non aggressive manner. Sort of "How gay is that!" It always seems to raise a laugh. Calling someone gay in this manner is a kind of gentle tease.
I wonder if there is an official reference yet to this new meaning? I'm sure it won't be long before it will. Here is a word that has changed meaning 3 times in 3 generations.

It seems to me that the English language in general is evolving quite quickly. More examples I hear around the young people I work with are.

"Bare" - many, large quantity.
"Is it" - acknowledging an understanding of what someone has said.
"Phat" - great, wonderful, terrific (this one is listed as slang on Dictionary.com
"Hench" - similar to Phat, but not listed.

There are others. Can't think of them at the moment. Can you?

Responses

I'm becoming more and more encouraged by Multiply. I've found that I get better responses to my blogs on here now, than I do on Y360. One of the frustrations for 360 for me now is that there are so many people I have listed, it's too overwhelming to keep up with everybody, this despite catergorising the "friends" I have on there. Starting out here has a feeling of more intimacy.

I'm torn really because I like to get plenty of exposure, but the down side of that is that feeling of being lost in the ocean. Running both sites, I guess gives be the best of both worlds.

How have you folks found it?

Names

I popped into my local pub for a pint as I usually do after band practice on a Thursday evening. It's called "The Raj/The Pewter Pot" The Raj being the restaurant started in the pub by the (fairly) new Bangladeshi owner. I know him as Tony, (real nice guy, by the way) however, I noticed a different name (can't remember what it was) on the standard notice on the wall by the bar that's required in the UK by any licensee in the UK. I asked the person behind the bar "Who's that then?"
"Oh that's Tony. That (on the wall) is his real name".

My first thoughts were "Why doesn't he use his real name" but these were immediately followed by thoughts of my own hypocrisy because I actually don't use my own first name!
Now! Before you go asking. I WILL NOT reveal my real first name. I've been known as Martin/Marty for nearly all of my life. Martin is my second Christian name and that's how it is. No argument. My first name (secret!) just feels foreign to me and I don't like it. This all had me thinking that many people don't use the name that was given (and registered) to them at birth. There are reasons for using Martin, but it's another story that I won't go into here.

I kinda felt ashamed at my first reaction to seeing Tony's real name on the pub wall. It was a knee jerk reaction borne out of some sort of Anglo Saxon prejudice that's all too easy to be influenced by over here in the UK. In a broader sense, it's easy to be afraid hostile to a different culture until we become more mature. I see this hostility regularly in young folk around me. As we get older, I guess we come to accept one another more. This acceptance has been even more clearer to me since I have "met" folk on blogging platforms. No matter what culture or creed, I've come to realize that we are all more alike than we care to know. Very often, we have the same dreams and desires. Even on a domestic front, life is much the same. Family life, kids in school, frustrations, work, relationships, and much much more.

I think that if I'd not been a person that has this "different name" anomaly myself. I'd have stood by my first thoughts "Why don't you use your real name? What have you to hide? " Before long, a whole set of preconceived ideas can form in the mind. We start to wonder what sort of conspiracy is afoot. Well maybe that's just me and perhaps others don't think that way at all.

Have you ever experienced something similar?
Have you ever become aware of a prejudice in yourself?
If so, how did it feel for you?

7th September 2006

Well folks...
Here it is.... a video from Colonel. Now, I'm not best pleases with his presentation of this instructional. Damn chap is rather inclined to go off at tangents at times... no sense of customer service. If you want a better description on how to embed pictures, I recommend you take look at Sabiha's blog who has made an excellent presentation on how to do this.
Now.... hold on......... I don't want you to go clicking the start on the video yet until you have read the rest of my blog.... patience is needed here. Don't want the Colonel stealing a march on me so Marty ends up getting ignored.

So here's whats goin on in my world. I went to band last night and I'm 90% certain I'm going to continue playing. The M.D. offered me the 1st trombone chair provided I pick up and learn the slide trombone. So its a slide trombone I now have in my possession. Its just a case of learning the slide positions (all relative) and I should be well away with playing. I reckon part of the rest of the day will involved me practicing scales and the like.

Here is todays scribbling.......

Be careful how you address a Customs officer!

I spent around 8 years during the 1980's working as an Import Export Clerk at Ramsgate Harbour during the days of Sally Line “Roll on, Roll off” ferries to Dunkerque, France. I worked for 3 different shipping agents during that time. This work could be pretty gritty. It involved shift work and night/weekend call outs. I started well before computers were used in a office environment. The most technological item of equipment available to use was a telex machine. This was used to send and received shipping instructions of lorry loads of freight going back and forth through the port. Back in those days, all shipments had to be declared to Customs and Excise for VAT and duty purposes. My job was to (on a manual typewriter) complete the required documentation and calculate revenue to be paid on behalf of the importer, or provide appropriate shipping docs for freight to be exported.

During the very early 90's. The were many shipments through the UK on trucks through Europe carrying oil well equipment that was destined for Iraq. On occasion, I completed the required documents for some of those shipments. In most cases, an export license was required for this purpose which usually arrived with the shipment. On one occasion, the required license was not sent and the lorry was help up at the port. The inland agent/forwarder involved with this was really angry about the hold up. (I think he may have got away with it on previous occasions, but this time it was not overlooked by C&E). After some choice words by him to me, he decided to slam the phone down on me and call Customs and Excise directly. He got through to a senior officer and picked some particularly derogatory words to address such officer. As a result, I was summoned to the port warehouse to witness the seizing of 3 quarter of a million pounds worth of oil well and computer equipment in the name of the Crown. The Customs officer told me what he had been called, but I can't remember what it was now. I'd be surprised if the guy from the agent lasted longer than a week in his job or business. Customs officer were, and still believe are, some of the most powerful officials in the land. More so than police.

Oh yes... here he is.... The Colonel.. Please be respectful and up standing!

Comments

(22 total)

LOL that colonel guy is very clever and funny lol, loved the homer background noises. I did a similar blog but I don't have a fancy video camera lol, just a fancy cheap but chearful camera.

Thanks for the funny vlog though, and I will beware of customs officers, promise.

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 10:54AM (BST)

LMAO... let me just pick myself up off the floor!
Damn funny video that, very enjoyable.
And on the subject of Customs Officers.... why is it so differcult to walk drive past those guys when getting off the Ferry from france without looking guilty. I've lost count the number of times I've been stopped and had one of their sniffer dogs clambering around the car... i must look suspicious

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 11:09AM (BST)

Ooer, damn fine job I say Colonel.

LMAO, thanks Marty.. you made my day. One more minute and the waxed mushtach would have been on the floor...

Great edit work, the music.. Oscar for the music, Oscar for male misleading actor and one for the director.

Keep them comming!

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 06:05PM (IST)

Helloooooooo colonel... I say old chap damn fine job at that video blog....say what. LMAO!! really brill video Marty loved it. x

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 01:44PM (BST)

"stands and salutes the colonel" Well done SIR! Well done!
smile x

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 03:14PM (BST)

**Rolling on the Floor**

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 08:20PM (IST)

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 05:02PM (BST)

So you have to learn the slide trombone,Jolly good show. You will soon learn the slide positions if you make sure you have plenty of practice ------------- Fell sorry for Christine though lol

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 05:06PM (BST)

• WebMa…
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Yes Storm. Basic boning is my target for now. Had a go today. I'm not sure how co-ordinated I'd be yet to start raeding the dots yet. Tis gonna be fun.
Colonel replies........
Rainy - Mighty greatful m' dear.
Tim - (from Mart)funny how my blog seemed to link with your video share.
Scoob - Jolly good show! stand at ease.
Raj - TY, you are a fine and upstanding gentleman
Polar - whats the link to your video?

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 05:20PM (BST)

What a cheeky chappie this colonel is! wot? Sounds a bit like hes been out on the jolly old juice and had a little snifta before signing orn. Needs a bit of whipping into shape specially in the old chops department. Marty m'ld you get him down to the local barber shop quick sharp, that nasal hair needs a spot of tightening up - not regulation length donchaknow.
yours faithfuly,
Lady dormouse MSC,BSC (and bar bar bar....)

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 06:11PM (BST)

Going to see this vid in the morning, getting a shade late here now and Steve is watching the TV, but have high hopes of something good to start my day off tomorrow x

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 08:57PM (BST)

Hei Marty.

Colonel is a man of the military, hey?!! So one must stand for attention then, if of the lower rank. Hmm.
Interesting point about the addressing a custom's official - must remember. Take care. =)

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 10:52PM (CEST)

You loon... I still have no idea how to add the photo's, too busy laughing at the colonel! Will have to watch it again...and again...and...

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 10:02PM (BST)

Hey Marty matey, or is it colonel ? anyway cool video mate so funny and informative, everything a good sex education movie should be, what, oh was I watching the wrong video ?

Friday 8 September 2006 - 12:09AM (BST)

The Colonel rocks! Whose this Marty guy he was talking about?

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 06:56PM (CDT)

I loved the vid Marty. I liked the fact you used B & W and made it in the style of those old 1950's 'instructional' films that were endlessly churned out. Terrific. I agree with Anne...will have to watch again, as I was so engrossed with the delivery, I didn't take in the content lmao.

Friday 8 September 2006 - 02:30AM (BST)

Hysterically funny - but I will have to watch it again because I was laughing too hard to really pay attention.... oh well!! Oh, now I see Mitch said the same thing...So I guess the video was a HIT, Marty!!! Sorry, I mean, Colonel!

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 10:57PM (PDT)

Thanks. I needed a laugh!

Friday 8 September 2006 - 09:27AM (BST)

Jolly Spiffing show Old Chap, message received and understood, now its chocks away with Ginger and looking for Mr Cholmondley-Warner....TTFN Old Boy!

Friday 8 September 2006 - 01:54PM (BST)

Oh Marty this is classic. Cleese has GOT to see this.
I believe you've found your (erm.. the Colonel has) niche in instructional video.

*chortling at Kevin's comment*

Friday 8 September 2006 - 05:03PM (EDT)

This is wonderful....

Tuesday 12 September 2006 - 01:32PM (IST)

Hmmm anyone read the Globe and Mail lately found an interesting article

"Spam security brigade becoming image conscious"

As Marty is a former customs officer, maybe he can tell us what it means to have no technology and still catch the bad guys at the border. Bad guys who leave their home country to hurt people abroad then return home as a harmless bloak no one the wiser ?

Can those border dogs sniff out a drug free criminal ? The ones that walk the red light districts outside their home country ?

Perhaps this is why Tim has made the comment that he has such a time crossing the border in France lol, those dogs know their smelling something lol, they just haven't been trained to attack it yet !

Let us know what you think of the Globe and Mails latest article Marty I am looking forward to your comments...

Thursday 28 September 2006 - 09:01AM

6th September 2006

Well, here I am on my last night shift for the week. Its quiet now so I've been doing some more of my "scribblings" for later blogs and thought I'd share one with you anyway. Its funny that I call them "scribblings" because I'm actually typing the stuff!

As usual, I've hunted for a suitable image to put with the blog using Google images and a random key word. I came across the above pic. (which I think is Montana) and liked it.

The lads have been ok tonight and in jovial mood, however, thats partly because some of them had been out drinking earlier. Alcohol is banned on the premises, but we can't stop what they do outside. Fortunately, there were no problems as a result. Here is my scribbling for tonight....

Marty’s obsession with accents – The unmistakable word of God?

Here’s another little story (not witnessed by myself, I might add but recalled to be by my good friend Alan) about the way words and an accent can be mis-interpreted. This may be a made up story or something already well known. All the same, I still found it funny.

Alan was travelling on the train to London one day and, as you do, dozed off for a little while due to the gentle rocking of the carriages. There came a point when Alan jumped awake. The Afro-Caribbean guard suddenly and loudly announced through the speakers “Goood afternooon ladiezz and gentlemen, these eez your God speaking”. Needless to say, Alan having just awoken, almost gained a faith!

Take care folks.... Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my blogs. I treasure them all. You've all been very kind and friendly

Comments

(22 total)

I have actually seen the scene in the picture, and it is that beautiful, Marty!!

Well, my line is usually "Kneel before your Goddess!" which I say to Superman in one of his films, but he just laughs at me. Why, oh why, doesn't anyone take me seriously????

Have a good weekend!!!

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 06:25PM (PDT)

Quite possible it's true. The "funny things people say" items in my blogs are all genuine ones heard at work by either myself or my colleagues.

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 02:29AM (BST)

That's cute! I think I would have been shocked as well!

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 07:29AM (EEST)

Marty, old son,
You have inspired an old fishijg story I was tols by an Englishman, returning from holidays in Canada.....
So, go to my blog layta, and have a laugh.

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 01:07AM (PDT)

love the story Marty! Can imagine the look on your friends face when he awoke and heard that announcement!!
You take care too and we only recipricate what we get from reading your blogs Marty.x

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 09:59AM (BST)

This is your god speaking ! we are sure he didnt actually mean that are we ? he may have had some sort of deity complex or summat.Anyway funny story Marty matey I can just imagine your friends face.

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 10:45AM (BST)

Just to clarify folks. What he actually said was "Guard". With the Afro Carribean accent, it juts sounded like God LOL

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 11:33AM (BST)

Hei Marty.

FUNNY. Hilarious even. And does happen so easily with all of us speaking the English tis way and tat way! Take care. =)))

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 01:16PM (CEST)

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 01:21PM (CEST)

Mabel C was rendered speechless!!! lol

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 01:03PM (BST)

Marty your blogs are great to read! And I for one can understand how accents can sound funny to those of who are not used to them. I get the mick alot of times when I say "Donnor Kabab" when I say it,it sounds like "Donna Kabob".
keep the faith Marty and keep smilin! x

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 01:34PM (BST)

• WebMa…
• Offline

Mabel, as Mitch has said, it appears we have lost any comments you were going to say. I'd love to know your thoughts on this blog... ooer. Thanks Mitch for your humour!

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 02:51PM (BST)

Nice to meet you Marty

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 03:25PM (BST)

and how do u say 'huh'?...colonel, i'm on the prowl...

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 10:43PM (IST)

WOW I think that pic of the montana mountain is one of the mountains in the area that I just spent this past weekend :) I love it! But then everyone knows by now how much I love the mountains :D
Just want to say that I really enjoy reading your "scribblings". I come by every day to read what you might have to say next. And your story of Maria so touched my heart! thanks for sharing your heart with us. That takes courage!

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 01:54PM (PDT)

Yeah-ur right bout da accent, I'm from the West Indies and I'm always being asked to repeat myself-went to Ireland last Nov. and erryone thought I was sayin some obscencinity when I asked how long was da bus ride ta 'CORK'.........wen we say Gaurd it does sound like GOD...lol loll lol-but dat story a urs is soooo funny man!

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 07:06PM (EDT)

Yeah-ur right bout da accent, I'm from the West Indies and I'm always being asked to repeat myself-went to Ireland last Nov. and erryone thought I was sayin some obscencinity when I asked how long was da bus ride ta 'CORK'.........wen we say Gaurd it does sound like GOD...lol loll lol-but dat story a urs is soooo funny man!

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 07:06PM (EDT)

Opps sorry bout da double post dere-ene kno how dat one gone...

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 07:07PM (EDT)

Not alot I can say without sounding repetative, 19th comment is not a good place to be!!! I could have got 16th if STORMEE hadn't gone nuts with her reply!! 15th even, if MABEL C had realised she had lost her voice before sending her picture!!! LOL.

Another great blog mate, cheers. Andy.

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 01:00AM (BST)

well, personally mate,i havent godda probs unnastandin wen peeple saies they thing, but hay, i jus wish dey all lern to talk bluddy englishhhhh, ya no wot ah meen?

Wednesday 6 September 2006 - 05:20PM (PDT)

dat is nice......cheers manz

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 08:04AM (IST)

Brilliant -- I was in need of something to perk me up and this causd me to laugh out loud - real funny - Take care

Thursday 7 September 2006 - 10:30AM (BST)

5th September 2006

Well I got through my first night shift back a work and I'm a little more tired this afternoon than I thought I'd be. I really felt like staying in bed, but don't want to waste most of the day, so I'm up.
My eldest has started college today and the last of my offspring finally goes back to school tomorrow. Craig started back at school yesterday. So time ahead is going to be quite peaceful in the house midday. This will be good for future night shifts so I can get some decent sleep. Work was fairly uneventful other than one of the lads coming in late last night with an injured arm. I had to call in the manager to cover the office while I ran him up the hospital. He came back at about 2am with a cast... arm definately broken... so that should keep HIM relatively quiet for a while. Another one of our lads got issued with a 28 day exclusion notice due to cumulative behavioral problems. Its always sad when this happens. Its witnessing the old self destruct button that hard to see. The lad can appeal. Its really hard to get them to do this though because its often a case of "whats the point?" in their eyes, then too late they realise the reality of leaving and regret not appealing. I really like the lad too. Still, they survive and pretty much always take some learning experience with them.
Someone sent me a comment asking why these lads are classed as vulnerable. I guess its because of (in many cases) the lack of love around them for all sorts of reasons. They get easily influenced into all sorts of negative things. Like all human beings, they want to be heard and acknowledged. A lack of love, (like a neglected puppy) often displays in disruptive behavior, but of course its much more complicated than that. I've heard some horrendous stories from some. The approach I find that works for me in most cases is to show them some respect and give them "time". In other cases of course, a bit of the old Bad Lads Army approach is needed. I don't do that, but it facinates me to watch that TV programme.

Now, a scribbling... (I'm running out of these and need to pen some more)

My first job with a shipping agent back in 1984 paid the princely sum of £3,500 per year. I did get overtime on top, but can remember being asked to forfeit some of this because the company I worked for were looking to cut the cost of overtime. (Basically, we were still expected to put the hours in and get the work done). Friday's were always the busiest day. It didn't matter what shift you were on, everyone mucked in to well past midnight, however, from 9pm till closing time was spent in the pub playing darts. This was top up time after the lunch time session from 12 till 2pm.

One particular Friday, my manager Ray spent the whole day winding the rest of us up because he was about to go on holiday for a fortnight. It got to about 6pm and Ray said he was going down to The Crown, our usual haunt and would leave the rest of us to get on with it. He had a company car which we all had use of whilst he was there so that we could get to the ferry terminal and back. You see, our office was in the town. This particular evening, my colleague Keith suggested we move Ray's car from its usual parking space in the multi storey car park right to the top. Needless to say, I drew the short straw. Eventually, Ray returned to the office from the pub about 9.30 pm and said “OK guys. Look I'm really tired and want to go home now. I've got an early start for my holiday tommorow. Where have you hidden my car?” I had, by this time gone home having started early shift that day at 6am. Keith told him where the car was, but having gone to look, Ray returned again unable to find it. Keith then became worried and called me. Ray went back down the pub and Keith came and picked me up in his car to go find Ray's car. It was of course, where I had left it. Keith took me back home and Ray got his car. I didn't see Ray for a month because I had 2 weeks holiday the week Ray came back. On my first day back from holiday, Ray looked at me with a glint and a smirk on his face and said “Right Dickerson, you bastard, I'm gonna 'ave you”. We then tumbled to the floor play fighting.

Most of the time, I did not get on with Ray. He was a very highly stressed man who had been moved from the Dover office for throwing a typewriter through a window in anger one day. He was pretty scary and we fell out frequently. I was pretty hot headed myself in those days and we had a clash of personality. I'm happy to say that there were times when we got on well.

I'm planning a return of the Colonel in a future Vlog shortly. Watch this space. I have the idea in my head. Its a case of putting it together. With some peace and quiet at home, that should give me the time.

Now for some video. The 3 Tenors on Italy 1990. Always reminds me of the World Cup. O Sole Mio.... always an uplifting song with these guys having fun with it.

Comments

(8 total)

Poor kid, hope his arm isnt too bad and its a shame about the other lad falling by the wayside. I dont know these kids stories but I would imagine that almost boy to boy they are victims themselves of lifes ravages. Lack of love or support in life must be a massive blow to the lads self esteem.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 04:26PM (BST)

Each time I read about your work, I think of my son, and how he is, I just don't know the answer to that one, and its hard.... I hope he's somewhere where he has someone like yourself to look over him. No one back there seems to know exactly where he is, what he's doing or anything. While I have had some problems and issues with him over the years, and the last time we 'spoke' by email he told me he wanted to see me dead, I can't help but wonder if he's ok, thats the Mum in me though. You do a great job,knowing you are sometimes making a difference to someones life...

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 05:41PM (BST)

I think that it just comes down to "Boys will be Boys". Hope his arm heals quickly. Have a great day Martin :) Make that a great night.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 12:59PM (EDT)

Hope his arm is ok.

I'm more fascinated by your scribbling. So you had it out with this guy? I never got into a fist fight or a tumble with anybody after I turned 17. Mostly because I avoided confrontations. Did you deck him then?

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 02:43PM (EDT)

• WebMa…
• Offline

No Brenny, I couldn't do that. I'd be out of a job and in the cells. No idea how he did it, but then thats just the way. He said his girlfriend did to someone else apparently. Hmmm. methinks you are teasing me again Brenny LOL.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 08:26PM (BST)

• WebMa…
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oops, my brain cell slipped. I see you mean't my story from old Brenny.It wasn't a real fight with Ray. Just a bit of horseplay really. Mind you, as I said, we definately didn't always see eye to eye.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 08:57PM (BST)

Sadly Marty I too have worked with these young people who seem to be in self destruct mode, when I worked in residential. What you said about treating them with some respect and dignity is spot on hun! because if you can see past the behaviour and attitude and treat them like a person instead of a problem, and without prejudice or judgement, then they will show you respect back and will always remember you for that. Even if you have been the one who has had to let them go...xxx

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 09:19PM (BST)

f the work force..must really have your heart stirred up...NOT!...Hope the arm's ok, and all is well.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 01:28PM (PDT)

4th September 2006

Al last… Marty’s brain cell has kicked into action and got summut to write today!

Hmmm…. Today has felt slightly odd. I wasn’t sure at one point if I was having a bit of an off day. My mood felt a bit low and I felt a bit frustrated… again.. for no apparent reason. This seems to have gone now. Maybe its just a reaction to getting back to work, having done two 12 hour lone working day shifts. Maybe that had summut to do with it, however, in some ways I like lone working. I guess it gives me a bit more self determination and sometimes in the morning I find too much conversation stresses me out. I guess I sometimes like to be alone with my thoughts for a while (even though clients are around, albeit weekends means they are in bed mostly).

One of my neighbours called this afternoon. We went to collect a gate to put beside my house. There is a driveway through to block garages beside us. Most of the garages are damaged with no doors (including mine) and we have had problems with fly tipping and local youth hanging around. A few weeks ago some set fire to one of the garages. So, we are going to put a gate across the entrance and keep it locked. The local council have been no help at all, mainly saying its private land. Once we put the gate up there will probably be a bit of a furore about it. Still, there’s reasons for that which I won’t go into now. Its another story. Blimey, I’m beginning to sound like Ronnie Corbett! (LOL).

So… here I am back on the night shift lone working again. Staffing has become a problem in recent months. Not much I can do about that. I guess we are pretty lucky that the lads are quite respectful to us as staff, despite some disruptive behaviour at times. I might write some more later tonight. During the night I find my sometimes really gets running with all sorts of thoughts.

Here’s todays scribbling……

Mis-understanding accents

One of the first guys I worked with at The Lighthouse was my very good friend from India, Prem. He's what I call one of lifes gentle giants. I big guy that looks very much like an Olympic weight lifter. A great sense of humour and a committed Christian. I loved working with him and miss him being around now.

The office, at that time was donated a laptop computer. I managed to set up a broadband internet account so that we could use it to surf the net during quiet times at work. One particular day, I came into work to take over a shift from Prem. He was tapping away at the laptop, but looked a little perturbed. “Wassup Prem?” I asked.

“I think I got the wireless” he said.

“Oh, right. You've found somewhere to listen to the radio”

Prem still looked worried.

“No” he said. “Its not working”

“The radio function is not working?”

“No, its the wireless”

“Yes, thats what I mean. You say the wireless is not working. Thats an old fashioned word to use for it”.

Prem still seemed confused over this conversation and so did I. We continued discussing this until I finally got to the bottom of what Prem mean't. He was telling me that the computer had got a virus! I'd forgotton he had difficulty in pronouncing v's and r's.

Todays Video ---- The Carpenters ----- Kinda refective... and not.... I guess this is my mood today.... a mixed bag...

Comments

(12 total)

Strange that the words to the song are so positive and yet karen c died under such sad circumstaces..makes you think...

dormouse..

Monday 4 September 2006 - 09:16PM (BST)

Oooooo Marty I can bet u sqillions that the council will have something to say about that gate! even though it is " private land "....lol Pmsl at the accent thing.... and how easy it is to get our wires crossed! ( bum bum ) get it wires!....lol ok I know it cheap....The Carpenters what a tragic waste of superb talent.... Oh and thanks for the comment on my Mothers Love, yes I did read yours it is what inspired me. Have a good quiet one hun. xxx

Monday 4 September 2006 - 09:31PM (BST)

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Steph..... I don't think I really appreciated Karen Carpenters music to the extent I do now until she left us. A tortured soul, like many with such talent

Ell...... Gosh, so you were inspired too. I really started something here didn't I. Glad you liked the story about the words

Monday 4 September 2006 - 10:20PM (BST)

Hi Marty matey, thought you were gonna bomb the blog off for a while when you were struggling for a topic. Good story about the mix up due to accents. Glad to hear your mood has perked up and hey you got a whole brain cell, your better off than me lol.

Monday 4 September 2006 - 10:28PM (BST)

Glad to hear the brain-cell is working again lol. I know what you mean about the accents. I get a lot of that in my job. The centre I work in deals with the London area, so deal with many many different accents....sometimes with very funny results. I'll try to make a list of some of the better ones for a later blog. Tanjewberrymud!! lol

Monday 4 September 2006 - 11:00PM (BST)

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Its your brain cell I've got Kev... LOL

Monday 4 September 2006 - 11:35PM (BST

I have a story for you , of a pommy tourist in New Zealand...The tourist hopped on a bus and asked if he could go to One hunga, to which the bus driver replied, "its pronounced 'Oneyhunga' and yes I'll take you'.
The next day , same tourist, same driver, "Ello matey, can you take me to 'Oney tree hill', please?'

Monday 4 September 2006 - 04:46PM (PDT)

Oh, Marty - this made me laugh!! I do medical transcription and I had one doctor who kept using a phrase. Couldn't made out the first word at all but the second seemed to be weesien - when it finally hit me what he was saying, I laughed right out loud - the mystery words were "blurry vision." Over the years I've gotten more used to Indian accents since there are so many Indian doctors over here in the US, but that was my first job and it was a challenge!!

I LOVED The Carpenters and was so sad when she died! I still love their music - what a voice she had!!! I was expecting the song to be "Rainy Days and Mondays" for some reason. Anorexia is such a tragic illness....

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 01:39AM (PDT)

Glad to see that brain cell still sparking...lol!!
More than mines doing at the moment!!
Love the Carpenters as Doormouse touched upon...strange as the song is positive but Karen lived in such emotional pain and anguish.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 09:51AM (BST)

hello Marty, im happy that you have the brain cells on the move again. keep them going! and keep smilin x

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 12:21PM (BST)

Have to say that I have never noticed your brain cells NOT working! You always seem very lively on all your entries! Maybe they just had a slight strike when you thought they had stopped? It happens! Mine walked out ages ago. Said they weren't being used much anyway.

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 04:25PM (BST)

Glad you've found your brain cell...now....where's mine got to now, it should have been back home by now!

Tuesday 5 September 2006 - 05:44PM (BST)

3rd September 2006

For those who subscribe to Marty's scribblings

Folks..
This is my post script for today, now that I've got home and have access to the home P.C. to share anicdotes.

*Assume – Makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me”

Around 1990.

Back in my days working at Ramsgate harbour, I worked for one particular shipping agent whose Director was quite a charasmatic character. Arthur, was a bit of an Arthur Daley in some ways. A successful businessman, he had been a good footballer in his day having played 1^st team football for Carlisle United and had also been a 2^nd teamer for Chelsea at a time when Jimmy Greaves played for them. Arthur always enjoyed a drink and used to socialise and drink quite a bit. He also had a very fiery temper (as many in the shipping agent world did). As a result, he suffered a heart attack and was on the sick for quiet a while until he eventually returned. He then became much milder and knew not to get too stressed.

I was due to go in for a night shift 7pm till 7am. When I arrived at the office, the guys whom I was due to take over from informed me that an agent from Manston Airport were due to ring back that evening. They had apparently enquired about making use of our office and computer link for declaring Customs entries that day because of a power cut at Manston Airport. About 10 minutes after the shift change over, I took a call about this from the agent who informed me they were coming down in about half an hour. We were not too busy at that time, but I thought it odd this had been agreed. Hmmm.. maybe Arthur had some finantial agreement with this other agent.

So.... the guys came in and took over 3 out of 4 of our computers to do their work for the night. Next morning, Les the office manager arrived and I joked with him about these guys being around all night. Les was none the wiser and like me, juts thought Arthur had made a decision over his head. Ten minutes later Arthur walked in. “Who the ******* **** are these guys?” I explained what I thought had been agreed. Arthur was furious and went purple in the face (something he was famous for). He then stormed into his office, had a blazing row with the boss of the other agent and left. Arthur's secretary came out and said Arthur had gone home because he didn't feel well. As a result, he spent the next 4 days in bed. I had foolishly *assumed Arthur had made arragements for what happened, but he knew nothing of it. I guess I was lucky Arthur didn't sack me there and then!

Comments

(9 total)

I have a bad habit of assuming things, its really something I should try to rid myself of.

Sunday 3 September 2006 - 08:51PM (BST)

oh, I assume that thats the advantages of working for a fella who's got a crook ticker......lol..
My grandfather always told me never to assume, because to assume, always makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me".
Another one was"if if's and and's were pots and pans, there'd be no work for tinkers".

Sunday 3 September 2006 - 12:54PM (PDT)

I know someone very close to me..nudge nudge Steve, who does make assumptions very often, and I remind him of the phrase all the time! He he

Monday 4 September 2006 - 09:38AM (BST)

I try to remind myself of that saying sooooo many times i'm afraid i assume far more than I should

Monday 4 September 2006 - 10:59AM (BST)

I'm bad at jumping to assumptions! I need to work on it!

Monday 4 September 2006 - 02:44PM (EEST)

my dad told me years ago about "assume" and I have tried very hard ever since then to remember and to try not to "assume" anything. I do have to occasional slip up though, i mean iam only human! haha
smiles Hun!
x

Monday 4 September 2006 - 02:12PM (BST)

That "assume" thingy I was talked about at work. Because you shoudl never assume what a customer says. Unfortunately I tend to ignore that. Not always! But I speak before I think sometimes. So very true a phrase!

Monday 4 September 2006 - 03:25PM (BST)

Hmmmmm........what's the term i'm looking for here?.......Oh, yeah.....OOOOPS!! lol

Monday 4 September 2006 - 06:29PM (BST)

ASSUME!! Yep it can really get a person in trouble sometimes. Me especially. I assume way too often. Thanks for the blog. Take Care and have a great rest of the day. Big Hugs!!

Monday 4 September 2006 - 01:05PM (MDT)

3rd September 2006

	blog
Definition:	to author an online diary or chronology of thoughts
Etymology:	1999-2004; abbr. of Weblog
Usage:	blogged, blogging; blogger,

I’ve said before that I came to this forum as a way of journaling to compliment my foray into counselling training. The need to get in the habit of writing is one reason. Why not just write privately you may ask? Well, I confess to wanting to be heard, whether that be by receiving replies or not (or course actually getting replies is much better). It the knowledge that it’s out there for someone to read that gives me the satisfaction.

This is far removed from newsgroups that I have been involved with which were predominately discussion and support forums and can remain static.

Brenny suggested I write on this subject. So, here is my take on it all.

I prefer this forum for the following reasons: -

As a child I was told “Little boys should be seen and not heard”. This, I believe knocked my confidence in many ways and, because of that for many years, I would not be heard in conversation with people because I did not think I was worthy. So.. having gained confidence with life experience its easier now, but writing here means I can allow my thoughts to blossom or bloom as Brenny put it, without being interrupted.

Things I have learned so far in the “Listening Skills” counselling training is to be aware of ones own judgement and prejudice (which needs to be put to one side in helping interviews). As a result, I've learned to embrace in a much greater way, folk from different backgrounds, creeds and cultures. I have found common traits in all human beings…. Needs and wants, dreams, expectations and yes, even some prejudice and judgement although looking back, there is less P & J than I guess I might have judged myself prior to training. We are all, of course a lot more alike than we realise. The funny thing is, as I see it, honesty seems to bring this out.

With the encouragement of many (not the least for Yahoo 360 for featuring me recently) I’ve begun to find I really enjoy writing and I guess I’ve discovered (dare I say) a bit of a talent for it. This is borne out by the comments I’ve received from folk. In a paradoxical way, there is for me a feeling of safeness in writing and sharing here. There are dangers of course, but I'm aware of these having seen what has happened in newsgroups. How many of you have read back through your blogs and noticed how we change, adapt and grow? Unless you are new, say less that a month or two and have not done this yet, try looking back. Its facinating!

Surfing round 360 is like a (virtual) mystery ramble in the countryside. “Shall I go here? Shall I go there? Hmmm, that looks interesting… oops.. there’s a dead end… ooer that looks scary and dangerous.” There’s a menagerie alleys, tracks and roads to go down. In a lot of cases, I set up camp somewhere for a while and take in the experience of one particular blogger for a while, then find some follow me, or I follow others.

Finally, I get a real “feel” for people and what makes them tick from the pictures, graphics, poems, stories, wit & humour, video’s, recipes etc etc… they share. There’s a whole iceberg worth of people and information out there of which I feel I’ve taken just a small scoop with a desert spoon.

1st September 2006

Hi Folks,

Heartfelt thanks to all of you for reading and responding to my blog about Maria in the last week. I had no idea I'd end up doing this. It just kinda happened as a result of writing those other quirky little stories from the past. I guess the process of looking back to the past suddenly caused me to think about sad stuff as well as funny stuff. Other folk have been very open about themselves in poetry and I think thats what inspired me.
A lot of folk recently have been asking me how to embed video into a blog. I'm considering creating a visual guide to this for a blog later.... Will see how I get on.
After nearly 3 weeks off on leave, I'm due to go back to work tommorow. I'm really quite looking forward to it, having had a really good break away. Batteries recharged and all that stuff.
Here's some more scribbings as I continue to write......

A cautionary tale of driver etiquette

Christmas time is always a time of stress. Back in 1989, we had some family down to visit a few days before Christmas and it was decided that everyone wanted KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken as it used to be known then). So, it was down to me to drive into Margate and get this for everyone. I needed to stop off at an ATM to get some money first, so I drove up to high street, pulled over outside the bank and put on my hazard lights in the sure knowledge I would only be a couple of moments. Due to my impatience, parking the car in an appropriate car park was out of the question, besides, I didn't have any change to buy a ticket and most of the car parks were full anyway with folk doing last minute Christmas shopping. Anyhow, having got out of the car, a guy shouted from a truck across the road “Oi, you can't park there, its illegal!”. I replied that I was just getting some cash and would be gone in a second. This, however and stirred the guy to be even more angry and self righteous. He said that if I did not move immediately, he would call the police on his mobile phone which he proudly showed off to me. (Mobiles were of course pretty rare back then). I piqued with fury at this, got back in my car, slammed the door and pulled away. This guy was about to move on himself, so I decided to drive up to the top of the hill at about 3mph. This invoked mad sounding of the truck horn and flashing of his lights, to which I replied with a 2 fingered victory sign out the back of my window.

When I got to the the top of the hill and signaled to turn left and go back round the block, it was clear this guy was going to follow me. Next was a set of traffic lights which I managed to get through just as they turned amber. I thought I'd managed to get away from this guy, but he followed through after me on the red! By now I was becoming quite anxious. It was only a couple of years before that a guy I went to school with had been stabbed to death with a screwdriver following a road rage attack. After another left turn and up to a junction to the sea front, the truck followed and pulled up alongside. The driver jumped out and the look on his face showed he was in the mood for causing some serious damage to me. Terrified, I quickly locked all the car doors and sat stock still listening to a torrent of abuse until he eventually gave up and left. Too late, I thought of taking his number plate.

I then proceeded back to the ATM and got my cash, however, when I got to the top of the hill again, blue flashing lights appeared in my rear view mirror and our boys in blue indicated for me to pull over. In a packed High Street I had to get out of the car and be questioned because the police had received a call that I had just jumped a red light! My explanation of what happened fell on deaf ears and I was issued with (what was then standard) yellow ticket to produce all my documents at the police station within I think was 7 days from memory.

I eventually got the KFC and returned home, however, the whole family came down with food poisoning as a result and were ill over that Christmas. I didn't eat white meat for months afterwards and only ventured to KFC for the first time last year (2005).

The lesson I learned from this experience is not to get involved in arguments with other road users. I was, of course in the wrong for stopping on a double yellow, but, at the time I felt angry that someone else was arrogant enough to be aggressive towards me. To respond in an aggressive manner myself just made things much worse. The guy in the truck got the better of me in the end because, of course, he had the advantage of a mobile phone.

Today's video is of one of my son's favourite bands and a track I really like too. There's plenty of video's on this, but I like this one coz someone has put a pictorial montage together for it...... Green Day.... Appropriately.. "Wake me up when September ends"

Comments

(8 total)

Hi Marty,
There's no doubt about you, whether its the story of Maria, or some idiot who doesnt know how to tell you he just bought a mobile phone, your writings are very rivetting, and hold an audience to the final word.
Are you a journalist, or something?
When you go back to work, dont think you get off writing a blog here and there, coz if you forget I'll just have to jump through the screen and kick your arse for you.....lol

Friday 1 September 2006 - 04:21AM (PDT)

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No ifiik, I'm not a journalist, but thats a very nice compliment. Thank you! Sometimes I sit down and have not idea what to write, get a slight idea and then it just seems to flow like a stream of water flowing down a valley. I need to stop it occasionally coz I'll end up writing too much in a blog.! Bless you matey..

Friday 1 September 2006 - 12:30PM (BST)

Green Day are a good band and American Idiot is an awesome album. The video embedding blog sounds very interesting. So Marty matey back to work eh, you know you love it but dont forget us will you.

Friday 1 September 2006 - 12:33PM (BST)

LOL, oh the joys of driving on the roads these days are a pleasure. I used to be a sales director of a large printing company and had the pleasure of knocking up an intergaltic milage year on year and I sure got into a few situations. I've had golf balls thrown at me whilst driving down the M1, a driver laen out of his car whilst we were filtering into roadworks and try and remove my wing mirror and been chased through the streets of a town.
I have to say though I have never got out of my car and approached someone in anger. These days I just sit back with the music playing driving at a sensible speed keeping out of trouble. However, just a few weeks ago i was sitting in two lanes of traffic approaching roadworks where it went into one lane. Some old guy was having a battle with an truck. It ended up with the truck driver getting out of the cab along with the car driver who was in his late 50's and trying to knock the living daylights out of each other... for what I asked myself whilst laughing at what was happening, but then the best thing of all happened, the car drivers wife got out and jumped on the truck drivers back and started punching him. I was in fits of laughter.. anyways, when they broke apart after a few minutes, probably due to the car horns and obscenities being shouted by other drivers they gat back into their own vehicles and drove off.... now I wonder if they thought afterwards if they actually gained anything by what happened.
As for the embedding video's in blogs, did a blog about it a while ago and I know that the yahoo 360 team also did a blog about it. It's a pretty easy thing to do so Marty, I think you should do a video blog about it with screen captures and real video and post it on youtube...LMAO, make it enetertaining for us.... and allow me to stick it on my blog for people to see as well. Afterall the Trombone video blog was highly entertaining (which reminds me... find my trumpet!)
After such a long response I don't feel the need to do a blog myself now.... but then again, I'm sure I will think of something to have a winge about!
have a good weekend
Tim

Friday 1 September 2006 - 01:05PM (BST)

Its a lovely song..

hugs
dormouse

Friday 1 September 2006 - 01:28PM (BST)

Right now Marty this song holds great emotion for me. There is a birthday for a little girl in america that is coming up on the 6th, she will be 5 and i will miss it, it pains me. Also Tyler gettin his operation on his legs on the 21st and Andrew is going to prauge on the 15th till the 17th.
Can you "wake me when september ends?"
smiles hunni
x
PS~thank you for sharing about Maria Laura, She's lucky to have such a great dad! x

Friday 1 September 2006 - 01:41PM (BST)

Loving the sleeping dog. x x

Friday 1 September 2006 - 03:43PM (BST)

Ha, people are expected not to pay attention to traffic laws here in Chicago. Not only do regular cars running in and out double park on the street, but allllllll the time you have delivery trucks double parked right on the street unloading their delivery as slow as possible. Thats why I quit driving 4 years ago, hell of a lot less stress (for me anyway) since.

Friday 1 September 2006 - 10:30AM (CDT)

Is life just a breeze?

I was just thinking this morning. Can life just be an easy breeze for some people? It's easy to look at others and ponder that. It seems to me there is only a fragile veneer of the what we perceive to be reality of those around us that we mix with. Neighbours, work colleaugues, someone at the bus stop, someone across the room at a social gathering........
This thought just entered my head a few minutes ago. Negotiating our lives can be like a game of chess. A few tentative steps at the beginning with a plan in mind, then a few frustrations as things get more complicated and the original plans get thwarted. Dare I say it, there will be an end game to come.
I'm on a break from work this week and its well needed. Time to gather together a few loose ends in that far too over active brain of mine. Time to write, as I'm doing now, and relieve some stress. Time to consider what is most important in a broad sense and time to get a few little jobs done.

In the mornings, I've been waking with a touch of stress this week. I don't know why really, but maybe its time to release some of that tension that troubles the soul and allow some goodness to replace it. Time to re-connect with the spiritual side that I all too often ignore.

Does anyone else recognise these feelings or understand? It's not a "reality, as we see it" kind of thing. It's much, much deeper than that.

I received an email the other day advising that one of my favourite bands is about to start a UK tour after touring elsewhere in the world. I've seen "Delirious?" on 3 occasions now. What is it about music that is so healing and allows us to express and feel emotion?

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Brits obsession with the weather

It's raining hard outside at the moment. I've just dropped my daughter round to corner to go to her dance class. Already, the roads are beginning to flood. What is it with the UK in that the proverbial raindrop or snowflake seems to cause panic and anxiety in those us "the stiff upper lip" variety?
We are well known for opening conversations with strangers by commenting upon the weather. It's always either too hot, too cold, too sticky, too windy too wet, too dry etc. etc. It seems British media devote loads of broadcasting to the weather. I read somewhere a few years ago, a funny news report.
"We are unable to bring you the weather forecast today due to the weather. Whether we are able to bring you the weather forecast tomorrow, depends upon the weather!"

The picture with this blog reminds me of my ambivalence (a word I frequently use now following work training on motivational interviewing). I really need to get up on the roof and sort out my blocked guttering. You see, we just can't cope with extreme weather in this country, unlike the rest of the world. Still, acknowledging of my ambivalence is good for self awareness and may perhaps spur me in to action.