Yeah I know its Monday and its not my usual time to post things but I thought I’d throw caution to wind and do a second blog this week as I feel a bet rebellious.

For a while now it has come to my attention that the world is a little bit messed up, confused and worrying. Its also very unfair and unpredictable.

Random bombings of ordinary people whether they be on a bus, listening to music or hanging around in cafes or bars. Missiles being fired into the sea to test their capabilities and then subsequent ideas of military action being taken to stop it. Major computer hacks that cause worry. Greed and penny-pinching bosses that result in chaos in airports. Road-rage and suffering. Not to mention all the other rubbish that is have a damaging effect on society, the environment, incomes, health and learning.

Is it just me being pessimistic, over-reacting, looking to deep or just opening my eyes or it it becoming worse and worse?

My brother has a way of dealing with it by going home, closing the door and buring himself in chores, films and tinkering. Lucy finds not reading the papers or turning on the news works for her. But isn’t that just ignoring the problem? I had aspirations that maybe if action was taken then slowly things could change for the better but how wrong I seem to be. I hear so many politicians saying that they will do this, that and the other in their manifestos. However, words are cheep and not delivering promises is an easy way to move forward. I think also many start out with good intentions and ideas of changing the world but sadly are blocked from every angle by those who act immorally and dishonestly.

Our whole world now appears to be built on all the wrong standards.

If one is immoral, dishonest, a bully, heartless, manipulative and would sell their own soul to the highest bidder then they become leaders and power-lords. Whatever happened to integrity, mercy and fairness? They may become lost from our lexicons soon.

Yes we can make happiness and fun and we can experience trust and love in our own tiny corners of the globe but we often have that at the cost of keeping one eye open looking out for danger to spring.

We live our lives in such small and isolated bubbles that so often we stop having any regards for others. Take an innocent cycle ride. One can be minding their own business and enjoying the country air and sights when a car can’t wait mere seconds to pass and have a near fatal accident. Are we in so much of hurry?

Okay in recent days we have seen horrific bombings and the selflessness of those who just want to help and offer support; so humanity still exists. But surely it shouldn’t take acts of aggression or hatred to bring out those actions.

As a world we ALL should stop occasionally and notice our own actions and what influences they are having on those around us and if they are negative then change.

We are all responsible for each other.

Staying in has its benefits and can be fun. One can’t be a socialite always and keep up the appearance of happy and cool.

However, if one has stayed in for a while it can become rather routine so going out for an evening can become a chore or a too much effort thing.

Well, I am pleased to say that I did venture out last night. I didn’t drown, die or get mugged. It was fun; yes fun.

No really it was a laugh and funny.

Its quite brilliant going out occasionally as things don’t get stuck in a routine or become taken for granted. Seeing old friends and meeting new faces is like having brand new adventures. Hearing live music and watching others enjoy themselves lifts the spirit and makes one feel, well human, I guess.

The only downside is that time goes so quickly and the evening turns into night in the blink of an eye or the draining of a pint. “I only had a couple, honest guv”. “yeah right mate, how many?” “Ok a few more than that”.

And strangely enough the beer always tastes that little bit better in the pub that it does at home but the glasses seem smaller or at least the liquid inside disappears at a far speedier rate. Maybe its evaporation; yes thats it.

So I raise my morning tea mug to toast a well earned and good night out with new and old friends where no-one was fatally harmed in the production of fun and even the entertainer had a good time and a thirst quenching pint.

The dog was happy too.

So was my bed to finally have me back in its company. Lay down my friend, snore, sleep and be comfy.

I don’t recall any more………

I’m not like many people. No, honestly, I’m not. I know this is hard to imagine but it is true. What I mean is that most folk I am acquainted with take holidays but I tend not to as they are a lot of hassle. However, this year has proved different and I have experienced new […]

via A Smart Getaway. — froggyfroment.com

To all those reading this and who know me. This is not about me, well not at present and hopefully never, but for those I have heard are in a position of confusion, hurt or abuse.

The human mind is complicated. That is an understatement if I ever have heard one. The human mind is beyond comprehension and understanding should be a better and more accurate description.

So why should some be labelled mad or lacking mental capacity? Why can’t it fix itself? Whats going on? When does forgetfulness, confusion and reaction time become a problem?

In my opinion one is fine if they can perform daily tasks, drive safely, interact with others, talk and not become bogged down in confusion and emotions.

Just because someone calls you mad or mentally incapable it doesn’t mean you are. Far from it. Has that person ever thought that it maybe them who is of mental or moral incapacity? And anyway showing signs of dementia doesn’t have to signify an end  of life. Lords-a-leaping, most of us show signs of madness sometimes during our lives especially as we get older.

However, in some cases the brain can develop problems when electrical connections are broken or become lost and this is why more research and cures should be investigated. Mankind has increased the living age of people through the use of drugs and surgery but little has been done to keep the brain up to speed. Naturally, when the average life expectancy was around 40-50 years of age certain flaws in our biology were few and unknown. Cancer was less obvious and dementia less noticeable as we often died before the signs were evident.

Today we see far more age related problems. Mobility, mental capacity, organ failure and cancers to name but a few. So we should be helping those with problems not trying to expose them or belittle their existence.

Another question is when eccentricity and oddness become mental illnesses? I don’t know. My guess is it is when a person becomes a danger to themselves or others or their actions cause problems otherwise we should all shut ourselves away in isolation.

Being a little different can be cool. Anyhow, who has the right or defining knowledge to say how mad someone is unless that person is helpless to look after themselves?

Before one judges stop and think about how damaging a label could be and ask the question how  you would feel if that label were put on them. Growing older is scary enough as it is without casting further doubt.

Just an observation I have seen of late but not related to me or my family. Just saying!

FILE – This Wednesday, March 2, 2016, file photo shows an Echo Dot, left, and an Amazon Tap in San Francisco. The Amazon Echo, which listens to you, answers questions and carries out tasks like calling an Uber or turning on your lights, is finding a place in millions of living rooms. The Dot and the portable Tap give the Echo’s Alexa software even broader reach. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Until quite recent times music was either bought from a shop and played via record, tape, cd or mp3.

Today we can still do this but add to that streamed music, computer downloads and on demand radio and music aps.

To be honest I haven’t really listened to music for ages as its been so expensive to buy or download albums. I didn’t even realise how much I missed it. So when I discovered the Amazon Echo (I know this and the dot have been out for an age)  I decided to give it a go.

It has proved to be one of the best gadgets I have stumbled across for some time and it is simply more than just a speaker for music via bluetooth.

Its fantastic and connects via WiFi so one can stream music, listen to the news, ask questions and set reminders. The sound quality is great for the average home’s rooms and it has opened up new avenues of sounds that I have never come across. Over the last few months I have listened to tracks off albums that bring back so many memories and times.

If one has a Spotify ,Tunelin or Amazon Prime accounts then accessing music for free is simple and for those who want even more can pay a monthly fee. This is still far cheaper than buying or downloading but its not for keeps. Its a cool way of finding new interests and then buying a selected favourite few.

One can connect the smart speakers to HiFi systems, bluetooth speakers and amplifiers so the sounds can travel from room to room with you.

The really cool thing is that you can ask questions too and play games with your speaker. What time is it Alexa and she tells you. She can tell you news headlines, the weather, how tall an actor is all by asking and if you link your diary she can inform you of upcoming events. She can even help you order stuff via the amazon store.

I think every home should have one.

The Amazon Echo has certainly changed my life for the good and has encouraged my love of music back into my life. There are other ones like Google Home, Sonos and maybe the new Samsung one but all do roughly the same thing.

Not cheap at around £150 but when one factors in how much a single track costs to download, let alone an album, and the other things that can be achieved then I feel this is great value for money. Lets face it a reasonable bluetooth speaker comes in at around a similar price.

There you are; I love them and have been very impressed; give one a go and see for yourselves.