My secret road to nowhere
Published: Tue, 02/12/19
There has been a lot of new building around this area. A small new estate has recently been completed on the North side of Beverley (the town where I live) and a new road was put in behind it. Using this new route cuts off a corner and saves me navigating a couple of roundabouts. I also amused by going that way because the road has not yet been added to the computerised mapping database. As far as my satnav is concerned this road does not exist. So, when I take the shortcut I am apparently driving across open fields and the computer gets very confused. Okay, so I am easily entertained and I should probably get out more.
When I drive down this digitally non-existent road it makes me wonder how many other things are experienced by one person but simply don’t exist for another someone else. I must admit that the first time I saw the new road I just followed the satnav because that was what I trusted. The second time I realised that the new road seemed to be going in my direction so I gave it a try. Just like we used to do in the old days before we were dependent upon satnav to tell us where to go. Now I take a childish pleasure in knowing better than my satnav and using my secret shortcut.
It is surprising how many people are oblivious to what I consider to be really basic stuff. For example, thousands, possibly millions, of computers get thrown away every year because they are running a version of windows which Microsoft has decided not to support. The next version of windows will not run on an older computer so the machine gets scrapped. Unless that machine is lucky enough to come my way, just like the one I am typing on right now. My brother in law was going to throw it out but gave it to me instead. I installed Ubuntu Linux and it will probably last me several years.
When I try to explain that Linux can extend the working life of an older computer by several years I frequently get a completely blank look. Or I get a lecture on how incredibly difficult it is to set up Linux and use it. I guess I am some kind of genius with access to occult knowledge. I used to think it would be hard to join a secret society that would reveal hidden knowledge to me. Now I realise that most people are completely oblivious to ninety nine percent of all that is going on around them. If you just have a bit of curiosity and are prepared to open your eyes then you are immediately a member of a very select group. A secret society who know stuff, like open source operating systems. Okay, there are limitations on the computer games you can play on a Linux platform and that is an issue for some people. But, really? Aren’t there better things to do with your life than play computer games? Why not try engaging with
reality for a while?
Talking of reality, in June you can spend three days in the open air, exploring the woods and getting to know the trees. You will also have the opportunity to find out what you can do with real pieces of wood and real tools. At the venue for the event mobile phone signal is pretty much non existent so you won’t be experiencing reality through a digital filter. Is that something you can still cope with? Come along and find out. Full details at http://www.rr.stavcamp.org/ and do check out Maddy’s picture on the Information Page.
regards
Graham
PS I am going to trial another distance learning programme very soon. Twelve modules this time on the theme of self-reliance. Yes, it will include exploring our relationship with information technology. IT being the greatest opportunity and biggest curse of our time, we need to understand it better. If you are a member of Ice and Fire you will be included anyway. If not a member you can still sign up for the trial for a modest charge, watch this space.