Is blogging ranting?

I have, on more than one occassion over recent weeks, heard blogging and bloggers referred to in less than positive terms. It is as if the standard required of those who write blogs is being set much higher then that applied to book writers or journalists. When last I looked there were endless numbers of books, pamplets and magazines that were uninteresting, boring and easily classified as propaganda of one sort or another. Yet it seems that because their authors went through a process of editing and publishing the contents are somehow worthy of respect. A casual glance at any of the daily taboilds must surly challenge that assumption. The famous "Gotcha" headline associated with the sinking of the Belgrano must surly come under the mantle of tirade.

My own opinion is that the criticism levelled at bloggers which is not based on content but on the form itself, stems from the reluctance of many to truely embrace the idea of freedom of speech and freedom of ideas. Too often those in positions of power and influence have sought to limit the spread of ideas which threathen that very power. It is no accident that Ireland charges what it does for FOI documents. It is intended to prevent discovery. It is also no accident that so many millions choose to express themselves in this way. Those with a vested interest in limiting access to ideas count among their number the religions of the world and the those who govern rather than serve their societies.

How many times have we heard criticism of programmes on TV from those who seek to hide from the light being shone upon them. Where would this country be without Gay Byrne and the team that produced The Late Late show. Thankfully Frontline appears to have taken up the mantle. The world is awash with information, not all of it either accurate or true. It was always so as Galaleo found to his cost. The tragedy in Ireland is that we are busy educating young people in a way that has become redundant, for a society that no longer has a future. What you know is no longer an advantage. It's your ability to apply what others have already learned that will make the difference.

Another week nearly over

I don't mean the title to sound as if this is a drag. I am very much here of my own free will so no excuses here. But it is exhausting at at times. My biggest problem is dealing with the speed at which things happen outside of classes and the lack of space to sit down and take a break from it all. Having spent seven years developing that other side of my brain that does not need to lable things or get right answers, it is quite difficult to not get run over in rush and bustle and hassel of living in a world focused on the young.

My solution will be to find space in the cracks. To find a way of being at the centre of the storm yet unaffected by the storm. Now that I think of it it's a bit like being at home all with my family during summer except I have a few thousand kids of a certain age. That age where being where you are is only a prelude to going somewhere else and then the day is gone.

I must try and find some classrooms that remain open between lectures so that some space is possible. If the weather keeps up maybe I'll just go for walks. And thanks to who ever left the Maple lab open.