Distract yourself with a good read this Xmas. Book review: The Xmas files. The Philosophy of Christmas by Stephen Law

Last year I had to reveiw this book and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's the kind of book that you just cant help reading out extracts of much to the annoyance of everyone around the remains of the Christmas Turkey!

The author asks in a secular society, does Christmas mean anything anymore? As we stuff ourselves with plumped-up turkeys, unwrap the latest useless gadget, and gather round the family tree, what real relevance does the festive season have and why do we perpetuate it? "The Philosophy of Christmas" is designed to be a fun book but one underpinned by an exploration of serious philosophical issues. The way we celebrate Christmas says a lot about the way we relate to each other, our society and values.

There were some bits of the book I took issue with for example Santa's outfit was red and green and many other colors in many cultures before the coca Cola company got hold of him so it isn't strictly true that Coca Cola hijacked Santa!

Stephen Law also takes a look at such things such as the virgin birth (David Hume's theories on miracles), Bertrand Russell's turkey, the existential angst of Santa, and peace on earth to produce a humourous, varied and thought-provoking collection. Click below to find it in the distractions - Amazon store...

The Xmas files. The Philosophy of Christmas by Stephen Law

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Find out your life in days or 'Eeek' your life expectancy!

These online applications are just a bit of fun so don't freak out if it tells you you have 24hrs to go...although you can squeeze a life time into that according to Jack Banner (He could so easily get of the lost island in 24hrs!).

Great fun if you calculate someone else's and freak them out with it although you do need some detailed info but you can guess...

Calculate your life so far in days CLICK HERE



Calculate your life expectancy CLICK HERE



Apparently I've lived 12460 days as of today! However I dare not check my life expectancy...too much rock and roll plus I'm drinking a vodka and cola on the rocks now! Dare you check yours?

If you wish you can download the application to your PC just request it by CLICKING HERE

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Every one has a silver lining!

The Cloud Appreciation Society

This is a great web site to inspire awe at the wonders of the natural world. Clouds are fractal beings much like ourselves and live in the gaps between chaos and order. This web site celebrates them in all their diversity. Spend a few moments browsing the gallery's. There's one for clouds that 'look like things' or 'Simulcra' like the cobras (or dragons) head below:




There is also a gallery of beautiful sunsets...



At The Cloud Appreciation Society they love clouds, and their not ashamed to say it they've had enough of people moaning about them. Read their manifesto and see how they are fighting the banality of ‘blue-sky thinking’. If you agree with what they stand for, then join the society and receive your very own official membership certificate and badge or just take alook at this inspiring and quirky site!



http://www.cloudappreciationsociety.org/

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360 degrees from Kevin Bacon...sorry from a cave!

I just love these 360 degree flash pictures that you can zoom in on and drag around with your mouse. I've yet to find one showing the photographers feet however!

360 degree flash picture of Lechuguilla Cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park



http://www.360parks.com

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Turn pictures into text with this great application

Check out this amazing application that turns your images into text. The only down side is that you have to resize the image before you upload it as it has to be 60 x 50 pixels.



Click here to check out the t.y.p.o.r.g.a.n.i.s.m. site

Example image



Detail of eye



http://www.typorganism.com/asciiomatic/

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You Draw before I do!

You Draw



http://www.youdraw.com/

This is a fantastic distraction and a real boredom saver.

It seems a bit lame at first but once you get into it it grows legs and your off discovering what you can do with the limited tools and realizing how vast the project is it kind off gets addictive, they should have a voting system for most popular doodle etc Have a go when your at a loose end and bored or just curious!

Here are five of my lame efforts...although I'm amazed that they are still there given that I did these about many years ago which does show that this project has real innovative backing and potential.

There are drawings which I did whilst in Australia which I am sure still exist some where on this site but I cant locate them. That would be strange...if all I left behind were a few doodles in the electronic sand!

But hey to be honest isn't that all humanity has ever done doodled in the sand? We are too arrogant for our own good but at the same time we define the universe and make it what it is...

OK so these doodles may not be Manga but have a go yourself and send them back to 'Distractions' perhaps we will have a vote winner takes all!



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