February 18

How can I make a new segment in the blog?

... what did you say?

OK I'm getting back to it after a bit of a lapse and it's amazing how much I have forgotten.
RSS is now in hand and rather than read library stuff I looked up the ABC science news and read an article about a lie detector which is used over the phone to detect social services cheats. There is contention about its reliability but it seems to be working as a deterrent in any case. It raises all sorts of moral issues.

Goals etc

My goal is to gain some familiarity with the technologies and what they are about. I don't want to spend too much time on it or become an expert. I'm likely to dip in and out.

Obstacles include:
time - I could set it aside in my calendar but would more than likely just fit it in when there is a lull.
impatience - take a deep breath or come back later when I'm in a more suitable frame of mind.
confusion - try again more slowly, read more carefully or if I really get stuck, ask one of the listed people.

Toolbox
computer - yup
digital camera - yup

Suddenly I'm in

Picture by Eixonbox




Cataplexis (sometimes with a 'k') comes from Greek and means stupefaction. The Concise Oxford defines cataplexy as 'sudden temporary paralysis due to fright.'

Sounds about right to me. I'd feel happier following the advice of my favourite quotation.
'Drawing on my fine command of the language I said nothing.' (Robert Charles Benchley)

I've learnt that the Google tools are fine if you just have a go. Just keep clicking and finally you will get to do what you want. The hard bit is remembering how you got there and how to do it again.