We Tested 6 Countertop Composters. None Are Worth Buying.
Reviews by Wirecuttertested and analyzed the output of six food recycler machines against their environmental claims.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/countertop-composter-food-recyclers/
I’m utterly disgusted with this government.
I could explain my title, but I don’t wanna.
If you really want to know what my title means, you can ask me ..
and I’ll wibble on about autopoietic wossname and emergent thingy and complex adaptive doobries
Seriously, anyone reading this article and my words, gets one free question to the acclaimed author of the 1999 bestseller Navigating Complexity, that’s moi, btw.
Merry Christmas.
http://wired.com/story/the-battle-for-buy-nothing?utm_source=pocket_mylist
“A childless couple who, after multiple miscarriages, finally gave away their unused baby items. The recipient, collecting this on behalf of a pregnant friend, mentioned that the friend was thinking about putting her child up for adoption. One thing led to another, and soon the couple became the infant’s adoptive parents.
This always happens.
Things turn sour.
Is it available? yes
But first you have to realise that Facebook will enshitten anything you try to achieve on it, and, under capitalism, there is no alternative to Facebook.
Unless you, dear reader, know of one
Villagers of Staveley want to turn closed care home into facility for older people but have run into council roadblock
— Read on www.theguardian.com/society/2023/feb/28/not-shoved-miles-away-cumbrian-fight-to-keep-care-in-the-community
But when the community pitched their plan for a community asset transfer, the county council baulked and put the Abbey up for sale. It “did not believe that the proposed plans demonstrated a viable future use for this building”. It said two years of dialogue with the group had failed to overcome its reservations. It argues that the social care crisis is caused mostly by a shortage of staff, not beds.
But to reject them was “appalling”, said Wendi Lethbridge, 70, a trust member who before Christmas positioned her wheelchair across an entrance to the building when potential buyers were trying to look around. The police were called.
Feeling is running high because the need for the care hub is urgent. When Pauline Treadwell, 91, was recently stuck deteriorating in the Royal Lancaster Infirmary for weeks, when she could have been discharged if social care had been available, she told her daughter Karen: “I have just been left here for dead. Please will you break me out of here.”
Karen Treadwell said the council’s attitude to the community plan was “dismissive and derogatory”. “They said it was only going to be run by volunteers, as if ‘volunteers’ was a dirty word,” she said. “We are willing to get this done for the people of Staveley and the wider area, and keep people here, not shoved miles away.”
https://theinternationale.com/pennywilson/2020/05/01/screen-playing/
This is glorious.
If you understand anything about play you will understand that children’s play is the mechanism by which we become human (Battram, Eastbourne play conference 201x).
If you have any interest in the development of humans, you owe it to yourself to download the free PDFs in the right hand margin.
for Ben Taylor and Rory Heap. Rory, it’s a completely inaccessible photo of an article about women in the workplace and confidence and be the best you you can never be you go girl etceteraah…
Let’s see if Bill Gateses’s MagicEye can read that ..
http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/boys-now-greater-risk-girls/
Sobering, eye-opening article. Also, of course, true of the UK. Here is an edited summary of the data:
” • EDUCATION: This is the first generation of boys in U.S. history who will have less education than their dads.
Yet male teachers are scarce. Recess and vocational education are being curtailed.
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, drop out of school or be expelled than girls.///
• FATHERLESSNESS: A third of boys are raised in fatherless homes. This lack of a dad leads to poorer academic and behavioral results for them than it does for girls. A recent study of boys revealed that by the third grade, boys with absent fathers scored lower on every achievement test.
Most gang members come from homes without dads.
• EMOTIONAL HEALTH: Depression remains hidden in boys because of the male taboo against the showing of feelings.
Boys’ risky, anti-social or violent behavior often serve as a mask for depression. Usually that behavior is punished but the underlying depression not treated.
Between the ages of 13 and 20, BOYS’ SUICIDE RATES SOAR TO FOUR TIMES THAT of girls of the same age.”
An occasional series of provocations for management thinkers.
May contain elements of offense.
(File under: contentious and and half-baked)
provocation #3
WHY OH WHY DID THIS HAPPEN, CAN YOU SEE WHAT IT IS YET?
NB: My target here is managerialism, not committed, ethical, hard-working public sector employees and elected representatives.
Rearrange these into the correct order:
1. Give police targets determined by politicians, and managers subservient to them
2. Import managerialism into the public sector
3. Destroy the multi use approach to city and town street life – thanks planners, abandoning the streets after 8pm to ne’er-do-wells, clubbers, drunks, and the poor and desperate.
4. Think it clever to save social services budgets a few quid by buying cheap places in care homes for vulnerable kids in depressed towns like Rochdale.
5. Close your children’s homes and allow the market to create cheap children’s homes in low cost areas.
6. Send vulnerable kids half-way across the country
7. Don’t see children and youth as valid members of society with needs, rights, and AGENCY, so don’t cater for their leisure and affiliation needs
8. Rack up business rates so that only poverty-level wages for fast-food work are viable in town centres.
9. Prioritise car theft, based on public complaint, over missing children who don’t complain because they don’t matter (“scrubbers” anonymous policeman, BBC Radio 4 Friday, September 12, 2014 13:37).
That was a trick question: there isn’t an order only a pattern.
Then wonder why the Rochdale Child Abuse Scandal.
Discuss. Use both sides of the argument and the brain.
_____________Footnote
if you find this offensive is it less or more offensive than the Rochdale Child Abuse Scandal?
Introducing ‘musings: half-baked
This is a new category, in some ways going back to my original idea of a scrapbook in the form of a blog. So half-baked musings are scraps of thinking, that I might do something with, or might pique my or someone else’s interest.
So here is the first one, file under ‘who should run the world and why’.
Very cool lady judge presiding over the Pistorius case. I’m going to extend the ‘the world should be run by 8 year old girls’ to include ‘successful black women of pensionable age’ (context: where black is an oppressed group within the dominant societies on this planet. Your culture may vary. May contain traces of nuts).
Despite being jovially couched, this is a serious notion. Its about experiences and perspectives. Its an idea emerging, slowly.
The idea is to specify, in a quasi-scientific manner, the ‘necessary and sufficient conditions’ for a thing. In this case ‘running the world nicely’. It’s like a concept car for management systems thinkers.
Article is from yesterday's 'i'
KIND THINKER OUT IN THE WORLD
Kind thinker, out in
the world, away
from the white towers;
down by the riv’r.
Forthright, flexible and firm —
the three frees.
Living, in the realm
of the possible:
not ‘they should’, only
‘well, maybe we can…’
Else we forget, the
value of play
and the value of
his playful life.
Arthur Battram
10:26 AM, Thursday, June 12, 2014, revised 2:02 PM Friday, September 5, 2014 , and again so the scansion is better Tuesday, September 9, 2014, 2:04 PM.
A fitting obituary is here:
Here my take on this interesting question.
The key word, IMHO, is public. Public space in the public realm. This would be a non-issue of the streets were full of people. “Empty neighbourhood”? Can it be a neighbourhood if it is ‘empty’? Look at the writings of Jane Jacobs, I’m thinking of ‘The Death and Life of American Cities’. Imagine a street full of people, children, old people, pavement cafes, people chatting, mums with prams. Now picture yourself weaving through all of that. Actually it’s difficult to run through all of that… but that’s another issue…
– See more at: http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/cac-non-creepy-way-run-behind-woman/comment-page-1/#comment-1715546
David has kindly given me permission to share his list of media coverage of what I have labelled ‘play/child-related issues’.
The list is a partial one, as he explains below. He says:
“Interesting research fact: There have been more than 50 articles, news reports, and radio pieces in mainstream media (New York Times, Slate.com, Washington Post, NPR, KQED, ABC News, etc.) in the United States on children’s play since the beginning of 2014.”
“So right now I’ve collected data on the 50+ media references since start of 2014. I’m in the process of going back year-by-year over the past 5 years to see if 2014 does indeed stand out as having a significantly higher number of ‘mainstream media’ (broadcast, print, web) discussions of play. I can easily provide you the 50+ references for 2014 with date, publication, url, title, etc., it’s all in a Microsoft Word doc.”
“I am … interested in looking at things from a different perspective, ie., is there a potentially larger social-cultural shift occurring in America that is either allowing or actively encouraging this sort of mainstream media coverage to happen? In other words, why now? Why these particular stories? What does this say, if anything, about American society in 2014?”
My own cynical view is that this media kerfuffle does not, of itself, signal a change in US (or UK) society. I wish it did. Nevertheless, if nothing else the covering is cheering, and may inspire. Feel free to use the list anyway you wish.
Please contact David directly if you have any questions or requests. For my part I will update this item whenever I can (not guaranteeing!).
davidramsey1234@yahoo.com
——————————————————————–
DAVID’S LIST ( as of MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014)
——————————————————————–
The Overprotected Kid
The Atlantic, March 19, 2014
Why Free Play is the Best Summer School
The Atlantic, June 20, 2014
Recess Without Rules
The Atlantic, January 28, 2014
Inside a European Adventure Playground
The Atlantic, March 19, 2014
How Finland Keeps Kids Focused Through Free Play
The Atlantic, June 30, 2014
Kids These Days: Growing Up Too Fast or Never At All?
National Public Radio, March 20, 2014
Where the Wild Things Play
National Public Radio, August 4, 2014
http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/08/04/334896321/where-the-wild-things-play
Play Doesn’t End With Childhood: Why Adults Need Recess Too
National Public Radio, August 6, 2014
Scientists Say Child’s Play Helps Build a Better Brain
National Public Radio, August 6, 2014
When Kids Start Playing to Win
National Public Radio, August 5, 2014
What Kids Can Learn From a Water Balloon Fight
National Public Radio, June 25, 2014
For Kids With Special Needs, More Places to Play
National Public Radio, August 27, 2013
Kids Need More Structured Play Time, Not Less
New York Times, May 1, 2014
All Children Should be Delinquents
New York Times, July 12, 2014
Mom Faces Felony Charge for Letting Girl Play in Park
ABC News, July 28, 2014
Play for Children: Form and Freedom
Huffington Post, July 11, 2014
If Children are Learning, Then Let Them Play
Huffington Post, November 1, 2013
Dad Charged With Endangerment After Son Skips Church to Go Play
Huffington Post, June 30, 2014
Stressed Out in America: Five Reason to Let Your Kids Play
Huffington Post, February 28, 2014
Banish the Playdate
Huffington Post, July 24, 2014
Best Type of Play? Let Kids do What They Want
NBC News, 9News Colorado, August 6, 2014
http://www.9news.com/story/news/health/2014/08/06/free-play-kids/13694309/
How Play Wires Kids’ Brains for Social and Academic Success
KQED California, August 7, 2014
Let ‘Em Out! The Many Benefits of Outdoor Play in Kindergarten
KQED California, July 23, 2014
A Land Where Kids Roam Free
KQED California, July 18, 2014
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/07/audio-file-wont-embed/
Can Free Play Prevent Depression and Anxiety in Kids?
KQED California, June 29, 2014
Cities Want Young Families to Play and Stay
Wall Street Journal, August 5, 2014
Playing Children, Out of Sight and Mind
New York Daily News, August 4, 2014
Visiting Lecturer Says Play is Effective Learning Tool
Iowa City Press-Citizen, August 1, 2014
In This Era of Helicopter Parenting, Letting Your Child Play is a Crime
Charleston City Paper, July 23, 2014
Play: The Work of a Child
Green Bay Press Gazette, July 12, 2014
The Best Toy for a Kid on a Plane is Not an iPad
ABC News, July 23, 2014
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/best-toy-kid-plane-ipad/story?id=24588355
Send the Kids Outside to Play: Study
Chicago Tribune, July 17, 2014
Even Playing Dress-Up Teaches Children How to Handle Emotions
Springfield News Leader, July 11, 2014
Letting Imagination Win
Washington Post, August 8, 2014
Ten Ways to Fix the Mess That is Kindergarten
Washington Post, August 7, 2014
Why So Many Kids Can’t Sit Still in School Today
Washington Post, July 8, 2014
Are We Overprotecting Our Kids?
Katie Couric Show, July 9, 2014
http://katiecouric.com/2014/07/09/are-we-overprotecting-our-kids/
Should Parents Let Their Kids Take More Risks?
PBS NewsHour, May 9, 2014
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/parents-let-kids-take-risks/
Does Overprotecting Children Put Them at Risk?
CBS News, March 20, 2014
Let Kids Run Wild in the Woods
Slate.com, May 2014
What Playfulness Can Do For You
Boston Globe, July 20, 2014
How the American Playground was Born in Boston
Boston Globe, March 28, 2014
A Parklet Rises in Boston
Boston Globe, July 14, 2014
Help Kids’ Imaginations Soar
Miami Herald, July 13, 2014
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/11/4231708/help-kids-imaginations-soar.html
For July, Let Kids be Kids
Columbia Daily Tribune, July 13, 2014
The Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain
ParentingScience.com, 2014
http://www.parentingscience.com/benefits-of-play.html
7 Crippling Parenting Behaviors That Keep Children From Growing Into Leaders
Forbes.com, January 16, 2014
Too Much Too Soon: Why Children Should Spend More Time Playing and Start School Later
Forbes.com, January 30, 2014
Why Playful Learning is the Key to Prosperity
Forbes.com, April 10, 2014
Mom Arrested After Letting 7-Year-Old Son Walk to Park by Himself
KTLA News, July 31, 2014
“For my street – and the others who have shared their experiences – new and rich connections have grown from sharing time and fun on the street during playing out sessions. And they have changed the way I feel about living here for the better.”
We know more about regenerating a rainforest or a prairie than we do about regenerating the public realm.
We really need to get out more.
And we really need to study more.
PlayingOut, is one neccesary, but—of course—of itself, insufficient condition for this regeneration of the public realm to take place. Pun placed intentionally!
Read and follow their excellent bloggery.
via Blenders, babysitters and burglars! – connecting neighbours in unexpected ways – Playing Out.
What follows is the (obviously) unofficial view of a senior police officer on the subject of ASBOs, ABCs and other legal attempts to control the nuisance of children.
The officer is commenting on a report, which you can read by following the link below.
———————————————-
The officer said:
“I am writing in a non official capacity – my role is that of *** in ***
(Force).
If I can take the opportunity to comment on your ABC report. I thought it
was spot on and I will ensure it will be sent to my officers responsible for
delivering and working with those who deliver ABCs.
I do see a use for ABCs but as you point out, when the system is vague
and threatening it does nothing to inspire me that this is a tool that will
be of any merit or worth.
Surely children who may be experiencing problems in their lives require
support and should not be growing up in an authoritarian environment?
Thank you for a thought provoking report.”
The report he or she is commenting on is this one:
Report re: The Compatibility of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts with
Article 6.1 of the European Convention on Human Rights
By Jan Cosgrove and Matthew Cosgrove
Click to access 1325042991.pdf
Have any of our noble play-related university lecturers done any work in this area? I would love to see it.
You can find out more about FPFC here:
http://www.fairplayforchildren.net/what.htm
arthur~battram… 