I watched the final episode of Chernobyl last night. It’s without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and powerful dramas to have hit the small screen. The final episode last night concluded the series nicely. A must watch.
I think I’ve arrived as a Javascript developer. I wrote this Ruby code last night.
this.latitidue.present? && this.longitude.present?
🤦♂️
Respectful communication
This weekend the Roman Catholic church celebrates World Communications Day. This is a day that the church uses to identify how it’s message is distributed across the world and how the media impacts on the world.
During today’s sermon our parish priest touched on a number of points in the Archbishop’s letter to the diocese. However, it was one particular paragraph that really stuck out for me.
The positive use of the internet and social media depends on respectful communication. Respectful communication speaks the truth in charity. If every user of social media spoke the truth in charity, many people, including young people and children, would be happier, safer and better informed.
In a time when we’re frequently reminded that social media has so much going against it, we should also note that it’s not social media that is the problem, it’s just how we use it. Using it in a more positive and respectful way would certainly be a good way to start improve online communities.
Found the perfect accompanying domain to go with this one, mattisms.dev. Expect web development posts on Ruby on Rails and other programming languages to start appearing soon.
I’ve been trying to solve a problem for a software product that’s been at the back of my mind for the last few weeks. This morning I sat down with a coffee, tried a few things out and eventually worked out the solution. Feels good when you overcome a hurdle like this.
Split-screen editing on the iPad? Wow. The iPad is fast becoming a serious alternative to a laptop.
Lee Westwood's thoughts on the image of golf
Lee Westwood has been talking about the image of golf. It’s not something I haven’t heard before, but it’s good to bring these issues to the forefront every now and again.
“I think golf takes too long, the speed of play when people watch the professionals play is very slow and I don’t think that helps the perception of golf.
I don’t think golf takes too long to play, but people do need to know that there’s a difference between a professional playing and everyone else. A typical round of golf should take about three and a half hours. Sure, you may get held up when the course is busy, but it is better to have an active golf club rather than one where hardly anyone plays.
Also, in a world where everything is a rush, and we have this problem of instant gratification, it’s good to have a sport that is all about playing at a steady pace. I love playing out on the course, especially when I’m playing with my sons. It’s one of the few moments where you can get their complete and undivided attention, of course, the same goes with me.
The instant gratification of the modern world shouldn’t change the game of golf. Sure, we should make the sport more accessible for kids and also make it easier for them to get started. Shorter tees and six or nine hole rounds are a good start, but given time, they too will be able to conquer typical junior tees and play a full round of 18 holes.
“I think it’s very expensive still to play golf, more could be done to make it a bit cheaper to play.
Expensive, yes, but not the most expensive sport to play. You can be up and running playing golf on a budget. As always with any new hobby, don’t invest too much in equipment at the beginning. Start with the basics and build it up over time.
I mountain biked for 15 years before I decided to give it up. While I did struggle with back pain when cycling, the main issue I had was the expense of the sport. I couldn’t justify the cost when it came to upgrading components regularly.
I started golfing with a cheap set of clubs and a cheap bag. Over time the last few years, I’ve gradually replaced some of my clubs and the bag, but everything I have bought has been perfectly affordable and within my budget, as I learn to play the game.
“I think more girls and women could be encouraged to play, I don’t think they’re encouraged as much as they could be.
I agree on this one, so much so I am still badgering my wife to have a go at playing. It’s encouraging to see that girls are coming through the ranks in some of our local clubs and there is an active county team, but there could be more down to encourage more girls and women to play.
As for Lee’s comments on golf being too hard. I’m not so sure that making the sport easier to play is the answer. I’ve been chipping away (pardon the pun) at the game for a few years now. I’m far from winning any club competitions, but I’ve got to a level where I can score pretty reasonably on the course.
In my internet travels today, I have came across two avatars that used Commander Keen images. Clearly the universe is trying to tell me something.
Fallen friends
Kurt Harden shares some thoughts on his connection with nature.
Over the past 24 years I have grown attached to everything that has lived on this property. This place is a sanctuary for me. It is home. It is where I regularly refuel for the daily battle.
While our home does not benefit having a large garden with decade old trees, across the street, we did have three trees that this area was built around. In the last few years, we’ve lost one tree, and now there’s a second not looking too healthy.
Over the years, the boys have had great times playing around these giants across the street. I hope the last one remains standing long enough for our youngest Drew to enjoy.
Great night for some golf.
