The Sprout

New Experiences #33 - #38

Postiwyd gan Tom_Bevan o Caerdydd - Cyhoeddwyd ar 28/04/2012 am 11:38
2 sylwadau » - Tagiwyd fel Diwylliant, Addysg, Bwyd a Diod, Pobl, Technoleg

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W/C 16th April 2012

New Experience #33: A Game Of Uno

The card game that became a Mattel product two years before I was produced, Uno is just about up there with Monopoly and Trivial Pursuits in the family pastime hierarchy. I understand this may cause some controversy, but let’s keep it friendly folks - it’s only a game!

I played the fast paced ‘flash’ variety (which included an all buzzing, all flashing contraption) over my best mate’s house and was beaten comfortably by her and her younger sisters. I got very competitive and even more excited.

Rating: 4/5 Some practice needed. I would explain the rules but they are as vague in my mind now as they were at the time.

New Experience #34: Philosophy Caf

I’ve always been interested in philosophy but have never taken the time to explore it. So to whet my appetite for the subject, I went along to The Gate, where a Philosophy Caf is held on the third Tuesday of every month. In the sessions, a guest speaker presents on an area of the field and the attendees are invited to discuss the ideas raised as a group.

The topic for the night was supposed to be existentialism but due to a family problem, the main speaker was unable to attend. Instead, the two hours were dedicated to answering the question “Why does philosophy matter?”. As a bit of a novice, this was a very useful starting point. The room was packed with a good mix of ages and experience levels, which led to some fascinating and heated debates. We ended up with a series of conclusions, including that philosophy can:

Transform how we understand our lives and how we live
Bring logical thinking, critical scrutiny and scepticism to our reasoning on a range of issues
Be a tool for change.

Rating: 4/5 Fascinating throughout, but I had no money for a cuppa.

New Experience #35: Finnish Chewing Gum

So, whilst at one of my Hot Beverage Club Meetings (See NE #15), I’m offered a piece of raspberry and liquorice gum from Finland. I duly accept and, as is customary, begin to masticate.

Hmm.

Rating: 3/5 Having chewed this one over (oh I did), my feelings are pretty neutral. Not exactly tasty, but certainly intriguing.

New Experience #36: Meeting The Children’s Commissioner

Thanks to theSprout’s own DeadAngelLover22, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Keith Towler, was up for questioning at Cardiff Central Library. I went along, listened with interest, asked about teenage pregnancy (the excess of), political education (the lack of) and left with some freebies.

Rating: 4/5 Gained an insight into Keith’s important work and was left encouraged by his pretty progressive opinions on most of the topic areas, such as the need to reconsider the voting age.

New Experience #37: Revision At The Museum

Tired of slaving over textbooks at home? Frustrated by the lack of space (and actual quiet) at our libraries during exam time? Well I was. So, I took my books to the National Museum Cardiff and enjoyed the relative tranquillity of its art gallery whilst tucking into Tudor history.

Rating: 2/5 Even such artistic surroundings couldn’t brighten up Richard III’s usurpation.

New Experience #38: Tweeting 6 Music

I’m a newbie to the twittersphere and, although I don’t totally enjoy the constant online chatter, I have found it a great way to contact the wise, the weird and the wonderful over the wi-fi.

This week I had a tweet read out by Steve Lamacq on the undoubtedly wonderful BBC 6 Music, after he sent out a request for "Shakespeare-related music puns".
My attempt at “The Divine Comedy of Errors” was pipped to the post by another twitterer but I came up with “Is this Mick Jagger I See Before Me?” with just moments to spare. He said it was his favourite.

Rating: 4/5 It made for a good little anecdote on returning to school.

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