(no subject)

I spent most of the weekend indoors, working on my telnet client application, missing all the sunshine. Boo! I also wasted a little more time playing around with my computer to try and work out what the hell is wrong with it. I'm reasonably confident it's not a physical problem but some sort of configuration issue. No idea how to diagnose it though. I'm half tempted to buy a new case, build a second machine out of my spare parts, and see what happens. It's beyond frustrating now. 7 months with a broken computer.

In slightly better news, my second Before The Dawn cd arrived today. Hurrah! Thus ends the recent spate of having to wait a month to get cds delivered. I am running out of cds that I want though, so it wouldn't be a problem for much longer anyway.

Today, I nearly got run over, for the 3rd time at a single junction by STUPID DRIVERS. Most often, drivers heading into town turn right when they're supposed to wait for the 'turning right' light. That was what happened the first 2 times, but today someone coming the other way turned left, ignoring the 'do not turn left under any circumstances' sign. I shot him a withering stare as his van came to a halt 1ft away from me in the middle of the road, but I think he was too concerned about the bus that came to a halt about the same distance behind his vehicle as a result of his sudden stop.

Letting children play outside

This news article just shocked me, which doesn't happen often: 'Some 43% of the 1,148 adults quizzed for the Children's Society said children should not be allowed out with friends until they reach the age of 14.'

A related article is here.

"I used to go to the woods and build a den," said one. "I would always go to the park on my own, just so long as I was back before dark," said a second.

The other mums nodded.

All remembered the adventures of their youth - long days spent out of sight of their parents. "Happy days," they said.

So do they let their own children enjoy the same freedoms?

"That would be irresponsible," replied one. The rest agreed.

The furthest they would allow their youngsters to roam alone was to the garden gate.

Later in that article, an eight-year old child talks about the possibility of getting raped. Who on earth tells them these things?

Is it just me, or is 14 amazingly late in life to suddenly allow a child out on the loose? I was outside playing within sight of the house when I was 6, and travelling 100 or 200 yards away before I was 10. Some of the neighbour's kids were doing that when they were 3 or 4 but I found that excessive. Still... 14?!

EDIT: This quote also seemed retarded: "Adrian Voce, from the Play England project, said it was unfair to blame parents as they only had their children's well-being at heart." How ridiculous. Of course parents have their child's well-being at heart but it's still their fault if they make mistakes. How can it be 'unfair'? Take some responsibility for what you do, you morons!