My 12 year old asked me recently whether something had happened on Twitter that had affected me. So I told her, in anonymised form of some of the drama and stories, of the contact in Australia at the time of the floods, of the American friends, the Brazilian, the Canadian -and also that the wretched cold/flu, that had allowed me to stay off work and twitter, also influenced my mood.
What has and still amazes me, is the intensity of connection that is possible on that medium. The effect of social media, is not of course the thing itself, people do talk of marriages breaking up, twitter romances etc., but the media is just the catalyst, the thing that does not change, is neutral to its uses.
So to explain and describe, a research of small samples by one observer participant, can throw up some tendencies of use, and some indicative trends, carve out an outline of an outline for a research project. So would the wooden approach go. Rather I think, some fiction, and embellishment or true beautiful stories, the range is considerable. So I will try to do something with the unfolding life on Twitter, keeping the identities confidential as I've been trained, that be-suits my own best standards anyway.
Watch this space!
Friday, 28 January 2011
Thursday, 27 January 2011
What is badminton for? -Part 8/.
...This is a misconception and may be criticised for three reasons. First, it is strictly speaking a category error. The wrist is a joint, not a muscle; the forearm muscles control its movement. Second, wrist movements are weak when compared to forearm or upper arm movements. Some studies confirm the minor role of the wrist in power generation and also indicate that the major contributions to ‘power’ come from internal and external rotations of the upper and lower arm (try not to think hippopotamus).
Third and last, self-abuse is a private matter and is unlikely to contribute significantly to the question posed in this essay. Nonetheless some insist that the pejorative term of self-abuse is a metaphor for certain styles of play witnessed on the badboiiz court. But we have to listen to those others, including no less than Mark Twain himself, who consider the practice -‘not suitable for the drawing room’ and therefore by extension, the badminton court. However in some religious circles, self-abuse is now considered tolerable, and recovered from the sin it once was, as long as it is ‘ kept in hand‘.
But I digress.
.
It is interesting to note that due to the way that its feathers overlap, a shuttlecock also has a slight natural spin about its axis of rotational symmetry. The spin is in a counter-clockwise direction as seen from above when dropping a shuttlecock. Notwithstanding the aforementioned discussion of wrist-action, this natural spin affects certain strokes: a tumbling net shot is more effective if the slicing action is from right to left, rather than from left to right; -one exception to this, is, if the line of sight of the slicing-action player, is also orthogonal to the performance of the Badboiiz Badminton Haka.
So in conclusion, what is badminton for?
More research is necessary. It is an exciting time for badminton’s cultural and scientific research. Many in the community feel that the laboratory needs to be extended in the form of numerous visitations of several pubs in any given afternoon so chosen. The development of this concept will no doubt receive much interest and attention in the year ahead.
Alan Parham Christmas 2010.
Third and last, self-abuse is a private matter and is unlikely to contribute significantly to the question posed in this essay. Nonetheless some insist that the pejorative term of self-abuse is a metaphor for certain styles of play witnessed on the badboiiz court. But we have to listen to those others, including no less than Mark Twain himself, who consider the practice -‘not suitable for the drawing room’ and therefore by extension, the badminton court. However in some religious circles, self-abuse is now considered tolerable, and recovered from the sin it once was, as long as it is ‘ kept in hand‘.
But I digress.
.
It is interesting to note that due to the way that its feathers overlap, a shuttlecock also has a slight natural spin about its axis of rotational symmetry. The spin is in a counter-clockwise direction as seen from above when dropping a shuttlecock. Notwithstanding the aforementioned discussion of wrist-action, this natural spin affects certain strokes: a tumbling net shot is more effective if the slicing action is from right to left, rather than from left to right; -one exception to this, is, if the line of sight of the slicing-action player, is also orthogonal to the performance of the Badboiiz Badminton Haka.
So in conclusion, what is badminton for?
More research is necessary. It is an exciting time for badminton’s cultural and scientific research. Many in the community feel that the laboratory needs to be extended in the form of numerous visitations of several pubs in any given afternoon so chosen. The development of this concept will no doubt receive much interest and attention in the year ahead.
Alan Parham Christmas 2010.
What is badminton for? -Part 7/.
... Where Ee is the existential predicament of the male half of humanity, A is the particular individual agent carrying this predicament, and å Í is the summation of the range of experience pain and pleasure through the enigma of ‘existence’.
Borrowing a scale from the government’s initiative to assess well-being in the population, the game is represented by Y J K L where Y is the embedded psychology of the game and J K L (called the Cameron scale) is the range of experience of ‘A’ within any game. Thus a game can be represented using the base of an equation from chaos theory (see Appendix).
A little known study has proposed that successful wrist action in badminton is a sign of advanced self-abuse (Parham et al) and is based on the pre-conception that that power in badminton strokes comes mainly from the wrist.
Borrowing a scale from the government’s initiative to assess well-being in the population, the game is represented by Y J K L where Y is the embedded psychology of the game and J K L (called the Cameron scale) is the range of experience of ‘A’ within any game. Thus a game can be represented using the base of an equation from chaos theory (see Appendix).
Digression- self -abuse and wrist action in badminton
As mathematical equations tend to put people to sleep, let us divert temporarily to consideration of a demanding cultural practice. I refer to of course the vexed question of wrist action in the relationship between badminton and self abuse.A little known study has proposed that successful wrist action in badminton is a sign of advanced self-abuse (Parham et al) and is based on the pre-conception that that power in badminton strokes comes mainly from the wrist.
What is badminton for? -Part 6/.
...
So let us examine this claim of the priority of maths, in describing the game of badminton.
In badminton ‘energy’ is expended, but what is ‘energy’? Within Newtonian physics (that was good enough to get man on the moon) the definition of ‘energy’ can be stated:
“1/. When a force, F, acts on a body of mass, m, for a distance, d, it is useful to say that work, W, has been done on the body.”
For our purposes F in the case of a game is the application of a racquet, by a player, upon m, the shuttlecock, for a distance d, that the shuttle flys when struck. Thus W has been done on the shuttle and feathers are ruffled.
“2/.The work, W, is assigned a value W=Fd.
3/. You can therefore show that the work as defined by W=Fd is exactly equal to ½ mv24/. The expression ½ mv2 is also given a name. It is called the kinetic energy of the body.
5/. The more work (Fd) you put into pushing a body, the more kinetic energy (½ mv2 ) it gets.”
(Reference: ‘Einstein for Beginners‘)
So the name of the game is for the ’Agent’ (player) ‘A’ to get a good whack of ½ mv2 on the shuttlecock, within terms as described above.
But what of ‘A’ ? Also how do we describe mathematically the reality of an agent, acting within the bounded context of a game of doubles, so as to transform the mere whacking to a focus of three dimensional intent?
Each player can be considered as an ‘agent’ (A) within the following formulation;
So let us examine this claim of the priority of maths, in describing the game of badminton.
In badminton ‘energy’ is expended, but what is ‘energy’? Within Newtonian physics (that was good enough to get man on the moon) the definition of ‘energy’ can be stated:
“1/. When a force, F, acts on a body of mass, m, for a distance, d, it is useful to say that work, W, has been done on the body.”
For our purposes F in the case of a game is the application of a racquet, by a player, upon m, the shuttlecock, for a distance d, that the shuttle flys when struck. Thus W has been done on the shuttle and feathers are ruffled.
“2/.The work, W, is assigned a value W=Fd.
3/. You can therefore show that the work as defined by W=Fd is exactly equal to ½ mv24/. The expression ½ mv2 is also given a name. It is called the kinetic energy of the body.
5/. The more work (Fd) you put into pushing a body, the more kinetic energy (½ mv2 ) it gets.”
(Reference: ‘Einstein for Beginners‘)
So the name of the game is for the ’Agent’ (player) ‘A’ to get a good whack of ½ mv2 on the shuttlecock, within terms as described above.
But what of ‘A’ ? Also how do we describe mathematically the reality of an agent, acting within the bounded context of a game of doubles, so as to transform the mere whacking to a focus of three dimensional intent?
Each player can be considered as an ‘agent’ (A) within the following formulation;
Ee =(Aå Í ) + (Y J K L )
What is badminton for? -Part 5/.
...
Whereas this can be seen in terms of Newtonian classical physics, perforce those others who may demur and claim the scientific to be of minor importance compared to the cultural context. These others insist on the priority of the narrative skeleton upon which we put the sumptuous flesh of experience. But alas, this usually reduces to contemplations of the sexual tensions in the showers, the need to dominate and humiliate and so on.
Notwithstanding the insistence of these ruined pieces of Badboiiz nature we have to ask the question;- How can the science and the culture of the Badboiiz be combined to give a rounded flavour of this whole reality that is not just descriptive? Of course we do rely on verbal discourse; but probably at the risk over-reliance of the endless litany that merely celebrates the notion that we are all a construction of selves through time.
There is a lament that the rotation of the shuttle around its axis of flight has no correlation with the ‘self system’ (More on shuttle rotation below).
I would maintain however that such proponents are the enemies of promise; we must prevent the wheels of the project from falling off -we must now listen to those who in distinction and in minority, proclaim from behind their pints - “You have to do the maths“.
Whereas this can be seen in terms of Newtonian classical physics, perforce those others who may demur and claim the scientific to be of minor importance compared to the cultural context. These others insist on the priority of the narrative skeleton upon which we put the sumptuous flesh of experience. But alas, this usually reduces to contemplations of the sexual tensions in the showers, the need to dominate and humiliate and so on.
Notwithstanding the insistence of these ruined pieces of Badboiiz nature we have to ask the question;- How can the science and the culture of the Badboiiz be combined to give a rounded flavour of this whole reality that is not just descriptive? Of course we do rely on verbal discourse; but probably at the risk over-reliance of the endless litany that merely celebrates the notion that we are all a construction of selves through time.
There is a lament that the rotation of the shuttle around its axis of flight has no correlation with the ‘self system’ (More on shuttle rotation below).
I would maintain however that such proponents are the enemies of promise; we must prevent the wheels of the project from falling off -we must now listen to those who in distinction and in minority, proclaim from behind their pints - “You have to do the maths“.
What is badminton for? -Part 4/.
...So through these deliberations we enhance ourselves as informed citizens and commentators of the world. We sharpen our observations on the enigma of the human species and engage in the understanding of human existence, and in so doing become de facto existentialists and pseudo polymaths.
There are many other cultural factors which bear upon the question ‘what is Badminton for?‘ Having reviewed some of them, we can now turn to the science of the game.
To reiterate the claim made above, badminton is a kinetic activity. Thus the science can be summarised as lying within the Newtonian concept of force applied to an inert object. It is with force the shuttlecock is launched in defiance of local gravitational conditions, and in turn meets air-resistance at a pressure characteristic of the height above sea-level at the Sobell Centre.
In contrast to tennis balls, the feathers impart substantial drag, causing the shuttlecock to decelerate greatly over distance. The shuttlecock is also extremely aerodynamically stable: regardless of initial orientation, it will turn to fly cork-first, and remain in the cork-first orientation.
One consequence of the shuttlecock's drag is that it requires considerable skill to hit it the full length of the court, which is not the case for most racquet sports. The drag also influences the flight path of a lifted (lobbed) shuttlecock. The parabola of its flight is heavily skewed so that it falls at a steeper angle than it rises. With very high serves, the shuttlecock may even fall vertically.
There are many other cultural factors which bear upon the question ‘what is Badminton for?‘ Having reviewed some of them, we can now turn to the science of the game.
To reiterate the claim made above, badminton is a kinetic activity. Thus the science can be summarised as lying within the Newtonian concept of force applied to an inert object. It is with force the shuttlecock is launched in defiance of local gravitational conditions, and in turn meets air-resistance at a pressure characteristic of the height above sea-level at the Sobell Centre.
In contrast to tennis balls, the feathers impart substantial drag, causing the shuttlecock to decelerate greatly over distance. The shuttlecock is also extremely aerodynamically stable: regardless of initial orientation, it will turn to fly cork-first, and remain in the cork-first orientation.
One consequence of the shuttlecock's drag is that it requires considerable skill to hit it the full length of the court, which is not the case for most racquet sports. The drag also influences the flight path of a lifted (lobbed) shuttlecock. The parabola of its flight is heavily skewed so that it falls at a steeper angle than it rises. With very high serves, the shuttlecock may even fall vertically.
What is Badminton for? -Part 3/.
...
In these discussions heat and light is generated in ample proportions as we attempt to make clear, our combined cultural contributions to various human endeavours such as science, religion, politics, philosophy, relationships, whether there is such a thing as a self -organising Universe and also if the barmaid is in fact the great ‘Ur’ monster of Tollington, and so on.
But this is not to say that others in the pub are no less than we in this endeavour. However, as badminton players we have a great privilege in our superior ability to convey our cultural attainments compared to the general rabble. And therefore with great privilege comes great responsibility.
Notwithstanding the effort to keep the disappearing British pub alive with our custom, we embark on topics that no other ordinary mortal can dream of e.g. the exact description of the dramatic deceleration of shuttlecocks after being struck. To illustrate this compare the fastest
recorded tennis stroke by Andy Roddick at a blistering153 mph serve, with the fastest badminton stroke by Fu Haifeng's at a eye watering 206 mph recorded smash (Wikipedia).
In these discussions heat and light is generated in ample proportions as we attempt to make clear, our combined cultural contributions to various human endeavours such as science, religion, politics, philosophy, relationships, whether there is such a thing as a self -organising Universe and also if the barmaid is in fact the great ‘Ur’ monster of Tollington, and so on.
But this is not to say that others in the pub are no less than we in this endeavour. However, as badminton players we have a great privilege in our superior ability to convey our cultural attainments compared to the general rabble. And therefore with great privilege comes great responsibility.
Notwithstanding the effort to keep the disappearing British pub alive with our custom, we embark on topics that no other ordinary mortal can dream of e.g. the exact description of the dramatic deceleration of shuttlecocks after being struck. To illustrate this compare the fastest
recorded tennis stroke by Andy Roddick at a blistering153 mph serve, with the fastest badminton stroke by Fu Haifeng's at a eye watering 206 mph recorded smash (Wikipedia).
What is Badminton for? Part 2/.
...
Indeed, during the game there is often some crowing, a sort of vulgar victory- verbal exclamation usually accompanied with arm actions. Advanced forms of this are deliberate attempts at intimidation with a grimacing show of the teeth in a Maori-style ‘Haka’ display that might also include the wriggling of one‘s booty. Thus the great cultural contribution of the badboiiz is the ‘badminton Haka‘.
In the same competitive choreography, after winning a point, it is a common for whooping and congratulary slaps, hugs and other forms of unnecessary body contact performed by the winning players. Also conferring with one’s partner conspiratorially, with sniggers, laughter and glances at the beaten opponents, so as to confer the status of ‘tossers’ and ‘losers‘, who deserve to die.
In addition, in the moment prior to the serve, there is the oft - used practice of delaying the delivery by moving as though to serve, but holding back, thus putting the receiving party off-guard. These tactics are not of the usual standard of British sportsmanship, but they happen nonetheless, due to the great cultural changes in society at large and among badminton badboiiz in particular.
Thus great tensions between the players are generated which unless defused can lead to considerable altercations, snide remarks and shoving in the showers. Therefore the practice of going to the pub afterwards is no indulgence, but a solemn and holy duty in order to defuse any animosities arising.
With the quaffing of ale, bitter, or lager or indeed orange juice and lemonade, an affable ambience is built up, allowing many verbal utterances to take place that sometimes resemble a ‘discussion’
Indeed, during the game there is often some crowing, a sort of vulgar victory- verbal exclamation usually accompanied with arm actions. Advanced forms of this are deliberate attempts at intimidation with a grimacing show of the teeth in a Maori-style ‘Haka’ display that might also include the wriggling of one‘s booty. Thus the great cultural contribution of the badboiiz is the ‘badminton Haka‘.
In the same competitive choreography, after winning a point, it is a common for whooping and congratulary slaps, hugs and other forms of unnecessary body contact performed by the winning players. Also conferring with one’s partner conspiratorially, with sniggers, laughter and glances at the beaten opponents, so as to confer the status of ‘tossers’ and ‘losers‘, who deserve to die.
In addition, in the moment prior to the serve, there is the oft - used practice of delaying the delivery by moving as though to serve, but holding back, thus putting the receiving party off-guard. These tactics are not of the usual standard of British sportsmanship, but they happen nonetheless, due to the great cultural changes in society at large and among badminton badboiiz in particular.
Thus great tensions between the players are generated which unless defused can lead to considerable altercations, snide remarks and shoving in the showers. Therefore the practice of going to the pub afterwards is no indulgence, but a solemn and holy duty in order to defuse any animosities arising.
With the quaffing of ale, bitter, or lager or indeed orange juice and lemonade, an affable ambience is built up, allowing many verbal utterances to take place that sometimes resemble a ‘discussion’
What is badminton for? -Part 1/.
The Badboiiz Badminton Club Christmas Essay 2010
What is Badminton For?
by Alan Parham
(Warning: this essay contains explicit references to the practice of self- abuse that some may find offensive)
It is with great pleasure that I write the inaugural Badminton Club (Badboiiz) Christmas Essay, and I am grateful to the members of the nominations and cultural sub-committee, for their choice of Moi.
What is Badminton for? This is the theme I wish to discuss this year. The obvious answer would be to “play badminton”. The playing of badminton is however, not straight forward. Let me explain.
The game can be described both scientifically and culturally. Scientifically, the game is a kinetic activity whereupon the shuttlecock is struck with force and direction in such a way to avoid it’s return by the opposing players, but also to place it within an agreed code of a legal area in which the shuttle lands to effect the cultural phenomenon of a ‘point‘.
This requires skill, dexterity, bodily movement and a type of wielding of the racquet to effect the desired placement of the shuttlecock. Driving the shuttle to and fro across the net, the players enter into a sacred state of consciousness, described as the ‘rally’ when won is ecstasy when lost is misery. This gives the game its charm and excitement.
Individual players having varying ability to do this. There is therefore an unspoken league table of players from hopeless to heavenly with all degrees of attainment in-between.
Naturally the players strive to win the game. The game ends when the winning team acquires a designated number of points first. The vanquished team is expected to show great magnanimity by offering to shake hands with their victors. Normally the two players (in doubles of course) shake hands with each other, then approach the net to shake hands with their respective opponents. Occasionally one or other player on the losing side may ‘make to shake’, only to suddenly withdraw their hand and make a lunge at their opponents’ crown jewels.
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