How to watch Youtube

I can’t stop, I mean - we’re all Batpeople, but I’ve got Batman entirely wrong?

Well, something like that.

My boyfriend’s going to kill me if he hears that video one more time (hundreds), so I write this beneath headphones, dancing in my pyjamas.

I think I love the video because it exemplifies what the Vlogbrothers are all about - reasoned intellectual arguments based on values and perceptions of the world, geek culture, sibling relationships and dancing and being silly just ‘cause.

In my opinion, they’re both right - “crime is caused by systemic disenfranchisement and poverty and lack of access to job opportunities” (that’s why Batman pins his hopes on Harvey Dent as Gotham’s new hero), but it’s not untrue that “we see ourselves in the cracks in his facade, in his anger and frustration because we have all those things too”.

It almost comes across as a defence of personal beliefs at times - with John arguing that no-one is entirely evil and the cause for disruption to society as a whole, but the government of communities is responsible in the main part for resolving the social issues which cause the injustices which lead to crime. Hank, however, puts his hope in the power of the individual to fight injustice and correct society’s ills at a local level.

I know I’ve been away for a long time, and I promised you all sorts of things, but I hope you enjoy this video instead:

Vlogbrothers “BONUS: We Are All Bat People (Songified Batman Argument)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahQzTLqIAoA

Science!

Coke mixed with Milk experiment

The reaction of phosphoric acid with calcium contained in milk gives rise to a precipitate 3Ca + 2H3PO4 ///\\\ Ca3(PO4)2 + 3H2

It is a reaction of the Phosphoric Acid contained in the coca cola to the milk. Phosphoric Acid molecules attach to the milk giving them more density and separate out while the remaining liquid that makes up the milk and cocoa cola now being lighter floats on top. The solid matter is basically milk that has been curdled by the addition of the more acidic soda. Both items are acidic but coca-cola more so. In general, coca-cola has a pH of anywhere from 2.5-4.5 because of the Phosphoric Acid content where milk has a normal pH around 6.7 (almost neutral, milk that is in the base range is usually mastitic). There are some studies to suggest that because of the high Phosphoric Acid content in most soft drinks that they can help to increase the likelihood that a person will develop Osteoporosis if they aren't getting enough Calcium in their diet. Coca-cola makes an excellent household cleaner - it can be used to take tarnish off of pennies and I've used it to degrease car engines. I will not drink any soft drinks.

My Dad called Suggs Chris Allen in my dream last night, and it made him so mad. Just after they bonded when Dad told him beer and cider was a beautiful combination as well. Jimmy Carr was making me buy a round, but that's hardly surprising.

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Hello Tumblr,

allow me to introduce you to two incredible Youtubers: Ophelia Dagger http://www.youtube.com/user/OldHotRadio and Only Leigh http://www.youtube.com/user/OnlyLeigh .

I first discovered Ophelia Dagger through her ballsy response to Benjamin Cook's Becoming Youtube episode 'Women on Youtube', the video 'GIRLS ON FILM (the women are saying things again)' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98L1bXNATLc .

Although this video of hers is both a masterpiece and my personal favourite:

THE THING ABOUT THE FISH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tulmy8aeoNk .

I also think that this video's quite important, even if I don't agree with everything she says:

THE SEX YOU SHOULD HAVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0fou6EaDCM .

Chelsy has such interesting stories to tell and an intriguing voice that I could watch her videos all day long without getting bored.

Meanwhile, Leigh and her team write and animate cartoons ripping fandoms and tv series. My favourite of her videos are:

1. A Very Fangirl Christmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YT021TFgog

2. Sherlock Spoils Everything

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRFUjVTcHQY

and

3. Fangirls at School

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTQq9GirxJQ

The videos are quirky, tongue in cheek and a real insight into fangirldom. You're welcome.

It's a minefield out there.

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I do sucky things all the time.

I'm not saying that 'cause I'm proud of it; it's to demonstrate how difficult it is to accept the blame, shame and responsibility that is due when we cause other people to hurt.

It's very easy to pretend that we hurt someone only because of something they did, or because of circumstances, or because of character flaws we can't help and we can't change. It's a lot harder to say: "yes, I hurt you. That was wrong of me and I will try my best not to do it again. Here are the ways in which I will change my behaviour and attitude. I hope you can forgive me".

Hank Green explains apologies a bit like a 12 step programme to not being an awful person in this video:

"How to Apologize like a Fartbag" - vlogbrothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc_XWlqURTg&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=10

which he made as a response to:

"Getting Called Out: How to Apologize" - chescaleigh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8xJXKYL8pU&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=7

.

The key points I take from these two videos are:

1. Say thank you for having the courage to draw the bad thing that you did to your attention and giving you the opportunity to correct that behaviour.

2. Feel bad about the sucky thing you did.

3. Do not put conditions (if, but, maybe) on your apology.

4. Accept responsibility for your behaviour and the hurt it caused.

5. Your intent doesn't matter.

6. Commit to change.

Meekakitty made a very similar video which offers advice on the topic of apologising, but also segues us nicely into forgiveness:

"How to apologize" - Tessa Violet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONpSXrtGozs&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=3

Her advice is that relationships are easier when they are not zero-sum games (I must win over you all the time in order to retain control - uh, yeah, guilty) - also stated by Hank Green - and asking for forgiveness instead of simply saying "I'm sorry" transfers power from the abuser to the victim. She also makes it clear that refusing to apologise, and equally refusing to forgive, hurts the person refusing to show empathy and compassion to the person they have wronged/the person who has wronged them.

So, what is forgiveness?

Well, righting a wrong comes in 2 parts:

1. The wrongdoer accepts the blame and apologises for their actions.

2. The injured party lets go of the injury that has been caused to them by the wrongdoer, and both parties move ahead leaving the past where it belongs: not gone, just further away and less effective.

In a religious sense, but also in a more general sense I think, this man gives a very concise definition of forgiveness through both what it is and what it is not:

"7 things forgiveness is and 7 things forgiveness is not" - Mars Hill Church

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stP2VDAqm2k&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=6

I think his most powerful message is that "forgiveness is cancelling a debt owed to you", so we don't have to expect someone to be sorry in order to negate the power the hurtful thing they've done to us has on our lives, and to hope that in time we can be reconciled and continue our relationship with them.

And, Mike Falzone reminds us of the importance of truth and time in his video:

"How to Forgive (by @mikefalzone )" - Mike Falzone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXZ4G6WtrRI&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=8 .

And if you're thinking, eh, do I have to be religious for any of this to apply to me,

"The Psychology of Forgiveness" - villanovauniversity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlo26PwfcLY&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=5

(nope - applies to everyone).

Here's an uplifting video to end on:

"Signs of Forgiveness" - shannonritter916

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxoMbPWuk0I&list=FLimdTytN32GWnoMzbhJ4xew&index=4

In summary, it's good to apologise, it's good to forgive, and both together can lead to reconciliation and growth.

Oh Tumblr, I know.

This month I blame Christmas for my continued absence.

Also hi.

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Ok, so you deserve a better explanation than that:

I've got a new role at work (love it, mega-stressful) which changed my working hours from early mornings to a core day (still adjusting), and a boyfriend (which means my organisational and analytical skills are mainly spent on him - he's grateful for that).

I'm still trying to establish a real routine and re-organise my life around these two factors. It's very hard, but I'll get there, and hopefully be back to weekly blogs.

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Anyway, here's what I've been watching this week:

1. Carrie's freaking awesome catchy song about falling in love with the guys from our favourite books. Loving the fan-service to Draco fangirls like myself. (You knew it, who are we kidding?)

"Boys in Books are Better" by ItsWayPastMyBedtime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80r-ifiy53U

2. Mike Falzone made a really important video about what it means to forgive someone, how to do it and when to do it, and the consequences of forgiving someone.

"How to Forgive (by mikefalzone ) " by Mike Falzone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXZ4G6WtrRI

3. My friend goes in search of Christopher Ecclestone's face.

"In search of Christopher Ecclestone" by Quiet as Mouse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm-Ak0bWd6w

4.I texted my boyfriend yesterday to let him know I was watching the latest Starkid production and we watched it in tandem. This is the best Starkid production yet - the jokes are better, the score is incredible, the acting is soooo good, Dylan finally gets his chance to really lead the production, and the video quality is vastly superior. My only issue was that I couldn't see any of the choreography due to the preference for close-up shots during each number.

"Twisted Act 1 Part 1" by Team Starkid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5mkyhYMaQ8

5. This amazing animated mash up of Mean Girls and The Hobbit.

"Mean Elves" by Only Leigh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDUcEhrUwO4

6. Connor gives some really useful advice for those out there who are feeling depressed or helpless.

"RT This and I'll Stop Cutting" by AConnMan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_9WCobGZvE

7. At the other end of the spectrum Morgan is funny.

"How to Stop Being Sad" by MorganPaigeLoves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPa_xIp51Do

8. I miss living with Anna and this being part of my everyday life - she does a kind of internal commentary on the Doctor Who special (which I fell asleep watching and woke up at the credits saying "well, I guess he must have pressed the button then otherwise it wouldn't make any sense" and my boyfriend gave a heavy sigh).

"The Day of the Doctor Reaction/Internal Monologue" by Quiet as Mouse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1egTgAnFmI

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Hope this fills your day with joy, and other similar such notions.

Holla at me if you think I'm away too long, or just if you fancy a chat because, basically, why not?

A really skinny, almost hairless ginger cat tried its best to come home with me last night. I felt like I was in Neil Gaiman's short story "The Price".

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This post has been inspired by Ophelia Dagger's video:

"TALENT" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVE7x3woyyw ,

which was inspired by MorganPaigeLoves's video:

"Last Week: Monday" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaNsJA8c8eQ .

Morgan says that she doesn't believe she has any particular stand-out talent and it's clear that this distresses and confuses her.

Ophelia says that's ok, she has a talent and it doesn't bring her life-fulfilment (is that even a word?), and also that talents are not just particular skill sets that set you up for careers or fame.

I think perhaps this affects my generation (aged 30 and under) more than most for three reasons:

1. Competition for jobs and homes is fiercer than ever before.

2. Subsets of our peers have been defined as "gifted and talented" and treated differently from an early age.

3. We put ourselves out there in a much healthier way (realistically and honestly through social media such as Twitter, Youtube and Facebook) than previous generations have, and we hope that people will respond with their lives in a similar honest and realistic way. This does help a lot of people form communities and friendship, but it also puts us at risk of judgement from strangers.

I would argue that Morgan has some considerable talent as a film-maker (and probably public speaker), and she has an affability that even comes across in a 5 minute video. But that's quite a judgemental statement, suggesting that I know her heart better than she does, and that her point of view is invalid (which it isn't).

The points here are the two that Ophelia made (Chelsea, if I wanted to seem excessively creepy):

1. Talents come in many forms, often inconspicuous or unrespected.

2. It is a worthier thing to try hard to master something that doesn't come naturally than it is to excel with natural gifting.

Our society places more value on those who can than those who try, when really those who are naturally good should be held to a higher standard, and actually should be using their proficiency to help others in whichever other capacity they can master (be it teaching, craft, counselling, sharing, empathy etc).

Lumping people into categories based on what you think they can do and labelling them as better than others always leads to conflict: inner turmoil for those who cannot reach the unrealistic standards they set themselves, and division and prejudice for everybody else. Studies have consistently shown that when you have higher expectations of others they perform better, and also that when you expect somebody not to be able to reach your expectations, they don't.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that talent is reaching your full potential; not being as good or better than somebody else is at a particular thing.