www.stumbleupon.com
Anyway - I came across this, and had to share. Get some perspective, and realise how lucky you are!
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Perspective........
I found this when I was Stumbling on Stumbleupon. It's a great web site that you can input your preferences into, and it takes you to cool web sites that are related to your interests.
www.stumbleupon.com
Anyway - I came across this, and had to share. Get some perspective, and realise how lucky you are!
www.stumbleupon.com
Anyway - I came across this, and had to share. Get some perspective, and realise how lucky you are!
Sunday, 16 January 2011
favourite Movies......
I thought I'd share some of my favourite movies. If you haven't watched any of these then they are a "must see" in my book. If you haven't seen them for a while - give them a look - great nostalgia.
The Last Boy Scout
Cannon Ball Run
The Goonies
ET
Salt
Silence of the Lambs
Layer Cake
Usual Suspects
Flatliners
Casino
Kill Bill
Pulp Fiction
Oceans Eleven
Fight Club
Into the Blue
All the "Bournes"
Share yours please.
Best
Rich
The Last Boy Scout
Cannon Ball Run
The Goonies
ET
Salt
Silence of the Lambs
Layer Cake
Usual Suspects
Flatliners
Casino
Kill Bill
Pulp Fiction
Oceans Eleven
Fight Club
Into the Blue
All the "Bournes"
Share yours please.
Best
Rich
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Self Portraits using a mirror.......
Hi there,
I have been snapping with my camera today, and it reminded me to write about a good (but obvious) method of taking self portraits using a mirror.
What you need:
A camera - :-)
A tripod if you have one
A mirror
A remote shutter release device (also not essential, but helps with some shots.)
The thing about making them good is to consider the composition, and possibly use some of the settings on your camera to create some effects.
If you have a tripod, then set your camera up on this, and take some time to create a good and interesting background. Now - this is personal preference, and I'm not a professional photographer, but I know what I like. If you apply some other principles to your shots like the rule of thirds, then that can also help make your pictures more pleasing to the eye.
The rule of thirds states that if you split your composition into equal thirds, and have something interesting happening in each, a graduation of scale from one side to the other or your subject matter in one third, it is more pleasing to look at.
Another good effect is to set a longer exposure, and smaller aperture. Do this in the knowledge that everything else in the frame will remain absolutely still, you can slightly move your head during the shot to create a good effect. Also you could try using lighting to create interesting compositions.
I have included a couple of examples below. I hope it inspires you to try some yourself. If you do - please share them with us.
Best
Rich
I have been snapping with my camera today, and it reminded me to write about a good (but obvious) method of taking self portraits using a mirror.
What you need:
A camera - :-)
A tripod if you have one
A mirror
A remote shutter release device (also not essential, but helps with some shots.)
The thing about making them good is to consider the composition, and possibly use some of the settings on your camera to create some effects.
If you have a tripod, then set your camera up on this, and take some time to create a good and interesting background. Now - this is personal preference, and I'm not a professional photographer, but I know what I like. If you apply some other principles to your shots like the rule of thirds, then that can also help make your pictures more pleasing to the eye.
The rule of thirds states that if you split your composition into equal thirds, and have something interesting happening in each, a graduation of scale from one side to the other or your subject matter in one third, it is more pleasing to look at.
Another good effect is to set a longer exposure, and smaller aperture. Do this in the knowledge that everything else in the frame will remain absolutely still, you can slightly move your head during the shot to create a good effect. Also you could try using lighting to create interesting compositions.
I have included a couple of examples below. I hope it inspires you to try some yourself. If you do - please share them with us.
Best
Rich
Friday, 14 January 2011
surfing Wikipedia..........
I am doing a quick Blog today. I've had an interesting week, and am ready to chill for the weekend.
I wanted to share with you a pass-time that I occasionally enjoy. Surfing Wikipedia.
This is what you do. Go to the Wikipedia web site:
I wanted to share with you a pass-time that I occasionally enjoy. Surfing Wikipedia.
This is what you do. Go to the Wikipedia web site:
Select your preferred language, and think of any starting point. It really doesn't matter what it is, because you will very quickly stray from the initial subject matter.
I will do it now, and surf on the word "Surf" just as a demonstration.
Start - Surf
There you go - I didn't even get the Surf I expected. I instead opted for the detergent. I now know that Unilever's biggest competitor is Proctar and Gamble. OK - I also know that they distribute to various places and I opted to click on New Zealand.
Wow - loads on NZ - I am clicking through to Subtropics
Now Coniferous Trees
Now I'm onto Embryo
I won't bore you. The thing is you can surf away, and know that you will always get something that interests you. I have spent hours doing this before and learn a lot from Wiki.
Enjoy. Tell us where you start and finish.
Have a great weekend.
Rich
Thursday, 13 January 2011
an exercise to change a bad habit or get motivated to change or achieve something.......
A good way to really take some action towards something is to consider what would happen if you don't. Think of something you really want to change. It could be anything - your fitness level, your finances, your relationship with someone (existing or imagined!), your diet, smoking, drinking or anything at all really! :-)
This can feel a little painful, but it's worth it and will allow you to shed your fear and live in the now. It's also important when doing this to make sure you have a good half an hour of no interuptions. Turn your phone off. Find a quiet place. Make sure you are comfortable. It's a kind of meditation, and so light a candle if that's your thing, and get yourself centred.
Preparation is the key. Put all of this in place before you read on, or this won't work. I want you to do this properly, and this will take me some time to write and explain, so return my investment in you by doing exactly as I ask, and don't cheat. You will be rewarded at the end for your honesty.
The process requires you to stop at times. When I write PAUSE, do what I have asked, and don't read on until you have done this. Promise me. This is going to take me time to write, so do it properly.
OK - So have you prepared?? If you haven't PLEASE DON'T READ ON. Get yourself set up.
OK - I'm assuming that you're ready and have done all I asked. I respect you for this, and wish you an interesting and enlightening journey. Let's begin. Be prepared to feel all the emotion associated with it. I promise you will feel great at the end and have more clarity.
START
Sit quietly on your own with no distrations. Now consider your life where you are now. Really think about your current situation, the current thing you either don't have, or behaviour you would like to change, and allow yourself to "feel" everything. Take a couple of minutes, don't rush. Breathe deeply.
PAUSE - do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. Once you are focused on this, you need to consider what you want.
I want you to focus on this for a minute, and more importantly the perfect scenario. Imagine a balanced life. Imagine you have changed the bahavious you want to change, or achieved the goal you imagine. Close your eyes and focus using pictures - make them colour, sounds, smells, touch and taste. This process uses what's called the "theatre of your mind". There are no rules, no restrictions, it's all up to you to make it real.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
Have you done this? If you haven't thought about the perfect situation? Does it almost seem real because you ave taken the time to really feel it, and imagine it with colour, sound, smell - everything?
Good - Now for the more difficult part.
In a minute, I want you to close your eyes again, and see yourself in 1 years time WITHOUT what you wanted to happen. Not just the actual habit or thing, but all of the things you would have missed out on, or how your energy levels will still be low. I want you to really FEEL how things are with nothing changing. Use all your senses again. OK do this now.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
Have you done it? If you haven't stop right now and do it bofore reading on.
OK. Now I need you to do the same thing, but forward yourself 5 years into the future. You still haven't changed, or achieved the thing you wanted. How old are you now? What are you doing? What is missing in your life because you haven't simply gone for it? Do you have any regrets? Really feel it. Don't skip the steps. Do this now for a minute or so.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. Now launch yourself 10 years into the future and do this again. What has happened. How is your physical body and health. What are you doing? What have you missed out on. What are your wider friends and family doing? What do they think of you? What have you missed out on? Again for a minute or so close your eyes and really FEEL the situation like you are there 10 years from now.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. I should think you're feeling pretty rubbish by now, so lets really raise the bar. I want you to project your life 25 years into the future. This will be hard, but really see yourself without what you want. Where are you. What do you look like. What have you missed out on? Are you happy? Do this for a minute or so, and use all your senses.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. I am sorry to have had to do that to you. It will be more than worth it though. The thing is:
Feel relief. Feel thankful for your current situation and that you have the power to bring any change in your life you desire. Bring yourself back to the present. Breathe deeply and give yourself the opportunity to take another look at your future. This bit is amazing. Take your time before you start, because you have just gone through quite alot. Have a sip of water or something. Breathe for a while and feel relaxed in your surroundings and body. All that stuff hasn't happened, so let's design your future the way it will and should be.
PAUSE
So you've thrown away all of the future you just envisaged. Lets do this again. This time, FEEL everything in the theatre of your mind for what would be going on in your life if you go for what you want. In 1 year from now, if you have that perfect relationship, what are you doing? If you have decided to change your diet and take regular exercise how do you look and feel, what are your energy levels like? Where are you? Give this some thought for a minute and close your eyes.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
You guessed it - starting to feel a little better. Now it gets better and better. 5 years get's a chance now. Do it again. Don't skip the steps. Really take time to enjoy the feelings that you are experiencing having achieved what you wanted. If it was a new relationship - are you married (if that's what you wanted)? Do you have children. What do they look like. If you wanted a new house - where are you living. What is everyone doing around you in your new life? Feel everything. Get into minute details. Don't hold back.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK - That's great, now let's go for ten years. Don't rush this. Have a good look at yourself. It's tempting to rush at this point, but really take time to experience your new life as it will happen. What are you up to now??? Amazing! Take as long as you want.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
GREAT! Now let's go for the big one. 25 years from now in your perfect situation how do you feel? Is there a picture of you on holiday somewhere on the wall? Feeling great, fantastic, amazing? Think of EVERYTHING. Take as long as you want and enjoy and relish in the experience!
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
Right - bring yourself slowly and gently back in time to the present. Have a think for a minute about the two scenarios you have just allowed yourself to consider; The ying and yang of your future if you will. One - not what you want, the other - Nirvana. Which one do you want to focus on and do everything in your power to go for? I'm hoping it is the latter ;-)
You might want to try this exercise with a friend if they have an open mind and are perceptive to it.
If I were you I'd sit and reflect for a while. Fell content in your power to design your future. You really have all you need to make it what you want. Just don't be afraid to go for stuff. If you get hurt or knocked back, what the heck. All you have is a lesson in how not to get there, so try something else. It's not what you know - it's what you do.
If you don't make mistakes, you won't make anything, and your life will rush away from you. The past does NOT equal the future. You have the power to go for what ever you want, and it starts right now.
Oh - and don't rush, enjoy the journey :-)
Peace
Rich
This can feel a little painful, but it's worth it and will allow you to shed your fear and live in the now. It's also important when doing this to make sure you have a good half an hour of no interuptions. Turn your phone off. Find a quiet place. Make sure you are comfortable. It's a kind of meditation, and so light a candle if that's your thing, and get yourself centred.
Preparation is the key. Put all of this in place before you read on, or this won't work. I want you to do this properly, and this will take me some time to write and explain, so return my investment in you by doing exactly as I ask, and don't cheat. You will be rewarded at the end for your honesty.
The process requires you to stop at times. When I write PAUSE, do what I have asked, and don't read on until you have done this. Promise me. This is going to take me time to write, so do it properly.
OK - So have you prepared?? If you haven't PLEASE DON'T READ ON. Get yourself set up.
OK - I'm assuming that you're ready and have done all I asked. I respect you for this, and wish you an interesting and enlightening journey. Let's begin. Be prepared to feel all the emotion associated with it. I promise you will feel great at the end and have more clarity.
START
Sit quietly on your own with no distrations. Now consider your life where you are now. Really think about your current situation, the current thing you either don't have, or behaviour you would like to change, and allow yourself to "feel" everything. Take a couple of minutes, don't rush. Breathe deeply.
PAUSE - do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. Once you are focused on this, you need to consider what you want.
I want you to focus on this for a minute, and more importantly the perfect scenario. Imagine a balanced life. Imagine you have changed the bahavious you want to change, or achieved the goal you imagine. Close your eyes and focus using pictures - make them colour, sounds, smells, touch and taste. This process uses what's called the "theatre of your mind". There are no rules, no restrictions, it's all up to you to make it real.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
Have you done this? If you haven't thought about the perfect situation? Does it almost seem real because you ave taken the time to really feel it, and imagine it with colour, sound, smell - everything?
Good - Now for the more difficult part.
In a minute, I want you to close your eyes again, and see yourself in 1 years time WITHOUT what you wanted to happen. Not just the actual habit or thing, but all of the things you would have missed out on, or how your energy levels will still be low. I want you to really FEEL how things are with nothing changing. Use all your senses again. OK do this now.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
Have you done it? If you haven't stop right now and do it bofore reading on.
OK. Now I need you to do the same thing, but forward yourself 5 years into the future. You still haven't changed, or achieved the thing you wanted. How old are you now? What are you doing? What is missing in your life because you haven't simply gone for it? Do you have any regrets? Really feel it. Don't skip the steps. Do this now for a minute or so.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. Now launch yourself 10 years into the future and do this again. What has happened. How is your physical body and health. What are you doing? What have you missed out on. What are your wider friends and family doing? What do they think of you? What have you missed out on? Again for a minute or so close your eyes and really FEEL the situation like you are there 10 years from now.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. I should think you're feeling pretty rubbish by now, so lets really raise the bar. I want you to project your life 25 years into the future. This will be hard, but really see yourself without what you want. Where are you. What do you look like. What have you missed out on? Are you happy? Do this for a minute or so, and use all your senses.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK. I am sorry to have had to do that to you. It will be more than worth it though. The thing is:
NONE OF THAT HAS HAPPENED
Feel relief. Feel thankful for your current situation and that you have the power to bring any change in your life you desire. Bring yourself back to the present. Breathe deeply and give yourself the opportunity to take another look at your future. This bit is amazing. Take your time before you start, because you have just gone through quite alot. Have a sip of water or something. Breathe for a while and feel relaxed in your surroundings and body. All that stuff hasn't happened, so let's design your future the way it will and should be.
PAUSE
So you've thrown away all of the future you just envisaged. Lets do this again. This time, FEEL everything in the theatre of your mind for what would be going on in your life if you go for what you want. In 1 year from now, if you have that perfect relationship, what are you doing? If you have decided to change your diet and take regular exercise how do you look and feel, what are your energy levels like? Where are you? Give this some thought for a minute and close your eyes.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
You guessed it - starting to feel a little better. Now it gets better and better. 5 years get's a chance now. Do it again. Don't skip the steps. Really take time to enjoy the feelings that you are experiencing having achieved what you wanted. If it was a new relationship - are you married (if that's what you wanted)? Do you have children. What do they look like. If you wanted a new house - where are you living. What is everyone doing around you in your new life? Feel everything. Get into minute details. Don't hold back.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
OK - That's great, now let's go for ten years. Don't rush this. Have a good look at yourself. It's tempting to rush at this point, but really take time to experience your new life as it will happen. What are you up to now??? Amazing! Take as long as you want.
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
GREAT! Now let's go for the big one. 25 years from now in your perfect situation how do you feel? Is there a picture of you on holiday somewhere on the wall? Feeling great, fantastic, amazing? Think of EVERYTHING. Take as long as you want and enjoy and relish in the experience!
PAUSE do this then scroll down to the next part...
Right - bring yourself slowly and gently back in time to the present. Have a think for a minute about the two scenarios you have just allowed yourself to consider; The ying and yang of your future if you will. One - not what you want, the other - Nirvana. Which one do you want to focus on and do everything in your power to go for? I'm hoping it is the latter ;-)
You might want to try this exercise with a friend if they have an open mind and are perceptive to it.
If I were you I'd sit and reflect for a while. Fell content in your power to design your future. You really have all you need to make it what you want. Just don't be afraid to go for stuff. If you get hurt or knocked back, what the heck. All you have is a lesson in how not to get there, so try something else. It's not what you know - it's what you do.
If you don't make mistakes, you won't make anything, and your life will rush away from you. The past does NOT equal the future. You have the power to go for what ever you want, and it starts right now.
Oh - and don't rush, enjoy the journey :-)
Peace
Rich
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Climb a mountain this year - my experience of Striding Edge - The Lake District
It's that time of year that my friends and I book a quest to the hills. Last year we went to climb across Striding Edge in the Lake District.
I was talking with my mate on the way home from work about another trip there this year. You see, we started with the goal of crossing Striding Edge, but when we reached the start of the ridge, the weather was so bad we decided to abort the mission. I learned a good lesson. Take spare gloves, and a snow skiing mask!
Last year's trip started with us catching up in a place just outside Manchester, called Hale, for a sleep over at Pat's, and a meal at the local Italian Restaurant. It was fantastic food, good company, and great camaraderie. We all spoke of how we would conquer the mountain the next day. An early night saw us up in good time for the final leg of the trip; travelling to Glenridding to check into the cottage we had rented for the weekend.
The cottage was just fantastic. Everything we had hoped for. A good usable kitchen for our chef to make our food. Good comfy beds, and an open fire in the small living room. Chris made us some porridge to stave off hunger, and we set off at around 10am for the walk.
The walk starts quite gently, but soon moves to steeper ground, and was good exercise. I was lucky and had a light weight rucksack for my camera equipment, but one of the guys was struggling a little (not mentioning any names), so the P Company ex-army guy came to his rescue and carried his pack. He had two rucksacks on, a proper hard nut, and needless to say we didn't hear the end of it (until something else happened later to deflect the ribbing - more later.)
It wasn't long before we reached the snow line and the going started to get more interesting. The wind was picking up, and we changed into our winter gear. I made the fatal mistake of taking my glove off to clear my glasses, and one of them was blown away in the gale force wind. This is the point at when the rucksack was forgotten and (unfortunately for me) was the subject of torment for the rest of the trip! Luckily Pat had a spare pair of gloves (he's climbed before) and I was no longer in danger of frost bite.
When we reached the start of the edge - the weather got really bad. I could hardly see from snow blindness, so we climbed down into the valley for our lunch.
Chris had pre packed beef stew for us, and attempted to melt snow with his stove. After waiting 30 minutes, we still had ice in the pot, it wasn't working, and at this point my glove should have been forgotten, but oh no - the torment continued.
We continued down the mountain to a great dinner cooked by our chef, and then one of the best nights sleep I've ever had.
The next day we all said our goodbyes, and headed back to London.
I would recommend you book your own quest. It's something to look forward to at this time of year, just after Christmas, and I'll definitely be back to try again with the lads.
Happy Days
Rich
I was talking with my mate on the way home from work about another trip there this year. You see, we started with the goal of crossing Striding Edge, but when we reached the start of the ridge, the weather was so bad we decided to abort the mission. I learned a good lesson. Take spare gloves, and a snow skiing mask!
Last year's trip started with us catching up in a place just outside Manchester, called Hale, for a sleep over at Pat's, and a meal at the local Italian Restaurant. It was fantastic food, good company, and great camaraderie. We all spoke of how we would conquer the mountain the next day. An early night saw us up in good time for the final leg of the trip; travelling to Glenridding to check into the cottage we had rented for the weekend.
The cottage was just fantastic. Everything we had hoped for. A good usable kitchen for our chef to make our food. Good comfy beds, and an open fire in the small living room. Chris made us some porridge to stave off hunger, and we set off at around 10am for the walk.
The walk starts quite gently, but soon moves to steeper ground, and was good exercise. I was lucky and had a light weight rucksack for my camera equipment, but one of the guys was struggling a little (not mentioning any names), so the P Company ex-army guy came to his rescue and carried his pack. He had two rucksacks on, a proper hard nut, and needless to say we didn't hear the end of it (until something else happened later to deflect the ribbing - more later.)
It wasn't long before we reached the snow line and the going started to get more interesting. The wind was picking up, and we changed into our winter gear. I made the fatal mistake of taking my glove off to clear my glasses, and one of them was blown away in the gale force wind. This is the point at when the rucksack was forgotten and (unfortunately for me) was the subject of torment for the rest of the trip! Luckily Pat had a spare pair of gloves (he's climbed before) and I was no longer in danger of frost bite.
When we reached the start of the edge - the weather got really bad. I could hardly see from snow blindness, so we climbed down into the valley for our lunch.
Chris had pre packed beef stew for us, and attempted to melt snow with his stove. After waiting 30 minutes, we still had ice in the pot, it wasn't working, and at this point my glove should have been forgotten, but oh no - the torment continued.
We continued down the mountain to a great dinner cooked by our chef, and then one of the best nights sleep I've ever had.
The next day we all said our goodbyes, and headed back to London.
I would recommend you book your own quest. It's something to look forward to at this time of year, just after Christmas, and I'll definitely be back to try again with the lads.
Jimmy "Nails" Butler
Chris "Chef" Davidson
Richard "Honey Badger" Davis
Patrick "Mountain Goat" Higgingbottom
Darren "The Beard" Olsson
Happy Days
Rich
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
iTunes and my Running Mix........
I live iTunes. I love Mac's actually.
Just over 2 years ago, I made a decision. It was against my natural instinct after spending most of my life working with PC's. I decided to invest in a Mac. Almost immediately after allowing myself to consider it as a different option to computing, I was hooked.
Mac's are brilliant. They work - nearly all the time. They are cool. The software applications that come bundled are brilliant, and the more Mac kit you get, the better it all interacts with each other to create additional value for your equipment. I may Blog on this at a later date; stay tuned.
Most people have an iPod or iPhone. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite running tracks, so I turned to iTunes, and hey presto - there is a way to do this.
You don't have to have a Mac to use iTunes. It's a great place to store all of your music, buy new music, gift music and create playlists. There is even a new social networking facility on there called Ping. It allows you to find friends, and share your music, and see what your mates are listening to. Look me up - I'm Daviskites :-)
Anyway - this is a short post today. Here is my running mix. Click on the link, and I hope that you find a few tracks that you will enjoy running to. I had a magnificent run tonight. My favourite highlights were Gary More - The loner, and Faithless - Insomnia. BUZZING!
Daviskites Running Mix 1 - Enjoy the ENDORPHIN RUSH!
Best
Rich
Just over 2 years ago, I made a decision. It was against my natural instinct after spending most of my life working with PC's. I decided to invest in a Mac. Almost immediately after allowing myself to consider it as a different option to computing, I was hooked.
Mac's are brilliant. They work - nearly all the time. They are cool. The software applications that come bundled are brilliant, and the more Mac kit you get, the better it all interacts with each other to create additional value for your equipment. I may Blog on this at a later date; stay tuned.
Most people have an iPod or iPhone. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite running tracks, so I turned to iTunes, and hey presto - there is a way to do this.
You don't have to have a Mac to use iTunes. It's a great place to store all of your music, buy new music, gift music and create playlists. There is even a new social networking facility on there called Ping. It allows you to find friends, and share your music, and see what your mates are listening to. Look me up - I'm Daviskites :-)
Anyway - this is a short post today. Here is my running mix. Click on the link, and I hope that you find a few tracks that you will enjoy running to. I had a magnificent run tonight. My favourite highlights were Gary More - The loner, and Faithless - Insomnia. BUZZING!
Daviskites Running Mix 1 - Enjoy the ENDORPHIN RUSH!
Best
Rich
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