Jonathan Ive CBE

Congrats to Jonathan Ive... honoured in the New Year's honours list with a CBE. Its great to see fab design rewarded!

The Malabar Independent Syrian Church

Its amazing what you find when you take a stroll down the information superhighway... I followed a link from Jonny Baker's blog to the website of the Malabar Independent Syrian Church - an Indian church based in Thozhiyur, Thrichur District, Kerala, South India. Their roots lie way back in the time when Christianity came to India in 52AD and St Thomas came to Kerala. Apparently, he founded 7 churches and died in Madras.

Anyway, this delights me... an Indian Christian tradition that isn't an import from the West. Its great to think of the church as being universal and for all. Check it out here: Link

PSP cases...

I need to get a cool case for my supercool people-stop-me-in-the-street-to-ask-me-where-I-got-it white PSP... Two ideas so far... First one is by Dunhill:


I like the idea of established, traditional fashion houses doing cool cases for pretty new and radical tech. They also do iPod cases and Blackberry cases. I could match all my toys... Link


The second choice is by Brando and its a white leather case. Its nowhere near as expensive as the Dunhill case but is still pretty cool... Link

Logitech do a pretty cool case too that I may check out... but it needs to be white (I am so fussy...)

I'd love a metal case like the one the Soos has... but he got it in Chinatown in NYC!!!

Ah well... I have a new challenge.

Wipeout Pure

My fav game for the PSP just now (OK its my only game) is Wipeout Pure... I love the Wipeout series and I have to say "Pure" is a great continuation of the formula. I also love the press ad by Jon Burgerman (above) - its pretty special!

PC World's Top 50 gadgets...

No surprise to me that Sony's Walkman came out top of PC World's top 50 gadgets of the last 50 years. No surprise too that I have 7 out of the top 50 (in some form... some original... others newer models...) but what is a surprise is some of the kit on there. Check out an original Blackberry or the TI Speak and Spell (Eeee Teee Phone Home!!!) Check it out: Link

Stussy X TK Maxx

I love my Stussy... I love my TK Maxx... Only once have their two paths crossed when I found an Irie Dot cap in the TK Maxx on Sauchiehall St, Glasgow. Until now... Found the T (above) but in Navy for £12.99 in the TK Maxx at the Fort!

However, there is more... I originally found another T - the one that goes "Hey Big Boys". Olly didn't like it and didn't think it was appropriate. I reluctantly agreed with her and sulked off to put it back. At this point I found the Tee I subsequently bought and am proudly wearing. Think I learned a lesson last night... I will now only buy product that appeals to me - I will no longer buy because it is "X" or "Y"...

iPod modification continues...

My personal favourite iPod mod of 2005 was Cool Hunting's only-ten-made "Camonano" - I so desparately wanted to win the survey draw but hey... I didn't. They are so sweet and hope the 10 folk who have them cherish them.

The colouring was done by an American company called "Colorware" - they do some fab paintjobs for your fav tech and show Apple some real love:


They can customise and supply Powerbooks / Mac Minis / iBooks and all the iPods. I would love to go daft on Olly and get her a pink iBook and matching iPod. Personally, I love my toys white - That's why Olly got me a White PSP. I do like my white iBook but I have to admit... a yellow one would be SO cool:


Anyway, drooling over... Check them out if you like your tech unique.

Crossleft

I listen to a podcast called the "New Christian Manifesto" on a semi-regular basis. As they say, their podcasts are of sermons which are decidedly liberal, progressive and thoroughly grounded in scripture.

On the ncm site, there is a link to crossleft - They are seeking to represent Christian's with left-of-centre views:

Momentum is growing. Progressive Christians are organizing a movement for social and political change, giving voice to Jesus' ministry of compassion, service, and social justice. CrossLeft is leading the charge and providing balance to the Christian voice in our nation's political dialogue.

I find this interesting... I believe greater balance is required in political dialogue - I think the Christian Right in America have become the Pharisees that Jesus fought against 2000 years ago - and I am glad to see someone prepared to stand up against them.

Personally, when it comes to faith and politics I believe Jesus had it right when he said

"Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: "Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."
Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message)

If we love others as well as we love ourselves then issues such as asylum seekers and immigration and taxation all come into perspective.

I dislike being compared to conservative Christians - my views of politics are personal but I exercise them out of love for others and from a sense of stewardship and responsibility. I hate to be tarred with the "Rightwing Christian" tag. I'm not a Marxist or a hardcore leftie... but I believe in social justice and that all men and women are created equal.

I subscribe to William Booth, my Founder's vision of "a heart to God and a hand to man". We need to love God and love our fellow man, whoever or wherever he or she is.

Free video content for your 5th gen iPod...

I don't have a video-runnin' iPod... Well technically I do but I don't want to mess with Linux on my 4th gen. If I did, however, I would be scrambling about to get cool free content for it. Wired has a great article on where to source great free non-porn content. Check it out.

Donald is back

Donald is back
Originally uploaded by Headphonaught.

Its great to see that Donald Dewar's statute is back where it belongs. I just hope folk leave him alone from now on. I'm not big on politics but believe we owe him for the Scottish Parliament.

**sirop's photos

Every so often I explore Flickr... When I do, I always find great images. I have to say, though, that **sirop's photos are some of the best I have come across and are very inspiring. Check them out.

What is "Web 2.0"?

When Olly and I met up with the Soos for a curry, his brother PS was there...playing the X-Box 360. We got into a blether about blogs and flickr and PS used the term "web 2.0" to describe what we were doing. I have been doing some digging (well actually I did one google search... but hey, it took a lot of effort to do!) and found a fab article by Tim O'Reilly that describes "web 2.0" - heres a diagram that shows the way our thoughts are changing:

Web 1.0 --> Web 2.0
DoubleClick --> Google AdSense
Ofoto --> Flickr
Akamai --> BitTorrent
mp3.com --> Napster
Britannica Online --> Wikipedia
personal websites --> blogging
evite --> upcoming.org and EVDB
domain name speculation --> search engine optimization
page views --> cost per click
screen scraping --> web services
publishing --> participation
content management systems --> wikis
directories (taxonomy) --> tagging ("folksonomy")
stickiness --> syndication

Check it out... THe article is fab and describes the paradigm shift that we are on but maybe weren't quite aware of. Link

oh and it was a great curry! and PS rules the X-Box 360 (The only Doctor I know who does!!!)

Post Secret

Check this out... Post Secret is a blog with an idea: share a secret... Write a secret on a postcard and send it to someone. Simple but effect. I love the two cards above and believe they could have been written by me.

Please note - you can't please all the people, all the time. You may not like some of the content...but please, see beyond it and appreciate the concept.

76:14

Finally picked up "76:14" by Global Communication - the remastered CD released in 2005 with a bonus disk of singles and remixes - and all I can say is...

W O W ! ! !

I have finally found what I have been searching for! It has taken years but I have an album that lives up to my expectation of ambient music. It is on a par with Vangelis' soundtrack to "Bladerunner" and just as precious. It sounds amazing, even through Windoze Media Player... the textures and layers need my attention... need my concern... I want to cherish the sound coming through my iPod headphones... I need to listen to this album with Olly while looking at stars in the evening sky in the middle of a field somewhere without interuption. I want to pray to God or converse with friends with this CD in the background. I want to dream and smile and laugh. I really have found a treasure in this album.

Tom Middleton and Mark Pritchard - I salute you!

How do you make the iPod Nano cooler???

...by adding Snoopy. How cool is this? I see a real trend happening in the personal modification of our things. Let's face it - pretty much everyone has an iPod but not everyone has an iPod with a certain case or with certain earphones... this takes personal modding to the next level AND it's Snoopy!!!

Thanks to Akihabara News for the heads-up.

Photos from the 'Well

Motherwell Station, Platform 2
Originally uploaded by Headphonaught.

I've started my own Flickr group! I want people to share images of Motherwell, my home town, and celebrate the place for what it is.

Check it out!

Power Naps... Now I have a reason!!!

I get sleepy... I fall asleep... Big deal, I hear you say... Well it is when I have company or am driving (only joking... about the company!) I have had my blood checked and I am fine... I probably need to eat more "complex carbs" whatever they are (Are they like Sugars with "issues"???)

Anyway, maybe I am not sleeping enough... According to research reference by Men's Journal (link) maybe I should nap more:

The first consideration is psychological: Recognize that you're not being lazy; napping will make you more productive and more alert after you wake up.

Check it out!

Thanks to Lifehacker for the heads-up on this.

Christmas Carols for the Psychologically Challenged

1) Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

2) Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Queens Disoriented Are

3) Amnesia --- I Don't Know if I'll be Home for Christmas

4) Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5) Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and ...

6) Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me

7) Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8) Full Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll tell You Why

9) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ...

10) Agoraphobia --- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

11) Senile Dementia --- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles From My House in My Slippers and Robe

12) Oppositional Defiant Disorder --- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

13) Social Anxiety Disorder --- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas while I Sit Here and Hyperventilate.

My White Christmas

My White Christmas.JPG
Originally uploaded by Headphonaught.

It really was a white Christmas...

Truly blessed!

AKA our family and friends are SO generous...

1) Olly signed me up for an Audible subscription and I got an iPod shuffle as a sweetner!!! I now have the unabridged HOBBIT and the NEW TESTAMENT (Message Translation) downloaded and on the Shuffle. THANK YOU!

2) I have blogged this already but the Soos has signed me up for a Flickr pro account - Look out for pics of today. THANK YOU!!!

3) Surprise of today was a WHITE... all the way from Japan... Sony PSP with Wipeout Pure! Olly is SO sweet - Love you honey!

4) Margrave of the Marshes - John Peel's biography. Thank you Robert! John was an inspiration and I regret not treasuring him enough. At least I can read his life story.

5) The complete series of "Firefly" on DVD - The Soos has turned me on to Josh Whedon's follow up to Buffy and I really dig it. I now have the whole series to watch... tomorrow!!! Thanks Mom & Dad-in-Law!!!

6) The Wagamama cookbook from Janey and Rosco - superb! Thank you!!! Love the food and hopefully I will be able to enjoy more of it.

Olly got loads of money for the sales, D&G perfume (as smelt and liked on the Soos' girlfriend...), the new Tim Hughes CD and a new Message Translation Bible.

The girls got the log cabin they wanted (although it was a wee bit too cold for them to play in it), Hitatchi DVD players and tonnes of games, DVDs and dolls.

We received loads of pressies... too numerous to mention... We are truly blessed with kind and generous family and friends! We send our love to you and thank you!

Merry Christmas!!!

MAZOLTOV!!! It's a boy! happy birthday, Jesus!

The wait is over... Merry Christmas!!! Peace, love and goodwill to everyone - to my family, to my friends and to people who I don't know yet... Let's make less strangers from now on.

Pic taken from The Brick Testament.

More sweet shoes from Proper

Just in time for the sales: laser one piece dunk hi's, low's and maple forces. Sweet.

Check these bad boys out too... Reebok x Basquait Ree-Boppers. The Soos will be jumping up and down for these babies!!!

Check out apropersite(dot)com for more goodies...

iPood

IMG_1129.JPG
Originally uploaded by wastern.

Speaks for itself...

10 for X

Thanks to Jonny Baker for yet another cool 'heads up' - check out 10forx(dot)com for 10 cool "web 2.0" apps... most of which are free! I already use skype, VLC and stuffit expander... but I will be checking out the rest - especially adium x & quicksilver. If you rock the Mac and don't have these apps, please check them out. Consider them Christmas pressies from Uncle Headphonaught.

Our Workspace...

Our Workspace
Originally uploaded by Headphonaught.

I know its pretty sad but I couldn't resist in following in the "look what Apple kit we've got" tradition as seen on Flickr.

This excludes the two iMacs Dayna and Miriam rock...

Bellshill Salvation Army's Independent Website...

Check this out... Ron, a chap from my Corps, is in the final stages of creating an independent webspace resource for my Corps - Bellshill Salvation Army. It has the potential to be a great site and hopefully will give the Corps a greater presence on 'tinternet...

Check it out here: bellshillsalvationarmy(dot)co(dot)uk

Ship of Fools - Biblical Curse Generator

Imagine, if you will, trying to shop in ASDA on Christmas Eve and getting pushed and pulled and generally man-handled... at that's just by the staff. I know you should turn the other cheek but what happens when you use up all four??? Well... Ship of Fools have a Biblical Curse Generator that will give you the best Scripturally-tight smackdowns:

I pray thou shalt be thrown into a den of hyperactive lions, thou irritating inhabitant of Gath!

Ouch!!! Check it out: Link

Switched On Santa...

Check this out - Over at falalalaladotcom they have sourced, just in time for Christmas, a synth-fest Christmas album for free download (approx 47mb) - good fun for Christmas Eve.

Thanks to Gizmodo for the heads up!

Its Christmas Eve... 1 day to go!!!

Image sourced from dianedewdotcom

Thought for Today

I want to suggest that in a secular world, the perceived self-obsession of religious establishments with more of a theme-park mentality than a world- affirming mindset alienates people.

Taken from the Thought for Today by John Bell on the Greenbelt Festival website: Link

Headphonaught's Fav Things

AKA Please, Please, Please, Please!!!

1) An Audible subscription – For the small price of £9.49 a month (for 12 months) you get an audio book per month. Oh and you also get a free iPod shuffle as a sweetner!!! You can get the whole "Lord of the Rings" unabridged or James Earl Jones reading the Bible.

2) A Flickr pro account Flickr is a great tool for sharing images. My friend, The Soos has some fab pics on his account that I can dip in and out of. I would love the freedom of multiple sets like one for my wife.

3) A Sony PSP (preferably white) Why? To play Wipeout Pure on...

4) An Apple 20” G5 iMac. Love "Front Row" and the cool Remote. Love the built-in iSight camera. Nice piece of kit.

5) The Stussy Sounds box set for Nina's Dance - Stussy have released a full-fat reggae single called "Nina's Dance" which is fab (I have a sample of the song as a ringtone for my K750i). Stussy have also released a special pack with a "Stussy Sounds" t-shirt, the 7" single, slip mats, stickers and cool record centre. Sweet.

6) A pair of Shure E2C headphones - so I can enjoy my iPod while the we'ans are destroying the place. Cheaper than the Bose Quietcomforts and less "bling"... but all good.

7) The Numark iDJ – A mixer for 2 iPods with inputs for decks and things. Takes things to the next level.

8) The Vestax Handtrax portable turntable - I like the idea of buying a record then listening to it...there and then. Makes vinyl more accessible.

9) An iLounge T-Shirt - so I can support my fav iPod fansite and look like a geek.

10) A Hulger handset for Skype and for my K750i. Why? they are cute and novel... and are actually a decent size for long conversations.

2 days to go...

Ki Chang's Madonna from davenation.com/madonnas

Apologies for the really cheesy midi file that plays when you follow the link... It is not suitable for work, home, out on the razz etc...

Anyway, 2 days to go!!!

Roof of Central Station

Roof of Central Station
Originally uploaded by Headphonaught.

Its amazing what you see when you look up.

Noise cancelling headphones BI-NCHP

I remember seeing my 2nd generation iPod for the first time and thinking white was so right... had that feeling again with these Japan-only headphones. They are so sweet.

Now... do I know who anyone who knows someone who lives in Japan?

Check them out: Link

a redemptive transition...

That's what I'd like the world to remember me. That's what I'd like my legacy to be remembered as, a redemptive transition. Something that I believe is not exclusive just for the so-called sanctimonious, the elitist, and is not predicated on color or race, social stratum or one's religious background. It's accessible for everybody, that's the beauty about it.

Stanley "Tookie" Williams

Check out his last interview on alternetdotorg and take a moment to think... Redemption is for all!

I'm now PRO!!!

The Soos has gifted me with a PRO Flickr a/c!!! I can't wait to put loads more photos on... so keep your eyes on my Flickr page for more pics of Olly, the girls and anything else that catches my eye.

THANK YOU SOOS!!!

Giving So It Matters...

Guilt is a terrible reason for giving, but gratitude is an extraordinary reason for giving. I don't care what religion you are or if you have no religion at all. The spiritual health of your soul is measured by how blessed you feel../

/..There are two bodies of water in Israel, in Palestine. The Sea of Galilee is fed by the snows of the mountains and it's a wonderful sea teaming with life, partly because water flows out of it just as fast as it flows into it. And there's another body of water in that place that keeps all the water for itself. And it is called Dead. It is not teeming with life. It feeds on itself until there is nothing left../

/..There are two kinds of giving, but I like to think of it as downstream giving and upstream giving. It's not enough to pull the drowning victims out of the river, you need to walk back upstream and find out who's throwing them in. So there's both downstream-giving that actually takes care of victims of oppression. And then there's upstream-giving -- walking back upstream to do justice and to promote systemic change to find the underlying causes that are causing all this../

/..The religious right is upstream, throwing people in the river and it's time we named it for what it is. It's time we took the Bible back. It's time we took our faith back and stopped having to apologize for being Christian or Jewish or Muslim without having to explain, "No, we're not that kind of a Jew, we're not that kind of a Christian."../

/..There's a wonderful theologian who's one of my favorites, Frederick Beuchner. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotations from him: The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet../

/..The world's hunger is so great. But so are our resources. Find your own deep gladness, and then let it respond to the world's deep hunger.

The above text is taken from an article on alternetdotorg by Bishop V. Gene Robinson (Yes! that Bishop V. Gene Robinson) which strikes a chord with my heart. Take time to read it.

Santa + Coca Cola

Santa is all about a Coke deal. No joke. Fat and jolly Santa with the red suit and cap, thick black belt and sooty boots, rosy cheeks, luminous eyes and brighter-than-white teeth... is the genius of an advertising campaign by Coca-Cola back in the 1930's.

Thanks to The Soos for this link to an alternetdotorg story on the origins of our present day Santa... The story charts the rise of the Red suit:

As Mark Pendergrast, author of For God, Country and Coca-Cola, concluded: "Prior to the Sundblom illustrations, the Christmas saint had been variously illustrated wearing blue, yellow, green, or red.... After the soft drink ads, Santa would forever more be a huge, fat, relentlessly happy man with broad belt and black hip boots-and he would wear Coca-Cola red .... While Coca-Cola has had a subtle, pervasive influence on our culture, it has directly shaped the way we think of Santa."

Check it out...

The Religious Left can attack stuff, too...

Wouldn't it be nice if the Christian Right was more concerned with the pay and healthcare of the Wal-Mart greeter, than the content of the Wal-Mart greeting?

Fantastic article in alternetdotorg blogs about American Christians in the news actually complaining about something worthwhile. We worry so much about the secularisation of Christmas... instead, we should be worrying about things that matter. We worry about Santa and the commercialisation, when, in fact, we should be concerned about folk getting in debt due to social pressure to keep up with the latest "must have".

First reference to the Christian Left that I have heard... and I kind of like it. Jesus stood up for the disadvantaged... I see the Christian Right as being the Pharisees of today!

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Mark 2:17 (New International Version)

We need to heal the hurt in the world and not get hung up on trivialities.

New Shoes...

Check them out @ apropersitedotcom

Top Ten albums of my 2005... More runners up...

Some of the albums I consider for my Top Ten... All worthy of a mention:

"Eye to the telescope" by KT Tunstall is a stormer of a pop album... Its great to see a girl from Fife being so successful and well deserved too if you rate, as I do, "Suddenly I see".

"Demon Days" by Gorillaz is a fantastic follow up. It really made an impact on the charts and Radio 1. They are really pushing the envelope with their vision of music and visuals. You know a band has made an impact when Miriam, my 4 yr old, sings along as she does to "Dirty Harry".

"Be Bop a Nui" by Brother J was a suprise... Picked it up for £1 in Fopp and loved it. I think there is some connection with FAT FREDDY'S DROP - the NZ dub/funk/soul sensation... This is 21st Century soul with amazing instrumentation and beautiful singing from Bro. J - lovely!

"Tourist" by Athlete also made an impact on the charts and Radio 1... and made an impact on Olly and myself... Love "Wires" and can really appreciate the sentiment. We need more music like this on the Radio.

"Tender Buttons" by Broadcast is an interesting choice. I haven't heard all the album but saw them live at the Glasgow ABC. Their sound is more of the same but with more of a groove. "America's Boy" was probably my fav download from iTunes in 2005.

3 days to go...

"Magi" by Tissot from Lyons.co.uk

Natura, America’s first Christian nudist camp...

Check out this article on www.timesonline.co.uk about NATURA, the first CHRISTIAN nudist camp to open in the States.

“As evidenced by Adam and Eve, we believe that when God’s children are in the right relationship to Him, they will be naked and unashamed,” explains one of Natura’s brochures.

Kind of takes seeing the Brethren Buns on a Sunday morning to a whole new level... but, hey, why should the Devil have all the good recreational activities?

All I can say is what next?

More on the story: Link

Top Ten Albums of my 2005... and the Winner is..?

OK... so I am cheating here but the two "top of the tree" albums of 2005 were...


"If songs could be held" by Rosie Thomas. What a wonderful album - not what I remember a Sup Pop artist to sound like but kudos to them for developing their roster. Rosie's songs have a familiarity and warmth about them and yet they sound so fresh and new... The instrumentation is brilliant and the depth of the lyrics is amazing... "Pretty Dress" and "Let it be me" are really amazing tracks that are just so lovely. This album should be No.1 around the globe! It won't but it should - "without your sweet love... what would life be???" A true classic and worthy joint winner... in my eyes!


The Freeness Project was the other key album of 2005 for me. Why? This album was a worthy winner because it gave me hope... this album is the opposite of the X-Factor... it is the X-Factor's nemisis... It is Godzilla to the talentless show's Mothra. It shows that there is talent in the UK and this reassures me! For those that don't know, Freeness is the first ICEBOX project led by the artist Chris Ofili and is a non-commercial music initiative that aims to celebrate and profile new music of primarily African, Asian, Caribbean and Chinese origin.
I have to say that I'm not a huge hip-hop/garage fan but I can still appreciate all the music represented on the CD. I prefer the first CD to the second because it is more acoustic, soulful and organic in flavour.
Oh and the CD was free... all this talent for free... astounding! Well done to all involved!

Revealed: Sir Elton's Wedding Outfit

4 days to go...

Top Ten Albums of my 2005... Summary

Runners Up...
15) Matthew Herbert - "Plat Du Jour"
14) Moby - "Hotel"
13) Ladytron - "The Witching Hour"
12) Royksopp - "The Understanding"
11) "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe"

Top Ten Albums of my 2005...
10) Engineers - "Engineers"
9) Goldfrapp - "Supernature"
8) Madonna - "Confessions on the dance floor"
7) Coldplay - "X&Y"
6) Jamie Liddell - "Multiply"
5) Boards of Canada - "The Campfire Headphase"
4) Pendulum - "Hold your colour"
3) Bebel Gilberto - "Bebel Remixed"
2) Sigur Ros - "Takk..."

Thanks to the Soos for his recommendations - Appreciated!

Circle of Love #3

I have a circle of love that surrounds me...and I am part of the circle of love that surrounds you. I ask my circle of love to extend their concern to my Uncle Robert. He needs your love/prayers/positive thoughts for he has three tumours in his brain - He starts radium treatment on Thursday.

Please consider my Aunt Jenny - she has recently been diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and needs your love/support/prayers/positive thoughts too.

My friend, Bill Stockwell, has lived with cancer for a while. He know's God's grace first hand. Please support him too.

If it helps, record a prayer at emerging church dot info's prayer space: Link Thank you.

frog DESIGN MIND

"People are particularly curious about this thing called "design". We're continually exploring the definition & boundaries of design. frog DESIGN MIND is our outlet for driving design toward a new perception... " - frog design

The Frog DESIGN MIND webspace is worth a look - it has some fab articles on design that make for great reading, if you are into that sort of thing. Check the Frog DESIGN MIND archive here: Link

In addition, one of my fav tech blogs, Gizmodo, has recently introduced a resident Frog DESIGN MIND column which is pretty spot on when it comes to their views on design. Its worth checking out too: Link.

Top Ten Albums of my 2005... 4, 3, 2...

Number 4 was/is a left-field suprise - "Hold your colour" by Pendulum. Aussie boys doing drum 'n' bass is not automatically appealing... when I think D'n'B - I think Bristol / Inner city blues / Goldie / Brown Paper Bag / Roni Size etc... but Pendulum's album is seriously seminal. It is bleeding edge and yet really accessible. My girls call it Bump Bump music and it sounds fab blasted in the car.

In at number 3 is "Bebel Remixed". I love Bebel Gilberto. Her first album "Tanto Tempo" is one of my fav albums of all time! Unfortunately, I didn't quite get the follow up "Bebel" - it seemed a backward step... a wee bit too traditional and conservative... it did until the Remix album was released, that is... Not only do the remixes create fresh new interpretations, they also make the source material relevant. Each track on the album, including the bonus disc, is valuable and unique and vibrant. I especially love Tom Middleton's remixes of "Simplesmente"... especially when heard on his Mix Mag cover CD mix (August 05). This album should be the benchmark for all other remix albums. First class.

At number 2 is "Takk..." by Sigur Ros. "Takk..." defies definition. The soundscapes created by Sigur Ros are exquisite - delicate and unique yet powerful and dramatic. Remind me of the Scottish hills and being outside - exposed and, at times, uncomfortable yet happy and at peace. Absolutely amazing!

Prayer of Abandonment

Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all Your creatures -
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,

For you are my Father.

"Prayer of Abandonment" by Charles de Foucauld - taken from world prayers dot org

The Lord's Prayer...

O Breathing Life, your Name shines everywhere!
Release a space to plant your Presence here.
Envision your "I Can" now.
Embody your desire in every light and form.
Grow through us this moment's bread and wisdom.
Untie the knots of failure binding us,
as we release the strands we hold of others' faults.
Help us not forget our Source,
Yet free us from not being in the Present.
From you arises every Vision, Power and Song
from gathering to gathering.
Amen -
May our future actions grow from here!

the lord's prayer - from the original aramaic - taken from worldprayers dot org

Thanks to Jonny Baker and Mark Berry.

Garmin Nüvi

Garmin Nüvi is a seriously expensive GPS doo-hickey that act as, in Garmin's words, a portable GPS navigator, traveler’s reference, and digital entertainment system, all in one. I think they are really sweet and would love to test it out when I go to Italy next summer with Olly and the we'ans... If you travel a lot and need a GPS/Traveller PDA thingy then check it out... otherwise, join me in dreaming.

For more info - follow the link to Garmin's site: Link

Top Ten Albums of my 2005... ... 7, 6, 5...

In at number 7 is the amazing "X&Y" by Coldplay... Again, I have to say I am not a big indie rocker but this album is inspiring. The content and the instrumentation take their sound to a new level. You understand why EMI issued a profits warning when the release date slipped for "X&Y" and its acclaim is justified.

Number 6: Jamie Lidell was one of the big suprises of 2005 for a couple of reasons - firstly, he's on Warp which tends to house more abstract electronic IDM and secondly, he did all the instrumentation! He reminds me of Al Green - his singing is first class and so soulful... The music he makes is beautiful and defies definition / beggars belief... Soul music for the 21st Century. Lovely.

In at number 5 was the most highly anticipated album of 2005... I love BOC... their music is truly amazing. The sounds they create and the atmospheres they sculpt are awesome and inspirational. "The Campfire Headphase" takes their vision and expands it with guitars and more of an acoustic folk vibe. BOC have taken a bit of a slagging for not progressing but I remember Air's second album and have to stress that sometimes more of the same is good.

5 days to go...

Thanks to Ninja Billy

Top Ten Albums of my 2005... ... 10, 9, 8...

In at number 10 - the Engineers with their wonderful self-titled album. I'm not a big rock fan but they have a rocky sound that really appeals to me. Its chilled yet grand in scale. Their album is special and reminds me of the time when Olly was ill and I walked to get Dayna from school. Epic.

Alison Goldfrapp is my Kylie and her third album "Supernature" is a worth entry at number 9. She has taken on the charts without losing the specialness that makes her the wonderful star she is. Glorious follow up to "Felt Mountain" & "Black Cherry".

In at number 8 is the Queen of Pop, Madonna, with her wonderous album "Confessions on the Dance Floor". There are only 2 Madonna albums on my iPod, with the other being "Ray of Light", and its because the production is so good. Stuart Price has done a tremendous job with a true synergy at times appearing between him and Madonna... and hey, Madonna gets extra points for having an iChat with Steve Jobs and saying "D'uh" when asked if she has an iPod. Cool.

No more IE for Mac...

Microsoft has announced that they are killing off Internet xplorer for Mac... and about time too! Safari, Firefox and Opera kick IE's btm. Shame is that approx 1 in 10 websites are IE only. Read more here: Link or here: Link

there's a translation of Scriptures...

...And, well, I don't want to come off wrong in this most unholy of wars, but there's a translation of Scriptures -- the New Testament and the Books of Wisdom -- that this guy Eugene Peterson has undertaken. It has been a great strength to me. He's a poet and a scholar, and he's brought the text back to the tone in which the books were written. A lot of the Gospels were written in common kind of marketspeak. They were not at all highfalutin like the King James Version of the Bible, from which all Goths get their inspiration. I love the sort of archery of that, but it's not representative of the original writings...

Bono - Rolling Stone, Nov 19th, 2001.

Olly bought me the Message translation for my 30th birthday and I do appreciate Peterson's "marketspeak". I find Bono's recommendation endearing and representative of a powerfully for-the-people translation. Check it out...

Links:
Rolling Stone article Note: Bono uses some sweary words that some people may not appreciate.
Interview with Eugene Peterson for @U2 dot com
The Message Bible

The Disengaged and the Trapped

Adrian Watt has written a tremendous article for emerging church dot info that focuses on the disengaged and the trapped in society:

When people are being trapped by their situation and discounted as apathetic, 'rough & ready', scroungers, poor, disadvantaged, is it any wonder that they become 'excluded'. A sense of self-worth is vital to our lifes; too often this is neglected and undermined by a paternalistic approach that reinforces the gap between the 'helper' and the 'helped'. It can lead to a relationship that disables and dismantles self-worth, 'brick-by-patronising-brick'. Affirmation is the tool to address the needs we find within our communities, not a Victorian-style-charity which keeps the poor, the rough & ready, the scroungers in a prison of benevolent charity. Which serves only to make the 'helper' feel good, and the 'helped' still dependant. This dependency destroys self-worth, reinforcing a sense of helplessness.../

/...If the Church is to express God's love and care then it must affirm the people in our inner-cities, outer-estates, and rural communities. If we try to keep Christ in our churches he will break them down -

'for the Son of Man did not come to be served; He came to serve and give his life to redeem many people'
(Mark 10.45)

Take note!

Top Ten Albums of my 2005... Runners Up

The soundtrack to The Chronicles of Narnia is first class and a tribute to the composer - Harry Gregson-Williams. I really love the atmosphere that the music creates... it matches the film and yet transcends it. Better still... Imogen Heap, Alanis Morrisette and Tim Finn add great tracks... I especially love "Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap. Sweet.

"The Understanding" is Royksopp's follow up to "Melody AM". It is different from their first in a progression, growing kind of way. There style of electronica has outgrown chilled genres and I like that. Stand out track for me was "Alpha Male".

"Witching Hour" by Ladytron is a great follow up to "Light and Magic". Their form of electronic music is both retro and future... and I dig that.

I love Moby but got to him a bit late. "Hotel" is a great "indie rock" album with some fab tunes, especially the single "Lift me up". Its great to see an artist progress and try different sounds... he could have stayed with a "Play" formula but didn't and I respect that.

I found Matthew Herbert's "Plat du Jour" difficult and challenging but, in the end, worthy of the effort it takes to get it. The effort Herbert has put into the album shows and the politics really add to the experience. Not easy listening but definitely worthy listening.

366cm "Bobby" Carafe

Thanks to Cool Hunting for the heads-up on 366cm and their 2-headed carafe... How cool is this? I have two daughters who are continually thirsty, this would save some time... Check it out here: Link

6 days to go...

Check out the Brick Testament for the story of Jesus' birth: Link

A couple of Ltd Edition Skate Decks

While surfing hanon-shop dot com I came across the Maharishi skate deck (above). There are 4 different designs of the silk screened Maha camo graphic. They look too sweet to skate on... better on a wall as a unique piece of art.

I also love the London Stussy deck from stussy store dot co dot uk - another belter that would look sweet on an off-white wall.

Check 'em out if they float your boat...

Hanon x New Balance M990HBW

I love trainers... Obsessive but not daft... I love TK Maxx (I am a CAPPIT afterall...) However, I love these sneaks from hanon-shop dot com - they worked with New Balance to create a colourway unique to their shop. There are only 198 pairs world wide... and they are signed / numbered with a certificate of authenticity included. Best of all, they are constructed in the UK. If you like 'em... check 'em out via the link above. Sweet.

7 days to go...

www.rejesus.co.uk

iLounge's Overseas Report - Tokyo, Japan

Check out this article on my fav iPod blog - iLounge - about the acceptance of the iPod in the heart of Walkman country. Sweet...

Ritmo Latino

Found another fab podcast on iTunes called Ritmo Latino... They play all forms of Latin music...

Salsa, bachata, cumbia, samba, merengue, electronica, alternative, y disco-funk. Es diferente. Es bonito. Es muy chido. Es Ritmo Latino!

Ritmo Latino is an hour of eclectic Latin music that will leave you shaking your booty and speaking in tongues. (Really.)

I love latin music - Bebel Gilberto / Suba / Cibelle etc and this podcast opens the doors wider into a beautifully vibrant and expressive world. Check it out - a must for all music fans!

Electronic Periodic

Check out this podcast... Found it last night on iTunes... Its a 20-odd minute mix of ambient electronic / IDM beats... Its pretty good - folk I haven't heard of but a lovely soundtrack for cold mornings or dark evenings.

electronic periodic is for electronic music fans around the world.
our aim is to produce free, quality podcasts compiled from electronic compositions in various styles including ambient, IDM, electro, trance and experimental.

original tracks created by a collective of artist are mixed together to form downloadable elements for playback with your chosen podcatcher software, iPod or mp3 player.

Enjoy!

Thought for today...

Source: dianeperson Found while exploring Flickr.

In today's political and moral climate... what would Jesus do or say about the things done by people who call themselves His followers?

My Project's Christmas Party...

My colleague Lorna and myself... and yes, Lorna is tall - I'm not that wee!

On Tuesday, my project had its "end of year" presentation and Christmas party. I was responsible for the creation of the a/v for the event and my colleague, Lorna, was responsible for the locations. We held the presentation and drinks reception in the Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow. We then went to Jongleurs Comedy Club for some food, some comedy and some disco.

The presentation and the reception went like clockwork... everything work, which was a blessing. My presentation sampled the original "Top of the Pops" theme, "Every 1s a winner" by Hot Chocolate, the "Mastermind" theme, "Battle without honour or humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei, and "Jingle Bell Rock" by the Ventures... I had graphics and visuals and animation... I am pretty happy with the outcome!

The reception was held in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh suite in the Lighthouse. I mixed a CD of background music which was well received. THe canapes and drinks were well received, and the choice of venue made for entertaining conversation.

We then went to Jongleurs for their comedy show and disco. The comedy was way too crude at times but was also funny at times... My fav was Rich Hall and his song "I'm the only gay Eskimo" which he sang in various guises like the Proclaimers or Billy Bragg... His impression of Bjork was hysterical. The compare was really, really vulgar! Insults are not really funny... Rich Hall, on the other hand, laughed with you which is the reason why he was far better than the rest.

The disco was average. I hate discos when Olly is not there... I like to dance with her. I had to wait until 0030hrs as Pauly was giving me a lift... I could have gone sooner but didn't want to spoil his fun.

Anyway, a good night was had...which was appreciated by the audience of approx 100 folk. My boss enjoyed the presentation:

I wanted to take the opportunity to specifically thank a few individuals who worked very hard and enthusiastically over the last few weeks to make the events of yesterday possible:
(me) -- sound sampling, uber visuals, communications, concept generation;

Further photos posted here: Link Note: I didn't post these pics.

Jonathan Adler

Found out about Jonathan Adler through Cool Hunting (thanks). Love this guys style and ideas... Not sure if Olly will get it all but she'll love most of his work. Just wish he had a store in Glasgow or Edinburgh. I especially love his manifesto (especially the second point!):

M A N I F E S T O
1) We believe that your home should make you happy.
2) We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right. Unless the husband is gay.
3) We believe in carbohydrates and to hell with the puffy consequences.
4) We believe minimalism is a bummer.
5) We believe handcrafted tchotchkes are life-enhancing.
6) We believe tassels are the earrings of the home.
7) We believe in our muses: David Hicks, Alexander Girard, Bonnie Cashin. Hans Coper, Gio Ponti, Andy Warhol, Leroy Neiman, Yves Saint Laurent, and Madonna.
8) We believe in the innate chicness of red with brown.
9) We believe in being underdressed or overdressed always.
10) We believe in infantile, happy emblems like butterflies and hearts.
11) We believe celebrities should pay full price.
12) We believe in rustic modernism: Big Sur, A-Frame beach houses, raw beams, and geodesic dome homes.
13) We believe in Palm Beach style: Louis chairs, chinoiserie, Lilly Pulitzer, The Breakers circa '72.
14) We believe our designs are award winning even though they've never actually won any.
15) We believe in Aid to Artisans.
16) We believe dogs should be allowed in stores and restaurants.
17) We believe in mantiques - suits of armour, worn chesterfield sofas, heraldic tapestries.
18) We believe you should throw out your Blackberry and go pick some actual blackberries.
19) We believe colors can't clash.
20) We believe in blowing your nest egg on our pots

Hilarious!

"overloaded" with music...

Received an email from my mate Roberto... We have been having a discussion on commoditisation of music for a while:

There was an interesting article in the scotland on sunday yesterday (Sunday, 10th December). Some research has shown that with advent of music downloads, there is more choice but people are getting "overloaded" with music and that it's losing it's value to people. Instead of listening to what's in their collection of CDs they have almost infinite access to all the music of the world. But even with that access, most people are listening to only a small number of tracks that they like.

Another point was that more and more of the "iPod generation" are listening to music out of habit or as a background rather than any desire to listen to something.

I found this interesting and a bit disturbing. I must admint that a lot of the time my iPod is on but I'm not really listening to it, it's there to block out other sounds or is a background. Music is becomming a comodity and it's loosing it's impact and appeal.

Also I think that a CD collection is something that, to us, is an integral part of ourselves but to the next generation is nothing especially when more music is bought via subscription services.

I agree with Roberto... Sometimes I have my iPod on as a background accompaniment...but I tend to listen to music like a DJ - seeking out new tunes continually rather than taking the time to listen to the music I have. I tend not to listen to music in realtime... I have had all the key walkman steps: tape / CD / MD and iPod but it has been only recently that I stopped listening to music in continuous 70 odd minute sections... I skip tracks or play on shuffle... My attention span has waned.

I do agree that our collections do define us to some extent. Now it seems its not what we listen to but what we listen to music with that defines us. Not sure this is a step forward. My iPod and iTunes give me access to things I could never have dreamed of 10 years ago... but I do miss, in a "High Fidelity" way, the process of making mixtapes and creating tapes/MDs etc. However, JAM has allowed me to take mix-CDs to another level, so its not all bad...

Anyway, treasure music... its beautiful, self-contained art to be enjoyed rather than a commodity to have.

What's on the iPod today?

First off is the JCB song by Nizlopi. I love this song. I only heard it recently - Olly listens to more radio than I do and she has been raving about it for a while now. She heard it on Jo Whiley's show on Radio 1 and thought it was either a comedy song or a charity song (it has a subtle anti-bullying message...) Olly called me up one day at work and told me it was coming on... I then sat, at work, listening to Radio 1 on my K750i... waiting... there is some poor stuff on Radio 1... anyway, when the song came on I was bowled over. It has an innocence about it and yet it is so powerful. I hope it is number 1 at Christmas, just like "Mad World"... Our music industry needs more songs with genuine feeling.

Olly bought the soundtrack to the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on Wednesday night and hasn't stopped listening to it. It is a first-class soundtrack - rousing and atmospheric - which has the benefit of vocal songs by Alanis Morrisette and Imogen Heap. It works really well... I love Imogen Heap - I need to get her solo album "Speak for yourself" but tracks I have heard from it are good. I loved her work in Frou Frou - their album "Details" is top-dollar. Anyway, check out the Narnia soundtrack, its pretty special.

Found a link on Jonny Baker's blog (thanks Jonny) to the irresponsible journalism blog who are hosting some Christmas songs to download by Sufjan Stevens. The tracks are off the hook and consist of hymns as well as lighter songs... the content is very much on the Nativity rather than Santa which is refreshing. I'm not a big banjo fan but Sufjan Stevens makes it work (as do Nizlopi...) and I am eager to check out more of his work. Check out his website: www.sufjan.com and also his page on 3hive: http://www.3hive.com/2004/03/sufjan_stevens.php

More later...

The iPodding Chicken...

Thanks TUAW for the heads up to this really cool tee. Although I feel that everyone and anyone are using the iPod to promote their wares... I do think this tee by glo4life is sweet. It just shows chickens aren't as dafted as we all thought they were... 'cause if they were, the chicken would be rocking a Creative or iRiver DAP!

Solo Ts

Unfortunately, not Han's new job after helping to destroy the Empire... Solotees have created some cool designs for people seeking to go it alone in the big, bad world of business. Kind of where my head is right now... Check them out...

How much is my blog worth???

My blog is worth $0.00.
How much is your blog worth?

Not sure about the valuation but Dane Carlson's Business Opportunities blog is pretty good... Check it out: http://www.business-opportunities.biz/

Princess H's Sketchbook

Love this graphic by the French illustrator Princess H... It reminds me of the last time Olly and I had a kernel panic... Some choice French words were used :-)

Check out Princess H's blog: Link for other great illustrations.

ReSource...

Jonny Baker has a post on his blog about the Resource course for people seeking to develop new expressions of church. I think this course would be an ideal training course for Olly and myself, and am interested in finding out more. So what is it all about?

The rapid pace of change in our culture has raised a number of questions for a church failing to grow or even sustain itself. In these surroundings many have heard the call to become missionaries at home.

Fresh expressions of church are emerging all over the place with different styles and theologies echoing and adapting to the assorted nature of our culture.

There are new opportunities as well as profound challenges, renewed excitement and vision alongside the reality check of how hard it actually is to plant a church from scratch.

Re:Source is for those who are already engaging with this journey wanting applied training and input. It is for those already involved in leading a new expression of church or seriously interested in starting something. We also ask for individuals to be endorsed by a sending church or organisation.

ALOVE are backing the course from a Salvation Army perspective. Check it out...

reJesus...

Jon sent me a link to the reJesus website. I have to say the whole site is fab... I particularly like their Christmas poster:

Link to the Hero or Zero page.

The reason for Jon sending me the link is that I am deeply interested in the Labyrinth concept that Grace, LOPE & Epicentre created. Here you can sample the Labyrinth online and get a flavour for it. Link This is the sort of thing I want to get further involved with... We are so used to going to places to do things, like going to the gym to exercise. The Labyrinth works because you immerse yourself in prayer... which helps to create an experience that will make it easier for you to pray.

Check it out...

The Soos' Tokyo & Kyoto flickr sets

Check out the Soos' flickr sets... Some instantly recognisable imagery from his trip to Tokyo and Kyoto... Off the hook!

Think Geek

Check out the Think Geek website for everything GEEK. I especially love their T-Shirts... Their Japanese Ts are top-dollar and this one is hilarious. It features a bizarre image of a man touching a woman on a train with the warning: "Beware of Perverts" (Chikan chuui), and "Dangerous Persons are in this Area" below.

Check it out:Link

Joy of Tech

If you don't read the Joy of Tech, you should... As Tony the Tiger would say "It's great!" Especially like today's entry...

Take Control of Your iPod: Running Presentations

Playlist have a cool article on using your iPod for presentations... Good idea as a back up just in case your laptop has a pink fit...
Check it out...

Worth bookmarking Playlist too... its a great site for everyone who is into digital music... http://playlistmag.com/

Objectivity is essential...

Check out the Presentation Zen and the 13th Dec post. Garr Reynolds discusses an idea raised by Harold Pinter and then brings out some interesting points:

I found Pinter's thoughts on writing political theatre interesting. With regards to political theatre, Pinter says,

"Sermonising has to be avoided at all cost. Objectivity is essential. The characters must be allowed to breathe their own air. The author cannot confine and constrict them to satisfy his own taste or disposition or prejudice. He must be prepared to approach them from a variety of angles, from a full and uninhibited range of perspectives, take them by surprise, perhaps, occasionally, but nevertheless give them the freedom to go which way they will."

Again, Pinter is talking about writing good political theatre, of course. Still, he is talking about communication of ideas and I think we can apply a bit of his thinking to our own presentation approach. For example, is this (below) not good advice for many of us when presenting?

1) Avoid sermonizing
2) Be as objective as possible
3) Do not constrict or confine your audience, but engage them
4) Approach your topic and your engagement with the audience from a variety of angles. Surprise them. Allow them the opportunity to challenge, clarify, and offer up other opinions.

Question is... How can I follow Garr's advice when I am communicating at church? How can I avoid sermonizing when I am presenting the sermon? I appreciate objectivity may be essential, but how can I remain objective when, at times, my message is subjective? Engaging the congregation depends on talent and wit... but taking that to the next level and Seeking/embracing alternate opinions & debate is difficult.

Interesting... Check it out...

The Cool Hunter

The Soos sent me a link today to The Cool Hunter wesite. Although it shouldn't be mistaken with Cool Hunting... It is still very good and well worth a bookmark... The Cool Hunter embraces design, lifestyle, music, fashion, books, art, travel and gadgets... and keeps things fresh with a ton of new ideas and thing-a-my-bobs...


I personally like the Music section... Rosie Thomas has a mention which is great - she deserves this kind of publicity for 'If Songs Could Be Held'. Check out the site...

Kind of Christmas iMix

I have created an iMix for my project's end-of-year get-together... Its meant to be Christmassy but contemporary and varied... What do you think?

1) In The Bleak Midwinter by Ed Harcourt - Taken from the compilation "MOJO Blue Christmas"
2) Breathe In by Frou Frou - Taken from the album "Details"
3) Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall - Taken from the album "Eye To The Telescope"
4) Come In Out Of The Rain by Engineers - Taken from their self-titled album
5) Blue Light (Engineers Remix) by Bloc Party - Taken from the "Silent Alarm Remixed" album
6) Pretty Dress by Rosie Thomas - Taken from the album "If Songs Could Be Held"
7) People Used To Dream About The Future by A Girl Called Eddy - Taken from her self-titled album
8) beautiful by Athlete - Taken from their first album "Vehicles & Animals"
9) mushaboom by feist - Taken from her album "Let it die"
10) The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot by A Girl Called Eddy - Taken from the compilation "MOJO Blue Christmas"
11) Ordinary People by John Legend - Taken from "Get Lifted"
12) Just A Lonely Christmas by Diana Ross & The Supremes - Taken from the compilation "MOJO Blue Christmas"
13) Superstition by Stevie Wonder - Taken from the classic album "Talking Book"
14) Love and Happiness by Al Green - Taken from the compilation "The very best of Al Green"
15) Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year Pts 1 & 2 by James Brown - Taken from the compilation "MOJO Blue Christmas"
16) another day by 4hero - Taken from their album "Creating Patterns"
17) Home by Zero 7 - Taken from their album "When It Falls"
18) Sei Tu by The Dining Rooms - Taken from their album "Numero Deux"
19) Your Blue Room by Passengers - Taken from their album "Original Soundtracks 1"
20) Cinemaroma 3 by The Dining Rooms - Taken from their album "Tre"
21) Have Yourself A Merry Christmas by David McAlmont & David Arnold - Taken from the compilation "MOJO Blue Christmas"

Mixed using Jam... I'll let you know how it goes down... (Sorry HOWIES for pinching the iPod graphic... it is sweet...)

How it should have ended...

Check this out... www.howitshouldhaveended.com have created a number of alternate endings for classic films such as STAR WARS & SE7EN that are hilarious... Check it out...

Could Sega re-release the Dreamcast?

Entry in Engadget that suggests that Sega may be considering re-releasing the Dreamcast... It looks like it may only be in Japan but, still, it shows how much affection there is for the platform. I never got a Dreamcast when they were out... I was a PS1 fan... but the Soos is a big fan and his younger brother, Chris, is the biggest Dreamcast fan I have ever met. He has Dreamcast jammies and everything... Chris will be a happy man tonight!

U P D A T E ! ! !
Engadget has issued an update - they got the translation wrong - Sega are only offering refurb'd kit: Link Guess Chris may not be as happy as I first thought...

Mac OS X Key Stokes

Check out TUAW for some great Mac OS X tips... especially this one which details some important Mac OS X key strokes... Personally, I don't use enough key strokes... but have learnt cut and paste. If you rock the Mac, check these tips out...

Answer Project...

Olly was singing tonight at the Whitburn Pentecostal Church... This is the 3rd year that they have held a Carol Service in aid of the Answer Project. Answer provide day-care and drop-in services for the elderly in the West Lothian area. They are nearly finished the construction of their day-care centre. It is fantastic to see love displayed like this in such a pratical manner. Kudos to Robert and his team...

Anyway, Olly sang four songs - "Heaven's Child", "Go Tell", "Light of the world" & "It's the thought"... and she was FANTASTIC!!! Her voice is not only back... it's back with avengance! There is a rawness... a gritty texture to her voice that is wonderful...

It was a great night...

Demos

Who are Demos?

Demos is the think tank for everyday democracy. We believe everyone should be able to make personal choices in their daily lives that contribute to the common good. Our aim is to put this democratic idea into practice by working with organisations in ways that make them more effective and legitimate.

I like the way they approach the key issues that affects us all today. I particularly like their report "People Make Places" on the challenge to reconnect public, private and civic spaces. Check out it here: Link

The 12 days of Kitschmas

Check out a funny post on the Ship of Fools website entitled "the 12 days of Kitschmas"... it's very funny!

I especially like the Poker Chips...

Take time to read Dr Giles Fraser's article - "The unbearable Kitschness of Christmas"... It's very good and to the point... Here's an exerpt: Link

From the perspective of official Christian doctrine, the story of Christmas is a full-scale attack upon the notion of kitsch... Kitsch Christmas is another way of uncoupling the divine from the material, thus spiritualizing God into incapacity...

Check it out!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Went to see the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe... and have to congratulate all involved for a wonderful film. Everything about it is spot on... the characters, their costumes, the location and sets... Fantastic!
Disney have backed a winner and I hope it becomes a series - far better than Harry Potter.

Fav bit... enjoyed Mr Tumnus - James McAvoy plays him as I imagined... nervous and ackward. I also loved the big battle at the end with Jadis, the White Witch riding on a chariot pulled by Polar Bears... Jadis was also using some cool moves with the ol' swords... Well done!

Check out the website for more info and some cool wallpapers: Link

Pognography

Followed a link from Jonny Baker's Blog to the Complex Christ blog who have designed a very funny and cool guide to the various parts of the Church and their beards... I hope they do T Shirts with this design on them because the logo is so sweet. Nice one, chaps!

There isn't, however, a Salvation Army beard... We seem to have a broad beard... John Gowans has a "Jedi" and our officer, Alec Still, has a "Free House"... Robert Johnson, our officer a while back, and Ivor Telfer, our divisional director for Evangelism, both have "Evangelical" beards... oh and there are a couple of "Baptists" in our Corps too...

Check out the Complex Christ blog (link) is really on the cutting edge of what's happening in the emerging church.

Also... check out Ratio - Wilf, the chap who designed the T Shirt, works for Ratio... Their design is excellent and they were rdid the artwork for Shara Nelson's Cooltempo releases.

Sweet!

London...

Flew down to London on Monday night with my colleague, Lorna... Nice flight with plenty of iPod time compared to flights to Leeds or Belfast (approx 2 mins when flying to Belfast...) Took the Heathrow Express into Paddington then got a cab to Portman Square.

We stayed in the Radisson there. My room was nice enough for an overnight...

Managed to get to wagamama near Selfridges... It was good but the service wasn't as good as Glasgow.

Went to work the following day after a mega-breakfast. Took the Tube from Oxford Circus to St Pauls. It was great to be in the London office and my boss was impressed with the presentation Lorna and I had been working on...

Went for a walk around St Pauls... got loads of photos, which I have posted to my Flickr a/c. It was a nice experience to be in London and see this amazing place of worship.

Getting to the plane at night was a nightmare... Got the tube from St Pauls to Notting Hill Gate... then got the District line to Paddington. From Paddington, we caught the Heathrow Express to Heathrow... and managed to get on the BMI flight by the skin of our teeth.

When I arrived in Glasgow, I got the best feeling when I was met by Olly and the we'ans. It was a lovely trip... fuelled by loads of caffine and Japanese food... Hope to do it again, soon.

Hugo Designer Dogwear

Dogwear is like Marmite... you either love it or hate it... My colleague, Lorna, told me about Hugo Designer Dogwear and its pretty cool... Not sure it would work with Pippin and her posse...but some of the stuff is sweet.

Fused Magazine

Check out Fused Magazine... Its a good read with lots of lovely, cutting edge design... it even has a "Fun Book" for those dark nights in December... AND its only £2.50.

Check out their website and go to the downloads page for some really sweet wallpapers like this one with Daft Punk. Nice.

iSkin Vibes with TokiDoki artwork

Been reading about Simone Legno of tokidoki recently - he has a great spread in Fused Magazine. Love his artwork... it reminds me of skateboard art. Its a Western take on Japanime and one that's done very well.

He has added his tokidoki (Sometimes in Japanese) brand and extended it to iPod mini and Shuffle cases...and I am feeling them. Will check them out if/when Santa gives me a Shuffle.

Check out the tokidoki website too for other ideas: link

Circle of Love #2

I have a circle of love that surrounds me...and I am part of the circle of love that surrounds you. I ask my circle of love to extend their concern to my Uncle Robert. He needs your love/prayers/positive thoughts for it would appear that he has a shadow on his brain. We are waiting on results and further tests... but there is cause for concern.

My Uncle needs your love/prayers/positive thoughts...

UPDATE
My Uncle is to get a MRI scan tomorrow... It would appear that the cancer in his liver is now gone after his recent op. However, the shadow on his brain needs further assessment - it could be a tumour or it could be blood from a stroke. The Doctors are unsure. Please keep praying for my Uncle.

Thanks to the Soos for his support and encouragement... feels good to have a friend like you!

Miracle on 34th Street

Kog Cafe are showing the original "Miracle on 34th Street" tonight... Jon and Rosco are going with me to check it out...Olly is working on the we'ans playhouse.

I have time with the manager of the Cafe to talk about the overall concept... and pitch some ideas (DJ/Fund Raiser night etc)

If you are in or near the Merchant City in Glasgow tonight... come along around 1900hrs... No door tax - just buy a coffee in the Kog.

Looking forward to it!

Update
Checked out Kog tonight with Jon and Rosco... and left entertained and encouraged... The cafe is contemporary in the front space and boho-chic in the back... The film was shown in the back space which was filled with mismatched sofas, candles and seat...looking onto a stage where the film was projected. It was cold but the coffee and the ambience (loads of candles and friendly people) made it a wonderful place to watch a wonderful film... Got a tour of the basement from JonaThankU (my mate who is involved there) and there is so much potential. I never got a chance to speak to Jake, the manager, but I will come the new year.

I left inspired and encouraged... It can be done! Now I need to make my dream happen... dv...

Coverbuddy...

Coverbuddy is a fab piece of complementary software for iTunes that allows you to search through your music collection the good ol' fashioned way - by looking at the covers. I love record hunting and get a great deal of pleasure from the actual hunt itself...especially looking at the artwork. Coverbuddy lets me search using small thumbnail album covers... Its not the same as having the physical product but anyone who has an colour iPod will vouch - having the artwork does add value.

You can even use your PSP as a remote, if you have a LAN in your house... How cool is that? Check it out...

Ever wanted to publish a book?

Found this site - Lulu - who offer the ability to create and publish your own books... Prices are in US$ and I am not sure about postage etc... but their concept looks pretty cool.

Just need to finish my novel/screenplay/graphic novel...

5inch

Check this site out... 5inch pre-print really cool logos onto CD-Rs thus taking the iMix-on-CD as present idea to the next level. I need to understand postage to the 'Well but am eager to check them out. I especially love the Christmas tree...

Progreso Coffeehouses

I give to Oxfam - think the work they do is fab. Oxfam has created a chain of Fair Trade coffeehouses called Progreso which look great - there isn't one near me to try out. When I get my coffeehouse, all coffee will be Fair Trade... end of! I don't agree with having to pay extra for Fair Trade - its not a luxury, it is a necessity!

Check it out...

Circle of Love

I have a circle of love that surrounds me...and I am part of the circle of love that surrounds you. I ask my circle of love to extend their concern to my Uncle Robert. He needs your love/prayers/positive thoughts for it would appear that he has had a stroke... Don't know much more about his condition...and hope to visit him tonight.

He needs your prayers...and I need your help!

Back from London

Busy day in London... Will blog my very brief visit over the next few days...

Star Wars AND iPod

A mix of two of my fav cultural icons... Thanks to the artists who made these (sorry I can't reference them direct - picked them up on Google Images)
Is it just me or can you imagine Yoda rockin' an iPod???

Rhodia Writing Pads...

When the Soos said I was obsessive he was so right. Needed a note book for my trip to London - something small that would fit in my pocket... Picked up a Rhodia A7 pad for £0.75 in Paperchase and love it... I know I am sad and desparately need professional help as Dr Fraiser Crane would advise but Rhodia's attention to detail is so cool - they have scored the cover so that it easily and naturally folds over to the back. I also like the checked scientific paper...and have a soft spot (my head, I know) for the orange cover...

Check out their history here: Link

Wagamama

I might not get to go shopping but there is a WAGAMAMA near my hotel... Late night noodles... Can't wait.

Going to London...

I'm flying down to London tonight for big conference with the Programme Director... My colleague and I are pulling together a presentation for the end of year shindig... First time in London on business... Used to flying to Leeds or Belfast, but never been down to London. Should be fun, although the timing of the flights will hobble any plans of checking out the sights: Stussy Store / Howies / Big Chill Bar (for a soft drink) etc.

The Smart Wrap

I hate cables that are too long... Normally I use one of the we'ans' hair bobbles to wrap the cord up... but the Smart Wrap takes this to the next level... Genius! Not sure if they are in the UK, yet...

The Story of God

Check out this article on the BBC News website by my fav scientist and man with moustache Robert Winston. He has an interesting perspective on Faith and Science:

Religion has endured since the dawn of human consciousness precisely because it encompasses so much of being human. No idea has endured so long, gathered up so many disparate needs and wants and feelings, and inspired so many different paths towards understanding it.

His show "The Story of God" is broadcast on BBC One TODAY at 1900hrs (not 2100hrs as originally posted) - check it out...

Another Christmas List - Jamie O's Gift Guide

First Christmas list I have read recently that didn't have an iPod in it... Jamie Oliver's Christmas List...its pretty cool.

Thought for Today

Taken from Mark 8:37 (Message Translation)...

What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade for your soul?

I've spent a bit of time over the last few days focussing on things: cool shoes / gift guides / discussing the concept of cappie etc. This verse in Mark's Gospel brings it all into perspective... the pursuit and acquisition of things/stuff/shoes is all good but it can't take over you... you can't become the slave to things...

I need to let my stuff complement my life and make it better, and not obsess over it. It needs to be about the soul... feeding the soul... let's live as free people, not like the zombies on the high street we see chasing after their next purchase...junkies after their next fix... We need to breathe fresh air... listen to the birds sing... read a book... create/make... live! Surround ourselves with our loved ones and love!

Christmas is not about stuff... although the Coca Cola sponsored Santa would have you think otherwise... Its not about giving... Its about relationships and celebrating the folk that we can't live without in our lives... Jesus was born so we could have a relationship with God... we give to say thank you for being in our lives.

Altoids iPod Shuffle case

Check this out: A really cool mod for an iPod shuffle made from an Altoids tin by hundrednorth... Sweet! Just got to hope Santa brings a shuffle...

Some cool Audio Technica goodies

How cool are these headphones??? I love camo when done right... and these Audio Technica ATH-PRO700MS Monitor Headphones are right...and all the way from Japan. Check out the headphones here: link

Their speakers are really cool too... and a good spec. Check the speakers here: link

Check out Audiocubes dot com for more goodies...

Some cool Ts

Some cool Tshirts from Karmaloop.com - Top two are by "Goodie Two Sleeves" and the one to the right, with the Metallers on, is by "No Star".

Sweet.

iBelieve...

Been aware of this for a while and think its pretty cool... The iBelieve cap is a cap for your iPod Shuffle that makes it into a white Cross... Its a commentary on the newest Religion on the block - the Cult of Apple... It would also get folk talking... I like it in a cheesy way.

iLounge have a review: Link

Cool software for your MAC

If you ROCK a MAC, check out DV Guru (link in title) for some A/V great software... some of which is FREE!!! VLC, for an example, is a must have.

MAKE's Mostly Under $100 Gift Guide 2005

Another one of the blogs on my reading list - MAKE - has a gift guide. Their suggestion of buying an old 3rd gen iPod of $30 to make a voice recorded is a great suggestion... Hmm???

Tate Britain's Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree... Christian or Pagan??? Who cares...they are cool and this one is beautiful! Only 23 days to go.

Thought for Today...

This thought flies in the face of modern economics... about supply and demand etc... and I like that. What can we build?





Also, check out a cool article on bread on the Howies website

More cool shoes...

(Top) Gravis x Maharishi - Lovely "Bonsai camo" with a vibrant orange sole. The Soos has a pair and they are sweet in real life. Rare.



(Bottom) One True Saxon - The uppers are shoes whereas the soles are trainers (remind me of Nike AF1s). Sweet shoes for 9-to-5in' for the man.




Taken from one40fivestore dot com

Some cool trainers...

(Top) Nike Air Woven

(Second top) Nike Air Trainer Premium

(Third) Nike Air Max USA

(Bottom) Nike Air Trainer Shima Shima 3

Check out Napsize.com for other cool shoes...

CAPPIE

Did a google search and then another... and then some more... on the acronym CAPPIE and found 2 things:

Firstly, CAPPIE means, from the original Face definition "Consumer of Alternative Pricey Products" and

Secondly, I found a synopsis of an article called "Ya Bl**dy Cappie!". I quote:

Sean Aylward Smith identifies an emerging aesthetic practice and asks "what is to be done?" He argues that 'the cappie' -- as in 'the consumer of alternative pricey products' --, a creature obsessed with the conspicuous display of an eclectic and obscure register of signifiers, is the aesthetic manifestation -- that is, the subjective embodiment -- of changes in global process of capitalism and production.

Its taken from this article from Media Culture and sheds a wee bit more light on the term, first used by The Face magazine, along with a brilliant discourse on the topic.

Had a read through Sean Aylward Smith's essay and there are a lot of big words in there... but, hopefully, I caught the gist of his argument:

Basically, the Face's argument was that the CAPPIE was just as much a consumer as the YUPPIE... it's just that they bought obscure things like rare trainers and Japanese denim. Their argument was that they both had economic capital and spent it... just on different things. Sean Aylward Smith's argument was that there is a fundamental difference between the CAPPIE and the YUPPIE - The CAPPIE has CULTURAL capital... in that its about knowledge, not necessarily about spending a fortune... its knowing what has value and the information/time to search it out, throughout the world... its about knowing what is "bleeding edge" or obscure or rare... not what is trendy and designer and expensive... Yuppies enjoy the status that comes from others knowing what labels they have, be it Porsche or Armani or Prada; whereas cappies benefit from people not knowing the importance of the labels. Just as cost was the factor that determined whether you were a yuppie or a wannabe... knowledge is the determining factor for cappies - you don't want everyone to recognise the label or it loses its cache... only the select few in the "gang".

Price is not an essential factor for a cappie, as the Face suggested... the cost of an item is irrelevant, if it is the right item. I have Nike Air Woven trainers that I bought in TK Maxx for £20. Typical cappie product but not expensive.

Therefore, CAPPIE should/has been shortened to Consumer of Alternative Products...

Gratuitous Alien Picture

Forgiveness...

"I've got to forgive them, my family and I still stand by what we believe - forgiveness."

These are the words of Mrs Gee Walker, mother of Antony Walker who was murdered in a racist attack.

Mrs Walker, who saw the axe sticking out of her son's head as he lay dying, said: "At the point of death Jesus said...

I forgive them for they know not what they do

So I have to forgive them."

"I brought up my children to love," she added. "Hatred is a life sentence. It eats you up inside. We don't want people to serve a life sentence with those people."

Now that is powerful! May God be with you, Mrs Walker, always...and with your family. You are an inspiration.

(My dad has left a fitting comment under my name... Thanks Dad)

Thought for Today...

Is this kid walking in safety or are we walking away from the issues?

Taken from the World AIDS Campaign webiste: Link

World AIDS day...

Take time out today to pray for all the people who have AIDS & HIV, who are at immediate risk, and especially all the folk involved in finding a cure. Wear a red ribbon, make a promise and get aware.

Yusef Azad, of the National Aids Trust said, in an article on the BBC News Website, that many people were dying unnecessarily.

Fewer than a fifth of those at risk of HIV have access even to the most basic prevention services; only one in ten of those living with HIV have been tested and know they are infected and only 15% of those who need life-saving HIV drugs in low and middle-income countries actually receive them.

Do something about it.

10 tips for Freelancers...

Check this post out - Cameron Moll, a graphic/web designer, has posted the top 10 things he has learned in 180 days of freelancing. Useful info for folk like me who are consider alternatives to their present employment.

Thanks to Lifehacker for the heads up...