Congrats to Jonathan Ive... honoured in the New Year's honours list with a CBE. Its great to see fab design rewarded!
Moon Trees Grow Across the U.S.
6 minutes ago
Congrats to Jonathan Ive... honoured in the New Year's honours list with a CBE. Its great to see fab design rewarded!
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. 

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!
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
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!
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.

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. 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.
"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."If we love others as well as we love ourselves then issues such as asylum seekers and immigration and taxation all come into perspective.
Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message)
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.
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.
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 2.0Check it out... THe article is fab and describes the paradigm shift that we are on but maybe weren't quite aware of. Link
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 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.
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.
...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!!!
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"???)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!
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.
MAZOLTOV!!! It's a boy! happy birthday, Jesus!
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!!!
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.
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
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. 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
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.
7) The Numark iDJ – A mixer for 2 iPods with inputs for decks and things. Takes things to the next level.
Ki Chang's Madonna from davenation.com/madonnas 
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. 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
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.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../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.
/..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.

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...
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".
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."We need to heal the hurt in the world and not get hung up on trivialities.
Mark 2:17 (New International Version)
"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.
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?



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

"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 designThe 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
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!
Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
O Breathing Life, your Name shines everywhere!
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.
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.
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.
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

...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.
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.../Take note!
/...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)
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.
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
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.
Check 'em out if they float your boat...
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.
Check out this article on my fav iPod blog - iLounge - about the acceptance of the iPod in the heart of Walkman country. Sweet...
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!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!
Ritmo Latino is an hour of eclectic Latin music that will leave you shaking your booty and speaking in tongues. (Really.)
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.Enjoy!
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.
Source: dianeperson Found while exploring Flickr.
My colleague Lorna and myself... and yes, Lorna is tall - I'm not that wee!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:Further photos posted here: Link Note: I didn't post these pics.
(me) -- sound sampling, uber visuals, communications, concept generation;
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 OHilarious!
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
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.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.
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.
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
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!
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...

My blog is worth $0.00.
How much is your blog worth?
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 :-)
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.ALOVE are backing the course from a Salvation Army perspective. Check it out...
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.
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 out the Soos' flickr sets... Some instantly recognisable imagery from his trip to Tokyo and Kyoto... Off the hook!
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
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...
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...I found Pinter's thoughts on writing political theatre interesting. With regards to political theatre, Pinter says,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.
"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.
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 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?
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...
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!
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...
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...
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
Check out a funny post on the Ship of Fools website entitled "the 12 days of Kitschmas"... it's very funny!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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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???
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...
I might not get to go shopping but there is a WAGAMAMA near my hotel... Late night noodles... Can't wait.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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". 
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.
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.
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???
Christmas Tree... Christian or Pagan??? Who cares...they are cool and this one is beautiful! Only 23 days to go.
This thought flies in the face of modern economics... about supply and demand etc... and I like that. What can we build?
(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.
(Top) Nike Air Woven


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.
I forgive them for they know not what they doSo I have to forgive them."
Is this kid walking in safety or are we walking away from the issues?
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.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.
