Connect Festival

Part ((1)) of two music related posts...



I'm not a target market!

Or at least I try to persuade myself that I am not... but, unfortunately, I seem to be the target market for the new Scottish music festival :: Connect

It is billed as... Scotland's new three day boutique event... to be held in the stunning grounds of Inveraray Castle, situated on the banks of one of Scotlands most beautiful lochs, Loch Fyne, Argyll on 31st August, 1st & 2nd September 2007.

Acts announced so far include Beastie Boys... Bjork... CSS... Nouvelle Vague... LCD Soundsystem... Mogwai... and Primal Scream :: Its caught my attention anyway.

I quite fancy it... and thought it would be an ideal escape for Roscoe's stag whatever - A weekend at the end of summer overlooking the fab Loch... enjoying some great tunes. Nothing untoward which will keep me in Janey and Ruth's good books. We'll see. I do, however, fancy it regardless.

I've never been to a festival ((one... two... three... awww!)) and this is more my kind of thing.



I've never been camping either... and would be up for 2 nights in the great outdoors. I do like the enterprise that a company called Tangerine Fields have - they are the official tent provider at Connect as well as most of the other UK festivals. For £95 you can hire the 2 Person Dome Tent Package with a spacious dome tent, with storage porch, double airbed, and 2 sleeping bags. What's even cooler is that any sleeping bag they hire out... after the event they give them away to the homeless charity Crisis.

I figure I should be able to beg or borrow kit for the weekend... but I like the idea and give them kudos for it.



Heading off on a tangent... while on the Tangerine Fields website... I followed a link to the Family Music website.

They offer a kind of cooler music club kind of service... where, for a fee, they send you a number of CDs that they believe you'll love from the info you've given them (fav artists / wish lists etc). Its another enterprising idea that I give props to. Personally, I like the hunt... the search... the flipping through racks in music shops like Fopp... but I can appreciate some people don't have the time and like the idea of a curator's recommendation.

So anyway... who is up for a festival?

Technorati Tags: music, scotland

What have I been up to?

Sorry I've not been posted as much as I usually do... a ton of things on my mind and heart just now. One of my many faults is that I spread myself too thin... don't give people / tasks enough focus while always eagerly looking for the next new thing... the next new experience. I am learning to focus on who and what I have in front of me... its a journey to change my behaviour... but I have made the first few steps.

That's why I've not been updating the ol' nanolog for a few days. Hope you don't mind.

So what have I been up to? Work has been pure mad hectic this week. Lots of people wanting and not enough people trusting. Crazy. Spent a considerable part of the week in meetings... with my trusty collection of moleskines at my side.



I met up with Ivor and Rita on Thursday night to give them an update on ((deep)). If you read my other blog :: Headphonaught's Hardthought :: you'll know that I've got funding for the project... with the first event loosely planned for October. I am so chuffed with this.



Yesterday, my lead took the team to Pancho Villas in the Merchant City to celebrate meeting a major milestone. Nice ambience. Very Mexican... with great art and even better food (Sorry Richard)



Their king prawn fajitas were to die for! Great Mexican food. Only complaint was the slowness of the staff... the meal took ages... but, all in, it was fab.

Afterwards, I worked on to get everything sorted for my week and a bit off work. We are heading over Berwick way for a few days next week with my folks. Hope to go to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne at some point. More on that later.

At night... we headed over to the Salvation Army in Hamilton for a presentation by Raymond & Gillian on their travels in South America. Was far more exciting than it sounds... their passion for simple travel and the people they met shone through.

The Second Phase

Though the coffee chain's specific plans are not known, existing Starbucks franchises across the nation have been locked down with titanium shutters across all windows. In each coffee shop's door hangs the familiar Starbucks logo, slightly altered to present the familiar mermaid figure as a cyclopean mermaid whose all-seeing eye forms the apex of a world-spanning pyramid.

Those living near one of the closed Starbucks outlets have reported strange glowing mists, howling and/or cowering on the part of dogs that pass by, and electromagnetic effects that cause haunting, unearthly images to appear on TV and computer screens within a one-mile radius. Experts have few theories as to what may be causing the low-frequency rumblings, half-glimpsed flashes of light, and periodic electronic beeps emanating from the once-busy shops.

The Onion

The second phase of Starbucks' expansion plans have been announced. Be as scared as my contact who passed me the link in a brown paper envelope. He refused to be photographed... but I managed to seek a wee pic.

Somethings going on... be afraid... be very afraid!

((deep)) - update meeting tomorrow

From Screendumps

Meeting tomorrow with Ivor and Rita to discuss progress on ((deep)) - talking about the team needed... venues considered... costs / budgets... and timescales.

Please support me in whatever way is natural to you.

U*P*D*A*T*E

Meeting went very well. We have identify the next steps and Ivor has earmarked funding for the project.

Next Steps to include...
* I need to present the idea to the Division at "Ignite"
* A Steering Group & Team need to be identified and mobilised
* I need to continue to Scout for a location, although I can now consider leasing a property (which is better for the whole view of ((deep))

We agreed to aim for the first event to be in October 07. Not long really.

Why I do it!

I hope Laura doesn't mind me quoting her... but her quote really lifted me and I thank her for it. I don't quote this to make myself special or to say... look at me... but simply to show everyone why I do what I do. Why I sometimes spread myself too thin... Why I sometimes neglect people I love... This is why:

We headed down to Caffe Nero after that for ‘The Gathering’ which, due to our bizarre collection of toys, ended up being plain daft. We had the whole group tied together in a web of wool that, at one point, looped itself round the entire basement space ..and it was just silly and funny. It was so good though – just to be able to spend time in an atmosphere where I’m relaxed enough to have fun like that, in the company of a bunch of people who show a genuine interest in each other. I’ve really struggled to make friends since moving down here, so feeling a part of a group like that is a huge privilege to me. Lovely bunch of guys – Thomas deserves a lot of thanks for bringing them all together.

Laura-Lou

Thank you! and to all who have gathered... my thanks!

15 years

15 years ago today... Olly and I had our first date. We'd met at Olly's cousin's wedding on the 6th March, 1992; and had been corresponding on and off since then. She wrote to me before I got a chance to write to her :-) Oh and for folk born since 1980 - writing letters is like email... except its takes a long and involves paper, pens and stamps!

The last 15 years have been the best of my life and I am grateful to Olly for all that she has done and continues to do for me... and our family.

She is the best friend and dedicated wife a man could have. I am the proof that geeks can, and do, get the girl!

Love you, honey!

Technorati Tags: love, anniversary

Use your vote... wisely!

On the way into Glasgow on Saturday night... I saw these signs everywhere... and it saddened me some what.

The Scottish Christian Party claim to be proclaiming Christ's Lordship and want your vote in the upcoming Scottish elections. Why was I saddened by this? Surely I should be rejoicing as the Christians across all denominations and traditions who have greeted the Revd J. Hargreaves. “At last we have a political party that will stand up for the Lord.” is their response.

Why? Well first off... We have gone and done what modern Christianity does very well... break away and create a separate something - we have created another exclusive, Christian-only, ghetto. This time its a political party. What happened to being Salt and Light within the existing political parties? Changing them with your example from within? That's obviously not on anyone's agenda.

We should not have separate anything... we are in this world and must be an example of it... we should not think and act like the world... we shouldn't originate from it. To create another Christian-only club totally defeats this.

As the Scottish Christian Party we represent Christians in Scotland in the same way as the Scottish Socialist Party represents, some but not all, socialists in Scotland. (There are still some socialists in the Labour Party, and some affiliated elsewhere and nowhere.)

Secondly... they do not speak for me. I am a Christian... with no need for a political party to attempt to represent me or speak on my behalf. I don't subscribe to a stereotype and don't want my faith to become some form of demographic variable to be fought over. This is another misuse of the name / word / noun "Christian".

I give credit to the genuine folk who see this as making a difference... shining a small light in this dark world... but I just don't get it.

As for my politics...

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25: 34-40 (New International Version)

Think about it.

A few things of note

Even in the remotest of places on earth... if you look hard enough... you will see love.

I'm sorry for the intermittent nature of the ol' nanolog over the last wee while... There are things I need to do and things weighing heavy on my heart that means I need to spend time away from 'tinterweb.

A few things of note (In no particular order):
* Olly is blogging more... which is a real encouragement
* I am meeting with Paul Clement today to discuss his involvement with ((deep))
* I am also meeting with my leadership on Thursday to discuss progress with ((deep))
* I am confirmed on my Prince2 course that will be held in London... but its in May instead of April
* I have stuff to do for my wee web thing... which should be going into test in April sometime
* I have a video podcast to complete
* I will be joining Olly in a wee trip to Croydon with the Bellshill SA Band in June - we will be staying with Jonny Laird and family... which will be sweet!

I'll be back soon... Oh and apologies to Richard Bradbury over in Zambia for posting pics of food... don't want you missing home too much!

This was the weekend that was...

Another great weekend... with lots to see and do... just how I like them to be!

For lunch on Friday... I was invited along with the management team of the project I am working on (I used to be management) for one of the team :: Eddie's leaving lunch. As we work in the Merchant City in Glasgow... we have an amazing choice for food and I was delighted when my boss invited me to The City Merchant - its a fantastic seafood restaurant that's ideal for that special occasion.

The interior is really interesting with fab still life displays... quotes and info on sealife (i.e. your meal). The food was something else... truly amazing. Scallops with Kedgeree (top right) to start... followed by sole with chilli mash & garlic butter (bottom left) and to finish a selection of deserts (bottom right) - chocolate mousse... clooty dumplin... and vanilla icecream in a thin chocolate shell.

The City Merchant is famed for its use of local producers and, in my opinion, it deserves the reputation it has. Truly one of the best meals I've had in Glasgow... and certainly the best seafood I have tasted in a long time.

(L to R) Pat, Kev, Shiona, Jen, Eddie and me

It was great to spend some time with the team... away from the noise and clatter of the open plan office. They are a great group of people and a pleasure to work with. Shame to see Eddie moving on... but glad to know he is happy and content within himself. Cheerio, big man!

Drinks were provided at 1630hrs... I stayed for a short while but needed to say my apologies... because the Family Headphonaught were heading to the pictures:

I can remember a time when going to the pictures was frowned upon by good... upright... church folk. Now... progressive thinking... missional churches such as Destiny, Edinburgh are using their space to bring some fun to their neighbourhood. Our friends, Kirsty & Fraser, organise the The Reel : a film club that shows great films for no reason at all other than to introduce people to the church and have some fun. Their church building was a turkish bathhouse and a cinema previously and is an ideal venue for a film club. Olly has posted more on it here and I don't want to steal her thunder... Needlesstosay... Darth Vader knows what Luke is getting for Christmas... because he has felt Luke's presents!!!

On Saturday morning... I headed into Glasgow to hang with Alistair and document his prayer vigil in George Square in Glasgow. I've shot some film... and interviewed a few people... and hope to release my first journey into video soon.

It was great to spend time with these young Jesus-freaks... Folk like Alistair... John B... Dan... Laura L and Laura B... I am filled with hope when I hang with them. They will go places with the Good News that I can only dream about!

I got a chance to sit down with my old pal Robert Addie and chew the fat with him for a while - he's too old to sit on tarmac! We talked about Human Trafficking... prostitution in terms of demand and supply... and "Roman" vs "Celtic" approaches to evangelism as detailed in Dan Kimball's book :: The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations ((I finally got round to picking up the book... and now can't put it down!))

I left the group... sitting in a circle... listening to redemptions songs playing on a mobile... waiting for Alistair to bring back pizza. Not sure how much prayer was happening... but delighted to see the kids coming together with prayer and praise on their lips.

I headed home... to spend the rest of a beautiful and sunny Saturday in the company of my wife and we'ans. Got to my fav bridge in Motherwell and realised I had left my sunglasses on the train! Argggghh!!! They weren't expensive or from Venice or anything... its just that I have a fat face and I need broad glasses... and they fitted me a treat.

We headed to my favourite hill :: Tinto :: this is a sacred hill... a special hill... My grandfather climbed this hill up until his 86th birthday... My parents have climbed it... My Uncle Robert climbed it... It has so many great memories and on a day like yesterday it was a real privilege to walk at its base. Olly has posted about our visit [here] and I don't want to steal her thunder on this occasion either. It was a great day for a walk... and the quiet was what I needed.

Afterwards... we watched some telly as a family... and then went our separate ways - I had prep to do for Youth Alpha in Paisley.

This afternoon we were invited to the Christening of our neighbour's we'an at the local Catholic church. I am embarrassed to say that this is the first time I have set foot in a Catholic Church for any sort of service ((I have been to various Catholic Churches in Italy... especially the St Peter's in the Vatican City)) and I was surprised and saddened by the experience.

Surprised by the beauty of the building and the artwork. Something special that I believe the Protestant tradition has lost. Saddened in the fact that the theology on display was, in my humble opinion, so near and yet so far... Infant Baptism does not promise eternal life - only an individual decision to accept God's grace can do that.

All in... it was a lovely service. We headed over to the Motherwell Miner's Welfare Club for a buffet and spent some time in conversation with our neighbours.

Later on... I headed over to Paisley to lead their Youth Alpha class. They have some great kids who were a pleasure to hang with... and lead through a difficult topic.

Good times!

Fellowship

Sometimes you need to look at things from a different perspective... from another person's viewpoint.

Spent time today in Starbucks. Intention was to meet up with Jon G to discuss an issue that's been troubling my mind of late. When I got there... I had the pleasure of hanging with Paul and Jen as well as Jon. Alistair joined us later.

Its nice to be surrounded by likeminded people and share in something simple and basic... yet kind profound. This is fellowship... and its great to be part of. Paul and I spent the majority of my lunch hour in conversation on where the synergies exist between his project and ((deep)) - encouraged by the overlap. Points to a greater plan for Glasgow.

Thing is though... never got a chance to talk 1-to-1 with Jon. I appreciate his counsel... and he calls on mine. I am grateful for him popping over tonight to talk. I needed his perspective. Thanks, bro!

New Music from Earth Monkey Productions

From Album Covers

Simian Shaun has a lot to be proud of just now... He has a number of new releases on his netlabel :: Earth Monkey Productions :: 3 of which I am really digging.

First off... we have the sequel to Cousin Silas' Ballard Landscapes... This second installment contains some more of the beautiful ambient soundscapes that I just lap up. Textures... Layers... of blissful ambience. Great for foreground or background listening... as is:

From Album Covers

Des Slow and the stop pills with elements - 4 tracks of ambient electronica in the vein of Tangerine Dream. Deep listening. Special.

From Album Covers

I am also loving the patient lifting ep by the cardboard lung :: more dissonant with found sound and stolen voices... over ambient guitars. Loving it as the soundtrack to dreary days in wet Glasgow.

If you like ambient soundscapes then check out Earth Monkey Productions - you will be surprised by the quality of their roster's output.

Technorati Tags: earthmp, netlabels

Olly's revamped blog

From Screendumps

Olly has revamped her blog :: check it out and give her some encouragement by leaving a comment or linking to her space.

Technorati Tags: blogs

Last night...

Another gathering... another good time had. More info here

Technorati Tags: gathering, glasgow

gathering :: March

March's gathering has to be the silliest yet... with conversation touching on films... music... and things to do with some toys purchased by Laura and her gang in the Pound Shop.

For some reason a ball of wool was passed around... tie us all together in some weird, unintentional metaphor. Guess who's shoes?

Laura brought her pal Sam from up North... as well as bringing "Big" Chris and a chap called Jay that she knows from ICC. The wool was his idea... I think.

Jay (right) wasn't the only new face... Adam aka Lurch (left) came along. As did Martin B... who's laugh was infectious and was heard before we saw him.

Afterwards, the majority of folk went for noodles. At this point, I was happy to leave them to it... my job done, in a sense, by bringing them together... and because I wanted to see Olly and the we'ans.

Another good night. Here's to the next one!

Photos :: here - I think we may need to create a flickr group for all the photos taken.

gathering :: google calendar

I've set up a public google calendar for this gathering malarky. If you use google calendar... and I recommend you do... you can subscribe and keep up-to-date.

Technorati Tags: gathering, glasgow

The 1,500th Nanolog Post

This is my 1,500th post on the ol' nanolog... and its fitting that its about my adventures in Starbucks :: grabbed a large cup of earl grey with Alistair before heading off to a meeting with techy people who, I am convinced, were speaking in Klingon or something.

Alistair is a big encouragement to Olly and I... and its always a pleasure to grab some time with him. He was buzzing about the flash prayer mob he's organised and was giving me an insight to his plans for the future.

Thanks for the blether, pal!

Gathering today...

From Gathering Flyers

Hope you can make it... More info here

Oh and I've made badges... Only got 10 so first come.

Technorati Tags: gathering, glasgow

Communitas :: Coffee with Innes

On Friday... I managed to grab a coffee with Innes J. Its great to hang out with him and journey together for that wee while.

He's reading a book just now called Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture by Michael Frost Here's a wee snippet from the synopsis on Amazon...

"Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture" presents a biblical, Christian worldview for the emergent church - people who are not at home in the traditional church or in the secular world. As exiles of both, they must create their own worldview that integrates their Christian beliefs with the contemporary world.

Innes has really connected with this book. He spoke of the difference between community and communitas - we are all seeking community in one way or another... but what we really long for is the bond... the close connection... the communitas that comes from shared journeys... shared ups and downs... shared hardship and struggle and the joy of achievement.

He used my trip to Philly as an example of communitas... and went on to suggest that for true fellowship to occur we need shared goals that people can live... rather than just talking about community over a coffee. This really challenged me... and encouraged me.

Been struggling with some of the purpose driven life... especially around a piece we touched on in day 17 ::

I can't claim to be following Christ if I'm not committed to any specific group of disciples.

I find Rick Warren's writing to be too black and white... there are always shades of grey that his idealistic view will miss. In essence, is he saying that you can't be a Christian if you are not part of a church? This is surely nonsense.

Thing is... there will be people who are not part of any established group who are still committed to Jesus and share with believers. I don't need to be part of a church to be a follower of Jesus. What I would suggest, however, is that my willingness to be with likeminded people does, in some way, describe my motives... my understanding of my faith.

If I claim to be a follower... and yet do not actively seek to be with likeminded followers... then I am a grain of wheat that is surrounded by weeds. I don't believe we should live in isolated ghettos... distant and exclusive from the world around us. We are not of the world but we are most certainly in it! but I do believe we need to be with likeminded people... and share with them... in order to fully experience the joy and freedom that comes from grace.

Its kind of like a salesperson out on the road... meetings all the time... sooner or later they need to get back to the office. Replicate their email... communicate with their management... share with their team. Life is fine remotely for a while but we need come back to the office.

Same is for followers of Jesus. Every so often... we need to share... learn... laugh... cry... with people who share our beliefs. We are exiles in this land... and need to come together to ensure the continuity of our message.

In a crazy... roundabout way... I think I just explained the quote I disagreed with earlier. Hmm!

Anyway... it was great to spend time with Innes and look forward to Wednesday when we meet at the gathering.

Technorati Tags: church, glasgow

Last few days...

The intention for this weekend was to chill out with my loved ones... Had a few things planned but most importantly the focus was to spend time with my family... and some close friends. On Friday evening I received an email that kind of threw me off kilter... took me aback, to be honest. I've tried to put it aside... but I can't.

Spent Friday evening watching a very good Red Nose Day... I'm delighted to see they raised £40m for deserving causes. My head wasn't really with it... all I could think about was how much our government have earmarked to replace Trident... somewhere in the Billions! and think what good that money could do it we used it for peaceful, humanitarian projects instead.

On Saturday, I spent the morning with my pal Derek who is a talented graphic designer and mac geek... who is working with me on a wee project.

The remainder of the team joined us later in Starbucks for a good and progressive discussion. I can't really give too much away just now but I am working with my mate Baz... Derek... and a chap called Tony... on a wee 'tinterweb application. Basically, its the realisation of an idea Baz shared with me a while back... and I am hopeful that it could become something special.

After lunch... Olly and the we'ans ventured over the Forth Bridge to Glenrothes to see our pals... Chris and Dawn. The plan was to hook up with Dan & Carol-Anne and head into the new Nando's in Dunfermline before making our way for a concert by the Bellshill Salvation Army Band.

We all had a fab meal. It was great to be in each others company and just rest. Olly and I are grateful for their friendship and thoroughly enjoyed being there.

We made it to the church on time for Olly to take part. She played her trombone with gusto... and sang a beautiful song called "Hold me close" - it was a long but varied programme... and a great night all in.



Today... for Mother's Day... Olly got a well-earned breakfast in bed with two lovely handmade cards from Dayna and Miriam. She's a great mum and a fantastic wife. Thanks honey.

Church was good... the sermons with be here shortly and available to download from iTunes.

Been fab to relax with my nearest and dearest... and thanks go to them for lifting me from the dark place I started out in on Friday night.

Today

I have to admit... I am a wee bit obsessive with stuff... as can be seen on my bedside table this morning.

Today was a great day! In the morning... while returning with my lead from a meeting... we were approached by a BBC2 film crew and interviewed by the presenter Neil Oliver (below left) for something called Balderdash & Piffle - he was interested in the origins of the word: Glasgow Kiss. Nice guy! Fun. Watch out for it... I may be on telly!

At lunch I met up with S*N*A*C regular & gathering attendee... John B... for a coffee (tea) and a catch up. It was a pleasure to hang out with this young revolutionary from the Highlands. He is study sound engineering and is interested in found sound - I put him onto Matthew Herbert / Sutemos / Earth Monkey Productions & Cornelius.

We also talked about being revolutionaries for Jesus... and spoke of his direction in life. I am so chuffed to see the reawakening of Glasgow happen before my eyes. Young guns like John B, Alistar and Laura-Lou are going to take the Good News to spaces and places I can only dream of. I want to support them and guide them... where possible... and watch them set this world alight.

They are already doing this... Alistar with his Flash Prayer Mob... John with his gathering in Dennistoun and 5-aside football for the parents of kids who attend the kid's club... Laura-Lou blazing a trail in Prestwick. Makes me proud to know them! The future is here and now.

Its always nice to see a fab sky over the Motherwell Bridge Water Tower... makes me feel at home!

I've been playing with my girls for a while... with some old tapes playing in the background. Fugazi's 13 songs... and the original Mo' Wax compilations :: Heads :: that kicked off my love affair with downtempo electronica and beats.

From Album Covers

I was also delighted to find out that one of my fav musicians :: Cornelius :: has a new album about to drop at the end of March called Sensuous. From what I have heard from his myspace page... it sounds fantastic! Check him out.

Oh and I finished Selwyn Hughes' book on prayer :: 15 ways for a more effective prayer life :: in the bath this morning. Great book. Hope to put it into practice and will post on it soon.

All in... another great day.

What have I been up to?

Been busy or too knackered to blog. Sorry.

Here's a quick resume of what we've been up to over the last few days...

Friday night - went to Starbucks at the Fort for a beverage (see above) before heading over to Jon & Lorna's for a wee gathering to celebrate Lorna's bday.

Had fun playing with the chocolate fountain... chocolate goes well with sausages, btw! It also complements chillies but doesn't cool them in anyway... as Jon will testify to (above). Great night to chill with pals and listen to old tunes like wonderwall.

Headed down to the Clydeside on Saturday for a browse. Olly has me inspired to grow vegetables... and we were checking out some of the garden centres. Have to say that Sandyholmes aka the uber-garden centre is just a bit too big and diversified. Its no longer my cup of tea. Too busy with too many posh people who fancy a wee jaunt. They've lost the way a wee bit and no longer appeal to their original customers... like us.

We checked out the new shopping space where the Fyffes banana warehouse was near the Garrion Brig. Its a fab space with a whole wing dedicated to antiques, like the clocks above. Great to have a wonder and check out some great design. Saw a lovely clarris cliff tea set... but well out our reach.

Picked up a jar of rhubarb and ginger jam because it reminded me of my maternal grandparents - my papa used to grow rhubarb which tasted fantastic and was used by my gran who made the best jams ever. I really miss them. Would love my gran to see my we'ans.

Afterwards, we checked out an up-and-coming garden centre called Flowers of Scotland which is more on our wavelength with great product and well priced refreshments (including free refills for tea). It had the "immediate" vibe that Sandyholmes used to have... but has lost.

S*N*A*C on Sunday night was a great success. A good crowd stayed on... even though our evening meeting has been moved forward 1 hour. We all had a packed lunch meal... sharing our snacks with our friends and having a great blether over a cup of tea. This extra time is really going to make S*N*A*C better... with more time to spend together socially. It was great to see Jon & Lorna, John B, and my pals from Edinburgh: Kirsty & Fraser who traveled through especially - thanks guys!

We watched the Bullhorn Nooma and heard from John B who spoke of what he's doing in Dennistoun. Basically, building relationships and loving people for no other reason than they deserve to be loved as Jesus loves them. Great!

Been in workshops from Monday until today... which has been productive but intense. I now have 12 days of email to catch up with! but we got the job done... and that's what counts!

Back to normal... I hope... tomorrow.

hoppípolla by sigur rós

Thanks to Baz for reminding me how beautiful this song is. Great video too.

Flash Prayer Mob

Our pal Alistar (above) sent me a text today... He wants to do something about human trafficking and, inspired by the 24-7 prayer folk, intends to pray for the situation. He has called Flash Prayer Mob for Saturday, 24th March @ 1pm in George Square, Glasgow.

The plan is to come together and pray... in whatever way you feel comfortable... for the victims of modern slavery.

I'm inspired by the way this young chap has rolled up his sleeves and sought to make something happen. I intend to be there... hopefully with Olly... and have drafted a wee flyer for the event. Please grab it and use it :: post it on your blog or myspace... print it and stick it up somewhere meaningful... make stickers from it and decorate your life with them.

Whatever you do... be there... or organise your own something.

From Flash Prayer ...

Photo Credits
Praying hands taken by Greefus Groinks
Square blue plus sign taken by urbanmkr
Untitled by Devonpoolman

With thanks!

Technorati Tags: human trafficking, glasgow

My visual DNA

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Thanks Chris!

Mo' workshoppin'

I said last week that I would be getting back into my usual routine... well... I've three more days of workshops. Got some extra work to complete and the workshop approach facilitates the kind of intensive discussion that's required.

Ah well... hopefully the hotel will put on more of their haggis balls?!?

Believe Handmade

From Screendumps

Regulars to Olly's blog will already know about her wee webspace for her cards :: Believe Handmade :: recommend you check it out. I may be biased but I think her cards rawk!!! especially the one she made for our weekend away.

Technorati Tags: handmade, greetings cards

ThisNext

From Screendumps

I've mentioned thisnext before and would recommend you check it out...if you haven't already.

I like to use the site as a space for tracking stuff I like. Its stuff I don't necessarily want... or need... its just stuff I really dig.

One of my lists :: Comes in any colour... as long as its camo! :: for all the stuff I dig in camo... has made the ThisNext homepage - which is kind of cool... but the coolest thing is that Kristine ThisNext's Merchant in Resident rates my list as one of her favourites. Nice!

Check it out... if you are into that sort of thing.

U P D A T E

From Screendumps

I've been blogged by Kristine on her fab space :: Grenade Fishing :: I'm pretty chuffed! Thanks Kristine!

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Today

It was great to get back into the normal routine today. Had a meeting in my fav coffeehouse - The Coffee Merchant - and met up with my mate, Paul, for a tea and a blether at lunch. Good times!

Shadowfeet

Loving Brooke Fraser and her song shadowfeet is a personal fav of mine.

Thanks to The Soos for the line.

Technorati Tags: Brooke Fraser, video

I've been set free!!!

I've been set free!!! No more workshops... no more being locked away in a hotel room from 0900-1700hrs(ish) with only over priced organic water and fancy finger food to keep me sane.

I can spend time with my friends at lunch. Drink water from the cooler. Make my own tea! (btw I take earl grey with a spot of milk - no sugar)

It's going to be good to get back into my old routine.

Happy Birthday to The Soos

Happy Birthday to The Soos - he is the "Don Johnson" of all things cool, hip and super-sweet.

I doft my new era cap to you, my brother!

Will it blend?

Saw this guy on Olly's Blog killing an iPod and I wasn't happy. In fact I wanted him indited for some sort of crime against humanity... but then I watched some more of his videos and I am impressed.

Why? because here is someone who gets youtube and its potential to get the message out. I now know of his product and have a wife nagging for one.

Thought this clip was particularly illuminating. Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: youtube, marketing

Coworking

A wee while back I posted about an idea I had for the ((deep)) space - a communal workspace

Well... been doing some digging and I think its a great idea.

Found this article :: Where the Coffee Shop Meets the Cubicle :: on Business Week...

Over the past few years, co-working facilities—both grassroots, co-op-like versions and for-profit models—have started popping up across the country and the world, from Seattle to Copenhagen... And while the concept of shared office space is nothing new to entrepreneurs, an increasing number of them are signing on and finding that the community-building and networking benefits outweigh even the virtues of a shared fax machine.

It led to a few more sites of interest...

First off... you have a coworking wiki that is a go-to resource space for this movement. They define coworking as

Coworking is cafe-like community/collaboration space for developers, writers and independents.

Or, it's like this: start with a shared office and add cafe culture. Which is the opposite of most modern cafes. ;)

I like that!

They also have a blog that's on point... that provides more detail on the people, places and spaces... worldwide... who are embracing this form of communal work ethic. I particularly liked their article on using twitter for finding "social energy" while working.

There is something here that I want to explore further. I see it as an exercise in good stewardship and creating / serving community... especially those who may be on the outskirts.

Meeting a major milestone

Its a nice feeling to complete a major milestone... I have a sense of satisfaction that I haven't had for a long while. I am also pretty stoked that my lead and I did so two days early. Been mad hectic but feels good.

Listened to an excellent sermon from Nancy Ortberg (Wife of John for those who got out the boat) on noble service in the workplace this morning. I picked it up from DJChuang's blog (thanks DJ) who had, in turn, picked it up from Guy Kawasaki's blog (Thanks Guy)... and was inspired.

In the 30 mins that Nancy speaks... she uplifted me and affirmed my central belief that I do what I do for a reason... and although I may not be sure what that reason is... I should demonstrate Jesus by living salt and light... by being a servant and reaching out to people... building relationships based on service. She goes against the flow with what she says and I really got it. Talking about a skilled surgeon who thanked everyone who helped him... by name!

I get this and, I think, I try to live this way. I try to connect with everyone... and in the short time when I led the team I ran it as open and honest as I could with everyone valued and contributing.

I don't know where my work / career is going... but today was a good day that reaffirmed me in a small way. I'm not a political animal... nor am I a go-getter who will step on anyone to get ahead. I am just a wee guy who lives by a strange motto in this crazy world:: Love All... Serve All..! or as its put in Luke 10: 27 (The Message) ::

"That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself."

Go against the flow!

I'm calling a gathering...

From Gathering Flyers

More info here

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Gathering :: March

From Gathering Flyers

Calling another gathering... Wednesday, 21st March on or around 5pm at the Caffe Nero at the corner of Hope and Waterloo... in the basement space.

Let's get together... connect... have a blether...

Let me know if you can make it.

Oh and here are the photos from the last couple :: flickr

Ian on Moleskinerie

From Screendumps

My pal from over the water and some time commentator on the ol' nanolog, Ian McKenzie has had a post from his blog featured on Moleskinerie. G'on yersel my pal!

If you don't read either Ian's Messy Desk or Moleskinerie then check them out... Fab reads!

The soundtrack to our weekend

Made sure I brought the iPod on this trip... packed full of sweet tunes for our weekend away.

From Album Covers

First off was probably my fav compilation of 2006... Tom Middleton's The Trip 2 - it is just a first class collection of great tunes. The chilled horizontal disc worked a treat as we lay in the jacuzzi... although when the jacuzzi was in full effect... you couldn't hear each other speak, let alone the tunes!

From Album Covers

Another fab compilation is Las Vegas :: The Sex, the City, the Music; - its an amazing gathering of tunes that is intended to give a taster for the city... whet your appetite, so to speak... There are other cities in the collection... such as NYC, Berlin & Shanghai... but Las Vegas had a fun selection that really appealed to me.

Tracks such as Danke Schoen by Wayne Newton sit nicely with the Away Team Mix of (Where Do I Begin) Love Story performed by the mighty Shirley Bassey and Bonce by the tea loving Mr. Scruff. A fun soundtrack for down time with that special someone.

From Album Covers

Lastly... an old favourite of mine and a sweet gift from The Soos from when he stayed at The Standard Hotel when he was in LA. Room Service is another fantastic collection of tunes that just work together and build the mood. More upbeat than the other two... with more than a passing affection for housey beats... this is another essential compilation on the iPod. Tracks by Llorca, Trüby Trio, and Tosca blend well with remixes such as Thievery Corporation's remix of Savour Fare by Ursula 1000.

Good times need great tunes... and these albums worked. Check them out... if you get a chance.

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A weekend with my life :: Sunday

The only downside of the weekend was the 11am check out. Bit too early.

We grabbed breakfast in the hotel then headed towards Haymarket. Spent some time in the Beanscene there... then headed back to Livingston to pick up the we'ans and see my folks.

It was a fantastic weekend... and my thanks to everyone who made it work in their own way.

S*N*A*C :: This Sunday...

From S*N*A*C flyers

Photo :: Duchamp

Be there, if you can. Oh and spread the word... grab the pic and post it on your blog or whatever.

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Thought this was pretty funny...

Thanks to influx for the heads-up on this one. New York's Improv Everywhere rawk!

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Workshops

I am locked away in a series of workshops this week in Glasgow... and have very little free time during the day. Unfortunately, I won't be able to meet up with anyone for a coffee or a blether.

Back to normal next week. Well... as normal as it gets around here, I suppose.

A weekend with my life :: Saturday

I have to say the view from our room on Saturday was gorgeous... especially with the wee cheeky teaser of a view of the castle.

Had a lovely breakfast with Olly on Saturday morning then headed out into Auld Reekie in some unexpected sunshine.

We walked through a fab farmer's market at the carpark at the bottom of Lothian Road with some tempting food on offer... and some stunning views of the castle.

After some serious windowshopping where we checked out Paper Tiger & Studio One, Habitat, Wesley Owen, Mappin & Webb, and Schuh; we grabbed a cup of tea at Costa at the Waverley Centre. I have to say the Waverley Centre is looking really shabby with its ongoing refurb. Its not the place it was.

Afterwards, we headed to the Fruitmarket Gallery where they were showing an exhibition by an artist called Trenton Doyle Hancock - his work is supposed to pack a powerful visual and imaginative punch and the technique with words is impressive but his illustrations and subject matter are not to my taste and, to be honest, rather nonsensical in a rubbish kind of way. Unfortunately, I don't have any pics to prove my point - I wasn't allowed.

We then headed up Cockburn (pronounced Co'burn) Street for a browse. Cockburn St tends to be more bohemian and alternative... it was the place I got my clothes when I was a wee punky grunge kid way back in the day.

There are more interesting boutiques there now... with a super Fopp for all your music needs.

We checked out Dan Holdsworth's At the Edge of Space photography exhibition at the Stills gallery which was simply stunning. Again, didn't get any pics... but this time I didn't want to mess up his beautiful work with reflections from the glass. His work shows...

the European Space agency’s spaceport at Kourou in Guiana; the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope nestled in a jungle landscape of collapsed cave systems in Puerto Rico; and stunning landscape images of the Aurora Borealis taken from both Iceland and above the Arctic circle in Norway.

Truly awesome!

After Cockburn Street... we headed up the Royal Mile and down George IV bridge... and grabbed some soup and tea in The Elephant House - the place made famous as the cafe a struggling writer wrote a famous book... the writer is JK Rowling and her book has something to do with wizards and has been condemned by right wing Evangelicals (who all went to see the films... no doubt). It has a fab atmosphere - bustling with students and ordinary folk enjoying some down time. Lovely.

Suitably refreshed... we checked out some more shops... like the watch shop near the statue to Greyfriar's Bobby and Odd One Out on the way to the Grassmarket.

We stopped into Analogue Books thinking we'd catch the Jon Burgerman exhibit but were too early. I did like Marcus Oakley's work, however. I love Analogue... and wish I could get some of their wares... but they are a wee bit expensive for me. So I gaze from afar.

After that we headed back to the flat for some down time. Something kind of decadent about having a jacuzzi in the afternoon... but who cares?

At night... we headed out to La Rusticana for a lovely meal. We have fond memories of the restaurant having enjoyed a couple of romantic meals there before.

We then took a lovely stroll to the Beanscene near the Parliament for a wee night cap. We were the only ones there... and the staff didn't throw us out at 2100hrs... but let us chill for a wee while longer... which was great.

A rather brisk walk followed back to the flat. Good times!

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My wife = My life!

This woman is my wife... she is also my life! When I refer to my life I refer to her... to Olly... to the mother of my we'ans and my soulmate. Thanks to everyone who has pointed out the spelling mistake... but it was / is deliberate!

She means that much to me.

...and you think I am obsessed!

...and you think I am obsessed! I haven't made a movie... yet!

Thanks to moleskinerie for the heads up.

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A weekend with my life :: Friday night

What an absolutely fantastic weekend! Thank you honey for a wonderful time. You rawk!

The Point just off Lothian Road in Edinburgh aka Auld Reekie... was a fabulous place to stay.

Our suite consisted of a double jacuzzi with a sweet Dan Flavin-inspired fluorescent light. In fact, the whole hotel had wee reminders me of his work.

The suite also contained a fab lounge area and a huge bed... I needed steps to get up into it.

We had dinner in the hotel on Friday night and it was absolutely gorgeous. None of this fancy food that makes you hungry just eating it... this was quality nosh.

Olly and I both went for the Haggis in Chinese Pastry to start - it was first class. Real fusion food... basically, a haggis spring roll. Lovely.

I followed it with some of the best sea bass I have every tasted. Cooked to perfection. Olly had poached gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes and absolutely loved it (I never got a snap of it... she had finished it before I could get my phone).

For desert, I had an unusual combination of banoffe and creme brule - lovely. Olly picked some fab local cheese and oatcakes.

Afterwards... we retired to our room for Ugly Betty and a spell in the jacuzzi. Good times!

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Homeward bound

It is so good to be home... to give my life a big hug and have a decent cup of tea!



Apart from the delay to the flight... everything else was pretty much perfect. The food was great - I had various things including halibut for my main and the loveliest vanilla ice cream I've had in a while.

Casino Royale wasn't the only great thing to see while we flew (although I did enjoy the film!)...



It was a privilege to witness the birth of a new day. Light defeating darkness. Beautiful!



It was also good to see the coast and some of the islands. Stunning.

Its good to get away... see new things... meet new people... and I am grateful for our partners in Malvern for their hospitality and for the folk from my work whose company was appreciated.

With all that considered, however, its still better to be home!

Delayed...

Our flight home is delayed by an hour or so... I say "is" but I mean "was" because by the time I uploaded the pics to flickr and started this post... we were called.

Newark Liberty is a fab airport to spend time in... especially if you are in the lounge. Free drinks and... more importantly... free wi-fi.

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Last day...

Finished the session with a final document. Been good to be here... but its better to be home.

Drove from Malvern to Newark Liberty airport... Presently sitting in Continental's Presidential Lounge after having a wee wander round the shops here and speaking to Olly via iChat.

Its great to chill with the team... but can't wait to see my loved ones.

Thanks to everyone who has followed the journey. Peace! Now... to Edinburgh!

Day 4...

Another heavy schedule but one that had the promise of success and delivered it. We got in at our usual early time of 0730hrs (EST) and stayed until after 1730hrs (EST). We finished and sent back to Glasgow... 9 of the 10 documents we were aiming to complete this week... which was a tremendous achievement for all involved (if I do say so myself).

Working together in the conference room has been very productive. There is a ton of clutter on the desk (mostly mine) but the team are working well together.

One cool distraction was watching Turkey Buzzards riding the thermals right outside the office. Beautiful sight to witness.

One of the reasons why we can do these intense sessions is we are well looked after by our partners. Great facilities and well fed. They brought in Philly Cheese Steaks today for lunch. Brilliant... although I don't want to think about the melted cheese! It can't be good.

After work... we went to the King of Prussia mall for some food and final last minute shopping. We were recommended to try the Cheesecake Factory... and were not disappointed.

The Cheesecake Factory was heaving last night. We waited about 20-30 mins for a booth... in their cool bar area. The decor of the place was interesting: reminded me of middle Eastern / Ancient Persian decor... with folk dressed as bakers (all in white) looking after you. Weird but nice.

I tried their Oreo Mudslide and couldn't finish it. To say it was rich and heavy would be to insult it... but it was... and it also was fantastic!

Afterwards, we split up and did some more browsing. Picked up a couple of sweet tees for Olly from UO that she should love. I also picked up a huge canvas backpack for the trip home for $5. I brought "old faithful" - my orange eastpak backpack that has traveled to Italy and other places - but it was too tight for 2 laptops and various books, mags, toys etc. I needed something bigger that I can get on the plane... and this army surplus bag does the trick.

We ended the day with a wee nightcap in the Fox and Hounds... where I managed to fall asleep. Party animal, me! btw neither pint is mine. I should have been on the red bull... but they didn't have any!

Been a good trip. Productive. I can't wait to see Olly and the we'ans.

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