Fatum Tamen Hilaris

Happy Christmas

2011-12-22T11:52:00.001+13:00

Happy Christmas, dear reader.I have no doubt that you arrived here by accident, and are now feeling a little disappointed.I have really stopped writing here: I was never very good at it, anyway.Right now, I am trying to decide if I should delete the whole blog, or just leave it here, floating around on the web, like some flotsam on an electronic sea.In a few weeks time, I will be starting a new job. I was offered the last job that I interviewed for, but I have turned it down! Another one came along that looks like it will be a bit more fun. I have got to the point in life where if it isn't fun to do, I am sure I can find something else that is!Oddly enough, I am not completely sure what I will be doing, other than that I will be in the middle of nowhere, in the bush on some days, and on a mountain on others, and indoors sometimes. That will suit me fine, I think. I will miss having a regular web connexion, but I am sure I will get over it!In the meantime, I am going to take a few weeks off, and unwind while the chance is there. My family is at hand, and friends will visit. Spare a thought for those less fortunate than yourself, and see if there is something that you can do to make life a little less trying for them. And I don't just mean at Christmas!In the meantime, I wish you all a very happy Christmas - and if you do not celebrate it, I wish you every complement of the season!Have a wonderful day =]

Vincent in NZ

2011-10-08T01:59:00.001+13:00

Vincent in NZ, a photo by orinoko42 on Flickr.

Vincent in NZ

Another day, another interview

2011-10-07T21:50:00.001+13:00

<p>After an immaculate performance at my last interview, so I thought, it turned out that I had been perceived as too flamboyant.  This helpful feedback I received from a lady on the panel.<br>
I went for another interview for a different job today.  With luck I demonstrated that I had taken her words to heart : the same lady was on this panel! By my own standards I verged on the taciturn!<br>
I have a feeling I may not be what they are looking for.  They will get in touch next week.  <br>
I went and bought some music to listen to on the drive home. Some te reo Maori songs and some kiwi ambient ... at least it will be an uplifting drive home!
Have a wonderful day =]

Spring is here

2011-10-04T12:47:00.001+13:00

It's interesting how the amount of sunlight can affect one's general demeanor. I'm feeling energized and optimistic. We had lunch with one of Tigger's friends yesterday. It's nice to feel accepted. I guess 'inclusion' is what I'm on about.
Have an Epic Day! ← Tap again to save

Android blogging

2011-10-03T14:46:00.001+13:00

So it is ages since I wrote anything. Who cares? Nobody of course! However, every now and then I have something to say but am afk or just too tired. I just found blogger to work on my phone. Now I might be better able to capture a spontaneous thought. Stand by for occasional rambling and ranting!
Have a wonderful day =]

Nothing to say

2011-09-18T14:14:00.000+12:00

Gentle reader, I apologise for not writing anything of interest for such a long time. I started writing here as some kind of therapy. I have finally moved on from that time. I guess that is partly due to the support of my friend, Tigger, who has definitely put the bounce back into my life! I could write about that, but why would you want to know about that? No - far better to get out and about and enjoy the spring (or autumn colours, if that's where you are!).

Other than that, nothing much has changed. I remain doomed, but cheerful.

Have a great day =]

Thanks, but no thanks

2011-07-30T18:43:00.005+12:00

Had a call from the nice lady in HR.

"It's not good news, I'm afraid ..."

"Oh well ..."

"The head guy felt really uncomfortable, and really didn't want to be there ..."

"Oh really. Why?"

"He felt you were too much of an extrovert. He's not like that ..."

"Thanks. Sounds like it was a lucky escape for us all!"

So there it is. Apparently I knew my stuff, looked immaculate, gave detailed answers. All the good things.

"Don't change. I look forward to seeing another application from you for another role."

Sweet. I'll see what else is advertised. I can't stay where I am - it's driving me bonkers!

Watch: Bonkers

Interview

2011-07-24T19:14:00.001+12:00

The events in Norway are deeply shocking. Let's take a moment to reflect on the lives cut short, and the lives that have been ruined. The open nature of Norway's society is not to blame, but certainly allowed this awful thing to happen. I hope the Norwegian government works out a way to protect its people, without changing the culture of Norway for the worse.

Went for an interview this week. Prepared the essential knowledge, but didn't think I needed to put the location into my GPS. Arrived on the wrong side of a strange city, with 30 mins to spare. I was lucky in that Google Navigation is on my phone, and I got there in enough time for a cup of coffee, and not look flustered.
It all went reasonably well, I suppose. We shall see.

Tonight I am going to see Transformers 3 - I hope it is more entertaining than the last Harry Potter movie! Deathly Hallows Part 2 had definite influences from Lord of the Rings (CGI people on a hillside, a la Orc army) and I was waiting for the bad guy to tell Potter, "I am your father." The moment never came, but if you see it, you will know what I mean, I'm sure.

I just bought some 'Naked Panda Noodles', for our lunch tomorrow. He thinks we are having panda, and have to eat it naked. Lunch could be fun!

Have a great week, everyone.

Namaste =]

Shopping

2011-07-20T23:42:00.000+12:00

Him:

Don't buy me any clothes. I'm really picky about what I wear.

Me:

Oh really? Do I detect some doubt about my innate fashion sense?

Him:

[rolls eyes!]

Horses for Courses

2011-07-16T00:58:00.000+12:00

If you always treat your partner like a thoroughbred, you will never wake up next to an old nag!

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings

2011-07-10T16:40:00.000+12:00

A friend recently recounted this little exchange ...

Teacher:

Why are there so many smart-arses in here?

Student:

Because this is the extension class?!

Anti-Cliche

2011-07-08T16:13:00.000+12:00

I got terribly excited the other day when I managed to get some silly bit of code to work, and not bring my laptop, server and entire network crashing down. (I had already had a nightmare with my interactive whiteboard .)

"Oh look, everyone - isn't this just groovy?"

I think I may have done a little dance, too ...

There were looks of complete and utter incomprehension, and disbelief, and deafening silence. One of my group then piped up:

"You know? Sometimes, you just have to reach in deep, and find your inner adult!"

I think it is possible to take life a bit too seriously, sometimes!

Intelligent Life

2011-06-27T23:22:00.000+12:00

I was going to write about the wisdom, or folly perhaps, of building your house on a swamp. Then I was going to add some acid remarks about being surprised when it fell down, and then compounding the original error by rebuilding it on the same spot. And then I was going to add some remarks about being completely mystified about insurance companies not wanting to have anything to do with issuing a policy for the re-constructed house.

I decided not to do that when I went outside and looked up at all the stars. Simply breath-taking. And then I thought: "If there is any intelligent life out there, I hope they don't find us."

rainbow overload

2011-06-19T22:32:00.003+12:00

rainbow overload, a photo by orinoko42 on Flickr.

Some mornings are just magical. The quality of the light here is so wonderful; I think the clean air has much to do with it, as well as the angle of the sun.
The news from around the world this week has been its normal, varied rag-bag of happiness and sorrow. Many years ago, I read 'Hagakure' by Yukio Mishima. It is made up of extracts from the original lore of the samurai, with Mishima's own bits thrown in. Yukio Mishima was a complex character, who famously committed seppuku on the steps of the Japanese parliament; he was disillusioned with post-war Japan, and its loss of identity. You might want to look him up, and form you own opinions.

His book contains many sensible bits of advice. For instance, when in a situation where the outcome could be life, or death, choose death. I have always taken this to mean that one should pursue goals, no matter the personal cost. It seems to have worked most of the time.

However, when faced with a choice between joy and sorrow, choose joy.

Have a wonderful week, everyone =]

The future of global communication - the Omninode

2011-06-10T00:55:00.000+12:00

The Omninode - the way forward

"You can find our website at https://www2.stuffyouarelookingfor.com"
Yeah, right.
Lame.

We need a new way of working. I have the solution. I present 'The Ominnode.'
Essentially, think of something you like, and that's the address. For example:

"I could do with something nice to eat: ooo.somethingnicetoeat"

Easy as that.

ooo.fancystayingover

You get the idea ...

I could drone on for ages, but instead there is a simple diagram that I don't understand but it looks good. If you know what any of it means, please let me know =]

2011-06-03T23:40:00.000+12:00

Read this:
Boy arrested, brutally tortured and killed

To quote Edmund Burke:

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Requiescat in pace.

Smile

2011-05-29T21:30:00.000+12:00

To say that his smile lights up a room is an understatement. I love it when he is nearby, and feel quite bereft when he is not.

The moment

2011-05-29T19:05:00.003+12:00

Turbulent waters to overcome

All relationships have a 'moment'. Sometimes that moment arrives, and is expected. Other times, that moment can suddenly appear, like a lightning flash. In all cases, the way one handles that moment can have a profound effect on the future progress of that relationship. I think we just had one of those moments. I don't think I handled it especially well; I am not especially good at text speak - it lacks subtlety. With luck, I didn't kill everything stone dead: with even more luck, we will be able to move on together. I'm looking forward to meeting for breakfast - I think!

TFIF

2011-05-27T16:13:00.001+12:00

I looked out of my window and saw this. It reminded me that life has its magic moments; many occur just when you are not expecting them =]

Busy

2011-05-24T23:53:00.001+12:00

patriot, a photo by orinoko42 on Flickr.

Gentle reader: forgive me for seldom writing here, recently. I have been very busy with daily life. Suffice to say that it is fun, challenging, and contains more joy than pain. I hope that life is also good for you, too.
Back soon.
G =]

Mobile test

2011-05-23T10:26:00.001+12:00

I am testing the mobile blogger app. Nothing else to report. Have a wonderful day =]

Text and Smile

2011-05-01T22:57:00.000+12:00

"Hey. Shall I meet you for breakfast?"
"Hey. Yup."
I smile.

"Hey. Meet for lunch?"
"Sure. Sushi. Wear purple, it suits you."
"OK. Bye."
I smile.

He makes me smile all day.

"Hey. Night. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Breakfast. Italian. Ni ni."

I smiled all night. I woke up smiling.
He makes me smile all the time.

Nobody has done that to me in years.
Epic!

ANZAC Day - 25 April

2011-04-24T20:23:00.003+12:00

flanders poppy, a photo by orinoko42 on Flickr.

ANZAC Day - 25 April
The common day of remembrance of the servicemen who died, and those who returned, from the wars
For a fuller description, please read here: ANZAC Day
I will be 'on parade' tomorrow, at dawn. Dawn is a special time: I will have time to call to mind some of my friends. One is always there, but that's another story.
It is traditional to have coffee and rum afterwards, with breakfast, among brothers in arms. While not an event I especially look forward to, it is not one that I would choose to miss, either.
It seems to me that it is mainly in the face of armed adversity that people show their best qualities.
The human race is very strange.

Some say that Gallipoli was a turning point for New Zealand and Australia. It was similar for Turkey, too:

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets where they lie side by side here in this country of ours You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well. —Atatürk 1934

Morning Dew

2011-04-22T20:52:00.001+12:00

morning dew, a photo by orinoko42 on Flickr.

I am a very lazy blogger. I have so many things I want to write about, but by the time I get time to do so, I see to have lost the energy and inspiration to do so.

In the morning, when it is cool and clear, the light that is reflected from each dew drop makes me think of all the things I want to achieve in the day, as well as all the people I will meet and talk to.

In the morning, it seems so clear and straightforward. As the day unfurls, it all gets a bit fuzzy around the edges.

I guess I need to work on my focus =]

Black and Purple

2011-04-17T17:11:00.001+12:00

black and purple, a photo by orinoko42 on Flickr.

My favourite colours on one of my favourite people.

Via Flickr:
He was overjoyed when this shirt and vest arrived.
I like the colours too.

Cool Running

2011-03-20T16:27:00.001+13:00

Got to the end of a walk with the dogs. For autumn, it was a surprisingly warm afternoon. This water had come straight down from the mountain, and was wonderful to walk through.

Japan

2011-03-16T01:06:00.000+13:00

Shinsui was a Japanese monk.
At the point of his demise, he grasped his brush and drew this character, which is now one of the most revered symbols within Zen Buddhism. Having drawn this, he died.

It depicts the Void, the essence of everything, enlightenment.

As I reflect on this character, I think of the arms of care and protection that we wrap around our friends in Japan.

Clock this!

2011-03-14T17:40:00.001+13:00

Friday

Woke up - instant wakefulness.
Peered at the clock and it seemed to say 6am ... got up, showered, shaved, walked dogs, had breakfast.
Found my glasses.
Looked at the kitchen clock ...
4:50am
Gah! One of those 'fml' moments!
So I went to work ... and got heaps done. Trouble was, I 'crashed' after lunch. Only one more hour to go ... (yawn).

Saturday

Went and bought a new alarm clock, with big hands and numbers!

Japanese Earthquake

2011-03-11T23:22:00.000+13:00

I just saw footage of this from Japan. It looks awful, and I am sure that NZ will be ready to come to help you all, as you came to help us in Christchurch just a few days ago.

Let's all keep a watchful eye on this, and help where we can.

歡迎您，朋友！

2011-02-28T22:47:00.000+13:00

Welcome, friend!

I notice that I have at last had a visitor to this blog from China. Given that it has such a huge population, this is perhaps a bit of a surprise - why so long coming?

On the other hand, it is known that Google had an agreement with the Chinese government to constrain the activities of the eponymous search engine when accessed by people in China. I have no idea if that still prevails - I had heard that it was about to change. Perhaps it has.

Sexuality in Chinese literature (which goes back a very long way indeed) is an interesting, and to western eyes, confusing affair. There are clear records of at least 10 bisexual emperors, but as time passed, so waned sexual tolerance. Homophobia reared its ugly head when the notion was imported along with western medicine and philosophy. By the end of the Qing dynasty, homosexual men could be sentenced to 100 blows and imprisonment.

During the Cultural Revolution, gay men fared little better, to the degree that it was only in 2001 that homosexuality was removed from the list of mental disorders. Until that time, many homosexual men were subjected to electro-convulsive therapy, in an effort to 'cure' them.

While modern China is apparently a lot less homophobic than it was, I am sure that old attitudes die hard among people from older generations. I have some relatives who live in China - I really must ask them about the situation for LGBT people in China today.

I feel sure that the person from China who visited this blog took a risk of one sort or another. Strength to your arm, brother. Welcome.

Young men sipping tea and having sex. China, Qing dynasty

I saw the caption that goes with this, and giggled. All I could hear in my head was the delightful Binnie Hale singing this song: A Nice Cup Of Tea

Well Balanced

2011-02-28T22:05:00.001+13:00

Well Balanced
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

Many nutritionists recommend '5-a-day' as being a good guideline for one's daily intake of fruit and veg.

I thought I would add this for balance, and completeness, after my previous post.

The drinks that are available here are simply mind-boggling. I am tempted to add, "whatever next?" but having seen this, I am actually afraid to!

(Actually, this has an uncanny similarity to someone who attended my PaintShop Pro class last term. The difference was that she clutched a cellphone all the time, rather than a ripe water melon!)

Earthquake

2011-02-23T21:26:00.000+13:00

The earthquake that hit Christchurch was sufficiently far away not to cause any damage to where I am today. Members of my family and friends who are actually there right now are OK, though shocked, and beset with harrowing sights and sounds.

The genuine expressions of support, and the arrival of teams of rescuers from countries that include Australia, Japan, USA, and UK have been hugely important. An act of kindness that is shown to one Kiwi, affects all Kiwis.

Thank you all for your concern

Hits the spot

2011-02-20T21:56:00.001+13:00

So refreshing - detail
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

... every time.

It has been the hottest summer on record. It is essential to stay hydrated, and when my friend asked if I would like some of his Big Cock, I didn't feel I could refuse.

It certainly hit the spot.

Have a wonderful day =]

First Flower

2011-02-19T16:06:00.001+13:00

First Flower
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

"A room without flowers is a room without life."

My colleagues could not understand why I had to have plants in my room. I simply can not understand why I would not! Indeed, being indoors is surely the most unnatural thing that we can do?

I will admit that I have temporarily removed the fountain / cascade ... it kept making everyone want to go to the loo!

Notes from tutorial

2011-02-18T22:56:00.000+13:00

GothBoy: You may have noticed - I am very metrosexual

FarmBoy: (Sounding rather crestfallen) Dammit - and I thought you were gay.

A nice bit of sausage

2011-02-16T22:51:00.001+13:00

A nice bit of sausage
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

Lots of people think they know how to cook on the barbie, and few actually have the first idea! If you cook everything on the highest heat, then the outsides get cremated, and the raw insides give you food poisoning!

Just sear the outsides on a high heat, and then move across to a cooler area of the grill, and let a gentler heat cook it all through.

You will be pleased to know that i have turned down the heat, before we all get burned.

Don't worry - I'll keep you posted =]

Blogging as a tool for reflection

2011-02-13T23:30:00.000+13:00

I started to write this blog a few years ago as a tool to help me reflect on the nature of a relationship that was coming to an apparent end.

I now find myself at the possible start of another relationship, which appears to have all the characteristics of something that could indeed have far-reaching, and potentially dangerous results.

I have met a man who is extremely complex. I like him, and he likes me. So far, so good. We get on well, and share some similar interests. We both love modern art, and music, and poetry.

He is witty. He has more ink than me. He does a different form of martial arts than I do. He has been in jail twice. He is quite transparent: he seems to hide nothing. People who know us both suggest that I should be careful. They are probably right.

We meet most days. We text when we don't meet. We e-mail and laugh and wonder together at Youtube clips.

He made me a collection of music on MiniDisc for me to listen to when driving to work. I didn't think anyone had those things any more. I didn't think anyone did that anymore.

He just texted me, 'good night'. I have no idea how he got my cell number.

He is the first person I think of in the morning when I wake. I think I am 'in like' at the moment. It's a nice feeling. It's been a while.

I know that I need to give this some careful thought. I also know that I am happy to share this journey with you, gentle reader.

Good night =]

The Wisdom of Xion

2011-02-06T10:53:00.000+13:00

Never repeat the same mistake. The choice of mistakes is huge: make a different one every day.

Belief Systems

2011-02-01T23:22:00.000+13:00

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

Buddha

Nothing really matters

2011-01-23T18:27:00.000+13:00

Remove religion from the equation, and just consider that we are random organisms interacting with other random organisms. In that case, those actions and reactions have immediate, local importance, and possibly will affect other organisms, further away, later on.
It is only the organisms that are directly affected, and perhaps the next circle or two that spread out from those distinct centres, that need to spend any time considering the actions and reactions of their peers.
Example: my dog bites my toe; it is of interest. The Irish prime minister makes some statement; it is of no interest and has no effect on me.
It really does not matter. At all.
This is a notion that I will have to develop further: perhaps this makes some kind of sense to you?

I have chosen to grasp the here, now, and concrete as being important, rather than the future, and what may or may not be there.
I would be interested to hear some opinions.

Alien visitors

2011-01-21T23:33:00.000+13:00

Forgive me if I can not help feeling a bit cynical about the intentions of Hilary Clinton, William Haig, and Liam Fox, when they recently came to visit. I am not convinced that they only wanted to discuss the price of milk.

Fair play and common sense will prevail, and our people will do the right thing. Won't they?

River walk

2011-01-18T23:35:00.001+13:00

River walk
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

The sound of water running over rocks, as well as the sound of birds in the trees make this an enchanting spot to cool your feet after a morning's walk. Just watch your toes in the river gravel: there are eels down there, and they are always hungry!

A New Year and a New Operating System

2011-01-07T23:00:00.000+13:00

I realised that there are a number of things that I need to get done to prepare for next term. I backed up everything to external drives, and key stuff I also uploaded to a temporary account in the cloud. I then bit the bullet and installed Win 7, swiftly followed by a fresh copy of Ubuntu 10.04

All of that was done within an hour, and everything (hardware) works. Awesome.

However, my comfortable work space has been severely disrupted, and I need to get it back to normal, before I can be creative again.

Bear with me, please, gentle reader, while I gather up my parrots and monkeys, and get everything squared away!

Competition - Today's picture is part of something rather bigger. Have you any idea what it is? Why not tell me what you think, in a comment, or e-mail. A prize will be awarded for every correct entry received before 14 Jan 11.

Kiwi flax

2011-01-02T21:53:00.001+13:00

Kiwi flax
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

It has been a lovely day today =]

yummy

2011-01-02T21:50:00.001+13:00

yummy
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

I didn't eat all of these - honest!

I Left My Heart ...

2010-12-31T00:35:00.001+13:00

Glasgow - 2008
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

In Glasgow!

I loved being in this city. Some people like Edinburgh for its civilized and elegant demeanour. I like Glasgow precisely because it has none of that veneer: gritty, real, honest, friendly, sometimes incomprehensible.

Home of the fish supper and deep fried Mars bar, and Irn Bru ... bliss =]

Paris cheese shop

2010-12-29T21:54:00.001+13:00

Paris cheese shop
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

"Cheese on a stick - full of sticky goodness!"

Om nom nom =]

Happy Christmas

2010-12-23T22:34:00.002+13:00

Beach Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

I thought I would wish all my friends a very happy Christmas (and those of you who do not celebrate it, then I hope you have a great weekend).

I made this 'tree' on the beach today - just for you =]

This year has been a bit of a journey, and not always smooth. There have been a fair amount of epic moments, and some interesting times scattered along the way. However, as none of it has killed me, then it must have made me stronger!

Kia ora.

Ngā mihi mō te Kirihimete!

Native bush

2010-12-18T12:03:00.002+13:00

Native bush
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

It was raining, as we had breakfast. The water for our coffee came from the river below.. You could hear the call of the tui

Listen

up in the trees.

The tui is an odd bird: it has two set of vocal chords, with one set attached to each lung. This means it can(and does) produce its own harmony!

Tulip Tree

2010-12-18T10:52:00.001+13:00

Tulip Tree
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

Standing under a tree, listening to fat drops of rain hitting the broad, protective leaves. Moments of magic, so store away for the future =]

Argh! I lost everything from my USB / SD / Flash Memory!

2010-12-15T22:14:00.000+13:00

I thought I would post something today that actually works, and is useful.

Have you ever pulled memory stick out of your camera, or a USB stick out of your computer, or just deleted a bunch of files, only to realise you actually need them?

If you have, you have probably spent hours on the Web, looking for a software tool that works, and that you can afford. Look no further, for help is here:

Photorec

Photorec is cross platform, it works, and is free.

What else do I need to add?

It's amazing how well you will sleep tonight, knowing that you have retrieved your dissertation from the abyss!

Matchless

2010-12-04T21:15:00.001+13:00

matchless
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

If all you want is some steady, reliable transport, that moves at a decent pace, and can get you across the farm and to the State Highway, then this is the bike for you!

I've had one before, and I loved it!

Most of the Cool Faces Be the Most Dirty

2010-11-28T09:36:00.001+13:00

Most of the Cool Faces Be the Most Dirty
Originally uploaded by Thomas Hawk

Gentle readers,

Please forgive me for not posting for a while, and having nothing to say here.

It's been a bit frantic recently, as we head to the end of the academic year. There are heaps of administrative tasks to do, so we can track progress, and demonstrate accountability and transparency. I think it has rather more to do with sustaining jobs for administrators - but that's another matter.

Ask me one day to talk about education and training, how governments shape our minds in order to serve failed economic strategies, rather than develop our creativity, and understanding of one another. I will tell you.

I will be back soon, when I have got my house in order. In the meantime, look after yourselves.

"Kosher Restauration" (old inscription)

2010-11-14T12:41:00.001+13:00

"Kosher Restauration" (old inscription)
Originally uploaded by what's my name again?

You say potato, I say potato.

You say Schlesien, I say Śląsk.

The people who live there call it home: so what's more important than that?

I'm glad they've called the whole thing off =]

The Frog House

2010-11-14T12:19:00.001+13:00

The Frog House
Originally uploaded by what's my name again?

Definitely not Toad Hall !

TORSAL

2010-11-14T10:54:00.001+13:00

TORSAL
Originally uploaded by peter.torsal

I remember a critic dismissing a whole assortment of art that depicted the male form from the late renaissance as being 'nothing more than boasting'.

If I could remember his name, I would invite him to look at Peter Torsal's portfolio.

Entymology

2010-11-12T22:01:00.001+13:00

BH & Inhotim 095 (1280x853)
Originally uploaded by cadi cunha

Beetles in their mating colours?

Sun against the sun

2010-11-12T19:54:00.001+13:00

Sun against the sun
Originally uploaded by NetAgra

For those of you whose days are getting cooler and shorter, I thought you might like this. I certainly do!

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning ...

2010-11-11T21:15:00.000+13:00

We will remember them.

Ukelele

2010-11-10T22:25:00.002+13:00

Ukelele
Originally uploaded by orinoko42

Chunk-a-chunk-a-chunk!
Being able to strum a couple of chords is so deeply satisfying, that it is ridiculous! I even found myself watching a clip that demonstrated the 'George Formby Split Strumming Technique.'
Has anyone noticed how tab resembles moves on a Go board? I might even recreate a couple of games, and see if they produce music that is worth listening to. I feel an application for an arts grant coming on!

The Seychelles

2010-11-09T22:14:00.000+13:00

I noticed that somebody from the Seychelles has visited. Isn't this a super flag? So colourful.

I made the discovery today that homosexuality is illegal in that country - it is punishable with up to two years in jail and/or a fine. I guess they won't be seeing my holiday rupees anytime soon.

I hope that my visitor is keeping themselves safely anonymous, and that this little virtual community will give them the support and haven that they must need. In the meantime, why not do a little research about how your own country interacts with this republic, and if any pressure can be brought to bear, to restore this basic freedom.

Nameless object

2010-11-08T20:33:00.001+13:00

Originally uploaded by s.y.l.a.r

I don't know what this is - it is not important. I just like it!

Self

2010-11-07T17:07:00.001+13:00

Self
Originally uploaded by TGKW

If you have never looked at Tommy's portfolio on Flickr - you have missed something! Book a free hour, and then go back again!

MD

2010-11-07T17:01:00.001+13:00

MD
Originally uploaded by Aaliyah4ever

I like this image, but there seems to be too much washout at the top of the shot, which tends to unbalance the rest. Of course, that is only a matter of opinion.

Waimea Bay, Hawaii

2010-11-07T16:06:00.001+13:00

Waimea Bay, Hawaii
Originally uploaded by !snednas!

We also have surf, but nothing like this!

Gunpowder, treason and plot ...

2010-11-04T20:59:00.000+13:00

"Guy Fawkes was the only man to enter parliament with honest intentions!"

Many British (and British heritage) people around the world will spend a lot of money on fireworks, to celebrate the discovery, and foiling or a plot to blow up the English parliament. The man who was discovered in an undercroft beneath the House of Lords, known as Guy Fawkes, is written about here.

If you are going to have fireworks, please make sure all your animals are locked indoors, and that your children are a safe distance away.

Quadracci Pavillion - Apology

2010-11-04T00:55:00.002+13:00

I apologise to the photographer who created the image that previously appeared in this post.

I pressed the 'blog this' button of Flickr without paying due attention to the creator's copyright notice, 'All Rights Reserved' and thus infringed their copyright. I should have asked their permission before publishing their work on here.

It was a careless oversight on my part, which did not do justice to the photographer's care in creating the image.

I sincerely apologize.

Peoples Gas Education Pavilion

2010-11-04T00:28:00.001+13:00

Peoples Gas Education Pavilion
Originally uploaded by Duane Rapp

I saw this, and mouthed the word "wow"

Layers

2010-11-04T00:13:00.001+13:00

Layers
Originally uploaded by Linus & the Feel Good Factory

At first glance, a simple picture. Give it a few seconds, and the complexity reveals itself. I like this picture very much.

Linus has a tremendous photostream on flickr, and I am sure you would have an interesting visit. Spend some time there, if you can!

Lágheiði

2010-11-02T23:09:00.001+13:00

Lágheiði
Originally uploaded by bjornvald

We were only talking about a place like this the other day.

I think I will build one - but I need to find some land first.

I lived in such a place for 3 months, in the winter. I had a little pot-bellied stove, that burned peat bricks. I loved to lie in bed, the kettle steaming on the stove, and the wind and raining howling at the door and window, like a demented banshee. With luck, I might be able to get a clear enough signal so I could listen to the BBC World Service. Most of the time, atmospherics were so bad, it wasn't worth the effort. The fun was in trying!

Chocolat

2010-11-01T23:10:00.001+13:00

[Many apologies - I do not seem able to upload or link to any pictures, at the moment. I will try and rectify this soon.]

I noticed, with pleasure that I had a new visitor today, from Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). However, it made me think back to the civil war, in 2003, where even children were engaged as soldiers.

Cote d'Ivoire - it's where a lot of your chocolate comes from.

The Web is full of information, some true, some false. We need to be able to discern rumour, fantasy, and truth. It is hard to do, I know.

The links I attach here make a number of assertions - I make no comment, other than that you should make up your own mind. If nothing else, they will make you think about the next chocolate that you eat.

There are links to articles, the CIA World Fact Book, a blog or two, the UN, and at the end, you will find links to images, which are fascinating. I think you will see that this is a country whose culture is very different from many of ours (most people who read this blog are American, and European).

The thing that haunts me, is the faces of the child soldiers. They are now the young men who are fathering the next generation of children. I just hope that this generation is able to grow up without the threat of warfare, or global greed encroaching on their daily lives.

Chances are ... ?

http://s06.flagcounter.com/factbook/ci/pNe

http://www.countryreports.org/country.aspx?countryid=61&countryName=Cote%20d%20Ivoire

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/countrytemplate_iv.html

http://article.wn.com/view/2010/07/22/COTE_DIVOIRE_Black_pod_hits_cocoa_harvest_in_southwest/

http://www1.american.edu/ted/chocolate-slave.htm

http://gvnet.com/childprostitution/CoteD%27Ivoire.htm

http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/unifeed/d/10215.html

http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol22no1/221-safeguarding-children-from-conflict.html

http://www.unfpa.org/public/News/pid/298

http://fruitcakex.blogspot.com/2009/05/profits-before-people-7-of-worlds-most.html

http://www.wayfaring.info/2006/10/10/something-more-about-cote-divoire/

http://www.cherylkoralik.com/masques.html

http://www.visuramagazine.com/vm/cheryl-koralik-notes-from-africa

Koru

2010-10-31T22:48:00.001+13:00

Illuminated Curves (Day 155)
Originally uploaded by B Byers

Everyone must take the time ...

2010-10-31T22:40:00.001+13:00

Take Time (Day 288)
Originally uploaded by B Byers

Elemental recumbency

2010-10-31T21:53:00.001+13:00

Elemental recumbency
Originally uploaded by pixteroo

A body and landscape all in one.
We are blessed, everyone!

Portrait #95

2010-10-31T15:34:00.001+13:00

Portrait #95
Originally uploaded by Andy Houghton

The face of changing technology.

Light and Shadow

2010-10-31T15:32:00.001+13:00

kyle # 4
Originally uploaded by lars nyc

david - cocoon - sleeping

2010-10-29T22:46:00.001+13:00

david - cocoon - sleeping
Originally uploaded by Michael Taggart Photography

gleison

2010-10-28T20:40:00.001+13:00

gleison
Originally uploaded by eric_phillips

The eyes have it =]

dark

2010-10-28T20:39:00.001+13:00

dark
Originally uploaded by eric_phillips

Emphasis.

This is such an interesting shot, from POV as well as the model's preparation for the shot. The light that reflects off what appears to be soot, makes the skin tones resemble bronze.

The hand prints in the soot emphasise the humanity of this image ... it is not simply a creation of Photoshop.

Portrait

2010-10-28T20:31:00.001+13:00

g
Originally uploaded by eric_phillips

You might remember I wrote a few lines about what I think makes a good portrait. Here is another example.

Simply lovely.

A Roof with a view

2010-10-28T20:29:00.001+13:00

Originally uploaded by eric_phillips

Another stunning portrait from Eric Phillips. You should check out his work, if you have an hour or so.

Writing letters

2010-10-27T21:04:00.001+13:00

Post Box - Dungeness.
Originally uploaded by bawtrees

Does anyone actually write letters any more? I wrote some over the last four months, but I was not completely happy. Granted, they were in my own handwriting, but when I read them back, they didn't seem to be quite so 'immediate' as my text and email.

I love to write, and to communicate, but I have become more accustomed to the keyboard than the pen (I always use fountain pens - I don't even know where my ballpoint is).

Has anyone got any views on this subject? Do you prefer hand written communication? I would love to know what you think.

A good walk spoiled

2010-10-25T20:59:00.002+13:00

Photo by Squallgege (Flickr) - 9th hole

Despite the imprecations of a friend of mine, I set out on my first game of golf in I don't know how long. I sold my clubs before I cam down here, but I managed to track down some more the other day for a very reasonable price. This morning, the day broke to clear skies, and the imperative was there - I.Must.Tee.Off!
I have a particularly flashy pair of trousers left over from my service days, in a rather fetching 'hussars red', which combined with my yellow jersey, made a suitably vulgar ensemble - just the thing for the links.
A good game of golf (I don't believe there is a bad one) is best shared, and I managed to drag along number 2 son. We had fun, and managed not to lose any balls, either - which is always a bonus.
Meanwhile, I have spent a few hours browsing through Flickr, as is my weekend wont, and I hope that some of the pictures I have featured over the last couple of days also find favour with you, my dear reader.
I find myself astonished, on a daily basis, by some of the talent that is displayed on Flickr. To think that the electronic revolution, that allows us to capture images, maybe manipulate them with software, and then upload them to a potential audience of billions, is simply bewildering. However, being a largely visual person, it is a source of joy, education, and information that, quite frankly, makes my day!

Water Tanks

2010-10-24T22:35:00.004+13:00

16fl
Originally uploaded by kargaltsev

Do you see all those wooden water tanks on the rooftops? There is one near my house, though sits on the ground. I love them, because they are made by people, with hand tools. They are not extruded by robots!

Google 'New York Wooden Water Tanks' for a great read!

Messrs Rosenwach can build one of these things on a roof at least 80 feet above the ground in less than a day.

L'apres midi d'un faune

2010-10-24T16:04:00.002+13:00

Forest youth.
Originally uploaded by alexstoddard

An astonishing photographer.

Doomed But Cheerful

2010-10-24T13:07:00.001+13:00

YORK ENGLAND
Originally uploaded by john holland 1962

In this photograph is one of those amazing streamlined steam locomotives that held the record speed for the London to Edinburgh journey for years. Above it you will see the overhead electric cables that will provide the power to the replacement locos.

Irregardless, this train can be seen speeding ahead, doing what it does best, for as long as it can.

Namaste =]

Definition of a Gentleman

2010-10-23T22:21:00.000+13:00

"A gentleman is someone who never gives offense unintentionally."

Oscar Wilde

Singing in Rainbows

2010-10-16T18:11:00.001+13:00

La paloma bianca
Originally uploaded by Marco Braun

Look at this, and tell me it leaves you unmoved!

Weightlessness

2010-10-16T17:58:00.001+13:00

weightlessness
Originally uploaded by gagah

When I trained to become a diver, the first time i
I did a somersault under water, wearing all my kit, was the most amazing experience. Even though I was wearing thermal underwear under a dry suit, buoyancy control device, fins, tanks, weights, mask, and so on (which was heavy and awkward on shore) the water supported me completely, so that I had no difficulty in mving through three dimensions.

The only difficulty I experienced that day was having to get out of the water - on dry land, I felt so deprived!

Sometimes, we need to search out new, and possibly alien environments, in order to discover who we really are - and marvel at what we can achieve.

Namaste =]

The green room ....

2010-10-14T20:57:00.001+13:00

The green room ....
Originally uploaded by andre govia

... is where we wait before giving our performance. Just don't be tempted to wait for too long, or the audience may have packed up and gone home.

You Couldn’t Make It Up

2010-10-14T13:50:00.000+13:00

So the 6 foot stud was walking home the other day after class, and found that he was being ‘stalked’ by two trollopes (who had been on previous courses here). These young ‘ladies’ were out for a cruise in some pimped Japanese car, complete with dustbin exhaust, turbo and dump valve …

Imagine his surprise at being pelted with empty RTD* bottles that were being launched from said vehicle?! Fortunately, they did not break when they hit the street, so “Stud’ was able to pick them back up again and return fire.

The car vanished around a corner, and Stud carried on walking home. (He had moved – again – and it seems that the ladies were trying to find out where he lived: the car reappeared a few minutes later. Clearly, they were executing a grid search of the streets, for Stud was pelted again with even more empty bottles).

Later in the day, I found out that one of the ladies – we’ll call her Starfish – had beaten up her boyfriend the previous day. Boyfriend was a pretty big guy – not the kind of fellow you would want to meet down a dark alley, if you owed him money. He suffered a broken nose, and multiple contusions.

All of these people are either current, or previous students from my courses. It makes me wonder why I bother, sometimes!

*RTD – Ready To Drink – a drink that contains a spirit, like vodka, and a mixer.

The Hunger

2010-10-12T23:45:00.001+13:00

Schubert Piano Trio - Andante Con Moto

Isn't it nice to find a brilliant 'cellist who is also attractive?!

I particularly like this piece of music. I first encountered it in the movie, 'The Hunger' - here is another clip Movie clip

I don't really know what it is about that film that I find so fascinating. Quite possibly when I saw it in my 20s I could see what was going to happen in the future - and now that it is ... Well, we shall see.

If you manage to watch the film, make a note of that ankh necklace - so much more hygienic than biting, I thought!

Gautier Capuçon

Please go and buy some music, if you can afford it, by the Brothers Capucon!
Look here ... http://www.emiclassics.com/releasedetails.php?rid=11803

Thank you for your kind thoughts

2010-10-10T23:31:00.001+13:00

Great Success
Originally uploaded by nzdzeni

Dear Everyone,

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and comments. If you are not a 'dog' person it may seem to be a little over-the-top to get so upset about 'just a dog' but those of you who have been lucky enough to share some of their lives with a favourite pet and companion will understand that it is a bitter blow when you lose them.

Still - my little dog had enough: he was not well, and he couldn't be the dog he wanted to be - so I guess it was meant for him to go.

Once again - thank you all for being so kind and supportive.

Namaste =]

So Long, Dear Friend

2010-10-08T19:04:00.000+13:00

It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of my dog, at 5am this morning. He had been suffering with a mystery condition for the last month, and this morning, he just ran out of energy to fight on any longer. I was with him at the end: as I stroked him, he suddenly lay down, wagged his tail a few times, and was gone.

He had such character, and was so loving. For the last five years, he has been my almost constant companion, and has traveled the world with me, in peace and on operations, and finally into retirement. I shall miss him immensely, but am also grateful for the time that he has been with us.

Bye bye =]

Life LXXXVII

2010-10-03T11:29:00.003+13:00

Life LXXXVII
Originally uploaded by eflon

Guess what today's desktop is going to be?!

I find this so luscious, and Emily Dickinson's words put another dimension on it, too.

It also makes me think: how boring would life be, if everything were allowed?!

Sakura

2010-10-02T17:41:00.001+13:00

Sakura
Originally uploaded by Hoa Trang An ^^

In the last 3 days, my cherry trees have burst into bloom, and look just like this. I hope the weather will be a little kinder for a few days, so the blossoms have a chance to luxuriate in the spring sunshine!

Chameleon

2010-09-30T21:04:00.001+13:00

Colognid - Chameleon
Originally uploaded by naturesbestblog.com

I recently advised a friend to adopt the persona of the 'grey man'.

In a more hostile environment, it is sometimes necessary to become a chameleon.

The trick is the bear in mind that the changes are only temporary, and to remember what to change back into.

Some people live a camouflaged life for so long that they forget who they used to be.

Question: is that really so important?

Kyle

2010-09-30T00:06:00.001+13:00

Kyle
Originally uploaded by gerard de haan

A Good Place Not To Be

2010-09-29T23:50:00.001+13:00

unknown Volcano
Originally uploaded by jasonclarke_bb

I hope the volcano near my house never looks like this!

nuclear explosion, the classic Mushroom

2010-09-29T23:39:00.001+13:00

nuclear explosion, the classic Mushroom
Originally uploaded by jasonclarke_bb

If you didn't know what this is, you would probably think it is beautiful.