22 December 2011
01 December 2011
Bear Grylls' Motto
Simply put:
"live boldly, follow your dreams, take risks, look after your friends, & smile when the mountain is steepest"
"live boldly, follow your dreams, take risks, look after your friends, & smile when the mountain is steepest"
16 November 2011
28 October 2011
26 October 2011
Cycling
The cycling is going very well. I have clocked up a few mile since I got the bike. I have enjoyed every minute of it and have used Runkeeper to follow my progress. My overall average speed has increased and I've enjoyed some very nice top speeds.
Mostly I cycle along the canal and/or around Wollaton and Bramcote parks. I would like to find some longer routes, but the canal + Wollaton is 15 miles and that's a good distance to cover in an hour.
I have improved my kit and gear slightly. I now have some glasses with interchangeable lenses and some padded shorts! I also got some SPD pedals so that I can (finally) use my cycling shoes. The work a treat and are very good! I need to get a front light and some hi-vis stuff (although my friend apparently has a lightweight hi-vis jacket that I can have).
Overall I am very pleased. My weight is back to just over 10.5 stone after reaching 11.5! This coupled with a no beer, limited treat diet has meant that I'm back to fighting weight and keeping fit!
I would like to get cycling with others. Even if it's with Ben every now and again, it'd be better than always cycling on my own.
For now though, I'll keep on going...
Mostly I cycle along the canal and/or around Wollaton and Bramcote parks. I would like to find some longer routes, but the canal + Wollaton is 15 miles and that's a good distance to cover in an hour.
I have improved my kit and gear slightly. I now have some glasses with interchangeable lenses and some padded shorts! I also got some SPD pedals so that I can (finally) use my cycling shoes. The work a treat and are very good! I need to get a front light and some hi-vis stuff (although my friend apparently has a lightweight hi-vis jacket that I can have).
Overall I am very pleased. My weight is back to just over 10.5 stone after reaching 11.5! This coupled with a no beer, limited treat diet has meant that I'm back to fighting weight and keeping fit!
I would like to get cycling with others. Even if it's with Ben every now and again, it'd be better than always cycling on my own.
For now though, I'll keep on going...
11 October 2011
Rugby World Cup update
So, RWC2011 continues without England. In the end, they were an ordinary team that did not look like wanting to win.
Was it poor team selection? Off pitch shenanigans? Lack of team spirit?
I don't know really what it was, only to say that England should have come out against France and annihilated the team that Tonga beat. But, with players clearly out of position, England looked like a beaten team even before they got a point on the board.
16-0 at half time in France's favour was embarrassing! 2 tries had also been scored, which was twice as many as England had conceded all tournament. The defence didn't turn up.
I'm sad because I've loved and supported English rugby since I started playing the game in 1990. Now, following 2003's amazing victory and 2007's rather surprising final, the national team is a mess. As is the management structure.
Come the six nations, I will still turn on the TV to watch my team. I'll still hope that the Welsh and the Scottish lose to everyone. Will Ireland and France be their good versions, or their not so good versions? And why are Italy still in the tournament?
But I'll be wondering, will England ever hold the Webb Ellis trophy again?
Clive Woodward took his time, but developed a system that, at the time, was revolutionary. We need a revolution in English rugby. Someone that will turn it on its head. A system that isn't controlled by people who want power, but people who truly want 6 Nations and World Cup glory... every year.
Was it poor team selection? Off pitch shenanigans? Lack of team spirit?
I don't know really what it was, only to say that England should have come out against France and annihilated the team that Tonga beat. But, with players clearly out of position, England looked like a beaten team even before they got a point on the board.
16-0 at half time in France's favour was embarrassing! 2 tries had also been scored, which was twice as many as England had conceded all tournament. The defence didn't turn up.
I'm sad because I've loved and supported English rugby since I started playing the game in 1990. Now, following 2003's amazing victory and 2007's rather surprising final, the national team is a mess. As is the management structure.
Come the six nations, I will still turn on the TV to watch my team. I'll still hope that the Welsh and the Scottish lose to everyone. Will Ireland and France be their good versions, or their not so good versions? And why are Italy still in the tournament?
But I'll be wondering, will England ever hold the Webb Ellis trophy again?
Clive Woodward took his time, but developed a system that, at the time, was revolutionary. We need a revolution in English rugby. Someone that will turn it on its head. A system that isn't controlled by people who want power, but people who truly want 6 Nations and World Cup glory... every year.
16 September 2011
11 September 2011
A New Cycling Era Begins
I've been thinking about a new bike for a very long time. But, it wasn't until the Summer, following the end of the Tour de France, and my brother's visit to Nottingham, that I seriously thought about it!
The decision for a cyclo-cross bike was easy. I wanted something that'd be reminiscent of a road bike when on the road, but also something that could take me on the paths of the canal that I've really enjoyed cycling on recently.
The decision about the bike wasn't so easy. Most cyclo-cross bikes, when brand new, are £700 upwards... hmm, I thought, not sure this is going to happen. Until I found a Giant TCX 3 in the sale at £494. Wow, a (relative) bargain! My hopes were dashed, however, when I realised that this is the end of the season for bikes and that the 2012's will be on their way very soon. I couldn't find the Giant in my size. Feeling sorry for myself I went back on the Internet...
And, I found the Dawes for at a price that was £400 below full price!!! An absolute bargain. Anyway, a long conversation with my wife later, and a sleep, a pray and a think, I clicked the various buttons on the particular website and made my purchase!
Madness? I hope not. A whim? Definitely not. I've found a Nottingham Cycling club and I'm going to check out some proper routes around my area to clock up the miles! I cannot wait for this new cycling era to begin...
The decision for a cyclo-cross bike was easy. I wanted something that'd be reminiscent of a road bike when on the road, but also something that could take me on the paths of the canal that I've really enjoyed cycling on recently.
The decision about the bike wasn't so easy. Most cyclo-cross bikes, when brand new, are £700 upwards... hmm, I thought, not sure this is going to happen. Until I found a Giant TCX 3 in the sale at £494. Wow, a (relative) bargain! My hopes were dashed, however, when I realised that this is the end of the season for bikes and that the 2012's will be on their way very soon. I couldn't find the Giant in my size. Feeling sorry for myself I went back on the Internet...
And, I found the Dawes for at a price that was £400 below full price!!! An absolute bargain. Anyway, a long conversation with my wife later, and a sleep, a pray and a think, I clicked the various buttons on the particular website and made my purchase!
Madness? I hope not. A whim? Definitely not. I've found a Nottingham Cycling club and I'm going to check out some proper routes around my area to clock up the miles! I cannot wait for this new cycling era to begin...
10 September 2011
England 13, Argentina 9
I predicted a close one! Jonno's safe picks didn't do anything for the game. A few key changes in the forwards and at scrum half with Youngs coming on swung the momentum in the right direction. Youngs' try turned the game around and Argentina, who hadn't seemed troubled, came unstuck. In 2003, England won the world cup by winning ugly. I don't care how a game's won, so long as it's won!
Rugby World Cup 2011
So, the Rugby World Cup is underway. New Zealand won their (easy) opener and Scotland have won theirs too! The big game today is England vs Argentina. England, not quite at full strength, should win. With captain Tindall and Johnny at the helm, I'm looking forward to a great game of rugby. However, even if it's not a great game, the win in the opening match is what's important. England has some very exciting players mostly in position and at least one, Armitage, out of position on the wing. But Armitage is a great handler and runner of the ball, so he should be fine! The absence of crazy horse Moody is a shame, but not a worry. I believe that there is now enough depth to have real competition for places and that Jonno has carefully picked his 30 men to try and win back the Web Ellis Trophy on 23rd October.
This game will be tight. Both teams are strong up front and that's where the battle will be won. England should take their chances to run the ball when they come, because they won't get too many.
Today's score prediction? England win 15 - 7.
18 August 2011
La Vuelta a Espana
12 August 2011
07 August 2011
05 August 2011
26 July 2011
03 July 2011
Tour de France 2011 ITV4 Schedule
I've posted below the ITV4 TV schedule for the Tour de France. I've also included a bit of information about each stage. The grey stages have been completed and the red stage is the next or current stage. To view a map of the whole route, click here.
29 June 2011
Android Battery Life
Just plugged my phone in to charge for the night... it's been unplugged since 7 this morning (it's 22:15 now) and 81% remains! I used to get awful battery life. But, since FroYo, and some tweaking of settings, I'm very pleased!
War Horse
Looks interesting. There haven't been many WWI films... I met Michael Morpugo in about 1984/5 at Nethercot Farm...
24 June 2011
08 June 2011
Think Bike! Bikers, think!
04 June 2011
Nearly the end of the Holiday
So, it's almost time to return to work after a 2 week break... I've jut tidied and cleared up my desk and am ready to plan for next week (Sunday will be very busy!).
The Lake District is an awesome place. To be able to walk around lakes, up and down mountains, or simply relax in one of its cottages is truly a pleasure! My bro in law and I made it up Sca Fell Pike (pictured) and Helvellyn (as well as Fairfield and St Sunday Crag) on two different walks.
25 May 2011
Half way through the first week...
So far the holiday has been very pleasant so far... no such thing as a lie in though!
The kitchen took a step closer to being completed. Just a bit of beading to do and a few floor tiles to refit. Like the previous post stated, it's only taken a year!
The kitchen took a step closer to being completed. Just a bit of beading to do and a few floor tiles to refit. Like the previous post stated, it's only taken a year!
21 May 2011
Essential D&T
"D&T education is an essential part of a school's curriculum, not just as preparation for a career, or further education in the creative industries, but for its wider educational benefits." Dick Powell, founder of Seymourpowell
It's Holiday Time
Not only is it holiday time, it means that there's only 7 weeks remaining of the academic year! Another year flies by!
But what a year!
But what a year!
16 May 2011
Follow the Leader
You see, you're only a leader when people are following you... (what are you if you're being paid as a "leader," but no-one follows?)
Watch and enjoy...
Watch and enjoy...
Almost holiday time
I usually write about time flying and here's another reference to the fact that tempus really does fugit. My little girl is almost 7 months old! 7 months!?!?! Where did the time go? I find myself always looking forward to the weekend or the next holiday. Not to get away from work, but to spend time with my wife & daughter!
03 May 2011
Loving Your Enemies
"Somewhere somebody must have some sense. Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets toughness. And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody. Somebody must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and the chain of evil in the universe. And you do that by love."
In light of recent events concerning Osama Bin Laden, here's a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. Don't think I need to say anything about it...
The whole speech, which is very good, can be read here.
28 April 2011
27 April 2011
04 April 2011
31 March 2011
24 March 2011
Bladerunner
Just watching Bladerunner. Awesome film. It's dark and moody. Whilst set in 2019, it could be anytime. Questions of identity and humaness abound. Anyway, I'll keep watching...
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25 February 2011
Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides
Can't believe I hadn't posted a video of this Superbowl featurette
21 February 2011
18 February 2011
11 February 2011
BBC News - Are work suits on the way out?
Image from bbc.co.uk
I blogged on the Include Solutions pages about teachers dressing smartly compared to casual to ask the question of what gets more respect from the students.
This BBC article looks at business and the decline of the suit. I for one always try to look smarter on a Friday. As opposed to dress down Friday, I go for super Super Smart Friday. Friday is a tough day. It's the end of the week. Motivation to work hard is low. But the students still need teaching and need to learn. By dressing smartly, I'm setting myself up to feel more professional, to feel better about myself and convey a message to the students that, even on a Friday, I still care.
This week, a student commented on my suit. It doesn't matter what they said, what matters is that they noticed. Students notice the way their teachers dress. Anecdotally, I can say that students prefer to see smartly dressed teachers than casually dressed ones. There's no research to back this up, but suffice to say, that's what students have told me.
So, here I am on a Friday, wearing a suit, shirt, tie and tank top finished off with a pair of shiny dress shoes at a time when the business world seems to have changed.
X-Men First Class - The Trailer
It's here - the first dynamic look at Matthew Vaughn's take on what the X-Men were like in the 1960s. The initial images that were released were effective at whetting the appetite, but raised some concerns about cheesiness. I think the trailer brings enough action mixed with a 60s vibe that might actually work... it'll be interesting to see whether this is a successful start to the X-Men or something that Marvel will reboot in 10 years time...
08 February 2011
07 February 2011
This Summer's Upcoming Movies...
These are the only reasons to get excited about the Superbowl.
COWBOYS VS ALIENS
TRANSFORMERS: THE DARK OF THE MOON
Transformers 'Dark of The Moon' Super Bowl Trailer (720p) from Michael Bay Dot Com on Vimeo.
THOR
CAPTAIN AMERICA
COWBOYS VS ALIENS
TRANSFORMERS: THE DARK OF THE MOON
Transformers 'Dark of The Moon' Super Bowl Trailer (720p) from Michael Bay Dot Com on Vimeo.
THOR
CAPTAIN AMERICA
01 February 2011
The Third Degree...
So, students aren't achieving because their teachers had third class degrees. Teaching should be elitist... read the link and make your own mind up about Gove's latest plans.
25 January 2011
Gove's on the Bac foot with a white paper stuck in 1868
Read the full article here
Talk about FULL circle... 1868? I like comments about the skills necessary for living in Dickensian England.
I am extremely frustrated by the fact that Art, D&T and things like performing arts are not even mentioned. There really is more to life than the contents of this EBacc business.
I do indeed like the fact that the article is written by John White, someone who clearly knows what he's talking about.
23 January 2011
Intrinsic Motivation 2
This time last year, I learnt how to use Dreamweaver CS4 to help to create a website for the business that I am a director for. I did it primarily, but not most importantly, to save money. But what kept me going? I wasn't being paid to create it, nor would it make money once it was done. I got it done because of the challenge. I was learning something new and something that was difficult to master. I am still far from mastering the details of Dreamweaver, but I can now maintain the website and add bits to it where necessary. Apparently, it's called "flow." It wasn't too difficult and it wasn't too easy (although I would have liked an element of ease thrown in at times!). I had complete control over when I worked on the site and when I learnt new things.
I am currently working on linking the domain to the blog. I haven't yet succeeded, but intend to get it sorted. Why? Because I want to the blog URL to look like it's part of the main website and not an add on.
Anyhoo, I shall continue to be intrinsically motivated.
[UPDATE]
I've managed to sort the URL issue.
I am currently working on linking the domain to the blog. I haven't yet succeeded, but intend to get it sorted. Why? Because I want to the blog URL to look like it's part of the main website and not an add on.
Anyhoo, I shall continue to be intrinsically motivated.
[UPDATE]
I've managed to sort the URL issue.
22 January 2011
Twitter - similar to you...
Not entirely sure about @piersmorgan though - don't think we have anything in common...
Sitting Here with my Daughter
Here I am on a Saturday afternoon whilst my daughter sleeps, lying on me, having a cuddle. I just wanted to share how amazing it is. And it looks like I've done just that!
Lovely.
T x
Lovely.
T x
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21 January 2011
New Series of Red Dwarf Confirmed
New Series of Red Dwarf Confirmed : HeyUGuys – UK Movie / Film Blog
YES - let's hope it's as funny as series 5 and series 6. I haven't even bothered downloading 7 or 8 from iTunes... hope it works out!
YES - let's hope it's as funny as series 5 and series 6. I haven't even bothered downloading 7 or 8 from iTunes... hope it works out!
Mobile View for My Blogs
Just used this page to help me sort out the mobile view on my Blog...
Thanks to ipietoon.com.
Thanks to ipietoon.com.
18 January 2011
Carrots and Sticks (aka Intrinsic Motivation 1)
I'm currently reading Drive by Daniel H. Pink
Here is an excerpt about the dangerous use of the carrots and sticks in the workplace - (other than the obvious health and safety related ones...)
Carrots and sticks can:
p.s. Include Solutions has some thoughts here.
Here is an excerpt about the dangerous use of the carrots and sticks in the workplace - (other than the obvious health and safety related ones...)
Carrots and sticks can:
- Extinguish intrinsic motivation
- Diminish performance
- Crush creativity
- Crowd out good behaviour
- Encourage cheating, shortcuts and unethical behaviour
- Become addictive
- Foster short-term thinking
What do we particularly want in the classroom? Motivated individuals who exhibit creativity and good behaviour that achieve beyond their potential? I would like to think this is the case. So, I wonder. If rewards and punishment extinguish, diminish, crush and crowd out the positive attributes and indeed encourage the negative attributes we would like to associate with our young people, then what is the answer?
I will read on...
TR x
p.s. Include Solutions has some thoughts here.
10 January 2011
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
This year I would like to read more, move more and make music. I would like to achieve an Outstanding observation at least once and I would like to share my thoughts with more people. I would like to get into nature more and allow God to inspire me more. I would like to be the best dad I can as well as being a great husband, brother, son and best man. I would like to read the Bible more and learn more about God's love.
Happy New Year!
This year I would like to read more, move more and make music. I would like to achieve an Outstanding observation at least once and I would like to share my thoughts with more people. I would like to get into nature more and allow God to inspire me more. I would like to be the best dad I can as well as being a great husband, brother, son and best man. I would like to read the Bible more and learn more about God's love.
Happy New Year!
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