Green greets the eye
A celebration of vert
New neon tips prick forth
Bursts of brightest green
The theatre of the valley
An audience of dressed trees
Needles new pristine
A patchwork quilt land
Scenery sets the picture
Green tints exhaust
The artists pallet
Buds break and bloom
Broom bristles tickle
Then shoot golden drops
Rhodies blossom bold
Pink, magenta colors glow
Evening light sets low
Bark lit amber
The greens grow up
Days lengthen
Spring smiles at summer
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Ben MacDhui & Back
Friday 11 September started in the dark but soon it was crisp blue skies, perfect for the day I had chosen to head to the summit of Ben MacDhui, highest peak in the Cairngorms and second highest peak in the island we call Great Britain. Unlike my usual walks, this one required a drive to Breamar and onwards to the Linn O'Dee for parking. Once there the walking legs would get warmed up (after a trip to the compost toilet, OK too much info.) as I headed toward Derry Lodge. The walk was soft undulations on a good track and meandered along with a young river. Driving up you get to see into the heart of the Cairngorms, the first rays of morning where lighting up the corrie faces with cracked lines of granite. Out from behind the shoulder of a hill, the first view from two feet into the Gorm's. Derry Cairngorm, smooth feminine top with an aggressive corrie lurking in the background. Even though the hills were miles in the distance I was surprised how small they looked (I felt I was sure to reget that thought later). All my life I have looked across to the Gorms from near my home in Aboyne, Carnferg Hill, the roof of mid Deeside walk or on trips to Morven or Mount Keen. Views to a mass of mountains as a whole, often wearing the white crown of Scotland, now I was in amongst them.
MacDhui Walk
At Derry Lodge (boarded up unfortunately) you cross a wooden bridge and from there on danger was a constant companion. While stopping for second breakfast a fellow walker past by and as we skipped and hopped across bogs, we struck up conversation. A magical morning and enriched by sharing the experiences of times in the hills. But we had different routes planned so with a right turn the first gradients of the day guided me upwards.
The narrow path rose up the valley until a sudden roar filled my ears. I first looked to the sky to see if a jet was passing but in a few more steps a buoyant stream was thundering away. The path fragmented as many walkers before decided where best to cross? There did not seem to be an easy stepping stone combination on offer so a decision had to be made, off with the boots and into the cold (freezing) waters or as I chose, a couple of large strides to get half way across to take stock again. One leap was required but the landing looked slippy and one slip would mean a broken ankle. I untether my rucksack and threw it across. The jump was too marginal so I opted for a human bridge sort of, you know where you fall straight forward and catch yourself on the suspension of your arms. It worked my hands were across, the legs did their best splits and they too were over, just skimming the burn.
Steep slopes were now the order of the day. I got into a brisk rhythm and got stuck into the hill. By now the sun was higher in the sky and well it was hot, real summer hot, frequent outings for the water bottle were in order until it was time for lunch, 10.30am. I needed re fulling and it looked crazy steep ahead and sure enough it was. Very steep and grassy gravel soon became a boulder field acting like a drunken staircase. I couple of descending walkers passed by, happy chappies I thought, blue sky sun, already been at the summit. Employing a zig-zag technique I drove up and up, large chunks of black granite passed by and then to my surprise I was on the platau. With fresh enthusiasm in the legs, skipping through the smoother boulders I was on my way to the Ben MacDhui summit. The summit trig point was not alone, I was greeted with a hand shake from a fellow hiker, a German hiker at that.
The blue sky was now milky and looking north, grey was soon to approach too. It was quiet, the immediate views around felt prehistoric, dangerous and uninviting. I soaked it all in, photos to be taken and the views to all parts of Scotland, you did feel like you were in the middle of the middle of Scotland.
The blue sky was gone now, streaking darker and the atmosphere was less bright too. Time to head for home. I decided to follow the loop walk on the map rather than go back the way I came up, I did not fancy the steep boulders in reverse, but there was to plenty more boulders waiting for me. There are paths worn into the hills, but there was no guiding path waiting for me on the way down initially. You had to trust your map and yourself. A turn right had to be made but too soon the crags for the corrie would call you in, but too far a new corrie awaited. Gingerly I climbed up a smooth sloped hill eager to view over it and bingo, I was in the saddle between the two corries, Derry Caringorm ahead, while conical in shape, no smoothness, just big boulders, and it was steep too. But they were navigated through, not without a couple of wobbles that got the heart fluttering. Back high up the view to the car park could be seen and also the realization that another 2 lower summits had to be reached and it looked like boulders all the way and it was, I kicked about half a dozen of them, my black and blue toes tips collected as souvenirs. I met quite a few walkers in this stretch, mainly older folks, we all had time for a good chat, they were on they way up but as so was their enthusiasm for being out in the hills. I walk a lot and rarely see another person but today I met people all along the way, maybe an hour at most between chats, I enjoyed that.
I kept forgetting how high up I was. A lot of descending had taken place but one more thigh burning section was head before the tree line and valley floor. Before then a 'Lord of the rings' styled ledge had to be passed, it was the closest I had been to the edge of a steep plummet I had been all day, I wasn't enjoying it. I kept thinking - add a bit of snow and ice and death is ready for you. Un-at-ease I completed the ridge.
The softer woodland path brought me to the Derry Lodge bridge, I crossed and sat down on the safe side, danger was now over. I shared a tree trunk with a couple, I was raiding my rucksack for food, still lots to eat but they offered their crisps, nice and salty, hmm. We had a pleasant chat but I still had an hour of walking to complete the trek. While only 2.30, the day now felt long, I was tired, the crisp blue valley on the way up was cool but calm. My first trip to the Ben MacDhui was now over, it was 3.30pm.
MacDhui Walk
At Derry Lodge (boarded up unfortunately) you cross a wooden bridge and from there on danger was a constant companion. While stopping for second breakfast a fellow walker past by and as we skipped and hopped across bogs, we struck up conversation. A magical morning and enriched by sharing the experiences of times in the hills. But we had different routes planned so with a right turn the first gradients of the day guided me upwards.
The narrow path rose up the valley until a sudden roar filled my ears. I first looked to the sky to see if a jet was passing but in a few more steps a buoyant stream was thundering away. The path fragmented as many walkers before decided where best to cross? There did not seem to be an easy stepping stone combination on offer so a decision had to be made, off with the boots and into the cold (freezing) waters or as I chose, a couple of large strides to get half way across to take stock again. One leap was required but the landing looked slippy and one slip would mean a broken ankle. I untether my rucksack and threw it across. The jump was too marginal so I opted for a human bridge sort of, you know where you fall straight forward and catch yourself on the suspension of your arms. It worked my hands were across, the legs did their best splits and they too were over, just skimming the burn.
Steep slopes were now the order of the day. I got into a brisk rhythm and got stuck into the hill. By now the sun was higher in the sky and well it was hot, real summer hot, frequent outings for the water bottle were in order until it was time for lunch, 10.30am. I needed re fulling and it looked crazy steep ahead and sure enough it was. Very steep and grassy gravel soon became a boulder field acting like a drunken staircase. I couple of descending walkers passed by, happy chappies I thought, blue sky sun, already been at the summit. Employing a zig-zag technique I drove up and up, large chunks of black granite passed by and then to my surprise I was on the platau. With fresh enthusiasm in the legs, skipping through the smoother boulders I was on my way to the Ben MacDhui summit. The summit trig point was not alone, I was greeted with a hand shake from a fellow hiker, a German hiker at that.
The blue sky was now milky and looking north, grey was soon to approach too. It was quiet, the immediate views around felt prehistoric, dangerous and uninviting. I soaked it all in, photos to be taken and the views to all parts of Scotland, you did feel like you were in the middle of the middle of Scotland.
The blue sky was gone now, streaking darker and the atmosphere was less bright too. Time to head for home. I decided to follow the loop walk on the map rather than go back the way I came up, I did not fancy the steep boulders in reverse, but there was to plenty more boulders waiting for me. There are paths worn into the hills, but there was no guiding path waiting for me on the way down initially. You had to trust your map and yourself. A turn right had to be made but too soon the crags for the corrie would call you in, but too far a new corrie awaited. Gingerly I climbed up a smooth sloped hill eager to view over it and bingo, I was in the saddle between the two corries, Derry Caringorm ahead, while conical in shape, no smoothness, just big boulders, and it was steep too. But they were navigated through, not without a couple of wobbles that got the heart fluttering. Back high up the view to the car park could be seen and also the realization that another 2 lower summits had to be reached and it looked like boulders all the way and it was, I kicked about half a dozen of them, my black and blue toes tips collected as souvenirs. I met quite a few walkers in this stretch, mainly older folks, we all had time for a good chat, they were on they way up but as so was their enthusiasm for being out in the hills. I walk a lot and rarely see another person but today I met people all along the way, maybe an hour at most between chats, I enjoyed that.
I kept forgetting how high up I was. A lot of descending had taken place but one more thigh burning section was head before the tree line and valley floor. Before then a 'Lord of the rings' styled ledge had to be passed, it was the closest I had been to the edge of a steep plummet I had been all day, I wasn't enjoying it. I kept thinking - add a bit of snow and ice and death is ready for you. Un-at-ease I completed the ridge.
The softer woodland path brought me to the Derry Lodge bridge, I crossed and sat down on the safe side, danger was now over. I shared a tree trunk with a couple, I was raiding my rucksack for food, still lots to eat but they offered their crisps, nice and salty, hmm. We had a pleasant chat but I still had an hour of walking to complete the trek. While only 2.30, the day now felt long, I was tired, the crisp blue valley on the way up was cool but calm. My first trip to the Ben MacDhui was now over, it was 3.30pm.
Friday, September 04, 2009
The Silver Darlings HTM Aberdeen
I splashed through the puddles and rain to arrive at HMT to meet-up with my parents and auntie to watch the Show, The Silver Darlings . First I had to skin myself of my waterproofs, an action the fishermen of the north sea no doubt do daily. The Silver Darlings is a novel written by Neil Gunn based on the backdrop of the Highland Clearances, formation of the herring industry in the north of Scotland and central to this performance a story of love.
Heartache starts as our companion as the uncomfortably harsh tone pregnant lass's love leaves for the sea. A son is soon born and it was real clever the fast forwarding in time as a baby became a jacket adorned by young loon, Fin. We were then reminded of the harsh and strict rule the Kirk exercised over communities in those times. But optimism and enthusiasm was in the air for the enterprising as silver herring prices boomed, more boats took to the seas. Plenty of water around, including from a leak in the theatre roof. A real life prop and this was complemented by the digital background scenery, that worked real well for me.
The sea continued to provide danger for those in boats and worry for those onshore but worse was ahead, the Plague . Lives were lost. Journeys into the unknown taken to find medicines, new languages to be learnt and with nothing, food and directions appeared from the kindness of strangers. Disease passed, time passed, the seas remained dangerous. Not just from the forces of nature but of those of man, the exciseman's (taxman) soldiers of the sea that took life enforcing the 'law'. Time was passing and the patience of a 'all comes to he of waits' love of a skippers moment arrives. Marriage and new life is born again, and boats are again set sail for the sea. The cast skillfully narrated the story, often playing a couple of parts. It all worked a treat and while it was a tough story, it was an excellent performance to watch. Well done to them all.
Heartache starts as our companion as the uncomfortably harsh tone pregnant lass's love leaves for the sea. A son is soon born and it was real clever the fast forwarding in time as a baby became a jacket adorned by young loon, Fin. We were then reminded of the harsh and strict rule the Kirk exercised over communities in those times. But optimism and enthusiasm was in the air for the enterprising as silver herring prices boomed, more boats took to the seas. Plenty of water around, including from a leak in the theatre roof. A real life prop and this was complemented by the digital background scenery, that worked real well for me.
The sea continued to provide danger for those in boats and worry for those onshore but worse was ahead, the Plague . Lives were lost. Journeys into the unknown taken to find medicines, new languages to be learnt and with nothing, food and directions appeared from the kindness of strangers. Disease passed, time passed, the seas remained dangerous. Not just from the forces of nature but of those of man, the exciseman's (taxman) soldiers of the sea that took life enforcing the 'law'. Time was passing and the patience of a 'all comes to he of waits' love of a skippers moment arrives. Marriage and new life is born again, and boats are again set sail for the sea. The cast skillfully narrated the story, often playing a couple of parts. It all worked a treat and while it was a tough story, it was an excellent performance to watch. Well done to them all.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Lochnagar Collection - Paul Anderson
Last night Paul Anderson launch his second book of Scots Fiddle tunes, The Lochnagar Collection. Paul invited family and friends to gather at the MacRobert's Hall, the Square, Tarland. The evening started with the finest Piping from Jimmy, heart warming bothy ballad singing by Shona and the evening concluded with dazzling fiddle playing from Paul.
The Lochnagar Collection, originally uploaded by ecotorch.
The book contains 308 Scots fiddle tunes all bar two composed by Paul, his brother David Anderson adding those (page 43 he pointed that out out for me). In addition to the many cracking tunes the book includes many photos and stories about the tunes that brings extra character to the publication. Paul also includes an informative introduction including 'A rough guide to the Scots fiddle' which I have just started to read.
Many hours (years!) of fiddle practice ahead for me as I fiddle my way through the pages. A CD entitled, 'Home and Beauty' was also released with the book. The Press and Journal also has a piece on the book release today.
The Lochnagar Collection, originally uploaded by ecotorch.
The book contains 308 Scots fiddle tunes all bar two composed by Paul, his brother David Anderson adding those (page 43 he pointed that out out for me). In addition to the many cracking tunes the book includes many photos and stories about the tunes that brings extra character to the publication. Paul also includes an informative introduction including 'A rough guide to the Scots fiddle' which I have just started to read.
Many hours (years!) of fiddle practice ahead for me as I fiddle my way through the pages. A CD entitled, 'Home and Beauty' was also released with the book. The Press and Journal also has a piece on the book release today.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Classical Violin - Aboyne
I was lucky enough to be invited to listen to Leland Chen at Aboyne Theatre on Saturday evening. Solo violin with piano accompaniment, Chen played in a mainly aggressive style but with mastery throughout. The event was hosted by the Strathdee Music Club.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Mary Louise Butterworth - Artist
The Modern Reflective era is how I describe the art produced by my friend Mary Butterworth .
On her site Mary gives a fuller description of her style.
Some of the earliest pictures I saw from Mary where from places I know real well, Glen Tanner bridge for example. This painting did not include the bridge but by capturing just the Tanner burn, trees and glossy reflective water I knew where she was standing. And it has been this early reflective style that has been combined with night City scenes to produce Art like the picture of HMT Aberdeen, included in this post. There are new pictures from Edinburgh coming and I am looking forward to seeing those.
On her site Mary gives a fuller description of her style.
Some of the earliest pictures I saw from Mary where from places I know real well, Glen Tanner bridge for example. This painting did not include the bridge but by capturing just the Tanner burn, trees and glossy reflective water I knew where she was standing. And it has been this early reflective style that has been combined with night City scenes to produce Art like the picture of HMT Aberdeen, included in this post. There are new pictures from Edinburgh coming and I am looking forward to seeing those.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
flocklocal.net activity no.1
The Flocklocal @sicamp team discovered and flash mob-ed Glasgow Wood Recycling this morning. Peter Lavelle welcomed us to his recycling center where we helped with with weeding inside and outside the area, painting and then a load of recycled wood was unloaded. 60 minutes of volunteering to make a positive impact to their centre, many hands make light work. Photo of the event here.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
flash mob group live blogging
@sicamp twitter
Build a ________ that will match volunteer + resources
LOCATION TIME INTEREST TASK
People volunteer
short term
compulisive
no commitment
ORG
needs something done what tools dv???
project manager
volunteer = individuals
community / individuals
Volunteer
How do people want to volunteer location, type, time length
Diff. Technique
website
map
mobile
widget
FBconnect
twitter
Widget
sell $
Financial
Tools
Rating
Matching
Expertise
Past Activity
Interest/complexity
sector
Tools
online community
event-y site
maps pins
pledge banks
Build a ________ that will match volunteer + resources
LOCATION TIME INTEREST TASK
People volunteer
short term
compulisive
no commitment
ORG
needs something done what tools dv???
project manager
volunteer = individuals
community / individuals
Volunteer
How do people want to volunteer location, type, time length
Diff. Technique
website
map
mobile
widget
FBconnect
Widget
sell $
Financial
Tools
Rating
Matching
Expertise
Past Activity
Interest/complexity
sector
Tools
online community
event-y site
maps pins
pledge banks
sicamp live blogging
Intro. morning talk
5 things need to happen
1. have chat
2. hack together software
3. think, stain idea, business model
4. name, people use it branding etc???
5. what going to do, to take forward
Up to teams to do that rest.
Open Space
Law of two feet, feel free to move to different groups
Ask for help
SIcamp team / twitter to at any time
5 things need to happen
1. have chat
2. hack together software
3. think, stain idea, business model
4. name, people use it branding etc???
5. what going to do, to take forward
Up to teams to do that rest.
Open Space
Law of two feet, feel free to move to different groups
Ask for help
SIcamp team / twitter to at any time
Monday, April 13, 2009
Ballater Kirk Stainglass window
I met up with the Butterworth Clan and friends on Sunday to attend the service to commit the new Ballater Kirk stainglass window in legacy of Mike Sheridan the late local butcher. Howard Butterworth designed the stainglass window. The window is best viewed from inside the kirk but the spring sunshine shows some of its magic from outside. The van is on the window too if you look closely. Later in the day I visited the Butterworth Gallery to see the Spring collection by Howard and Mary. Howards Daffodils were my favorite, reminded me of this photo I took recently.
Ballater Kirk Stainglass window, originally uploaded by ecotorch.
Ballater Kirk Stainglass window, originally uploaded by ecotorch.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Peace & Abundance
War fills the airwaves again.
A world of abundance will give the world its best chance of peace.
That is the opportunity the Internet give us all.
A world of abundance will give the world its best chance of peace.
That is the opportunity the Internet give us all.
Friday, December 05, 2008
aboynejames.co.uk goes social
I've added a google Friends Connect Gadget to the home page. Now I can say, see you on the site.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
life as a trader
My early entrepreneurial days focused on the commodity markets. Future and options markets, more complexity called derivatives. During that time, I met Ron Carmichael, a trader that started in his successful career from his dorm room. He is now sharing is trading insights and lessons an a new website and blog.
What a time to be involved in the financial markets. Ron's thought, observations and lessons are worth a read.
What a time to be involved in the financial markets. Ron's thought, observations and lessons are worth a read.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Beetles, Bees & Butterfiles
As I walked the gravel paths I noticed that the end of summer/start of autumn was being marked in a manner that I hadn't taken notice of before. The bumble bees were mainly dead, the butterflies were inactive or soaking up a glimpse from the sun, the only happy insects seemed to be the black beetles as the moved with purpose across the land.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
blogging more than ever but not in public
The volume of blog posts here has diminished dramatically this year. This is because I blog/twitter etc in other places but mainly because most of my blog posts are on an internal wiki blog for mepath . This is my first startup where blogging has been available. As a founder with ideas, we have a need to share our ideas. Blogging is an expression of your ideas, hyperlinked to supporting information or a prediction on the future now, which later gains support months down the line. We are in the game of making thin air real and blogging is a tool to help us achieve that. A fun lifestyle, everyday.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
aboynegames 2008
AboyneGames is round again, the first Saturday in August every year.
This year the games will bring back a fiddle competition for juniors and seniors. I've entered, its solo, Slow Air, March, Strathspey and Reel. About 6 minutes of play time, probably a bit quicker on the day when the nerves kick in no doubt.
See you on the green.
This year the games will bring back a fiddle competition for juniors and seniors. I've entered, its solo, Slow Air, March, Strathspey and Reel. About 6 minutes of play time, probably a bit quicker on the day when the nerves kick in no doubt.
See you on the green.
Friday, June 13, 2008
snow cover on the gorms
The Cairngorms and the higher peaks in Scotland get a reminder of winter today.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Scotland Land of Food & Drink
The First Scotland: Land of Food and Drink Conference was held at Gleneagles this week.
A two day conference, with each day starting with a look at trends, retailing trends day, one and on day two, tourism/food market research from visitor to Scotland. Then the rest of the days talked about 'farm to fork'. The supply chain to service retail demand. The retailer seemed to be used a lot as the customer for the supply chain. The end individual consuming the product is surely the customer. The second day saw smaller entrepreneurial farmers and hotelier share their stories. Stories that focused on the end customer, the individual. Much more enthusiasm and innovation from these speakers than on day one.
The CEO of Scotland Land of Food and Drink clearly articulated an ambitious agenda. There is clearly a big opportunity, thinking 'small' may however be the best way to realise those goals?
A two day conference, with each day starting with a look at trends, retailing trends day, one and on day two, tourism/food market research from visitor to Scotland. Then the rest of the days talked about 'farm to fork'. The supply chain to service retail demand. The retailer seemed to be used a lot as the customer for the supply chain. The end individual consuming the product is surely the customer. The second day saw smaller entrepreneurial farmers and hotelier share their stories. Stories that focused on the end customer, the individual. Much more enthusiasm and innovation from these speakers than on day one.
The CEO of Scotland Land of Food and Drink clearly articulated an ambitious agenda. There is clearly a big opportunity, thinking 'small' may however be the best way to realise those goals?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
dataportability barcampscotland2008
www.dataportability.org
friend of a friend
opensocial example. ref semantic
user in control in profile
Authentication is important e.g openID
WC3 to ratify?
Needs to be Free Patent Policy
Presenter Harry Halpin
friend of a friend
opensocial example. ref semantic
user in control in profile
Authentication is important e.g openID
WC3 to ratify?
Needs to be Free Patent Policy
Presenter Harry Halpin
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
barcampScotland 2008
It's hard to believe its approaching a year since the first barcamp in Scotland. A month earlier this year, we have barcampScotland 2008 on 2nd February, Edinburgh. Full details on the wiki and a party Friday evening too this time. A barcamp is an unconference event where participants freely and openly share learning and experiences, web2.0 to software to eduction etc. etc. if you have a topic or interest you want to share, get it on the schedule.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
me & my DNA
The Richard Dimbleby lecture was given by Craig Ventor last night, entitled, A DNA-Driven World .
At the heart of his lecture was Life.
He touched on a couple of topics that are core to me. Focus on life outcomes rather than transactions.
Transforming education from memory factory to real world problem solving.
Prevention agenda on all fronts health to war.
At the heart of his lecture was Life.
He touched on a couple of topics that are core to me. Focus on life outcomes rather than transactions.
Transforming education from memory factory to real world problem solving.
Prevention agenda on all fronts health to war.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Ben Avon white with snow
The first good covering of Snow wraps itself around the Cairngorms. The Westward or each facing slopes are holding most of the wind blown snow on Ben Avon. Will this be the start of the skiiing season? The free skier and snow boarder were out on the hills on Friday. Powder was to be had. Great.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Butterworth Jigtime 68 minutes
I teamed up with a couple of friend to enter the Butterworth JigTime competition this weekend. You get a puzzle, in this case, a Howard Butterworth painting of Dunnator Castle, 250 pieces and you have to put it together in the quickest time. Our time 68 minutes, took second place, 13 minutes behind the winners. Now, 250 does not seem a lot of pieces but this is no ordinary puzzle. No corner pieces and harly a straight edge to find. Watch out for JigTime 2008, it is a lot of fun.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Whisky live Glasgow
I attended Whiskylive Glasgow on Friday and Saturday. A celebration of whiskies of the world. Most were Scotch, with single malts leading the way but one Irish whisky attended too.
I liked the format. You get a whisky glass and vouchers to exchange for a sample of the water of life from a product of your choosing. My favourite single malt was The Benromach Single Highland Malt from Gordon & MacPhail, the world's only organic certified Scotch. Warm and smooth.
Cheers to all for making the event a great experience.
I liked the format. You get a whisky glass and vouchers to exchange for a sample of the water of life from a product of your choosing. My favourite single malt was The Benromach Single Highland Malt from Gordon & MacPhail, the world's only organic certified Scotch. Warm and smooth.
Cheers to all for making the event a great experience.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
coder not= designer
Being able to write software code does not mean you have an eye for the design of a website but you can learn. New three column css layout for aboynejames.co.uk now has a better three panel back ground.
Learning design by doing.
Learning design by doing.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Being able to hack
Being in the company of software engineers, Internet developers and geeks it's not long before you hear the word 'hacking'. Hacking the code. Now, I can join in this hacking. The word is so appropriate, I find myself hacking through the html/CSS/PHP code, like a forest some pages of code are thicker and more difficult to navigate than others. I get hacking.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
aboynejames php
Now that my coding experience is expanding I am re-hosting aboynejames.co.uk
at a new ISP and making it all html, php based. So you will see parts of the site, probably more accurate to say, all of the site disappearing from time to time as I learn some new tricks.
at a new ISP and making it all html, php based. So you will see parts of the site, probably more accurate to say, all of the site disappearing from time to time as I learn some new tricks.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Taste of Scotland Exports Conference
I spent the day at The Gleneagles hotel attending the Taste of Scotland Exporting Conference. A day of learning from those that have led the way in breaking into new markets a broad. The talks ranged from the product labeling to legal paperwork. The market and advertising used to enter market from USA to Taiwan.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Countryside geeks Highland geeks
When I am not travelling, home is in the countryside. Thanks to the Internet, epically with the arrival of broadband, we can develop websites and write software and publish instantly to the web.
I am keen to hear from others that have chosen a countryside or Highland (as in Scotland for me) base for the Internet development or entrepreneurial base. james (at) aboynejames (dot) co (dot) uk
I am keen to hear from others that have chosen a countryside or Highland (as in Scotland for me) base for the Internet development or entrepreneurial base. james (at) aboynejames (dot) co (dot) uk
Anita Roddick
I was travelling from Southampton to Brighton a week past Friday on the train. Sign posts pass by quite frequently and one was for Littlehampton. That means one thing to me, Anita Roddick and the founding of the Bodyshop. Little did I know by the time I arrived back in Scotland on the Monday that I would be reading about her death.
Equipped with entrepreneurship of the most able kind she trail blazed the causes of human, animal and environmental rights and put them at the heart of her business. Profits would come from caring for these causes. Her 'change the world' attitude and this wider meaning of what the word profit should mean, made her a entrepreneurial inspiration. I was fortunate enough to meet Anita a few times, while this will no longer be possible, she has left us many tales to read in her books and online and from observing the results of her actions, Bodyshop to volunteering.
Equipped with entrepreneurship of the most able kind she trail blazed the causes of human, animal and environmental rights and put them at the heart of her business. Profits would come from caring for these causes. Her 'change the world' attitude and this wider meaning of what the word profit should mean, made her a entrepreneurial inspiration. I was fortunate enough to meet Anita a few times, while this will no longer be possible, she has left us many tales to read in her books and online and from observing the results of her actions, Bodyshop to volunteering.
barcampBrighton
I attended my first barcamp in England the other weekend, barcampBrighton. It was an intense learning experience as always and the range of topics range from Internet to some eclectic. Thank you to all the co-planners and sponsors for hosting a great camp. Here I am participating:
Sunday, September 09, 2007
drupal 2 session barcampBrighton
drupal
open source, free, impressive support, modular and themeable, wordpress plus, plus
Why choose? need to byspoke SME clients.
themes:bocks, and regions, you can ask the drupal engine.
beware, end website all look like drupal websites. UI needs more differenciation. This is now happening, more needed.
how to build
starting a theme
garland, default drupal theme. good XHTML layout, non tabular. Then striped of styling, as much as you can do.
removed CSS, chopped modular includes
removed what you can not use.
PHP template files underpin templates. nodes on page related to templates.php files.
Need to hardcode, to fix whole page look. PHP coded directly.
Site structure:
drupal good at flaksonomic or flat sites.
poor structured sites
one standard stcure, neu heirarch
can use category module. Had to create duplicate much core menu code. To make your own menu drop downs.
Content Construction kit
get more complex form from standard page or story page format
adds content hooks to node workflow
then create submenus, add extra fields, declare and create widgets and eit them
contributed code, NOT CORE. but well supported.
Forms, used plug in standard modules, signup etc.
Hacking the core.
NEVER EVER DO IT. core keeps moving
multiple development on the site, use subvertion to manage code base. use seperate files for each developer
open source, free, impressive support, modular and themeable, wordpress plus, plus
Why choose? need to byspoke SME clients.
themes:bocks, and regions, you can ask the drupal engine.
beware, end website all look like drupal websites. UI needs more differenciation. This is now happening, more needed.
how to build
starting a theme
garland, default drupal theme. good XHTML layout, non tabular. Then striped of styling, as much as you can do.
removed CSS, chopped modular includes
removed what you can not use.
PHP template files underpin templates. nodes on page related to templates.php files.
Need to hardcode, to fix whole page look. PHP coded directly.
Site structure:
drupal good at flaksonomic or flat sites.
poor structured sites
one standard stcure, neu heirarch
can use category module. Had to create duplicate much core menu code. To make your own menu drop downs.
Content Construction kit
get more complex form from standard page or story page format
adds content hooks to node workflow
then create submenus, add extra fields, declare and create widgets and eit them
contributed code, NOT CORE. but well supported.
Forms, used plug in standard modules, signup etc.
Hacking the core.
NEVER EVER DO IT. core keeps moving
multiple development on the site, use subvertion to manage code base. use seperate files for each developer
depression in a geeks world barcampbrighton
presenter David Thompson fatbook 'fatty' domain name
.net developer c# asp
depression:
lack of motivation
geeks excess motivation
big contrasts, but what happens when you have both???
treatment, medication or exercise. Talk
Community, geek e.g. barcamp, understand what you say/mean. Feel accepted. Celebration of what you do.
Satisfaction in work, showing what you have done.
.net developer c# asp
depression:
lack of motivation
geeks excess motivation
big contrasts, but what happens when you have both???
treatment, medication or exercise. Talk
Community, geek e.g. barcamp, understand what you say/mean. Feel accepted. Celebration of what you do.
Satisfaction in work, showing what you have done.
drupal cms barcampbrighton
Grant talk
Test alot of cms. Took open source stance.
Look to roll out new site press of a button.
Chose drupal, quick setup.
Client, low cost, $2k website.
losts of benefit of drupal.
cons, lot of work to understand api? Some contraints.
walk through of how to use. Very useful.
Test alot of cms. Took open source stance.
Look to roll out new site press of a button.
Chose drupal, quick setup.
Client, low cost, $2k website.
losts of benefit of drupal.
cons, lot of work to understand api? Some contraints.
walk through of how to use. Very useful.
Warewolf barcampbrighton
Been playing a new team/group game called Warewolf. They tell me their is lots of info. on the game on the web so this is a reminder to search.
Involves in short, villagers, a seer, a healer and warewolf(s). Villagers need to find warewolf before vice versa, who ever does first, wins.
Involves in short, villagers, a seer, a healer and warewolf(s). Villagers need to find warewolf before vice versa, who ever does first, wins.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
barcampBrighton hacking session 11.45
Presenter Tom Shannon
7 deadly sins.
1sql injection
2javascript injection
3cookie injection
4email injection
5file uploads
6corss domain
7
1, happened UN website, 2 days to notice. basically insert commands in username/password input boxes
.net most prone to this, but php an other happen. You need to watch that data processing and pass around by the application is secure and not intercepted.
2. e.g. myspace worm , ajax code to attract new users took down wholesite.
3. store data on server better than cookie
4. spammer include cc in email box to send out virus.
dont put user email in headers, tip
5. uploads, set proactively the stuff you want.
6 cross domain form submission
risk e.g. one click buying access. or risk for emali apps within socialnetworks, e.g. flickr mail, use token with form to stop.
7 Cross domain api
www.ts0.com blog url for Tom
7 deadly sins.
1sql injection
2javascript injection
3cookie injection
4email injection
5file uploads
6corss domain
7
1, happened UN website, 2 days to notice. basically insert commands in username/password input boxes
.net most prone to this, but php an other happen. You need to watch that data processing and pass around by the application is secure and not intercepted.
2. e.g. myspace worm , ajax code to attract new users took down wholesite.
3. store data on server better than cookie
4. spammer include cc in email box to send out virus.
dont put user email in headers, tip
5. uploads, set proactively the stuff you want.
6 cross domain form submission
risk e.g. one click buying access. or risk for emali apps within socialnetworks, e.g. flickr mail, use token with form to stop.
7 Cross domain api
www.ts0.com blog url for Tom
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Learning to code
I've resisted for a while but I have decide to learn to code, ie. write software. I sort of do that today anyway but I am extending my range to PHP and Ruby on Rails. Both open source web scripting languages. I have never been taught at Uni or on a course so I am learning all the basics via excellent blog posts on web. I was going to buy a book, might yet, but I often find the best book is the blogosphere. Not quite as well organised as a book but boasts many more benefits. For example a book is written in one style, however, in the blogosphere you can get different styles or different levels of knowledge. I am two weeks in, one week focused on PHP and one on Ruby on Rails. This has helped teach me the basics of programming. Now I need to focus on one? One of the initial challenges I faced was just installing the correct setup environment and then getting apache talking to mysql and mysql to PHP and Ruby (OK, I use the rails server for now).
I am enjoying the code and not so much the bugs!
I am enjoying the code and not so much the bugs!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
video will be reborn every time the image quality improves
I capture and publish a lot more video these days. The quality play back on my local laptop is good but most views are via a flash or media players on the web. We upload our content in high quality but that is not what gets published. The service providers still have the original files, so as Moores Law continues to reduce costs with time we will see video services up-grading the play back quality, again and again until the quality that is captured is the same as the quality seen on the Internet.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
The media makes everything entertaining
The media, broadcasting, stuff on the tele to the web try to make everything entertaining? Not entertaining then no one watches. It's just a take on information. Take the weather. We watch weather forecasts, but the level of personalization in minimal. However, you can go to the source of the information that the Weather 'experts' use to make us the weather entertainment. What is the weather like this afternoon. Lets look up the paper or twich on the tele. It will come but why not switch on the local radar piciture to see if it rain near by and see if the wind is blowing it our way. We can do this today but for me very few do. Inertial is with the media. Is entertainment what we always want? Not the reality that is personal?
And an add on point. I have realised that social weather casts will becoming along. We need all the source weather forecasting informaiton and more as technology allows. However, I guess that one of the best sources of informatoin someone visiting Aboyne in Royal Deeside could do looking for a weather forecast and linking it to the outdoor things they want to do or any activity would be to ask me. Why I have lived here all my life. I can map the information to the experince of life. I have the most informaion on the subject.
And an add on point. I have realised that social weather casts will becoming along. We need all the source weather forecasting informaiton and more as technology allows. However, I guess that one of the best sources of informatoin someone visiting Aboyne in Royal Deeside could do looking for a weather forecast and linking it to the outdoor things they want to do or any activity would be to ask me. Why I have lived here all my life. I can map the information to the experince of life. I have the most informaion on the subject.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Aberdeen OpenCoffee Club
I have setup up an Aberdeen OpenCoffee Club event on Upcoming.org. While in Silicon Valley I attended the Palo Alto, OpenCoffee meetup which is part of the OpenCoffee Club community. They are great places to talk to fellow entrepreneurs, Internet developers and all those interested in startup businesses, Internet or other wise.
If you are interested, sign up to upcoming website and I'll see you there.
The opencoffee club are also promoting the SEEDCAMP unconference in London in September.
If you are interested, sign up to upcoming website and I'll see you there.
The opencoffee club are also promoting the SEEDCAMP unconference in London in September.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Industrailist The Digitalist
I have observed that as an entrepreneur you will be swept along or crushed by prevailing trends in society. Now your vision may be to create one of these but the total game is a lot larger than a vision.
I read an interesting slide and document linked in this blog posting. It describes how we are at an impasse between The Industrialist and The Digitalist. The former driven by scarcity and the economics of Adam Smith and the latter driven by abundance and of a new 'adam smith' science that is just starting to be understood. The article uses history to show that when such shifts in society take place, the incumbent, in this case The Industrialist, will fail to see the new world, even if they are looking directly at it. Conversely, The Digitalist will be discounted.
We are living in such times. The Digitalists do exist, the author lists, CEO of Google, as an example of how they drive a different message to the State (Government) and the rest of the corporate world.
As a startup entrepreneur and visionary I put myself in the Digitalist category and have been so for 10 years or so. I am not sure I knew or appreciated this until very recently. Looking back on my experiences it easy to see some repetitive lessions and feedback. I can see the way to how tomorrow will be but virtually no one around me would see it, they didn't even understand the vocabulary I use, words they know but in combinations foreign to their thinking.
Moving to silicon valley surrounded me with Digitalists. Conversations can be engaged with no schooling required. But its not just a case of moving to find like minded people, I need to learn as an entrepreneur new ways to communicate and show a stable and sensible or business case to encourage industrailists large and small to change. I feel more equipped to do this.
I read an interesting slide and document linked in this blog posting. It describes how we are at an impasse between The Industrialist and The Digitalist. The former driven by scarcity and the economics of Adam Smith and the latter driven by abundance and of a new 'adam smith' science that is just starting to be understood. The article uses history to show that when such shifts in society take place, the incumbent, in this case The Industrialist, will fail to see the new world, even if they are looking directly at it. Conversely, The Digitalist will be discounted.
We are living in such times. The Digitalists do exist, the author lists, CEO of Google, as an example of how they drive a different message to the State (Government) and the rest of the corporate world.
As a startup entrepreneur and visionary I put myself in the Digitalist category and have been so for 10 years or so. I am not sure I knew or appreciated this until very recently. Looking back on my experiences it easy to see some repetitive lessions and feedback. I can see the way to how tomorrow will be but virtually no one around me would see it, they didn't even understand the vocabulary I use, words they know but in combinations foreign to their thinking.
Moving to silicon valley surrounded me with Digitalists. Conversations can be engaged with no schooling required. But its not just a case of moving to find like minded people, I need to learn as an entrepreneur new ways to communicate and show a stable and sensible or business case to encourage industrailists large and small to change. I feel more equipped to do this.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
comparison shopping entrepreneurship lesson: never waiver
In 1998 I turned my startup energies to comparison shopping. This involved moving to Edinburgh to live for the first time. After a couple of years of bootstrapping I raised some angel funding and Prosumer Solutions was incorporated. I used my primative graphics skills to illustrate my thoughts on comparison shopping for financial services. The business quickly moved into content management tools and eventually the business stopped trading.
Today, just some 7 years on, comparison shopping websites are selling for hundreds of millions and romnours of $4bn UK floatation. The industry is profitable.
As an entrepreneur you have the vision to see these times, ahead of time. That is the easy part. The part I failed in back then was sticking to my guns, using my creative abilities and engery to guide a team throught the tough and often dark times to see the market opportuinty realised further along the line. You learn from failure and are better equiped to lead next time on the startup rollercoaster.
Today, just some 7 years on, comparison shopping websites are selling for hundreds of millions and romnours of $4bn UK floatation. The industry is profitable.
As an entrepreneur you have the vision to see these times, ahead of time. That is the easy part. The part I failed in back then was sticking to my guns, using my creative abilities and engery to guide a team throught the tough and often dark times to see the market opportuinty realised further along the line. You learn from failure and are better equiped to lead next time on the startup rollercoaster.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
aboynejames TV live?
I set up this ustream account a few months ago. I am working out side today, as the sun is out, two days in a row. This allows me to share it.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
active aboyne
Its July and time of the Aboyne and Mid Deeside Festival. I noticed this website, activeaboyne that list more active activies, walking, water sports or even geocaching. Some evening event too that have a more social focus.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Craigendinnie Hill Trees growing tall
The hill was cut bare, the tree saplins were inches high when planted, years add on, knee high, shoulder to shoulder and now way over my head.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
all the greens and noise quiet
Deeside is full of all the colour greens of the world right now. And the whole valley is full of quietness, well relative so silicon valley.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
best trip
This is my fourth trip to Silicon Valley and by far the best. Last year was all about putting out the vision: lifestyle linking, learning and meeting people. The most notable difference with this trip is that people I had not met last year but had seen me demo mepath.com or heard me talk would come up and ask how we are getting on. That provided much positive energy to our venture.
Mountain View is a great place to live, my 'Aboyne' of Silicon Valley. I have swam and trained more on this trip, still not consistent but enough for me to compete in a master short course championships and my first ever competitive open water swim. Not every thing went to plan but you learn and let the vision guide you forward.
All the above is possible because of the great people I have met and now call friends from co-founders, entrepreneurs, swimmers, co-workers, event organisers, people that have listen to me pitch, and many more. Thank you all for making my time here the best.
Mountain View is a great place to live, my 'Aboyne' of Silicon Valley. I have swam and trained more on this trip, still not consistent but enough for me to compete in a master short course championships and my first ever competitive open water swim. Not every thing went to plan but you learn and let the vision guide you forward.
All the above is possible because of the great people I have met and now call friends from co-founders, entrepreneurs, swimmers, co-workers, event organisers, people that have listen to me pitch, and many more. Thank you all for making my time here the best.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
the great health mashup
I attended a Stanford healthcare event last week, the guest speaker pointed out the importance of the mix of people present, medicine, engineering and computer science. This is great to see and many other participants are required, the food industry, pharma, biotech, fits, wellbeing, car, travel etc etc. The great health mashup is required to re-purpose the economy on life.
We created healthcamp to help in getting those conversation going.
We created healthcamp to help in getting those conversation going.
smiling on the streets
I was walking towards downtown San Franciso yesterday when a girl passed running, in a skipping motion, clearly in a hurry. Ahead was a homeless man, street coloured. As the girl approached he extended his had in slow motion. But just quick enough for the girl to high five his palm. Watching this brought a smile to my face. One character full of the beans, one in shock of the speed of what had just happened.
p3, s3 and WAR as a constant
I have taken in a couple of movies in the last three weeks. The third episode of Siperman and Pirates of the C. S3 wasn't as good as the other two, however, P3 was better than P2. However, what has taken me is the constant theme of war in movies right now, the trailers are full of battles, the ad's were of real war and new releases will focus on war.
His Dark Materials, will launch in December, with The Northlights for us UK readers, The golden compass or something like that for the US. Why the name change, will lords of the rings, ring gold, gold compass. Some producers behind both films. Looks like they are making a good adaptation of the book.
War theme, I have also been reading more history than usual. War is a constant happen there too. Are we bound to follow this trend. Inevitable?
His Dark Materials, will launch in December, with The Northlights for us UK readers, The golden compass or something like that for the US. Why the name change, will lords of the rings, ring gold, gold compass. Some producers behind both films. Looks like they are making a good adaptation of the book.
War theme, I have also been reading more history than usual. War is a constant happen there too. Are we bound to follow this trend. Inevitable?
Saturday, May 26, 2007
healthcamp TV live
I will try streaming live video from healthcamp2 Saturday 26 May, 10.30am US Pacific Time Zone.
Friday, May 25, 2007
healthcamp2 tomorrow
healthcamp2 is tomorrow in Palo Alto, all info. is on the wiki.
For those that can not attend, I am going to experiment with the websites that allow you to stream video live. If I get it working I will post the link on the wiki.
Looking forward to meeting all you health2.0'ers tomorrow
For those that can not attend, I am going to experiment with the websites that allow you to stream video live. If I get it working I will post the link on the wiki.
Looking forward to meeting all you health2.0'ers tomorrow
Sunday, May 20, 2007
3 months to 3 weeks
Three months is such a short period of time. And as soon as I step foot in Silicon Valley it is like weeks turn into days. There is always an air of new-ness around. New ideas, technology, observations, debates etc. etc.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
open spaces identity workshop
I am big fan of unconference's, they use open space techniques to allow participants to share and learn in an open way.
Of all the unconferences I have attended, this one's use of open space has been the best. I am learning a lot.
Of all the unconferences I have attended, this one's use of open space has been the best. I am learning a lot.
identity workshop
Empowering individuals with their identity.
Using open space to explore Internet Identity.
Using open space to explore Internet Identity.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
judgement - information
I listened to a story of great depth last week, told by Carly Fiorina. She talked about the need for diversity in your team and how information overload, how to deal with vasts amount of information was one of the top 3 skills to have (probably no.1).
I think, those two combine to set up a great metaphor for the use of the Internet. We have choice. We can choose where to search, we bias what we are looking for by what we type in. The search engines are not reading our minds (they are starting to try). So, we have access to all this information, make sure you get diversity of content and remember, all possible interpretation of information will be presented. Judgement is require, our judgement, don't assume all the judgements taken to retrieve your information align with you. Hone your judgement skills and you will get more out of the world of information on the Internet each and every day.
I think, those two combine to set up a great metaphor for the use of the Internet. We have choice. We can choose where to search, we bias what we are looking for by what we type in. The search engines are not reading our minds (they are starting to try). So, we have access to all this information, make sure you get diversity of content and remember, all possible interpretation of information will be presented. Judgement is require, our judgement, don't assume all the judgements taken to retrieve your information align with you. Hone your judgement skills and you will get more out of the world of information on the Internet each and every day.
weThink open spaces
What happens when you open source a conference?, you get an un-conference. I first participated in these last year and found them the most valuable of all the experience and learning I gained. This hold true this year and such is the power of the format it holds the opportunity each and every time to deliver that experience.
Open space techniques are used at un-conferences to help people meet the right people at the right time in the right context. Or the complete opposite, if that is what is required to gain the knowledge to empower our paths forward.
A simple concept at heart. No rules, no cost to participation. I would guess that if such experiences are not in your life right now, they will be real soon, whether that be a rest, work or play.
Open space techniques are used at un-conferences to help people meet the right people at the right time in the right context. Or the complete opposite, if that is what is required to gain the knowledge to empower our paths forward.
A simple concept at heart. No rules, no cost to participation. I would guess that if such experiences are not in your life right now, they will be real soon, whether that be a rest, work or play.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
4 tokens plus 2 plus 1 eventually seven in total mepath.com
mepath.com entered the speedgeeking yesterday and picked up 7 tokens in the end.
More importantly we were asked great questions and we thank you all for the feedback and support.
Monday, May 07, 2007
iThink
The third section on aboynejames.co.uk is called iThink. This section aggregates my latest blog postings. I decided to have more than one blog as I find it more helpful to separate my thoughts that way. And that gets me thinking. The content of the postings are not always thoughts. They are stories on what I am up to, review of past events I have attended, looking forward to future events or talking about a vision. I use picture, video and text and diagrams and not to forget hyperlinks.
At their heart they are all authored by me.
At their heart they are all authored by me.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
ribbons Pacific Masters
Sunday brought more ribbons to MVM. I swam the 100 freestyle, going under the 1 minute barrier by 0.49 of a second. 200IM was all about technique with a bit more speed in the breast stroke and freestyle legs, 2.34. Lastly, and like the first race back to breast stroke 100 yards, 1.16.
In all that was my favourite race of the day the mens 200 freestyle relay, I took the third leg and we were placed in the top 8.
It was a fun weekend being part of the Mountain View Masters Swim team.
Image004, originally uploaded by ecotorch.
In all that was my favourite race of the day the mens 200 freestyle relay, I took the third leg and we were placed in the top 8.
It was a fun weekend being part of the Mountain View Masters Swim team.
Image004, originally uploaded by ecotorch.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
A third and forth place first day Pacific Masters
Swam, 200 breast stroke for the third placing
50fly for the fourth
100IM 12th
And one relay for MVM where we were 11th but this is where I had my swim of the day 27.50 for 50 fly. I was flying!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Scotland2.0 Demo Opportunity
Here is an opportunity/offer to all those back in Scotland2.0, especially those that attended barcampScotland in March. StartupCamp2 is just about upon us in May. I will be attending and the event follows the un-conference format of event so I propose to host a session on Scotland2.0. I will present demo's from startups in Scotland with you guys/girls on skype for Q&A. That is where you come in. These will be your demo's so get in touch via the comments section in this posting or my contact info at http://www.aboynejames.co.uk. Give your startup the opportunity to be exposed to the brightest minds in Silicon Valley.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
web2.0expoOpen thoughts
To start, thank you to all those that put the effort in to make web2.0expoOpen happen. For all those that gathered for health2.0 session, cheers for participating. A great event, my video review before, maybe I should wait for longer after I go swimming, check out the google eye ring marks!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Scottish Champs - Pacific Champs next weekend
The Scottish Master Swimming Championships are next weekend. Good luck to SilverCityBlues Masters Swim Club. I am competing to next weekend for Mountain View Masters Swim Club at the Pacific Masters Short Course Championships. I expect it is no coincidence that they are both on the same weekend?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
healthcamp2
For me health is the new money. The grass roots of a health centred economy are sought to gather again for healthcamp2. The wiki is up and the ideas are being expressed. Are you ready to participate?
Commitment 07
Each year, (which starts in August each year for me) I set a 'me' mantra for the year ahead. Top of the list for '06 was the word Courage, be bold, make a bold move, make the vision even purer and this years top mantra word also begins with the letter C, C for Commitment. With courage demonstrated you need the commitment to realize your vision and dreams. Commitment is more about persistence and determination, than one off bold moves to create opportunity. Commitment is a span of time that lasts a life time.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
back no1. on google for .. . . .
A bit of an ego trip, but I noticed the other day again that if you type the words James Littlejohn into the google search engine, that aboynejames.co.uk comes up as the no.1 result. It's not been that for at least a year. Trip over.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Debut on Second Life, aboynejames Shepherd
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I made my first appearance on Second Life today. You get this pretty stereo type character. I'll need to invest some Linden Dollars on a hair cut!
Monday, April 02, 2007
too far behind too far ahead
I upgraded to Windows VISTA Business last week. A 7 year fast forward from Windows 2000. Windows2000 is being phased out as new services don't work with it or are not supported anymore. However, I am now received a message from a website that I can not use their latest player as they do not support Vista.
Over all, VISTA business is OK. Nothing wow about it. It works, still crashes on hibernate too much for my liking. The biggest difference is the new screen on the Vaio. I am not sure the new screen has anything to do with Microsoft except the new icons are 3D'ish.
Over all, VISTA business is OK. Nothing wow about it. It works, still crashes on hibernate too much for my liking. The biggest difference is the new screen on the Vaio. I am not sure the new screen has anything to do with Microsoft except the new icons are 3D'ish.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Climate Management - not climate change
I have been going to publish this blog posting topic for a while now, over a year or more. I am still not that sure the best to present the view I hold, that what we are doing/seeing from a human reaction to climate uncertainties is that it is not so much reacting to climate change but the human species is at the start of creating actions that will allow us to manage the climate. It is a control issue, first and foremost. The question I ask is should be controlling the climate?
I will have more to say on the role politics, government and states role is playing in this. But for now, I put out the concept, we are at the start of climate management, not responding to climate change.
I will have more to say on the role politics, government and states role is playing in this. But for now, I put out the concept, we are at the start of climate management, not responding to climate change.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Perfect Timing, right next door to failure
One of those thoughts/observations that I have been thinking about: how perfect timing is right next door to failure. You turn up at a bus stop a second before the bus arrives, excellent. A second late, your late, their is no possibility of getting on the bus. OK, you can be two-200 seconds early but there comes a point of the opportunity time cost that out weighs the benefits. Anyway, it could be -30c at the bus stop, that may kill you.
Today, I am waitng for my new laptop. A day too late, but my timing was almost perfect, the old one just gave out yesterday. One day out still brings pain, the need to wait in to sign for the new one and not having access to my local email history etc. All files are backed up on the web so I will download them to the new machine. In fact, most of my files are online now so all I needed was to ask a friend for access to their PC, which I was grateful for the use of today.
Startups and perfect timing. I think all entrepreneurs would take perfect timing over all other variables e.g. skill, intellect, money, people. Being at the right place at the right time wins out, history would show. While missing a bus is a big pain but being early is just a wait, being early in a startup market is/can be painful ie. the costs in terms of time, money or frustration on the response of others can accumulate to a point where failure is reached. However, true grit, determination and persistance can win out as you expand the odds of perfect timing heading your way.
Today, I am waitng for my new laptop. A day too late, but my timing was almost perfect, the old one just gave out yesterday. One day out still brings pain, the need to wait in to sign for the new one and not having access to my local email history etc. All files are backed up on the web so I will download them to the new machine. In fact, most of my files are online now so all I needed was to ask a friend for access to their PC, which I was grateful for the use of today.
Startups and perfect timing. I think all entrepreneurs would take perfect timing over all other variables e.g. skill, intellect, money, people. Being at the right place at the right time wins out, history would show. While missing a bus is a big pain but being early is just a wait, being early in a startup market is/can be painful ie. the costs in terms of time, money or frustration on the response of others can accumulate to a point where failure is reached. However, true grit, determination and persistance can win out as you expand the odds of perfect timing heading your way.
looking for gas
Walking home on Saturday evening, near 11pm I saw a tall dark, leather clad biker trying to hail down some passing cars. He caught sight of me and shouts, do you know where the nearest gas station is? He runs across the street to talk to me. He pointed to his Bike which had run out fuel and he explained he just came of Highway 237. I knew where the gas (filling station) was and it was on route to my apartment. So, we shared conversation along the way. He started to explain that no one would stop their cars to help. He thought his large, drak presense was the reason. Not that my mind hadn't processed the situation in that manner too but I listened. Turns out he was a country guy at heart to and he was grateful to find the fuel station.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Supper Happy Developers House 16 right now
My first trip north on CalTrain to Burlingham. First part of making it to Super Happy Developers House in the high hills of Hillsborough. Need to pick up supplies, food for the BBQ and a drink to share. Call the taxi as it is a long walk up hill. I am here.
Met a few familiar faces and the geek chat is in full flow.
Met a few familiar faces and the geek chat is in full flow.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Lost on Light Rail
I was two stop along on the light rail service heading towards Yahoo! offices when a person on the platform popped their head in to say that the elderly lady he was with was lost. He was not getting on the train so asked if anyone could comfort and help the lady. He thought she needed to get to a station called Tasmin. I was at the other end of the carriage but no one else seemed to be listening so I nodded my head and the elderly lady came and sat across from me. I restated the she was looking for Tamsin station? She replied in what I assumed was one of the Chinese languages. So, I went and pointed to the map? But her main priority was looking out of the window trying to recognise a familiar landmark or building. She was clearly upset and she took out a religious/lucky charm type objective which we said a prayer too. It is frustrating when you want to help more but you can not communicate via speaking.
I also knew that I was getting off in the train on a couple of stops, many before the Tasmin station so I was thinking about what I could do before leaving. Luckily, the stop before I left a new passenger got on the train so I went up to them to explain the situation and ask if they could point out when the train arrived a Tasmin station. They were happy to help. And as I left the train, I heard the lady talking to the passenger. I had the feeling she would find her way. I hope I was right.
I also knew that I was getting off in the train on a couple of stops, many before the Tasmin station so I was thinking about what I could do before leaving. Luckily, the stop before I left a new passenger got on the train so I went up to them to explain the situation and ask if they could point out when the train arrived a Tasmin station. They were happy to help. And as I left the train, I heard the lady talking to the passenger. I had the feeling she would find her way. I hope I was right.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Common Sense - the wisdom of the crowd
I wrote a posting on the Scottish enlightenment at the end of last year. One of the three central characters in the movement was Thomas Reid, of The University of Aberdeen. He brought to the philosophy table, COMMON SENSE.
One of the main themes, (meme's I think they call them around here, silicon valley) is the WISDOM OF THE CROWD, some comment that all start ups have a play on this concept. In my view, if they are not then trouble could be coming ahead for their ventures.
But what I had not really connected in my thinking was that COMMON SENSE and the WISDOM OF THE CROWD are from the same school of thought. So, if we are looking for or indeed need a 12 centuary set of intellectual conepts of thinking to give a frame work for the evolution of society then, the Wisdom of the Crowd is the new application of common sense that will take us forward.
One of the main themes, (meme's I think they call them around here, silicon valley) is the WISDOM OF THE CROWD, some comment that all start ups have a play on this concept. In my view, if they are not then trouble could be coming ahead for their ventures.
But what I had not really connected in my thinking was that COMMON SENSE and the WISDOM OF THE CROWD are from the same school of thought. So, if we are looking for or indeed need a 12 centuary set of intellectual conepts of thinking to give a frame work for the evolution of society then, the Wisdom of the Crowd is the new application of common sense that will take us forward.
Peeled tatties whilte, yellow, purple
My first go at purple tatties (potatoes). Guess what, taste like potato!
EU panel Silicon Valley
My first networking event last week was hosted by the American German Startup Association, or something like that.
Just like one of my first events of last year, one of the panel set out the fact that the big silicon valley ideas and success come from a mix of outsiders and locals. No words could inspire more.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Accents Top to bottom of UK .... then in California
I was reflecting on the journey I have made over the last two weeks and how the people accents changed as I went. On the business, I spoke to an national of India now living in Aberdeen, Edinburgh accents while dashing to the train. Newcastle, Yi dominant in the air, York, more polite then the London pull starts to kick in a commuter around Peterbrough join the train. London under ground, just choose any language of the world. Southampton the lighter tone accents, same for the Isle of Wight. Silicon Valley, like back being on the London underground. A real treat to listen to so many native tongues.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Heading West
I start the journey West tomorrow via the deep south of UKland. See you on route or in the bay.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
BarCampScotland open to share & learn
BarCampScotland was a great success.
The School of Informatics at The University of Edinburgh were our hosts and the venue provided lots of space, open areas, lecture rooms and smaller rooms. And people turned up in great numbers. I took a spell at the registration table and they all took to the idea of writing three tag words to their name badge. Those wanting to present soon added their name to the open grids.
A plug for Edinburgh Uni. was presented then we all got a chance to introduce ourself in a round of speed introductions. Then the event got off and running.
All, in all the day was over before I realized. Felt like we had just begun. Well done to all those that participated and the co-planners that made it happen. I plan to post some video and photos are on flickr.
Here to the next one.
The School of Informatics at The University of Edinburgh were our hosts and the venue provided lots of space, open areas, lecture rooms and smaller rooms. And people turned up in great numbers. I took a spell at the registration table and they all took to the idea of writing three tag words to their name badge. Those wanting to present soon added their name to the open grids.
A plug for Edinburgh Uni. was presented then we all got a chance to introduce ourself in a round of speed introductions. Then the event got off and running.
All, in all the day was over before I realized. Felt like we had just begun. Well done to all those that participated and the co-planners that made it happen. I plan to post some video and photos are on flickr.
Here to the next one.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
School View, Aboyne
All of us lucky enough to attend Aboyne Primary School and Aboyne Adademy have a great view to inspire us. You can never get bored of seeing this view every day on the walk home.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Free skiing mid Deeside review
I took a couple of hours out this afternoon to head to the hills around Mid Deeside to see where all the snow had been blown too. North facing slopes, the snow came in on a southerly gale, which stripped all the snow from all other aspects of the hill and dumped them all in the same place, best cover above 2000ft about 600m. Short video review
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Glen Tanner Snowy Hills
Winter is still hanging in there in and around Glen Tanner. Will it survive the mild days before the snow falls again?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
SCB Gala 2007 What a splash
50m and 100m backcrawl events was where I picked up a couple of surprise bronze medals yesterday at the 2007 SilverCityBlues Masters Swim Club annual swimming gala. To the best of my memory, 20 years have passed since I entered a 100m backcrawl event. Yes, backcrawl is my least favourite of all the strokes. Breast stroke on the other hand is my favourite. (It's funny to note from my observations that breaststrokers are not big backcrawl fans). The 100m breast stroke was my second event, the first was the 50 metre's backcrawl and I was still recovering from that mad opening sprint when it was time to step on the blocks for the start of the race. Eighteen months had passed since I last swam competitively so it was a bit of a shock to the system the intense exertion of energy.
The starter blows on a whistle to get you on to the blocks then they will say, 'take your marks' and then it's a case of listening for the beep from the gun. my toes tucked around the front of the starting block, I tensed up in readiness for the beep. But this had also put a slight wobble on my balance. A wobble that grew with each passing milli-second but the beep, still did not come. I am off, splash.
But the beep had not been fired. A false start. I am not sure I have ever recorded a competitive false start ever in my life. I sat at the side of the pool, head shaking while the start procedure was restarted for the rest of the swimmers. Today, swimming rules are strict, one false start and you are out. As a child swimmer, you were allowed one false start. For some reason there were quite a few false starts yesterday.
Over my next 5 races of the afternoon I am pleased to report that I did make it to the finish. My times are listed below, but the 100IM (individual medley) was my best performance of the day, apart from a reasonable time, I also felt a good controlled swim. Overall, I was down (meaning more, worse) on my best times, 1 to 3 seconds on the sprints and 3-6 seconds down over the hundreds and over 200m freestyle I was 11 seconds down. My main goal was to get the times recorded and put on the board, I didn't train that well or at all for long periods of time in 2006 and colds over Christmas also dent times. Overall, I am encouraged, motived to train and to get those times heading south again. Thank you to all the SCB officials and volunteers that made the event and buffet a success.
Times to be confirmed.
50m backcrawl 36.75 seconds
100m breaststroke Disqualifed
100m IM 1.18.23
50m Butterfly 34.35 seconds
200m Freestyle 2.36.15
100m backcrawl 1.24.17
50m breaststroke 39.45 seconds
The starter blows on a whistle to get you on to the blocks then they will say, 'take your marks' and then it's a case of listening for the beep from the gun. my toes tucked around the front of the starting block, I tensed up in readiness for the beep. But this had also put a slight wobble on my balance. A wobble that grew with each passing milli-second but the beep, still did not come. I am off, splash.
But the beep had not been fired. A false start. I am not sure I have ever recorded a competitive false start ever in my life. I sat at the side of the pool, head shaking while the start procedure was restarted for the rest of the swimmers. Today, swimming rules are strict, one false start and you are out. As a child swimmer, you were allowed one false start. For some reason there were quite a few false starts yesterday.
Over my next 5 races of the afternoon I am pleased to report that I did make it to the finish. My times are listed below, but the 100IM (individual medley) was my best performance of the day, apart from a reasonable time, I also felt a good controlled swim. Overall, I was down (meaning more, worse) on my best times, 1 to 3 seconds on the sprints and 3-6 seconds down over the hundreds and over 200m freestyle I was 11 seconds down. My main goal was to get the times recorded and put on the board, I didn't train that well or at all for long periods of time in 2006 and colds over Christmas also dent times. Overall, I am encouraged, motived to train and to get those times heading south again. Thank you to all the SCB officials and volunteers that made the event and buffet a success.
Times to be confirmed.
50m backcrawl 36.75 seconds
100m breaststroke Disqualifed
100m IM 1.18.23
50m Butterfly 34.35 seconds
200m Freestyle 2.36.15
100m backcrawl 1.24.17
50m breaststroke 39.45 seconds
Friday, February 02, 2007
Fiddle Concert Banchory
Banchory Strathspey and Reel Society are hosting a concert on the evening of Thursday 15 February, East Church, Banchory is the venue. Beside both the Junior and Senior Orchestra's, Paul Anderson will perform a couple of solos. Should be great evening of foot tapp'n tunes, song and humour.
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