Brighter side of web

Blog for Gardeners

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:02:43

Rudbeckia fulgida Beckstrum.

We have started a blog for Gardeners - The Compost Heap

It is a selection of tips for gardeners and articles on gardening. We also include some selected photos of gardens and flowers.

Articles include:

Best seed companies

Tips on Making a compost heap

Economics Help

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:02:28

If you would like to ask a question on economics, you are free to leave a comment on my economics blog. Free Economics Help

I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University (Lady Margaret Hall) before becoming an economics teacher. I run 2 economics Blogs

Economics Essays- Longer essays, primarily about UK and US economy.
Economics Textbooks
Why Textbooks can be wrong
Economomics Help - blog topics on a variety of things, including answers to readers questions

I also have a blog on personal finance, mortgages and debt: Finance Blog - Helping to simplify personal finance. Including topics such as Top 10 Financial Products to avoid

National Hill Climb

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:49:05

National Hill Climb

2007 National Hill Climb Championship

New Cycling Blog

Photo (c) Richard Owens

New Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:12:07

Leaf

New Blog URL

I will be updating my blog here

Comments have stopped working

A Few Notes from New York

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:07:43

Unfortunately comments do not appear to be working at moment.. This may encourage me to move to my new blog

some links:

Tributes to Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:36:01

Sri Chinmoy

Sunday 14th October,

Many people from different parts of the world, are continuing to arrive in New York in order to pay their final respects and gratitude to Sri Chinmoy.

At a meeting place called "Aspiration Ground", students of Sri Chinmoy are maintaining a continuous 24 hour vigil of prayerful silence and meditation.

There have been many recent Tributes to the life of Sri Chinmoy.

They can be seen at:

Sri Chinmoy Tributes at Sri Chinmoy.org
Article in New York Times - requires registration, but is free to view.
Moving Speech by US congressman, Gary Ackerman, at Sri Chinmoy News
Selected Tributes from members of the General Public

The death of Buddha a play by Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:44:27

This is the final scene from a play about Lord Buddha. It was posted on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration group.

THE BUDDHA AND ANANDA (a short play by Sri Chinmoy)

CAST: THE BUDDHA ANANDA, HIS DEAREST DISCIPLE A FEW INTIMATE DISCIPLES

BUDDHA: Ananda, I am now an old man. I am eighty years old. Ananda, for fifty years I have been teaching and preaching. The time has come for me to depart from this world. I am weak. I am an invalid. My whole body is shattered, Ananda. This body can be of no more use here on earth.

ANANDA (shedding tears): No, Master, no. You have to stay with us for quite a long time more. Your very presence is a great blessing to humanity. This Sangha is not yet well-established. This Sangha needs your physical presence.

BUDDHA: Ananda, do you mean to say that the Sangha expects something new from me? Do you mean to say that I have not spoken in clear terms about this Dharma? I have not kept anything hidden from you people. Never have I shown any sign of reticence, nor any indifference. Besides, I never thought that I would have to conduct and manage the Sangha, and that it would always depend on me. So why should I stay? Why should I be involved any longer in the activities of the Sangha? Ananda, from now on be self-sufficient. Have faith in yourself. Lead a spiritual life. You will realise the highest Truth. He who follows the Dharma, he who takes refuge in the Dharma, will alone enter into the world of bliss, and nobody else.

ANANDA: O Lord Buddha, what you say is perfectly true, but our hearts cannot live without you. We need you. We shall eternally need you.

BUDDHA: Ananda, you need me. I need you. Again, the Truth eternal needs us both. The Truth eternal needs me in the world of the Beyond, and the same Truth needs you here on earth. My life has come to an end. All the experiences of the world I offer to the world. Yesterday I ate at Chunda's house. Since then I have been feeling weaker, but I wish to assure you that this weakness is not due to his food. I am suffering, true, but it is not his fault at all. He gave me food with utmost love and devotion. Nobody should blame him when I die. I offer him my deepest blessings. Before I was illumined, before I became the Enlightened One, Sujata's food helped me to live on earth. Her food made it possible for me to meditate. And now Chunda's food is helping me to enter into the highest Nirvana. I see no difference between Sujata's food and Chunda's food. Each has served a special purpose of its own.

Sri Chinmoy Mahasamadhi aged 76

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:16:35

Sri Chinmoy

My spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy passed away yesterday, Thursday, 11th October, early in the morning. The cause of death was a heart attack.

His passing was quite unexpected as he had been fully active to the last moments of his life.

Just a couple of week ago, he visited Russia to take part in the opening of a hospital dedicated to his dear friend Raisa Gorbachev.

Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to serving others and working toward global peace and harmony. He offered a simple message that we could all work for a better future, through our own self-improvement.

We are saddened at the abrupt loss, but, remain deeply enriched by the inspiration and example of Sri Chinmoy's life.

It is also appropriate to remember, the philosophy of Sri Chinmoy regarding death. This is the very last poem published in his most recent poem / prayer book.

“My physical death
Is not the end of my life -
I am an eternal journey.”

- Sri Chinmoy's final prayer-poem

At a later stage, I shall try to write some more words to express the gratitude and inspiration I have received from Sri Chinmoy in the past 9 years.

Some other pages on the life and death of Sri Chinmoy

Tributes to the life of Sri Chinmoy
Obituary at Sri Chinmoy.org
Sri Chinmoy at the NY Times
The Death of Sri Chinmoy - reported by NY Daily News
The Passing of Sri Chinmoy - thoughtful observations by good friend, Shambhu Vineburg at Vineburg Communications
Sri Chinmoy 1931 - 2007 at Sumangali.org
Sri Chinmoy's death at Shane Magee.com
The Man Who Painted Eternity at Sri Chinmoy Art
Sri Chinmoy dies at Write Spirit
Some Quotes by Sri Chinmoy

Hope Abides

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:36:42

Hope abides; therefore I abide.
Countless frustrations have not cowed me.
I am still alive, vibrant with life.
The black cloud will disappear,
The morning sun will appear once again
In all its supernal glory. "

Sri Chinmoy

Picture: by Tejvan,

(Rock rose: Helianthemum nummularium)

Poems About Hope at Sri Chinmoy Poetry

Socrates: The Immortal Philosopher

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:35:57

I have to admit I struggled through my first year of philosophy. I found Descartes dreary and logic perfectly illogical. I was rather pleased when I could drop (Western) philosophy for Politics and Economics.

I appreciate very few Western philosophers, but, I do have great admiration for Socrates. Socrates was unlike many philosophers because for him the aim of philosophy was not to write down great works of intellectual magnificence. Socrates was primarily interested in searching for and living the real meaning of life.

I wrote an article at Pick the Brian about Socrates and the lessons we can learn from his life.

Some Quotes from Socrates

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.

By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.

I decided that it was not wisdom that enabled poets to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean.

If thou continuest to take delight in idle argumentation thou mayest be qualified to combat with the sophists, but will never know how to live with men.

Serenity, regularity, absence of vanity, Sincerity, simplicity, veracity, equanimity, Fixity, non-irritability, adaptability, Humility, tenacity, integrity, nobility, magnanimity, charity, generosity, purity.Practise daily these eighteen "ities" You will soon attain immortality.

The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

Great England Rugby Tries

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:11:04

A montage of English rugby tries

Video The Lion Whisperer

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:14:21

Video of the Lion Whisperer. Great Pictures. Note the video has a 5 seconds advert. But, it is worth waiting.

Zen Simplicity and Clearing out your rubbish

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:59:04

Table in the Green

I'm interested in Zen simplicity at the moment. My room, alas, is far from meeting my aspirations of simplicity and tidiness. I wrote an article "How to Clear Out Your Clutter" at Sri Chinmoy Inspiration no.9 is "Ask Your Mother To Help" - Not so sure about this one, but, they can be very useful for cleaning...

Photo by Kedar Misani, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

Kedar has an extensive gallery of photos, which are worth checking out. I am, of course, very grateful for his permission in using his photos on my different websites.

Shakespeare Master Class

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:32:52

Great Satire of Over analysis of Shakespeare. This is how I remember studying philosophy.

Russian Revolution - Blackadder

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:20:37

"The huddled masses yearning to be free...

Photo from Chile Mountains

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:49:57

A new collection of photo albums by Unmesh at Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Video of World's Largest Pencil

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:38:00

The Giant Pencil ! - 76 Feet

When I was in New York for Sri Chinmoy's birthday celebrations, I was able to watch an unusual event occur. - The making of the world's largest pencil!. It took 2 weeks to make and we saw it being put together with huge amounts of wood, graphite and even a giant rubber. Ashrita said the most difficult thing was getting a big enough piece of graphite. Apparently the graphite rods they found are used in nuclear power stations.

Ashrita said:

"The pencil was made to honour the extraordinary creativity of Sri Chinmoy, so we wanted to make an extraordinary writing implement."

Sri Chinmoy made a drawing from the pencil, by moving a sheet of paper. The pencil was then lifted up by a crane, towering above the local shops.

The pencil is now destined for a museum in New York.

Video of pencil being made at Sri Chinmoy TV

There is a pencil museum in Kendal

Six Sixes - Yuvraj Singh in Twenty Twenty

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 05:08:25

Yovraj Singh hits six sixes in one over from England's Chris Broad. Amazing feat!

Interesting Links

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 08:36:34

Oxford at Night

Some Links

What makes an effective leader?

10 Tips to avoid depression at Sri Chinmoy Inspiration

Harmony in Nature

The Four Minute Mile a historical battle. Article by Shane at All about Running. New blog with running tips from Sri Chinmoy MT

Spent some time in the Lake District Cycled up Kirkstone Pass amongst other things.

Commuting Meditation at Sumangali.org

Finance

Are prices set to Drop - The northern Rock crisis saw alot of traffic about housing market

easy ways to save money I ommitted the easiest way, - which is of course not to have kids.

Weekly roundup September

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:37:07

The only problem with having so many blogs, is that some start to get neglected.

Here's a few interesting links to make up for lack of content.

When Silence is the best philosophy an Article I wrote.

When Sessions Sweet Silent Thought Read by Sir John Gielgud at Priyadarshan.org. Priyadarshan is fast developing some interesting pieces on his site.

Sharani.org Sharani, another friend from the Sri Chinmoy Centre, now has her own blog.

Tejvan.co.uk Tejvan's blog is slowly creeping into action. I hoped Wordpress would be much better blogging software but, you tube videos not working at moment. I'm wondering what to put on that blog

Picture of the week goes to Shane Magee Return of the Zombie , Shane also uses the Ketchup bottle to dramatic effect

Where do You Blog?

Just in case your interested - where I blog

In the world of economics and finance

Top 10 financial mistakes to avoid

Economics of Football

Woody Allen - Play it again Sam

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:17:45

Woody Allen - Play it again

How to impress a date with calm and poise...

Clips from Dad's Army

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:12:07

Don't Tell THem Pike

Cardinal Puff

Blackadder and the English dictionary

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:05:18

World Harmony Run Photo

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:38:20

Lake Rotura

Picture of Lake Rotura, from the World Harmony Run site

The European Run section has recently been passing through Scandanavia

Here in NY, the Founder of the World Harmony Run, Sri Chinmoy, yesterday celebrated his 76th birthday.

Floccinaucinihilification and Meditation

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:23:05

Word of the Day

floccinaucinihilification is the habit of seeing no value in everything.

(thanks to Steve Guy, English teacher in Cambridge, originally from Blackpool, who frequently shares words of wisdom with me)

I wonder what the opposite word is: the habit of seeing value in everything.

"There are only two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as if everything is."

- Albert Einstein

In meditation we try to change our perspective on the world. Through meditation we are seeking not to look upon the world with a critical and depressed mind. But, we try to be at one with the inner reality.

"The entire world may not change. The entire world cannot change. The entire world even will not change. But your tiny world you can and will change forever at this very moment with the help of your confidence-heart. Yours will be the unparalleled victory."

- Sri Chinmoy

Meditation Works interesting article at Ashrita.com

Myths of Archaeology

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:15:52

More articles on different myths of archaeology at Hall of the Gods.

"Found in California, a rock was cracked open in search of fossils. But instead of a fossil, out fell a very strange object. The rock came from a formation that had been dated at around half a million years old. In the picture below on the right is an x-ray of the object. It is composed of a ceramic material and metal. In some respects it resembles a modern spark plug. "

From: Evidence of advanced ancient civilisations

Mystery at Abydos remarkable photos from Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs

Interesting articles on Finance

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:04:58

Keeping the right balance between Money and Leisure Trying to work less than the 8 hour day.
Economics of Falling Stock Markets - Should we be concerned about falling stock markets? - Don't forget the stock market has correctly predicted 10 out of the last 2 recessions...
Top 10 Reasons for studying Economics - Why it's a good idea to study Economics: When you are unemployed you will know why.
7 Tips for Avoiding a lifetime of debt at Pick the Brain
Avoiding default on Mortgage debt What to do when faced with an increasing mortgage burden.

Jeeves and Wooster Interview

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:57:08

Explaining the enduring popularity of Jeeves and Wooster, played by the indomitable Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie

More: Jeeves and Wooster Clips

On the Sunlit Path With Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:35:08

I am currently in New York, sitting inside a new coffee shop, Panorama. The rain is pouring down and looks set for the next 24 hours. If possible, I think it is even wetter than our miserable English summer. But, the coffee is good.

I am also enjoying a selection of Indian music posted at:

Priyadarshan.org. - "On the Sunlit Path with Sri Chinmoy"

You can listen to the Indian music selections here: audio blog "Songs and Sounds"

I particularly like Sakali Tomare Ichha by the great Ramprasad.

Ramprasad Sen was a great devotional poet of India, who lived in the 18th Century. The poems and songs of Ramprasad were a great favourite of Sri Ramakrishna, who helped to make Ramprasad well known.

More: Indian Music

Pictures from Wordsworth's House at Rydal Mount

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:12:14

Rydal Mount, where William Wordsworth lived for the later part of his life.

Great views towards Rydal Lake

Poems of William Wordsworth

After the Rains in English Gardens

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:19:42

Flowers from Garden in Yorkshire

Pictures from Flooding in Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:00:32

Rain stopped play. Anyone for swimming?

Flooding in the Botanic Gardens Oxford

The Gods Must be Crazy Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:29:24

I have really enjoyed watching 2 films:

"The Gods must be Crazy" and "The Gods must be Crazy II"

Very good humour and some quite telling commentaries on modern life. An easy film to enjoy. The sequel is pretty much as good as the first

Sorry, the internet has been deleted

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 03:25:15

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Blackadder II

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:54:06

Blackadder teaches Baldrick advanced Mathematics

So if you add 3 beans and 1 bean how many beans do you have?

Some Beans?

3 Pink Panther Clips with Peter Sellers

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:47:20

Just in case you haven't seen the clip "does your dog bite" scroll down

Peter Sellers Richard III

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:37:40

"It's been a hard day's night. I should be sleeping like a log.. Peter Sellers as Richard III

Finland - Photo

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 07:40:18

Finland

Photo by Andy Sherwood from his recent visit to Finland.

Andy Sherwood is a good cyclist who has twice completed the national 24 hour Time Trial championship.

Recently me and Andy did a 2 up Team Trial and finished a very creditable 3rd in a time of 21.52 (I think)

Sunday Links

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:59:37

Lady Margaret Hall Gardens

Good films

The Trial of Jeanne d'Arc Is a fascinating film by R.Bresson. It focuses only on the trial transcript, using the words of Joanne d'Arc and her interrogators.

State of the Union by Frank Capra. I am constantly impressed by the quality of films by Frank Capra. This is an intriguing political film, with a good dose of humour. From the black and white era, it is still as relevant as ever.

Other Links

Thousand Eye Is a blog by Alf from Australia. It is interesting to see how blogs develop. There has been quite a mix of stuff on their. I'm enjoying reading it.

Finding a door in the Gobi desert Ashrita Furman doesn't just break records, there always seems to be a good story to go with them.

Vienna Vegetable Orchestra an orchestra based only on vegetables. FFWd to the end to hear them in full flow

3100 Mile Race

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:15:24

3100 miles is a long way. It's long way to fly. It would be a pretty exhausting drive. If you ran 2 miles a day, every day, you would complete the distance in about 4 years 2 months. This is how far 3100 miles is:

118 Marathons
Paris to London (213 miles) - 14 times
7 miles a week for 8 and a half years.
New York to Los Angeles and then another 500 miles.

The 2007 edition of the Self Transcendence 3100 mile race, recently began in Queens, New York. The runners are likely to complete it in between 43 and 57 days. They will average between 80 and 50 miles a day.

Best wishes to the runners at the start of this extraordinary race !

The race is organised by the Sri Chinmoy MT and has been held every year since 1997. In 1996 the race was 2700 miles.

2007 edition of 3100 Miles at Sri Chinmoy Races

3100 miles in New York at Multidays

In this race the first 3000 miles are the toughest

3100 Mile Site

Sopan's 3100 Race site Sopan is a former finisher of the 3100 mile race

Johnny Carson classic videos

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 03:47:31

Copper Clappers

Claud Cooper from Cleveland caught my clean Copper clappers caught in the closest...

Only one reason, he's a cleptomaniac.

Peter Kay and being a standup comedian

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:08:24

Living the dream at the top of the Blackpool Tower

I've always fancied being a stand up comedian, but I've always had a few drawbacks:

Can't remember jokes
don't like speaking in public
not very funny

apart from that I think I'm a natural

My feeble attempts at comedy: top reasons not to write another blog post

Playing Chopin through an Earthquake

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 11:59:27

I enjoyed Jogyata Recount tales from his childhood, at Radio Sri Chinmoy.

His father wanted him to be a concert pianist. But, he didn't get on with his piano teacher. In fact he was so much in awe of her, that when there was an earthquake he continued to play a Chopin interlude, even though his teacher was hiding under the kitchen table. (this was the only time his teacher was impressed with him...)

listen now.

I think my mother would have liked me to be a good pianist (she herself is a piano teacher), however I never made it past grade 2. I did however, take up the clarinet and became OK. Grade 6 Merit, being the high point. My old neighbour used to complain about me practising (it wasn't as if I practised very much and the houses were detached by about 30 metres of garden.)

Anyway, one day he came out and stared at me, from his garden, for having the audacity to practice at 4pm in the afternoon. This was a real motivation to practise; I think I remember bowing to him at the end of my practise.

Hall of the Gods

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:43:27

I have been avidly reading, Alexander: Hall of the Gods , a new novel by G.M. Masterson.

The first 3 chapters, had me hooked as the plot switched from Egyptian Mummies in Victorian Britain, to Oxford University in the present moment. In the tradition of a good page turner, the book has a good pace. However, the story also hints at greater mysteries and underlying sub currents, which give an added interest. Surprisingly, for a book on Egyptian mysteries it is not without a touch of humour; much of this comes from the diverse collection of characters that become intertwined with each other.

You can purchase a copy of: Hall of the Gods online I would highly recommend it.

Different Accents of the UK

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 02:50:12

A guide to the diverse accents of the UK

"Capital of Yorkshire, is York" "much better than the imitation in America"

strange search terms

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 02:40:45

One hobby of mine, is finding out the Google searches that people use to come to your site. This was actually searched in the internal search box:

"I think it should be a law that if you ever get sucked up into a tornado, whatever you can grab with your hands while you're swirling around up there, you get to keep"

I say who would argue against such a law?

Comedy Clips - Fawlty Towers and Monty Python

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:38:30

including Mrs Richard's, The Ministry of Silly Walks, Spam,

Who Built The Great Pyramid?

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:12:20

The Great Pyramid's have long been a source of interest, inspiration and fascination. Built in ancient Egypt, long before the advent of so called "civilisation", the Pyramids are testament to a monumental architectural achievement. Yet, I have always felt the Great Pyramids and Sphinx to be more than just one of the great physical wonders of the world.

I remember once reading a spellbinding account of one Paul Brunton's secret exploration into the inner sanctum of the Great Pyramid. Paul Brunton, who was a disciple of Ramana Maharshi, felt that the inner sanctum of the Great Pyramid was a place of spiritual initiation. His story can be read in his book "A Search in Secret Egypt"

Anyway, the question of "Who built the Great Pyramids" has long vexed scholars alike. Recent evidence suggests the Sphinx and The Great Pyramids were built long before the mainstream belief of 4th Century BC.

See article: Who built the Great Pyramids? at Hall of the Gods.

Related interest

Paul Brunton in Egypt

Victor Borge Video Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:43:56

Hungarian Rhapsody

Shardul sent me a link to the legendary Victor Borge at You Tube. There is a clip in his post about Grafton Street

Victor Borge - Great Pianist, immortal entertainer

click more: for more Victor Borge

Tejvan and a few new sites

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:35:16

Last week I received a spiritual name from my Guru, Sri Chinmoy. My new name is Tejvan. The name embodies the qualities of enthusiasm, dynamism and self giving.

I have a new hosting company which allows unlimited domains, so I will have Tejvan.co.uk. I'm not sure what I will be doing at the site. I will continue to update this site, because it has a reasonable traffic rate.

Another new site for the upcoming 3100 mile Race

Net Writing

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:08:39

A few weeks ago, I asked a question to Darren Rowse at Problogger Should I change Blog Platforms?

Since I asked that question I decided to just set up new blogs. The advantages of setting up new blogs are:

Get the best domain name.
Enables specialisation (people will probably take advice about blogs more seriously if it's not in between a Monty Python Spam Sketch
Enables you to choose the best blogging software. in this case wordpress.

Netwriting is my blog about blogging, seo and things like increasing productivity on the internet.

I also have several blogger blogs, (e.g. mortgage blog which I want to change. Blogger blogs on FTP just don't have enough flexibility.

Monty Python Spam

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:07:33

Monty Python's Spam

Don't forget the Brown Sauce

More Monty Python - The Cheese Shop

Monty Python

quick links

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:42:48

If England was what England seems,
   An’ not the England of our dreams,
But only putty, brass, an’ paint,
   ’Ow quick we’d drop ’er! But she ain’t!

Rudyard Kipling

A quick mention for: Dear England a blog by an old friend Matt Fullerty from LMH.

Interestingly there is a site dedicated to HP Brown Sauce

"You don't love HP Sauce because it is beautiful, is beautiful because you love it."

On the subject of novels, we are all eagerly awaiting, with barely concealed excitement, anticipation and interest, the imminent arrival of the soon to be very famous novel "Hall of the Gods" - stay tuned for more info...

Managing and Reducing Debt

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:12:12

"Neither a lender nor borrower be."

Hamlet (Act I, Scene III) - Polonius to his son Laertes

So said the bard, William Shakespeare. However, such advice seems rather quaint in modern society. In the UK alone personal debt of clients seen by the CCCS averages over £33,000 per person. [1]

It is perhaps ironic that increased levels of economic growth and prosperity have also led to increased levels of personal debt.

There are various reasons why debt has increased.

Increased willingness of banks to lend money
Higher expectations of personal living standards.
Change in social trends and perceptions about debt.

Debt is not necessarily a bad thing. For example, without going into debt, very few people would be able to buy a house. Credit cards can be helpful if they are used in the right way. They give flexibility and can prevent going overdrawn at the bank. If you are careful you can get all the benefits of credit cards, without paying any of the high interest charges.

However, an increasing number of people find themselves in a situation of very high levels of unsecured personal debt.

Here is some Top 10 tips for Reducing and Eliminating Debt

If you credit card debt is very high, it may be worth considering a debt settlement plan. It is not to be undertaken lightly, however, it can be helpful for reducing very high levels of debt.

Debt Settlement

[1] UK debt twice european average at BBC

[2] UK debt frontline - £53,000 in debt How one woman suffered nervousbreakdown, but considers herself one of the lucky ones. BBC article

Photos from Grebenshikov Concert

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:37:33

Boris Grebenshikov performing with Aquarium at the Royal Albert Hall.

Photography by Pavitrata Taylor, from Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

More photos from the Concert by Pavitrata

The photos by Pavitrata are really excellent. It helps that the Royal Albert Hall is a beautiful and elegant building. I think this particular shot helps to capture the musical spirit of Boris; the thing you notice is that he really enjoys his music and plays it with great poise. Brings back good memories.

View music Video Of Aquarium

The Secret Mission - Blackadder IV

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:59:14

"Hello, the savoy grill"

Blackadder, a master of sarcastic humour

"who was that?"

"Strangely enough, Baldrick that was Pope Gregory the Second

Funny Links

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:23:25

Quotes from Blackadder IV

George: 'I'm absolutely top-hole, sir, with an ying and yang and yippiedeedoo.'

George: 'Well tally ho! With a bing and a bong and a buzz buzz buzz!'

George: 'I'm thick. I'm as thick as the big print version of the Complete Works of Charles Dickens.'

Blackadder IV quotes

Outside a second-hand shop: We exchange anything - bicycles, washing machines etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain.

Funny Signs in Great Britain

Funny Road Signs

Funny English signs

German Coastguard video

The Zimmers and the Transcendence of Age

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 26 May 2007 09:57:42

My spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy , has sought in many ways, to inspire old people to remain active and attempt new things - even if they seem difficult. At the age of 75, Sri Chinmoy has shown it is possible to find new ways to remain active. Sri Chinmoy has definitely help change my perception of old people and what they are capable of.

One year ago, aged 74, Sri Chinmoy lifted this double 740 pound dumbbell lift. He dedicated the lift to people of his own age. On the video, Sri Chinmoy said:

"I am 74 years old. This double dumbbell press of 740lbs, I am dedicating to men and women of my age, the old generations, to inspire them"

- Sri Chinmoy

It is Sri Chinmoy's philosophy that when we remain in the heart, old age does not matter.

The Zimmers

In the spirit of transcending the barriers of age, I was really enthused to see an interview on BBC about a new Rock band, The Zimmers. The Zimmers is a new rock sensation, composed entirely of old people. It is led by 90 year old lead singer, Alf Carretta. They have a combined age of over 3,000, and there are also 2 centurions amongst the band.

The band is the brainchild of documentary maker Tim Samuels. Tim says the motivation for forming the group is to raise the profile of old people, who have been cast off by society.

Before the video recording, many of the group participants rarely left their house or home. It is really great to see how much the ageing rock singers have enjoyed their experience. The rock group has given a new lease of life. Winifred Warburton, aged 99, said that recording the song was the best day of her life. Alf Carretta spoke about his unexpected foray into rock music at the age of 90.

"I can't believe this is happening. For me to have recorded a song in the same studio as the Beatles is just so exciting.

"I feel like the whole experience has brought me back to life. I was stuck in a rut and now I feel alive again," adds Alf.

The 40 strong band have recorded a version of My Generation, originally recorded by The Who, at Abbey Road studies where the Beatles produced their hit records.

The Zimmers Music Video

The Zimmers at BBC

Power to the People - Old Aged pensioners aim for Chart success

You Can't Take it with You - Frank Capra

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 25 May 2007 03:13:20

I would recommend the film "You Can't Take it with You" by Frank Capra. It's enjoyable and uplifting. It has blatant message, but the film maintains a very good speed, humour and incisiveness.

"Frank Capra's 1938 populist spin on the George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart play about a family of happy eccentrics is a great deal of fun, though it significantly rewrites the original work and doesn't represent Capra (Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) at his best. Jean Arthur plays a member of the blissful Vanderhof household who falls in love with a rich man's son (James Stewart) and brings him into her nutty home. Lionel Barrymore, who played such a bad guy eight years later in Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, is the wonderful Grandpa Vanderhof, who addresses God during the dinner prayer as "sir" and speaks plainly and beautifully of why it's good to be alive. Capra took this opportunity to rail against big business and champion the common man, but the overall tone of the film--typical for the director's comedies--is buoyant and snappy. --Tom Keogh."

You can't take it with you at IMDB
You can't take it with you at Amazon.com

Summer Comes

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 25 May 2007 03:01:18

Iris from Back garden May 2007

Star Trek meets Monty Python

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:37:47

Video Women and Cars

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:37:42

a good satire of male chauvinistic attitudes to Female Drivers

Needless to say I don't share any of these, (having my 2 wingscreen mirrors stuck to the car with ducktape I can't criticise too much...

Women and Cars do they go together? - funny pictures

Liverfool F.C. and Harry Enfield Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:30:59

Liverpool may have lost the Champions league tonight. This is a video from Harry Enfield of Liverpool in the 1980s vs Arsenal of the 1920s

Boris Grebenshikov Concert

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 22 May 2007 16:50:37

Royal Albert Hall

Yesterday, was the Boris Grebenshikov Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

I have to admit it was the first Rock concert I've been to. I enjoyed it alot. The music was very good. A mixture of rock and more spiritual /folk music.

Singers from the Sri Chinmoy Centre, sang 2 songs in honour of Boris Grebenshikov. They did a really great job, to sing in the middle of a concert. It was definitely a hard act to follow aquarium!

The Royal Albert Hall is a really great venue, it was great to see it filled for the concert.

Boris Grebenshikov Music

Morecambe F.C. hit the big Time

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:50:35

One of my earliest sporting memories was watching Morecambe F.C play Goole , the northern Premier League, Boxing day 1984.

They were currently 2 divisions below the football league. At the time it was a huge gulf in finance, and quality of play.

There were no stands either side of the pitch, which didn't really matter because there were only about 150 spectators in attendance. (about 10% of those were me and my relatives).

My Uncle, Michael Berry, has watched Morecambe F.C. for over 60 - 70 years (he probably doesn't read the internet, so it doesn't matter if I exaggerate a little). My cousin Andrew, frequently goes to all games home and away. I think he once got a mention in the Morecambe F.C. programme for not missing a game all season.

Anyway, yesterday was Morecambe' finest hour, getting promoted from non league football, to English football league 2. They beat Exeter City 2-1 at the new Wembley, and so make the great transition.

I hope playing in the football league will not over commercialise the club, and I hope they can stay up.

Random Links

Ross, the intern meets Crocodile Hunter

How to Write a Good email

Morecambe F.C.

The Real McCoy Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:04:00

Have you got a ticket?

British Comedy - The Real McCoy

William Blake: Greatest Briton

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 19 May 2007 15:44:28

A while back the BBC had a poll to find out the "Top 100 greatest Briton".

Predictably the winner was Winston Churchill. In many ways Churchill deserves it. He was the emblem of our fight against Hitler and Nazism. As a person he had many great qualities. But, he also had many failings, not least his Imperialism.

Anyway my choice for greatest Briton would be William Blake.

Why?

He was a great Poet.
He was a genuine mystic who could see beyond the ordinary world.

To see a world in a grain of sand
And heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."

From: Auguries of Innocence

He was a passionate critic of slavery, ignorance and oppression. - You feel in reading Blake he really identifies with other people's suffering.

Thus Blake was able to give us a vision of immortality, but at the same time he shone a light on the ignorance of the time.

Poetry of Blake at Poet Seers

I wrote more on this at Greatest Briton's

Les Dawson: a great of British Comedy

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 14 May 2007 17:16:11

Les Dawson - a great British comedian

"My wife was sleeping like a log, she had her legs in the fire."

Tommy Cooper videos

Les Dawson used to also presentBlankety Blank, which had some of the cheapest prizes on quiz show TV. Top prizes included: - Get your hair styled at a top salon! Your own knitting machine, - win a map of penrith! -

- In the days when quiz shows were done for the pride and enjoyment....- Great Stuff !

Images of Turkey

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:57:52

Pictures of the Day from Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 10 May 2007 14:37:08

Queen's lane, Oxford

Other Selected picture entries

Christ Church in Autumn

The Dreaming Spires

Oxford Skyline

Oxford at Night

Six and 10 Ten Days at Sri Chinmoy Races

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 10 May 2007 14:13:22

In New York the runners have recently finished the 6 day and 10 day race. For us lesser mortals, it is basically a running race where you try to run as far as you can in 10 days. The winner of the 6 day race was a mild mannered Fin - Asprihanal Aalto. Asprihanal of Sri Chinmoy MT completed 505 miles in 6 days. That's an average of just under 90 miles per day. Including 92 miles on the last and final day.

Mind boggling as it may be, to Asprihanal, 500 miles in a 6 day race is almost like a warm up for the mammoth, 3100 mile race. Asprihanal, has the second best all time record for this distance at, 43 days and 15 hours.

Results of the 6 day race can be found here at: Sri Chinmoy Races

Unique 6 day experiences by Mark Dorian at Multidays

For those interested in Multidays Abichal produces a very good magazine Multidays at Multidayrunning.com

Catherine Tate meets Tony Blair

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 09 May 2007 03:56:32

"Catherine, Am I bovered?"

"look at my face, is it bovered?

Catherine Tate Quotes

Catherine Tate meets David Tenant

- Very Funny!

Links of the Day

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 09 May 2007 03:28:20

50 Women who Changed the World

Medtation Heart.org - online guide to meditation

JohninJapan photo journey of Japan

Shane Magee.com - Shane from Ireland's new blog

Mildly Funny links

Excuses from Parents

You can now Buy Milk online from Amazon.com

Squirels the Cleverest Animals?

Training for the Olimpiks - National Worm Championship anyone?

Spike Milligan Quotes

"I spent many years laughing at Harry Secombe's singing until somebody told me that it wasn't a joke."

Spike Milligan

"I thought I'd begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine."

Spike Milligan

Good Films including The Flying Scotsman

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 06 May 2007 02:20:51

"The Flying Scotsman" about the life of Graeme Obree is coming out soon. Looks very good, see preview here -Flying Scotsman

Good films I have seen lately:

St Patrick. I didn't know anything about the patron saint of Ireland (who was actually British). I had always associated St Patrick with Guiness... But his lifestory is quite inspiring. Sold into slavery he is taken to Ireland. He escapes, but soon feels drawn to return to Ireland.

Miss Potter I saw this on plane to NY. Good account of the life of Beatrix Potter, the creator of the Peter Rabbit stories.

HitchHikers guide to the Galaxy - Featuring Marvin the depressed android

The Tenet of Wildfell Hall Based on the novel by Anne Bronte, Featuring Tara Fitzgerald, very good. I haven't read the book, but it had much to commend it.

quicklinks

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 05 May 2007 02:44:37

Letters from Parents to excuse their child from school

Women and Driving do they go together?

Weakest link - With Hip hop DJs

Best of Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther

Marvin - The Depressed Android - Hitchikers guide to galaxy

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:59:19

"I think you ought to know I'm feeling very depressed."

"I ache, therefore I am." - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Fit the Eleventh

[about a Magrathean sunset that Arthur finds magnificent] "I've seen it. It's rubbish."

Marvin: "And then of course I've got this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left side."
Arthur: "Is that so?"
Marvin: "Oh yes. I mean I've asked for them to be replaced, but no one ever listens."
Arthur: "I can imagine" - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Fit The Second

"Do you want me to sit in a corner and rust or just fall apart where I'm standing?" - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Fit The Second

Photos from Oxford in May

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:49:32

Peony from Botanic Gardens

A Woman without her man is nothing

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 03 May 2007 03:04:42

The point of this post is to show how grammar can change the meaning of a sentence.

A Woman without her man is nothing
A Woman, without her man, is nothing.
A woman: without her, man is nothing

Man says to God. "Why did you make Women so beautiful?"

God: "So you would love her"

Man says to God. "But why did you make women so dumb?"

God: "So they would love you."

When do you care for a man's company?

When he owns it...

How does a man show he is planning for the future?

He buys 2 crates of beer.

Regginald Perrin - Neo Rubbish

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:44:57

Classic Comedy

I can listen to this over and over again.

The clip missed out the last sentence, when Reginald Perrin says: "It's absolute rubbish, in fact, its neo rubbish and crypto rubbish...."

Sri Chinmoy TV links

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 03:27:39

Some recent videos posted at Sri Chinmoy TV.

New Series of life voices.

Catherine Lee offers some inspiring words about her thoughts on Indian and spirituality. A good production with some very beautiful photography of Asia. Produced by Kedar Misani.

Life Voices II

Inspiration News

Inspiration News Comic Books with Noivedya Juddery and Alf. (As a child, Noivedya used to read comics - I used to read cricket averages..)

Inspiration News Interview with Mr Sunny

Meditation Silence Meditation Inspirations with Sri Chinmoy.

Also at Radio Sri Chinmoy.

Thought of the Day by Sanjaya Spettigue. This week on Lord Buddha

Secrets of Longevity...

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 06:09:26

A 116 year old Ukrainian, who is one of the oldest living people, attributes his longevity to two things: celibacy and being stupid.

Hryhoriy Nestor, has never had a wife, and as a Christian has practised the philosophy of no sex before marriage.

"According to my Christian beliefs there is no sex before marriage, so I never had a wife." He went on to say that people who get married spend all the time arguing. He also believes that leading a simple life leads to longevity.

"People, who know too much always come to a nasty end. better to stay stupid and not wonder too much about anything."

Nestor used to work as a shepherd of goats.

It would make an interesting self help book. "The Secrets of Long-life: Celibacy and Stupidity" - but I can't see it selling too many copies...

Ukraine's Oldest Man

Writing and when to use a Comma.

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:29:43

Quite recently, I have become motivated to learn proper grammar and punctuation. Previously, I never really bothered about grammar, much to the chagrin of my sister - Lynne. In fact, I have often "joked" about grammar; see these posts on:

"Eats, Shoots and Leaves."

"Rules for Gooder English"

My philosophy is that to learn something, you need to teach it. I hope these are all correct:

12 Rules for Using the Comma

My New Wordpress Blog: Net Writing

Speedlinks

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 03:12:37

100 Places to see before you die - I would add several places in India, but it looks good.

Shane Magee.com I will be interested to see Shane's blog develop, Shane comes from Ireland.

Shardul.co.nz - Another friend with a wordpress blog. Shardul lives in Auckland, New Zealand. He has actually written a book of his numerous hospital visits. I found this a very good read, I feel rather fortunate not to have gone through all those experiences. Shardul has written a biography of Sri Chinmoy

Universal Leonardo - The great Master Leonardo da Vinci. I have posted about Leonardo previously. Leonardo da Vinci.

Funny

David Brent in full Flow

Catherine Tate

George Orwell

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:39:17

During my school years, one of the few authors I read, (apart from Tolkien) was George Orwell. At the time, I was fascinated with his books, "Homage to Catalonia", "The Road to Wigan Pier", and "Down and Out in Paris and London". A feature of Orwell's writings, was that he always seemed able to see both points of view. Thus, although he was a committed Socialist, he powerfully portrayed the failings of his own ideological supporters.

"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."

"Sometimes the first duty of intelligent men is the restatement of the obvious. "

George Orwell Quotes

Only Fools and Horses - "Nice and Easy"

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:53:45

"I think we're on a winner here Trig, alright, play it nice and cool son, nice and cool, you know what I mean..."

Missed on the video was the follow up comment by Del Boy

"Drink up we're leaving!

Shame about quality but classic comedy moment

Harry Potter and Order of Pheonix Video Trailer

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:35:01

New Harry Potter video coming soon..

Only Fools and Horses video clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:00:42

Ashrita sets new Record for Backward Bowling

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:50:08

Ashrita recently set a new record for backward bowling of 199.

After months of practicing for over two hours every day, Furman regained the record with a 199 at the AMF Van Wyck Lanes in Richmond Hill on April 11 in front of several official scorers. It took him five practice games before he could surpass Scrandis.

“It’s a real science. It takes tremendous focus,” he said of the sport. [1]

Once officially certified by Guinness, this will be Ashrita's 145th record he has broken since 1979 Ashrita currently holds 62 recoreds

I only saw Ashrita once or twice during my stay in New York. One time was just after he had broken a new record for backward bowling. Ashrita was very happy and full of energy and enthusiasm. I think 199 is a pretty good score bowling forward let alone going backwards.

This photo is from Ashrita's blog entry about his first record attempt. Power of Positive Thinking

Ashrita is a student of Sri Chinmoy and manages a health food store on Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica New York.`

[1] Queens Chronicle

Table Tennis

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:12:14

Table tennis is a great game when played well, this is an impressive video of a 49 shot rally.

I am now back from New York so may get back into my blogs.

Boris Grebenshikov Concert

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:03:26

There will be a free concert at the Royal Albert Hall featuring the music of Boris Grebenshikov and Aquarium.

The concert will take place on May 21st 2007. For free tickets you can find details at the website: Boris Grebenshikov Concert

Yorkshire to New York

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 08:19:20

Burnsall

Some photos from Yorkshire holiday. I will be away again from Computer again as to today I am flying to New York.

Which Way? The trials of the Stretcher Bearers

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 07:51:45

This is wonderful, stretcher bearers get a bit confused.

Holiday in Yorkshire

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:10:22

I am currently on holiday in Yorkshire. Today I cycled in Nidderdale and Wharfedale, photos to come later. Just time at moment for a couple of poor jokes and an unrelated photo from a few weeks ago.

Best ever Jokes

A boat carrying red paint and a boat carrying blue paint crashed into each other. Apparently the crew were marooned...

For more great jokes click more :)

Video Have I got News for You

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:09:41

Have I got Pot Noodles for You

One of the best funny clips from Have I got News from You.

Tin Pot Noodles

Cot Noodles

"Welsh say.... what?"

"we're not talking in a real language its just to annoy you."

Paul Merton Quotes

Have I got News for You Quotes

They that have power to hurt

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 05:34:26

They That have power to hurt

They that have power to hurt and will do none
That do not do the thing they most do show,
Who, moving others, are themselves as stone,
Unmoved, cold, and to temptation slow;
They rightly do inherit heaven’s graces
And husband nature’s riches from expense;
They are the lords and owners of their faces,
Others but stewards of their excellence.
The summer’s flower is to the summer sweet,
Though to itself it only live and die,
But if that flower with base infection meet,
The basest weed outbraves his dignity:
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds;
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.

William Shakespeare

(Sonnet 94)

Famous Last Sayings

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 13:32:31

Famous Epitaphs

· "My Jesus, mercy" Al Capone

· "The best is yet to come."
Frank Sinatra

· "This is the last of Earth! I am content!"
John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848)

· "A tomb now suffices him for whom the world was not enough"
Alexander the Great

· "Well this was fun, let's do it again sometime."
Quniaron Bellthing (1930-2004)

· "Truth and History. 21 Men. The Boy Bandit King. He Died As He Lived. William H. Bonney 'Billy the Kid'"
Billy the Kid (unknown)

· "That's all, folks!"
Mel Blanc (the epitaph is the trademark line of cartoon character Porky Pig, whose voice was provided by Blanc for many years)

· "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

Winston Churchill

· "She did it the hard way"
Bette Davis

· "Nothing's So Sacred As Honour And Nothing's So Loyal As Love"
Wyatt Earp

· "I had a lover's quarrel with the world"
Robert Frost

· "Cast a cold eye On life, on death. Horseman, pass by!"
W. B. Yeats

· "Hey Ram" (Translated "Oh, God")
Mahatma Gandhi

Dawn - Paul Laurence Dunbar

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:50:06

An angel, robed in spotless white,

Bent down and kissed the sleeping Night.

Night woke to blush; the sprite was gone.

Men saw the blush and called it Dawn.

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Photo from Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Magnolia and the Eyes of a Miser

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:43:37

Magnolia Tree in blossom March 2007 outside Radcliffe Camera Square Oxford

“To the eyes of a miser a Guinea is more beautiful than the sun.

“The tree which moves some things to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a Green thing that stands in the way.”

- William Blake

Life of Brian Video Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:09:09

The Stoning

Great comedy

Nature and Spring

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:04:29

The Mysteries
Of Mother Nature
None can explain

By: Sri Chinmoy

From: 77,000 Service Trees vol 43.

A Man for All Seasons: DVD Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 16:04:26

A Man for all seasons is a thought provoking film that provides an intriguing portrayal of Thomas More and the testing of one man’s principles.

Paul Scofield rightly deserved an Oscar for his incomparable performance of Thomas More. He portrays both the great dignity and wit, with which he alone stood against the King. The film is not so much an examination of More’s religious principles; it is more about how men react to threats from those in authority.

The strength of the film lies in its beautifully crafted script. There are breath taking exchanges between More and Cromwell; it is like a verbal duel between the man of conscience (More) and Cromwell (the amoral bureaucrat). Through maintaining silence More resolutely and calmly sticks to his principles; using his knowledge as a lawyer, he makes it almost impossible for Cromwell to convict him on legal grounds.

Charitable Works of Princess Diana

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 16:45:43

Princess Diana

Much has been written about Princess Diana there seems little to add. Since her death her legacy seems to have been overshadowed by endless speculation about the nature of the car crash. It must have been on the front page of the Daily Mail more often than their beloved “House price crash imminent stories”. Anyway ignoring all the flotsam and jetsam Princess Diana did do much good work for charity she was definitely sincere in her aspiration to alleviate the suffering of even those who were marginalized by society.

Photos: Light and Shadow

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 03:25:18

The Game by Kedar Misani - Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Fawlty Towers - The Complete Episodes

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:46:26

Quotes from Waldorf Salad

(American visitor) “5 hours from London to Torquay, couldn’t find the freeway, had to take a little backway called the M5”

(Basil Fawlty with heavy hint of sarcasm) “I’m sorry if it wasn’t wide enough, a lot of English cars have steering wheels”

“Do you have a waldorf salad? No I'm afraid we are out of waldorfs”

How Green was my Valley: DVD Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:55:49

How Green was my Valley

“How Green was my valley” is set in a Welsh mining village during the beginning of the mining industry. It tells of how the people and community were irrevocably affected by the arrival of industrialisation. The story is told through the eyes of the Huw Morgan, the youngest brother of the Morgan family.

The film evokes a powerful imagery of the dignity, honesty and good nature of the mining communities. The atmosphere of the film is enhanced by the beautiful welsh choral singing. The music feels both spontaneous and soulful it becomes a poignant contrast to the harsh realities of mining life and is perhaps symbolic of the growing divide within the community.

Benefits of Being a Man

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:59:41

You are not expected to know the names of more than five colours.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Some rather dubious Advantages of Being a Man

Recent Pics of Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:16:17

Radcliffe Camera and University Church from the River Thames

More: photos of Oxford

Funny Things People Say in Court

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:06:55

Q: What is your date of birth?

A: July fifteen.

Q: What year?

A: Every year.

From: Funny Sayings from Court

Yes Minister clips from Selected episodes

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:11:50

Yes Minister - The Lie

Reminds me a little of Donald Rumsfeld's poetry

Yes Minister Quotes

Poem: On Getting Bald

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:15:40

by Po Chu-Yi

At dawn I sighed to see my hairs fall;
At dusk I sighed to see my hairs fall.
For I dreaded the time when the last lock should go...
They are all gone and I do not mind at all!
I have done with that cumbrous washing and getting dry;
My tiresome comb is forever laid aside.
Best of all, when the weather is hot and wet,
To have no top-knot weighing down on one's head!
I put aside my messy clothy wrap;
I have got rid of my dusty tasselled fringe.
In a silver jar I have stored a cold stream,
On my bald pate I trickle a ladle full.
Like on baptized with the Water of Buddha's Law,
I sit and receive this cool, cleansing joy.
Now I know why the priest who seeks Repose
Frees his heart by first shaving his head

World Harmony Run 2007

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 02:57:55

World harmony Run in Spain

The World Harmony Run recently began in Portugal. It is currently passing through Spain and Portugal.

The World Harmony Run is founded by Sri Chinmoy it seeks to spread good will and harmony between people. There is a short description of last year's European World Harmony Run here

The photos were probably taken by Ondrej Vasilev, who is an excellent photographer.

Roman Holiday: Film and DVD Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 17:08:26

An overprotected English princess seeks to escape the boredom and monotony of her Royal duties, by slipping away from her entourage, into the city of Rome. Lost in the eternal city and under the influence of a powerful sleeping pill, Princess Ann is taken in by an American journalist Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck). Temporarily free of her Royal duties the young princess takes the opportunity to spend a day pleasing herself.

Princess Ann: I could do some of the things I've always wanted to.
Joe Bradley: Like what?
Princess Ann: Oh, you can't imagine. I-I'd do just whatever I liked all day long.

On realising he has had the good fortune of stumbling on a princess Joe, with the help of photographer Eddie Albert, seek to make the day into a very profitable news story.

Tribute to Johnny Carson

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 12:48:34

Tribute to American comic Johnny Carson

More: Johnny Carson video clip

Boris Grebenshikov Music

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 12:10:37

Beautiful video and music by Russian Musician Boris Grebenshikov

Upperclass Twit of the Year Award - Monty Python

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:31:52

Quotes Upperclass Twit

"Well it certainly looks as though we're in for a splendid afternoon's sport in this the 127th Upperclass Twit of the Year Show. Well the competitors will be off' in a moment so let me just identify for you. (camera zooms in on the competitors) Vivian Smith-Smythe-Smith has an O-level in chemo-hygiene. Simon-Zinc-Trumpet-Harris, married to a very attractive table lamp. Nigel Incubator-Jones, his best friend is a tree, and in his spare time he's a stockbroker."

If you like this you will definitely like this The Cheese Shop Sketch

First Birthday Cake

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:12:28

First Birthday Cake by Mary Mo

From Photo of the Day

Hail the Conquering Hero: Film Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:30:38

Hail the Conquering Hero

"Hail the Conquering Hero" is a unique and fast moving tale of an unlikely Marine made hero under false pretences.

Woodrow is invalided from the Marines before he ever sees action. He is desolate at not being able to live up to the high ideals of his father, who was a decorated hero in the previous war. Feeling down on his look he bumps into some Marines who have lost all their money. Cheered by Woodrow’s charity they decide to befriend him and then proceed to cajole him into returning to his home town, with some fabricated excuses.

Woodrow really hates the idea of pretending to be a wounded hero but things seem to be out of his hands as the group of Marines push him out on to the station with a uniform and medals. The Marines are a great assortment of individuals led by the impressive Cpl. Candida (played by Jimmie Dundee). The town’s people (who have not seen any action in the war) love the idea of having a local hero to idolise. They pull out all the stops to welcome him back. They are so enamoured of Woodrow (and the tales of the Marines) they decide they want him to run for office.

Scarlet and Black: Film Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:09:37

The Scarlet and the Black tells the true story of Irish priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty who helped to save thousands of Allied POW and Jews during the German occupation of Rome 1943-44.

Monsignor O’Flaherty got to know British servicemen by visiting Italian POW camps. When Italy switched sides in 1943 many Allied servicemen fled to Rome, where they sought the help of O’Flaherty in the Vatican. The Gaestapo come to learn that there was a network dedicated to hiding Allied prisoners and sought to break the network. In particular the Gestapo chief Kappler, becomes obsessed with finding and capturing the priest at the centre of the huge operation.

Blackadder IV: Russian Revolution and Start of War

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:17:48

"There's something afoot in the wind...the huddled masses yearning to be free..." "Baldric, have you been in the diesel oil again?"

Holy River - A Journey Down the Ganges

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 02:51:46

I look forward to following the journey of Peter Foster as he travels down the River Ganges. The river Ganges is held to be sacred in India. Beginning high in the foothills of the Himalayas the Ganges is viewed as the personification of the deity Ganga. It is the Hindu belief that bathing in the Ganges can purify your sins.

Holy River

Features blog and pictures by Heathcliff O'Malley

The picture of the Ganges in this blog entry is by Unmesh Swanson, Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

Molokai: DVD Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 16:26:59

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)

Hawaii sunset

Molokai tells the true story of the Belgian Catholic missionary, Father Damien. As a young priest and missionary, Father Damien voluntarily agreed to go to the Leper Colony on Molokai and spend the rest of his life on the island caring for the forgotten victims of Leprosy. The film recalls his experiences in dealing with 100s of patients, who had effectively been left to die unaided. Before he arrived there was nothing in the way of law and order; the island was in a near state of anarchy, where the wealthiest and strongest got the little shelter there was. Father Damien had not only to fight against the terrible effects of leprosy but also the inaction and at times indifference of the civil and religious authorities. However with the meagre resources allocated to him Father Damien was instrumental in improving the material conditions and well being of the patients. After serving the Leprosy patients for several years Father Damien himself contracted the disease. Father Damien eventually died from leprosy, the disease that he had dedicated his life to mitigating its effects.

Early Spring Photos

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:09:24

Daffodils in University Gardens.

Beautiful Iran

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:52:55

Tulip Field in Iran

Best of Spike Milligan Video Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 15:13:12

Spike Milligan and the Daleks

"How is Mr Banerjee?"

"He's not very well"

"Why's that?

"I exterminated him"

"O you shouldn't have done that."

Lioness

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:59:38

Picture of Lion taken by Pranlobha Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Goon Recordings with Peter Sellers

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:37:14

From the Goons Era

The Goons included Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. They burst onto the radio with surreal storylines, absurd logic, puns, catchphrases and groundbreaking sound effects. They ridiculed the pomposity of those in authority and laughed at the stupidity of mankind.

The Goons had an important influence over Monty Python and the development of British Comedy

"He's fallen in the water!"

The Goons

Short Poems of Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:00:03

Short Aphorisms of Sri Chinmoy

Worrying

Is worse than useless.

Except death,
There is nothing certain
Here on earth.

Criticism
Is
A dangerous poison

Try to overlook
Others’ faults
As often as possible.

When you suffer for any reason,
Just take a few very, very deep breaths.
It can be of some help to you.

Short Poems by Sri Chinmoy. From Seventy Seven Thousand Service Trees. Part 43

Photo by Kedar Misani from Zurich Switzerland, Sri Chinmoy Centre

Funny Physics Answers

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:50:07

The following concerns a question in a physics degree exam at the University of Copenhagen.

"Describe how to determine the height of a skyscraper with a barometer."

One student replied:

"You tie a long piece of string to the neck of the barometer, then lower the barometer from the roof of the skyscraper to the ground. The length of the string plus the length of the barometer will equal the height of the building."

This highly original answer so incensed the examiner that the student was failed. The student appealed on the grounds that his answer was indisputably correct, and the university appointed an independent arbiter to decide the case.

The Beatles on Morecambe and Wise

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:22:09

A great clip of the Beatles appearing on Morecambe and Wise. There is a great repartee between the Kings of Rock and the comic duo of Morecambe and Wise. Rare footage of the Beatles singing a number from "Eric's era". - although it is on the Beatles anthology

Motorbike and 3 people

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:45:50

Photo by Dhananjaya of Sri Chinmoy Centre.

Comedy Links

Funny Stretcher video I found this short video, it made me laugh.
Weakest link - hip hop video - Just in case you missed it earlier, well worth watching.

Dr Strangelove - Peter Sellers

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:42:51

The U.S. President (played by Peter Sellers) talks to the Russian President, as the world is on the verge of nuclear annihilation.

Peter Sellers - Comic Genius

Best of Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther

Le Grand Voyage: Film Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 14:30:27

Le Grand Voyage

Le grand Voyage is an interesting and thought provoking tale of an elderly devout Muslim making a pilgrimage to Mecca. To get to Mecca the elderly Father requires his youngest son, to drive him. Reda agrees only reluctantly, and this is only due to a sense of filial responsibility. There is a sharp divide between the two both in terms of age and outlook on life. Reda is secular a non-practising Muslim and frequently regrets having to drive his father some 3000 miles to Mecca. There is at times a painful separation between the two, as each struggles to reconcile their very different aspirations.

Round the World in a Camper Van

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 10:03:54

Windermere from Kirkstone Pass

Micheal Broadwidth is a good time triallist but is selling is bike to go on a round the world trip in a VW camper Van with his wife Helen. Good Luck! I look forward to seeing their photos as they cross the Asian subcontinent.

Visit site: Round the World 2007

New Fawlty Towers Footage

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 16:42:04

Fawlty Towers Bloopers

I have seen most Fawlty Towers episodes several times, so its good to see some rare out-takes. I like the scene when Sybil shuts the door and the set nearly falls down.

1970s BBC British Comedy sets always seemed to be built on a shoestring, but it just shows that its not fancy sets which makes successful programmes...

More Fawlty Towers Clips

Young and Old - Nepal

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 02:37:10

Young girl from Nepal

From: Photo gallery of Ranjit Swanson on a recent trip to Nepal at Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

UK Econ Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 02:16:44

Interesting blog entry here by Darren Rowse about why people unsubscribe from a blog RSS. Quite high up on the list is

Too many posts
Posts frequently go off topic.

With that in mind I won't be posting Economics in this blog any more. In case you do have an interest in the latest economic news you can visit by UK economics Blog

13 Best Short Funny Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:45:09

"Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning."

Anonymous.

"At my age I do what Mark Twain did. I get my daily paper, look at the obituaries page and if I’m not there I carry on as usual."

Patrick Moore, English astronomer

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here...This is the War Room!"

(Dr. Strangelove, 1964) Peter Sellers Quotes

Photo: Indian Summer

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:28:45

Photo by Gary Miles. From Photo of the Day Competition

Quotes from Monty Python and Holy Grail

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 03:10:48

MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL has some quite funny moments a fairly exciting story, and some low budget adventure. But compared to films such as Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal, it is quite silly. If you are an intellectual midget, and you like giggling, you could do worse than seeing... [gong bangs, Chinese characters for "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" appear]

Kwouk: Monty Python and the Holy Grail!

Video of the Black Knight Scene

"tis but a scratch!"

"A scratch! your arms off"

Video of the Bridge of Death

Bridgekeeper: What... is your favourite colour?

Sir Galahad: Blue. No, yellOOOOOOOW!! [is cast into the gorge]

Dennis The Constitutional Peasant

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 03:19:25

More Holy Grail - I love this scene, maybe because I studied anarchist syndicalist communes at University. Enjoy!

Arthur: Old woman!

Dennis: MAN!

Arthur: Old man, sorry. What knight lives in that castle over there?

Dennis: I'm 37.

Arthur: What?

Dennis: I'm 37, I'm not old!

Arthur: Well, I can't just call you "man".

Dennis: You could say "Dennis".

Arthur: I didn't know you were called Dennis.

Dennis: Well you didn't bother to find out, did you?

Brazil 1970 - The Beautiful Game

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 02:41:41

Brazil on top of the world with a dazzling array of skill

Inn of the Sixth Happiness: Film Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 15:47:16

Based on a true story of Gladys Aylward, this Oscar winning film tells the story of how one woman was inspired to leave the comforts of England to travel to China to work as a missionary. In China she sets up an inn for tired hungry mule drivers, where she gets an opportunity to share stories from the Bible. Gradually overcoming the hostility and suspicion of the locals she wins the heart of Army colonel (Curt Jurgens), she also impresses the powerful local mandarin (Robert Donat). Her finest hour comes during the Japanese invasion where she escorted 100 orphan children to safety.

Quotes by Ronnie Barker

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:18:54

"After an incident in Croydon involving a police van and a concrete mixer, police are looking for eighteen hardened criminals."

- Ronnie Barker

Fork Handles Sketch

“Have you got Four Candles?”

“No, I mean have you got any fork handles”

“Have you got any hose?”

“No I mean O’s, letter O's”

Poem - Mind and Soul

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 15:04:03

True, the mind-sky
Has dark clouds,
But what prevents me
From rising above them
With the help of my soul?

- Sri Chinmoy

Photo from: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Tools for Webmasters and Bloggers

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 07:31:35

Google Sitemap - Gives statistics and is best way to check links to your site. (It is not worth using google link:http://www.site.com)
Statcounter This is an extensive statcounter given detailed information about site entry e.t.c. It is free if you have a log size of less than 100, which is fine. Gives real time stats.
W3C Validator Includes

Don't Make me Think - Don't Make Me Wait

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:48:06

"Don’t Make Me Wait" and "Don’t Make Me Think" are 2 connected principles of web design that will help increase traffic and make sure people want to come back to your site.

Don’t Make me Wait – A recent study found that consumers who need to wait more than 4 seconds for a site to load, often went elsewhere. 4 seconds is not actually that long. It shows how much visitors value speed of page load.

See: Tips to increase Speed

Most web developers will have a fast internet connection (8mb) but remember the majority of people will not be so fortunate. Check your site on a dial up - you will really begin to value speed then.

Photos of Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 02:20:39

Radcliffe Camera at Night.

13 Best Quotes Thomas Jefferson

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:25:40

" I love peace, and am anxious that we should give the world still another useful lesson, by showing to them other modes of punishing injuries than by war, which is as much a punishment to the punisher as to the sufferer.”
" I do not believe war the most certain means of enforcing principles. Those peaceable coercions which are in the power of every nation, if undertaken in concert and in time of peace, are more likely to produce the desired effect."
“When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.”
“The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time”
“He who steadily observes the moral precepts in which all religions concur, will never be questioned at the gates of heaven as to the dogmas in which they all differ.”

The Tyger by William Blake

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:20:08

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

By: William Blake

From the poem: The Tyger

Photo By: Jimbo

Saints and Soldiers Film Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:56:47

Saints and Soldiers

Based on actual events during WWII "Saints and Soldier" tells the story of a small number of American soldiers who somehow managed to escape from the massacre of Malmady. However they were left trapped behind enemy lines and were over 20KM from the American lines. They are willing to stick it out, hiding from the Germans. However they then come across an Allied pilot (Oberon Winley)shot down in possession of vital information about the German advance. Therefore they decide to make the perilous journey back through the German lines.

The film is a good combination of character development and action. It is not a standard war movie and poses interesting questions and moral dilema's. The film was created on a small budget, but at the same time the action scenes are effective and gripping. From the war crime of Malmedy, the film makes a powerful case for showing that War is never a simple case of black and white. In its own way the film is both tragic and uplifting.

Saints and Soldiers official site

Quick Recommendations

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:53:32

Good Films

Blogs

J - Walk Blog - thanks for the Tour De France clip where horse joins in the race..
101 things in 1001 days interesting mix with short Haiku poems

Funny

Michael Parkinson interviews Peter Sellers
The Cheese Shop - Monty Python Sketch.

You Gov - Opinion polls

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:39:59

If you enjoy filling in opinion polls you may be interested in this scheme by YouGov.co.uk

You Gov sign up

You get paid 50p per survey that you complete. My sister says she is close to getting her first £50. The registration form takes about 1 or 2 mins to complete.

I like the site design of You Gov - simple but effective.

Spring Comes Early this Year

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 17:02:10

Spring Comes early to Oxford

After one of the mildest winters on record, spring has come early this year. I took this photo of tree blossom last weekend.

Peter Kay Interview with Michael Parkinson

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 03:05:53

Peter Kay being interviewed with Michael Parkinson. Lots of new material I hadn't heard before

Heart of Autumn

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 02:58:24

Heart of Autumn

ROBERT WOJTOWICZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Funny Exam Diagrams

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 02:29:55

Elephant in the way.

Funny Exam Answers

New Cycling Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 12:21:37

In an attempt to make this blog less of a mish mash. I will be putting all entries about cycling on a separate blog. The new cycling blog is called "Its all downhill from here"

Looking on the Bright Side of Life

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 05:58:06

There is a saying that a thief will see others as a thief, but a saint sees everybody else has a saint. There are innumerable reasons to be miserable when we look at the teeming problems of the world. If we are not careful the problems and troubles of the world can see overwhelming but at the same time it is possible to look always on the bright side of life.

“A saint always sees everyone in the world — even the worst possible thief — as a saint. Similarly, a thief will see even the most divine saint as a thief. We judge others according to our own standard, according to our own realisation.”

Sri Chinmoy [1]

Recent Photos Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:21:34

Radcliffe Camera Square February 2007

Other photos from Oxford in Winter

The Art of Writing for Blogs

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:22:07

An unexpected side effect of the Internet, is that the art of writing is becoming more widespread and important than ever before. Through writing on the subjects that interest you, the Internet provides a unique opportunity to make a living through your writing. If you hope to make a successful website it is important to place considerable importance on the technique and inspiration of writing

Don’t be Put Off. I quite often hear people say they are “not a writer” It is easy to have such false modesty. However just because you are not a professional writer is not a reason to start writing. My theory is that if you can communicate ideas verbally, there is no reason why you can’t communicate through writing.

Test for Smart People

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 06:39:31

----- Test for Smart People.....

are you smart? Can you answer these questions correctly?

The following short quiz consists of 4 questions and will tell you whether you are qualified to be a professional. Scroll down for each answer. The questions are NOT that difficult. But don't scroll down UNTIL you have answered the question!

How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?

Wisdom of School children

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 06:33:06

Insanity is hereditary, you get it from your children

Teacher: "Can anybody give an example of "COINCIDENCE?"

Johnny : "Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same time."

Teacher: "George Washington not only chopped down his father's Cherry tree but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't punish him?"

Johnny : "Because George still had the axe in his hand?"

Teacher : What a pair of strange socks you are wearing, one is green and one is blue with red spots!

Kirk : Yes it's really strange. I have another pair just like them at home.

Advice on Writing Blogs: What has helped me

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:29:14

There are over 60 million blogs on the internet and I’m sure that this number will continue to grow. What makes a good blog? How can you make your blog stand out from all the other 60 million plus blogs? These are a few ideas which will help you to write and create a successful blog.

Share your Passion. Write on what you know about. It may sound obvious but to be successful you need to be able to write with passion and / or with an informative background. There is no use trying to make a blog about mortgages unless you know actually something about it.
Regularity. Post on a regular basis. If a blog is regularly updated then it will definitely encourage others to come back and check for your latest content. Also search engines like blogs and websites that have regular content added at a natural rate.
Keep it simple. Good writing is often deceptively simple. There is no need to try and develop complicated linguistic skills. People will appreciate blog posts that are easy to read. See previous post on writing articles for internet
Clear Easy Format. I sometimes like to write in bullet points or numbers. It makes it quicker to write and easier to read.
Niche Areas Focus on a couple of niche areas of interest. If you try to cover every interest under the sun then it is more difficult to build up a regular readership. Having said that I sometimes ignore my own advice. On this blog I post on many unrelated posts: The UK economy, spirituality, Monty Python, Photos of Oxford, poetry e.t.c If you do have several interests you could always consider having different blogs for different topics. This is likely to develop a readership who are interested in your whole blog, rather than get put off by seeing different things. At the same time don’t spread yourself too thinly by having countless blogs.
Don’t Make Me Think. A while back I came across an idea on the internet “Don’t make me think” I like this very much. Basically the average internet user wants to find the best things with minimum effort. Make sure your best posts don’t get lost in the archives. You can always link to them every now and then or you could have good posts highlighted. Don't Make me Think

“If you really want to know if your Web site works, ask your next door neighbor to try using it, while you watch." (When my mother can navigate my site I know I have got it right)

Good Titles Choose titles with care. To get traffic it is good to choose keyword rich titles. For example if you choose “Advice for writing a blog” you have much less competition than if you chose a title “A Good blog”. Generally 3-4 words are better than 1.

The Great McGinty - Preston Sturges films

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:08:07

The Great McGinty

Prologue: "This is the story of two men who met in a banana republic. One of them never did anything dishonest in his life except for one crazy minute. The other never did anything honest in his life except for one crazy minute. They both had to get out of the country."

This film is told in flashback by Dan McGinty (Brian Donlevy). Living in depression hit America, Dan is homeless and destitute. However he is asked to help the Mayor with vote rigging in an election. He proves so adept at vote rigging, the Mafia style boss, gives McGinty a promotion. Soon he is elected Mayor himself, with the full support of the Mafia. He even takes a wife of convenience (Catherine McGinty played by Muriel Angelus) to help in getting elected. Slowly we see Dan McGinty’s good side, eventually his wife persuades him to stand up to the Mafia and do something good. A lifetime of easy money threatened by one moment’s of good intention.

This was my first Preston Sturges film. It definitely won’t be my last. It has really interesting characters and a thought provoking story line. It is also just good fun to watch.

Picture Double Rainbow

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:46:33

A double Rainbow

Photography by Astrophotographer

Astrophotographer says:

"I am very keen on astrophotography, atmospherics and nature photography.The passion for photography has been with me for 50 odd years and is still as strong as ever."

Choosing a good name for a Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 06:49:54

I would like very much to choose a good name for this blog. The original name was "Richard's Blog" - OK, but not particularly original or insightful. The current blog name "Good Things" is far too bland. Anyway I asked the help of my friend Shardul, who choose a very good name for his blog The Brighter Side of Life. these are some suggestions, which Shardul kindly gave to me:

"On the Sunny Side of the Street"
"It's All Downhill From Here" - I like this, related to my cycling
"Blog of the Lion-Heart" (After King Richard III - The Lionheart)
"Spinning Wheels"

Best of Fawlty Towers

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 16:50:40

Clip from Gourmet Night

Basil Fawlty in fine form, as their Gourmet evening goes predictably wrong.

"Come on!" - Basil Fawlty to his car, which has broken down

"start you vicious *******"

"O My God I'm warning you, if you don't start.. I'll count to 3,.. 1,2,3"

"Right that's it, I have enough of you. You've tried it once too often.."

If we can all become good citizens

Of the world,

Then the face and fate of the world

Will change overnight

By: Sri Chinmoy

Christ Church Autumn

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 15:21:08

Christ Church last Autumn. It doesn't look much like that now. Recent snowfall has melted now though.

Wisdom of Homer Simpson

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:09:08

Homer Simpson

Quotes of Homer

"It's not easy to juggle a pregnant wife and a troubled child, but somehow I managed to fit in eight hours of TV a day. "

"But Marge, what if we chose the wrong religion? Each week we just make God madder and madder."

"To Start Press Any Key'. Where's the ANY key?"

" I think Smithers picked me because of my motivational skills. Everyone says they have to work a lot harder when I’m around. "

See more: Quotes of Homer Simpson

Short Biography of J.K.Rowling

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:43:50

J.K. Rowling has recently announced she has finished her latest and final installment of Harry Potter. "The Deathly Hallows" will be released in July of this year.

This is a short biography of J.K.Rowling. Her inspiration for writing Harry Potter first came on a delayed train journey from London to Manchester. God bless British Rail!

J.K.Rowling Biography by richard

Ashrita Breaks Record Skipping with a Tiger

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:09:08

Ashrita with Tiger

Ashrita has broken records in a variety of exotic places. He also has a great fondness for animals, even dangerous ones. I remember one record where he tried to set a Guiness record for underwater juggling in a tank full of sharks. This was actually one of the few records he missed ( a shark knocked a ball away!)

Anyway in his blog entry Ashrita talks about his fascinating experience befriending a Tiger and then proceeding to set a record.

"The Abbot also told me to put my hand on the tiger’s back so the tiger would know that I was in control! Wow! I certainly didn’t feel like I was in control! But I could tell the Abbot was monitoring the tiger’s every move."

Shilpa Shetty and Big Brother

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 02:56:23

Shilpa Shetty

To me Big Brother will always be images of George Orwell's 1984. Creating a devastating impression of an overwhelmingly powerful dictatorship.

"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face"

Anyway there is apparently something even worse than this nightmare scenario; a TV reality show by the same name of Big Brother. It is said in the newspapers this lady Shilpa Shetty had to endure a lot of name calling and pathetic arguments. Yesterday she visited the House of Commons to be feted by all our sincere Politicians. (Apparently she listened to PM question time, - so probably would have bought back memories of the Big Brother house and all that name calling ... ) Anyway she looks to be enjoying herself at the temple of British power, with a traditional Indian garland

Funny Types of Transport

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:01:59

A motorised arm chair.

When buying a car it is important that you have a comfy chair, but I think this is taking the principle to extremes. It reminds me of the sketch in "Last of the Summer Wine" by BBC when the 3 old men go sliding down a hill on a settee.

13 Books that Changed the World

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 17:45:49

This list is inspired by the BBC series created by Melvyn Bragg. I didn't agree with many of his choices, so here is my choice in no particular order.

1. The Upanishads. This one of the world’s most ancient scriptures. It forms the basis of Hindu thought. The message of the Upanishads is “Know Thyself”

"From delight all beings have come, by delight they all live,
and unto delight they all return."

2. The Bible. The Bible has been the cornerstone of Western morality and religion for the past 2,000 years. Of all the books in the bible, the most influential have been the 4 Gospels, which record the life of Jesus Christ. He offered a new interpretation of the Old scriptures urging followers to “Love thy neighbour as thyself.”

"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"—Matthew 19:19.

4. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. No other book has been so widely read or studied as the Complete works of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare has shaped English language and left an indelible mark on Western culture and the arts.

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."

Funny and Inspiring News Videos

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 02:30:41

"Somebody said you can't have your cake and eat it"

"no it was not Marie Antoinette."

12 Books that Changed the World BBC

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 02:35:58

These titles were chosen by Melvyn Bragg as being the most significant books for changing the world. It has been developed into a BBC series, which is quite interesting, even if I don't agree with his selection.

Darwin - The Origin of Species (1859)
The First Rule Book of the Football Association (1863)
William Shakespeare's First Folio (1623)
Newton - Principia Mathematica (1687)
Adam Smith - The Wealth of Nations (1776)
William Wilberforce - Speech to the House of Commons (May 12 1789)
The King James Bible (1611)
Patent Specification for Arkwright's Spinning Machine (1769)
Mary Wollstonecraft - A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)
Michael Faraday - Experimental Research in Electricity (1855)
Marie Stopes - Married Love (1918)
Magna Carta (1215)

Blackadder the Fourth - Video Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:57:58

Corporal Punishment

Captain Blackadder, the master of sarcastic wit, gets ample opportunity to display his black humour as he prepares for the firing squad

Young Polar Bear

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:51:05

Young polar bear cub.

This young polar bear was recently born in a zoo in Germany. He was being handfed as his mother was not responding.

Close to the edge...

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:37:44

This guy looks to be enjoying himself, but he looks dangerously close to the edge of the waterfall.

Other inspirational photos of China

via:

2000 Blogger Photos

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 12:25:52

Quite recently I added a photo to my blog a couple of days later I came across this 2000 bloggers

It's a very good idea. I think it is always good to see the person behind the website, makes it closer to personal contact. It has also been increasing my technorati ranking, though I'm not sure how important that it is.

My irregularly updated blog on Blogging advice

Just need to find a good picture next...

Cycling Plans for 2007

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 11:50:47

I took this photo whilst training recently. It is one of those quintessential English village whose name temporarily eludes me, It is near Great Milton in Oxfordshire.

Quote: What does it mean to succeed?

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 09:19:13

"To Laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED."

—- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)

via Inspiration blog

Photo of Sunset

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 17:10:30

Sunset

from: http://www.fotograferen.net/ by: Rutger Geerling

Very good selection of sunset / sunrise photographs available at his site.

Cycling Training during Winter

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:52:24

After a slow start to the year I have started to cycle more miles. Hopefully I may make 200 miles this week. I'm a great believer in riding alot of miles at 70-80% of Heart Rate. Unfortunately I seem to have less time for training this year but as you get fitter you get more inspired to go out. Spring is also very early this year which encourages you to go out and train.

Winter Cycling Training

Creating Harmony with others

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:45:04

Getting along with other people is one of the most important things we can do. If we have harmony with our family, friends and work colleagues; it will make life much more peaceful and enjoyable. Despite the importance of cultivating harmony in relationships, often it is something that we do not pay enough attention to.

Video Drawing The Perfect Circle

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:28:29

At school the only thing I ever remember learning in art was how to draw a straight line freehand. Every now and then I enjoy showing off to my students how I can draw economics diagrams without a ruler...

This Guy really is amazing though being able to draw a perfect circle.

Photo Mount Mckinley

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:40:22

Mt Mckinley

photographer unknown.

The end for Floppy Disks

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:54:26

With the unrelenting pace of change in technology, Dixon's a leading electronic retailer has said that it would no longer sell floppy disks when its stocks ran out. Nearly 98% of new computers now no longer have a facility for floppy disks. The CD could also be soon on the way out as people increasingly switch to memory sticks which are capable of storing upto 8 gigabytes; more than 6,000 times that of a floppy disk.

It makes me very slightly nostalgic for my very first computer a BBC 32K.

Mozilla Firefox: worth getting

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:34:48

Usually I use Mozilla browser, but sometimes I check how my sites look on Internet Explorer. There always seems to be some bug when viewing In IE, which require some patch, fix or hack. I think this is why many computer users have developed a dislike of Microsoft products. They always have bugs and problems which require numerous fixes after it has caused you problems. As other people have suggested its like designing a car and when it crashes you get sent a patch so the brakes work a little better next time. IE7 is out and may solve some of the problems, but I would still recommend downloading Mozilla. There are many other good features and generally it is considered more secure against viruses e.t.c.

John Lennon - Imagine

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:58:18

Imagine by John Lennon

Poem Rainbow

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:27:13

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.

By: William Wordsworth

rainbow from: absolutewade's photostream; flikir

Oxford and Cyling

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 04:18:09

All Souls

Photo from Saturday morning. Cycling 100 miles this weekend. Today went to Fifield

A Short Guide to the Great Philosophers

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:17:17

Monty Python - International Philosophy

I studied philosophy in my first year of University. I wish I had this kind of guide to explain the intricies of Kantian philosophy

More monty python sketches

7 Tips for Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 16:40:13

There are several things we can do to reduce the stress and anxiety in our lives.

Joke on Understanding Women

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 16:21:29

I've seen varients of this joke. I guess the genders could be reversed...

A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, "Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."

The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want."The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that would honor and glorify me."

The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand my wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says, "nothing's wrong" and how I can make a woman truly happy."

The Lord replied, "You want two lanes or four on that bridge?"

Just for my sisters:

Video Polar Bears

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:26:28

This is a short chapter of the beautiful series "Planet Earth" from the BBC. This movie takes you to a female polarbear and her two cubs. The mother has not eaten for several months spending time looking after cubs

via

Global Warming is threatening the existence of Polar Bears, even the US has belatedly put them on the endangered species list

Planet Earth

Florence Sepia Photo

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:39:36

Florence in Sepia

Photo by Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Yorkshire Dialect and Humour

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:26:26

Yorkshire	English
`Ows t''e addle 'is brass?	What does he do for a living
weeer ta bahn?	where are you going?
where's theres muck theres bras	where there is hard work there is financial compensation
aye he's a reet rapscallion	- he's a real bad lad
fair t'middlin	I'm quite well thank - you
thers nowt sae kweer as fowk	People can be the strangest of things at times
if e fel int midden e'd cum aht smellin' o roses	that man is so luck if he fell in the outdoor toilet he would come out smelling of roses

Quote on Life by Basil Fawlty

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:53:05

"zoom! - what was that? -"

"That was your life mate."

"Do I get another?"

"No sorry that was your lot"

Basil Fawlty in "Mrs Richards" - See video here

Morecambe and Wise video clip

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:50:25

Morecambe and Wise with Tom Jones

Beautiful counterpart of slick rock star Tom Jones with the irrepressable comedians of Morecambe and Wise. In their heyday they attracted 29 million viewers, you can understand why. - Great comic pairing.

Advantages of getting an Apple ibook.

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:09:38

1. Improved Security. Defeat viruses and spybots A recent report about dangers of online fraud by Vint Cerf suggests the internet is subject to many security holes. It is estimated that of the 600 million computers that are connected to the internet, up to 150 million are part of botnets, with many of the users being unaware of the dangers. see: BBC news stories

Dead Parrot Sketch - Monty Python

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:28:02

Quotes from Dead Parrot Sketch

C: Never mind that, my lad. I wish to complain about this parrot what I purchased not half an hour ago from this very boutique.

O: Oh yes, the, uh, the Norwegian Blue...What's,uh...What's wrong with it?

C: I'll tell you what's wrong with it, my lad. 'E's dead, that's what's wrong with it!

O: No, no, 'e's uh,...he's resting.

C: Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I'm looking at one right now.

O: No no he's not dead, he's, he's restin'! Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, idn'it, ay? Beautiful plumage!

C: The plumage don't enter into it. It's stone dead.

Tips for Avoiding High Debt Interest Payments

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:13:16

In the UK levels of credit card borrowing is reaching unprecedented levels. Some have suggested this is the consumer generation. I think in the past people wouldn't have considered borrowing so much unsecured debt. Perhaps it is just a feature of modern society with so many enticing goods to buy.

Reducing your debt burden

The most important thing is to try and avoid missing statements and having unauthorised overdrafts. Always maintain the minimum payments and always try to pay off the high interest bearing accounts first. If possible try to consolidate your debts in one place where you can get the lowest interest rates.

Improving your Credit Rating

Top 10 Financial Tips for saving Money

Favourite Indian Music Downloads

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:51:14

Taj Mahal

Beautiful Sitar Music by Dr. Madan Shankar Mishra

Listen Now m4a format

Ganesha Song by Sri Chinmoy - requires real player

Free Indian Music Downloads at Poetseers. This is a page I compiled a while back with some of my favourite Indian music selections. I try to update it every now and then.

Photo credit by: Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre galleries

Switching from NTL Broadband to BT Broadband

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:50:20

Talking about overcoming anger. It reminds me of certain dealings with NTL phone company. To be polite they are not always the best organised company in the UK. They do however offer many opportunities for the practise of tolerance, patience and forgiveness.

How to Overcome Anger

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:43:02

When practising meditation we can learn how to develop greater equanimity and forbearance of difficult situations. Emotions like anger, hate and depression are very much polar opposites to the experience of meditation. When we allow anger to take over our mind it can be very destructive often leading to depression. My spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy says:

“Anger is a great obstacle. The after-effect of anger is frustration and depression. We should take anger as a thief. Its very nature is to steal. We have love inside us and it is our treasure. If we allow anger, the thief, to enter into us, then it will immediately steal our inner treasure.”

However if we sincerely wish to stop anger then it is possible. We can try to implement steps such as these.

The Nun's Story DVD review

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:24:52

Sister Luke (Audrey Hepburn)

A Nun’s story is a film directed by Fred Zimmerman about the life and inner struggles of a young Belgian woman who decides to become a nun.

The film revolves around the life and disciplines of living in a holy order. If you have little interest in religion or spiritual life, you may find the first 40 minutes rather uneventful. The first part of the film is basically a description of the disciplines that novice nuns must learn to adhere to. On the surface this beginning sequence is quite austere, but at the same time it provides an intriguing insight into the life of a convent.

Christ Church Photos at Dusk

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:22:13

Christ Church at 4.30pm January 2007

I took these photos today just as the sun was about to set. Christ Church is very beautiful at that time of the day. the setting s

13 Tips for Writing a Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:35:20

There are over 60 million blogs on the internet and I’m sure that this number will continue to grow. What makes a good blog and how can you make your blog stand out from all the other 60 million plus blogs. These are a few ideas which will help you to write and create a successful blog.

Write on what you know about. It may sound obvious but to be successful you need to be able to write with passion and / or with an informative background. There is no use trying to make a blog about mortgages unless you know actually something about it.
Post on a regular basis. If a blog is regularly updated then it will definitely encourage others to come back and check for your latest content. Also search engines like blogs and websites that have regular content added at a natural rate.
Keep it simple. Good writing is often deceptively simple. There is no need to try and develop complicated linguistic skills. People will appreciate blog posts that are easy to read.
I sometimes like to write in bullet points or numbers. It makes it quicker to write and easier to read.

State of Indian Economy 2007

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 10:04:27

India’s current economic growth is likely to soon push it into the position as the 5th biggest economy in the world. Already in terms of purchasing power the Indian economy is ranked as the third largest

Economic growth is currently averaging 5-6% and there are signs that this is likely to continue in the future.

State of UK economy 2007

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 07:50:55

Despite the recent surprise in inflation reaching an 11 year high of 3% and interest rates rising again it is worth bearing in mind that the general state of the UK economy is remarkably good. This good overview of the UK economy is generally backed up by a report from a report by Ernst and Young recently published. These are several reasons to be bullish about the state of the UK economy.

Strong and continued economic growth. Economic growth is currently 3% and is forecast to be 3% throughout the year into 2008 Economic growth has been positive since the middle of 1992 making one of the longest periods of continuous economic growth on record. It appears that the UK is no longer subject to economic cycles. It is worth remembering in the 1970s and 1980s the economy was particularly volatile with two very deep recessions of 1981 and 1991.

Abbe Pierre: Priest and humanitarian

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:22:47

Abbe Pierre was one of France's most popular figures. For a time he was a monk and later a priest. His life's calling was to serve the disadvantaged, in particular the homeless. He led a varied and fulfilling life. During the second world war he helped save Jews from deportation. After the second world war he set up a charity Emmanus to campaign for shelter for the homeless. He also sought to give renewed hope for the downtrodden so they would be able to work out their own problems and difficulties.

I wrote a short biography here: Biography Abbe Pierre

Martin Pettinger Photography

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:01:18

This photo is from Loch Leven

Continuing the Pettinger theme I came across this website by Martin Pettinger who is a photographer from Scotland. Specialising in weddings and landscapes of Scotland he has some really beautiful photos.

Landscape Photos

I have included one photo here but it is worth checking out his blog and site for more.

Richard Pettinger

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:38:16

I received a very kind email from another Richard Pettinger who writes books on management at UCL university London. I have often googled Richard Pettinger and am impressed by his many published books. Funnily enough since I teach Economics some people have mistakenly assumed it was me who wrote these books. Alas, I have not as yet written a book, although I will be writing an Economics revision book very soon.

Anyway it was very nice to hear from another Richard Pettinger, I think the name is not common at all.

I did actually hear from another Richard Pettinger back in March, unfortunately I lost my old blog so I can't remember but I think he was an accountant from the Midlands.

Just in case you wish to purhase a book on management by Richard Pettinger

Bobby McFerrin - Don't worry be Happy

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:07:17

January in Cambridge

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:46:52

River in Kings College Cambridge

I spent the weekend in Cambridge, visiting Kings College where Sri Aurobindo once studied

Photos of Paris

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 03:11:31

Photo by Sharani: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

View: Panaroma of Paris

Tony Hancock Video clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:43:31

Tony Hancock had his own very popular half hour sketch show, making him one of Britain's top comedians during the 1950s. A unique clean style of humour noone has ever replaced.

"What are you doing with your hand in the box?"

"O just leaning you know."

"Do you always stand like that?"

Photo of Geranium

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:10:02

white geranium

Only a couple of months to Summer...

Famous Muhammed Ali Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:00:24

Muhammad Ali

Today the boxing legend Muhammed Ali today turned 65. Ali once said of old age: "Old age is just a record of one's whole life," I have tremendous respect for Muhammed Ali. He has also seemed to cope with his progressive illness of Parkinson's with his trademark good humour.

"I always liked to chase the girls. Parkinson's stops all that. Now I might have a chance to go to heaven. "

--Muhammad Ali calling his Parkinson's Disease a blessing

Muhammad Ali is a remarkable character who at times generated much controversy, in particular for sticking to his beliefs. His early quotes from his boxing days seem very apt for a boxer. It is as if he wanted to take the fight outside the ring.

I am no fan of boxing but I am a great fan of Muhammad Ali. Long live the greatest!

Muhammad Ali Quotes

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

"I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round."

"It will be a killer, and a chiller, and a thriller, when I get the gorilla in Manila"

13 Best Quotes on Love

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:54:54

Its Thursday thirteen. This week I wanted to select 13 quotes on love. Most of these quotes were gained from Poetseers and the section "Poems on Love". Before starting to work on Poetseers a couple of years ago, I didn't used to read poetry at all. So I enjoyed discovering many of the great poets and poems. These are 13 but there are many other candidates.

1. If music be the food of love - William Shakespeare

"If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.

2. Love is not a thing to understand - Sri Chinmoy

"Love is not a thing to understand.
Love is not a thing to feel.
Love is not a thing to give and receive.
Love is a thing only to become
And eternally be. "

Corinthians 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and angels,
but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a tinkling symbol.
And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing. "

The Natural Beauty of China

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:28:06

The Natural Beauty of China

image source: Chinese image aggregator sites via: Dark Roasted blend

Great Roads of the World

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:18:55

the Oxford Bypass after a bit of rain.

Actually the Russian Siberian Road to Yakutsk

Don't go near the edge

Bolivia's "Road of Death". About 200 people die on this road every year.

Picture of Lion

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:43:23

Lion

Photo by Pranlobha from Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

More Jeeves and Wooster Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:44:16

Wooster Being Silly

Christmas in Turkey, with Pizza

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 17:02:24

Richard with Abakash

On Christmas day in Turkey, we had Christmas lunch in a Pizza restaurant, Antalya. It was very good and afterwards the owner kindly brought us Turkish coffee.

On my left is Abakash. Abakash runs a successful printing business in New York Abakash is also a very good photographer. Here is a photo of Ashrita breaking a Guinnes Record.

This photo was taken by Priyadarshan Bontempi who is an expert on cooking pasta, making coffee and Lisp Programming language. Although Priyadarshan is Italian he speak English better than me. See: Is Plenilune, a desuetude word... or not?

Afterwards we went for coffee and cake

More: Inspiring photos of Turkey

J.R.R.Tolkien Short Biography

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:18:44

J.R.R. Tolkien

I have not read very many fiction books, but once I started to read Lord of the Rings I was hooked and used to make it annual devotion to read it from start to finish. As well as writing Lord of the Rings, Tolkien also wrote a very detailed account of the early histories of Middle Earth, mostly contained in The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. Suprisingly one of his primary motives in writing the Silmarillion and later the Lord of the Rings was to provide a backdrop for the languages he had created. For example, Quenya for the Elves (based on Finnish.)

J.R.R. Tolkien seems to be have been kind, modest Oxford professor who became a little suprised at the huge interest his books developed.

I don't think anybody has come close to matching his depth and scope of creative fiction. He didn't just write a novel; but created an almost entire universe with its own underlying moral and spiritual values. I have written a short biography of J.R.R.Tolkien at Biography Online

La Veuve de Saint Pierre DVD review

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 03:04:28

La Veuve de Saint Pierre has a star studied cast with Juliette Binoche, and Daniel Auteuil and is directed by Patrice Leconte. It tells the story of a drunken sailor convicted of a senseless murder on the remote Cod islands of Saint Pierre. The murderer Ariel Neel Auguste is sentenced to death by the guillotine. However on the remote island there is no guillotine and no executioner, so his execution is delayed. The murderer attracts the sympathy of the beautiful Madama La (Juilliete Binoche). Madame La is the wife of the Captain of the island. She gives him sympathetic understanding and treatment borne of her idealistic belief that even the most evil can change.

All you need is Love - Beatles

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 02:50:35

All you need is Love

The Beatles at their best.

The Beatles did so much for popular music during the 1960s and after

Quote about Death

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:00:39

"Death is not the end. Death can never be the end."

"Death is the road. Life is the traveller. The soul is the guide."

"When the traveller is tired and exhausted, the guide instructs the traveller to take either a short or a long rest, and then again the traveller's journey begins."

Sri Chinmoy

Burford and Indoor Cycling

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:50:01

Cycled 65 miles to Burford today. Weather good and dry for a change. I have written an article on "benefits of indoor cycling training" however I can hardly claim to be an expert since I rarely do it myself. Have managed 30 mins on turbo so far this winter. About 150 miles this week over 5 sessions.

(Photo not by me)

World Darts Championship 2007

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:37:50

The World Darts Championship final was quite exciting. One guy Phil Nixon was losing 6-0 but came back to 6-6, before losing to Martin "Wolfie" Adams in the last set. Impressive stuff. Some like to question how much of a sport Darts is. It has a bit of reputation for being a sport for those who are not exactly athletes in peak of physical condition. As one leading darts player commented.

"Before a match I like to relax with 25 bottles of Holsten Pils and six steak n' kidney pies."

- Andy Fordham on his MySpace page (Yes, even The Viking has a Myspace page.)

Source Greatest darts quotes ever BBC

But I think it is as much a sport as the javelin. Which is probably why Fatima Whitbread was invited to take part in the immortal quiz show Bullesye unless you have had the pleasure of growing up with Bullseye (british gameshow) these Bullseye quotes may not mean much

Darts is also educational as BBC presenter Ray stubbs said:

"Darts really can help with literacy."

BBC presenter Ray Stubbs to Sports Minister Richard Caborn. (That'll be numeracy, Ray. )

Funny Commercial Ads

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 03:35:27

Irn Bru Commerical

We're walking in the air. He nicked my Iron Bru, and let go of my hand..."

Great Scottish Humour

You tube - Irn bri

Peter Kay Commercials for John Smith's

The immortal Peter Kay on fine form . Ave it!"

Photos Oxford Winter

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:13:29

University Parks winter

Its quite mild here in Oxford this winter

Christmas Truce 1914-15

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:04:13

Watching the film "O What a lovely war" reminded me of an essay I wrote a couple of years ago about the Christmas Truce of 1914 This was both a remarkable and also quite poignant moment of the "Great War"; when soldiers on both sides spontaneously stopped fighting for quite a few days.

Johnny Carson Video Clip

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:55:47

Copper Clappers

Thanks to Ang for leaving a comment and recommending this video. I had misspelt Johnny Carson on the other video entry. The funny thing is I had been searching for more "Johnny Carlson videos" and getting no returns.

It just goes to show my sister Lynne is always right - e.g. importance of correct spelling.

Johnny Carson site

Comic Genius of Peter Sellers

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:18:29

Peter Sellers

I have written a short biography of Peter Sellers here: Biography Peter Sellers

I have also added some quotes of Peter Sellers . These include quotes from Dr Strangelove and the Pink Panther films

Clouseau: And who are yeu ?

Jarvis: I'm Jarvis, the butler.

Clouseau: And what is it yeu deu..?

Monsieur..Don't try to be funnayyyy with me

To see video clips of Peter Sellers click on the Peter Sellers link at top of this blog.

Other British Comedians

See also Interview with Peter Sellers and Michael Parkinson

13 Best Speeches

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:36:58

13 is my favourite number so when I saw this blog about compiling list of best 13. Thurday Thirteen I thought I would contribute by offering 13 Best Speeches. I'm sure there are a few deserving ones I am unaware of, or have forgotten, but these talks and speeches each add something most signficant. Also it is hard to place them by order:

13 Illumining Speeches

I Have a dream – Martin Luther King; Washington August 28, 1963
Opening Address to the World Parliament of Religions by Swami Vivekananda, September 11th, 1893
Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson July 4, 1776
Sermon on the Mount – Jesus Christ AD 33

Are School children getting dumber?

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 07:18:39

A report in the Independent today suggests

Pupils struggle to master basic maths and English

"Figures show that 500 of the country's 2,900 state secondary schools fail to get more than 25 per cent of their pupils to achieve five A* to C grade passes at GCSE including maths and English. In the worst performing school - Temple in Strood, Kent - only 2 per cent of pupils reach the benchmark."

I disagree I think the rise in A grades is testiment to the hard work and diligence of today's youth.... Check out the intelligence in this:

"Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died of this."

Funny Exam answers

Poem - Ducks don't shop in Sainsburys

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:00:23

You can't get millet at Sainsbury's
and they don't sell grass or weed
It's a total dead loss
for heather and moss
and they don't stock sunflower seed.

Picture of Cat

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:46:09

Picture by Pavitrata Taylor from: Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries.

Good blogs

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 09:10:53

I recently added myself to Brit Blog listings. I had a look around at some of the blogs, its interesting to see people blogging on WWW actually live quite near.

Free to Be I like this post Giving Happiness simple but true
Knight Templar some interesting posts and photos
Spluch variety of interesting links and posts. Beautiful picture of moon

hopefully I will come across other blogs

O What a Lovely War - DVD review

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:49:47

O what a lovely war is masterpiece of satire on the futility of war. Its power as an anti war movie is not in its graphic depiction of war but in its innovative use of surrealism, satire and contrast. Throughout much of the film the tone resembles a popular Music hall performance, yet unobtrusively the film manages to place in sharp contrast the horrors and futility of the conflict. For example the upper class British Generals talk bullishly about the day’s progress but hiding in the background is a cricket scoreboard with the number of dead (60,000) yards gained (0).

Video of 4 Year Old Boy who Ran 40 Miles

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 07:02:09

Part 1 of video about Budhia Singh

Budhia Singh, was a typical slum resident from the eastern state of Orissa. He was spotted by a local sports coach. When he was found in the slums he had a badly damaged leg, the doctors even suggested amputation. He has bee nicknamed "India's Forest Gump". Some people worry he is being stretched too soon. I hope he doesn't burn out, because he obviously has a remarkable talent for running. Hopefully in the future India will have a real future Olympic champion.

from You Tube

2 Great Speeches

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 03:20:33

I have put 2 great speeches ono my Write Spirit Blog.

The first was delivered by Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religions in 1893. Swami Vivekanananda was representing the Hindu religion but he spoke very eloquently on underlying unity of the world religions. He didn't wish to convert people to Hinduism but wanted people to follow their own religion more faithfully. He also made a powerful call for an end to fanaticism

Swami Vivekananda Speech

I Have a Dream - Martin Luther King

The second speech is by Martin Luther King. The words are very powerful but to hear a live audio recording is even better. He had tremendous passion for his beliefs in a fairer society.

Martin Luther King Speech - I have a Dream

What is this life if, full of care?

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 03:15:39

Mt Reiner.

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand stare?

From: Leisure by W.H.Davies

W.H.Davies was born in 1871 in Newport Wales. He started writing poetry at the age of 34. At one time he tried selling his poems by going from door to door. The people he visited were mostly poor and ti is said he didn't sell a single copy. One old lady gave him some money but refused to take the poems. When he reached the doss hous again that evening, he burnt every copy.

Photo by Pranlobha from Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Best of Peter Sellers in Pink Panther

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:19:26

A well put together tribute to Peter Sellers and his performances in the Pink Panther movies.

from you tube

Peter Seller accidently smashes a piano to pieces

“But that’s a priceless Steinway!” – mad woman

“Not anymore it isn’t” – Peter Sellers

oes your dog bite

- dog bites peter sellers

“I though you said your dog doesn’t bite.

“that is not my dog”

“do you know the way to the hotel?”

“Yes” – and man walks off

Peter Sellers Impersonations

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:11:32

A brief guide to the cultural and regional differences of England in under 2 minutes by Peter Sellers. It is truly remarkable how he effortlessly glides from one accent to another. I couldn’t do any of those accents and I’m English.

By the way it is not a clip from Dr Strangelove

Little Chef to Close?

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:07:25

It looks like the Little Chef may close down. Working at the Little Chef was one of my first jobs. £3.00 an hour, a free uniform, and a lunch allowance of 50p per hour. If you did an 8 hour shift it would just about get you a pasta and chips or a pancake with chocolate sauce. Happy days!

Little Chef

Critics say Little Chef appears stuck in a 1970s timewarp. The dimly lit, tired salmon pink walls at Tabley match the salmon pink leatherette banquettes. The only nod to the 21st century is the whitewashed brickwork and wooden Venetian blinds which shield you from the heavy rain and constant stream of traffic on the busy A556, just off the M6. A few miles away in the market town of Knutsford, there is a plethora of high quality restaurants. Little Chef seems a world away from the epicurean delights of its chic rivals, but it still has its supporters. Fifteen thousand of them lobbied the firm last year when executives said they wanted to slim down its red and white logo, Fat Charlie.

From Guardian

Quotes from Porridge

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 10:22:28

Porridge is a classic sitcom first shown in 1974 starring Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, Fulton Mackay. Ronnie Barker stars as Norman Fletcher, a criminal behind bars. Sharing a cell with Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale) they keep occupied by trying to get one over on the prison warders.

Porridge Quotes

Fletch: I haven't been so put out since my son Raymond crept back into school one night and had a prior peek at the exam papers.

Godber: Did he?

Fletch: Yes he did! And he still didn't bleedin' pass!

Annual Photo Contest Winners 2006

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 09:24:27

Fishing in China at dawn

Chu has traveled to China on several occasions, where he took this photograph of "pull net" fishing in the village of Da Cheng. To get this image, he woke up at 3 a.m. to travel to the beach. "There were about 20 fishermen and women pulling the net from the ocean," he says. Chu adds that it took the fishermen more than an hour to pull the net back, but they ended up with only two fish. (Nikon D100 digital camera, 17-35mm zoom lens)

National Geographic

Winged Migration - DVD review

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 08:12:25

Winged Migration is a remarkable film, in that for 98 minutes, the only thing we see is flying birds. Such a documentary, if not done with exceptional skill and scope could have easily been boring. However it is testament to the film producers that they manage to create an epic documentary that is both visually stunning and informative. The film took 4 years to make and you can understand why, as they seemed to leave no location or continent unvisited. In fact they visited over 40 countries and the production team totalled more than 450 people and 17 pilots.

From Google video. Not highest quality

Picture Stupid Cat

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:10:42

Cat trying to down a pint of water.

Just to show cats aren't always just cute they can be stupid just like us as well.

Another Funny Cat Video

Cute Cat Picture

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:03:30

Kitten in a cup

Even I have to kind of admit this kitten is kind of cute in a certain way.

Funny cat video from You Tube

Cute Panda Pic

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:00:17

Giant Panda

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) ("black-and-white cat-foot") is a mammal classified in the bear family, Ursidae, native to central and southern China.

The panda's main food is bamboo, but they may eat other foods such as honey, eggs, fish, and yams. Easily recognizable through its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, ears and on its rotund body, the giant panda is an endangered animal: an estimated 1,600 pandas live in the wild and some 221 were reported to live in captivity at the end of 2006 in China, with twenty pandas living outside of China. However, reports show that the panda numbers in the wild are on the rise.

Miracle of Fatima DVD review

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:28:48

Miracle of our Lady of Fatima at Amazon.co.uk

Miracle of our Lady of Fatima at Amazon.com

Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima DVD review

3 children of Fatima

The Miracle of our Lady of Fatima is closely based (some liberties were taken) on the real events that took place in Portugal during 1917.

In 1917 Portugese society was facing many strains. The new Communist government was hostile to the Catholic Church creating a divide in the country between the more secular urban populations and the traditional Catholic rural populations. Furthermore Portugal had recently been drawn into the Great War, many young men were away fighting on the Western Front. It was admist this backdrop that 3 simple children reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary in pasture called the Cova da Iria ("Irene's Cove") near the village of Aljustrel, about a mile from Fátima. You felt the film presented a rather simplistic version of the political events, some reporters suggest it was portrayed through the eyes of a McCarthyite filter. However this isn’t a significant distraction, because the film is primarily about the religious and spiritual experience of the Virgin Mary’s appearance.

Good, Funny, English?

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:21:43

Recently I posted some good grammar tips here: Eats Shoots and Leaves

I came across some more useful english tips, which will definitely improve your English, although not necessarily your spelting.

English Tips

Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
One-word sentences? Eliminate.
If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.

More top English Tips

Poem - Be Happy

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:37:34

Top 20 Ways to Well Being in Independent list 20 things to improve well being. First is cycling Also glad to see drink coffee, tea and dark chocolate in their. Another interesting one is singing and not sleeping in at the weekend. The most obvious one is to be happy. This is a poem by Sri Chinmoy on happiness.

I am happy because I always choose the right moment.

I am happy because I am a good listener.

I am happy because I keep my voice down.

I am happy because I do not try to convince others.

I am happy because I do not complain.

I am happy because I do not do two things at the same time.

I am happy because I never think of two objects at the same time.

I am happy because I have realised the truth that the most important thing in my life is self-improvement.

I am happy because I unreservedly accentuate the good in others.

Boris Johnson Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 02:53:34

Boris Johnson

There are not many MPs as likeable and individualistic as Boris Johnson. His performances on "Have I got News for You" are classics. There are several websites devoted to Boris Johnson. Including the Boris Johnson fanclub

Boris Johnson Podcast

Peter Sellers Funny Video Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 16:30:06

Peter Sellers in Muppet Show

from You Tube

"There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed." This scene with Kermit was used to open the Sellers cover story in Time magazine, which ran less than a year before his death.

Funny Road Signs

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 09:32:22

Do you want to get out and let me drive? :)

Real Funny Road Signs

Invisible Fence now open...

Poem for New Year

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 03:55:12

At The Gate of the New Year

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied,
'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

All The World's a Stage - Shakespeare

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 03:48:26

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.

Akbar and Unity of World Religions

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 03:27:55

Akbar

Akbar was a great Moghul Emperor. He succeeded in uniting a large part of India into a great Moghul Emperor. He was a great military strategist, immensely rich and very powerful. However he did not misuse his power. He sought to honour the religious diversity of India. Although a Muslim he took a great interest in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Sri Chinmoy has written many stories about Akbar. This is one of my favourite when Akbar went to visit the Hindu princess Mirabai.

Recently I saw a very good play performed whilst in Turkey about Mirabai and Akbar. It was written by Sumangali Morhall. "Music and Religion" - A rhyming play based on Sri Chinmoy's writings

Funny New Year Poem

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 03:07:28

New Year Resolution

It was January the 1st
I turned over a new leaf
It was clean on the top side
But had bugs underneath.

Steve Turner

77 Things about the number 7

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 02:59:53

My lucky numbers are number 7 and number 13. I hope the year 2007 brings good fortune to all!

The Number 7

1 Seven is the optimum number of hours of sleep for humans, according to a US scientific study.

2 Seven is seen as a lucky number in many cultures. Japanese mythology talks of Shichifukujin (The Seven Gods of Fortune).

3 The seven deadly sins, or cardinal sins, were refined by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century. They are pride, avarice, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.

4 The seven virtues are humility, liberality, chastity, kindness, abstinence, patience, and diligence.

5 At a ceremony in Lisbon on 07/07/07, presumably at 7:07, the results of a global vote for the New Seven Wonders of the World will be announced. The 21 finalists include Stonehenge, the Kremlin and Timbuktu.

6 The superstitious believe that to break a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. The cure: to bury the pieces, or run them in a stream.

7 The average person's digit span (the number of digits they can recall in sequence) is seven.

Funny New Year Resolutions

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 03:23:07

"I do solemnly declare that henceforth and without further procastinations or delay, I will no longer self indulgently and with a due sense of punctiliousness to the aforementioned resolutions, no longer put off doing, what really I could have done 5 minutes ago. Furthermore I will stop showing off by using unnecessary and supefluous words just to show my vocabulary."

More Funny New Year Resolutions

Peter Kay Jokes

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 16:24:32

I thought "That's a turtle disaster".
Four fonts walk into a bar The barman says "Oi - get out! We don't want your type in here"
A jump-lead walks into a bar. The barman says "I'll serve you, but don't start anything"
A priest, a rabbi and a vicar walk into a bar. The barman says, "Is this some kind of joke?"
A sandwich walks into a bar. The barman says "Sorry we don't serve food in here"
Shakespeare walks into a bar. Sorry you've got to leave your "Bard" - Bard! get it?

Dyslexic man walks into a bra A seal walks into a club...
A man walks into a bar with a roll of tarmac under his arm and says: "Pint please, and one for the road."
A three-legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."

Picture of Rock and ruminations on Spelling

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 15:10:50

Mediteranean Sea

I never know how to spend "mediterenean"

never mind. I read this from my good friend Mahiruha.

"There are many words I can't spell. I don't know how to spell "embarrassed", for example- I'm too lazy to use my Word for Windows spell checker- and I don't give a damn that I'm typing all of this in Safari and that tihs artice will feature crazy word wraps or that the word "tihs" does not exist in the English language and should have been "this" but I don't feel like correcting it and if you don't like it, well that's not my problem, you can read any of the other posts.

And I realize, dear friends, that this post is already too long and has not yet begun to make the slightest sense, and probably will never make sense. Oh, well..."

Funny Impersonations 100 Voices in 5 minutes

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 02:30:33

Jared M. Gordon impersonates 100 characters in less than five minutes

Donald Duck, Homer Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Arnold Swarzanegger, Mickey Mouse...

Leonardo da Vinci: biography and art

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:40:17

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

The Last Supper was painted onto the walls of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie near Milan. Leonardo spent three years painting the work, and much of that time was spent searching the streets of Milan for models of Christ and Judas. It is said that only Leonardo's threats to paint the Prior of the convent as Judas bought him the time he needed to finish.

The Last supper and other paintings of Leonardo.

I wrote a biography of Leonardo da Vinci at Biography online

Funny Blackadder Forth Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:34:21

Cast from Blackadder the Forth

Quotes - Blackadder the Forth

George: 'I'm absolutely top-hole, sir, with an ying and yang and yippiedeedoo.'

George: 'Well tally ho! With a bing and a bong and a buzz buzz buzz!'

George: 'I'm thick. I'm as thick as the big print version of the Complete Works of Charles Dickens.'

George: 'My head... oh, my head... feels like the time I was initiated into the Silly Buggers Society at Cambridge. I misheard the rules and tried to push a whole aubergine up my earhole.'

(from: Corporal Punishment - when George fails to get Captain Blackadder off the hook

Cycling Training after Winter Break

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:08:50

First training ride of December. Photo by John - Paul Gillespie

after 3 weeks off the bike in Turkey. I had my first bike ride yesterday. I feel slow. THe only training I did while on holiday was running up the hotel steps several times.At least the weather is not too bad here in UK. I shall try to get back into riding 5 times a week, even if it is only for 2 hours a day.

Eating Chocolate and staying thin.

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:47:28

How to stay thin whilst eating Chocolate cake.

This photo was taken in "Coffee Dream" in Antalya Turkey. It was one of the few places to serve good coffee. It was Christmas day. On Christmas day we had Pizza and chocolate cake

Photos of Antalya Turkey

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:41:15

Turkish Mountains on south coast by Antalya

Jeeves and Wooster Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 15:28:38

The First Meeting

"I was sent by the agency " - Jeeves

"I was given to understand that you require a valet Sir." - Jeeves

"Very Good." - Jeeves

"A late night last night Sir?" - Jeeves

"I Say!" "I say! " - your Engaged" - Wooster

Catherine Tate quote and bio

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 06:57:09

“Is one bovered”. Catherine Tate is said to have said this to Queen at a Royal Variety Performance. In the Royal box one of the queens attendents was sleeping. She siad

” she is bing, but the old fella next to her is asleep!" –

Catherine Tate article

Ashrita Sets new Record

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 05:42:51

Ashrita setting new record

Ashrita set a new record for spinning top here in Turkey. The record involved spinning a top for a distance of one mile along a hotel floor. Ashrita broke the record in a time of under 1 hour 30 mins.

View: Ashrita's new blog

View: An Embarrasing Moment - from Ashrita's training.

Socrates Quote and Wisdom

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:04:32

"One who is injured ought not to return the injury, for on no account can it be right to do an injustice; and it is not right to return an injury, or to do evil to any man, however much we have suffered from him."

"I am not an Athenian, or a Greek, but a citizen of the world."

Socrates

Socrates was one of the greatest philosophers of the ancient world. He never wrote anything down but his discourses were recorded by his students.

Christmas is nearly here

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 07:39:15

Robin

Christmas is nearly here. I will be spending it in Turkey, but I won't be eating Turkey. (just in case that joke has never been made before)

Christmas Greetings to all.

Funny Quote for Christmas

"Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer.... Who'd have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?" ~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

More funny christmas quotes

Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machines

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 07:24:52

Leonardo's flying machine.

Admist his numerous projects Leonardo had a long standing interest in Flying. He designed several flying machines and drew detailed diagrams. This included a protype of a helicopter which became a reality many centuries later.

This is from Universal Leonardo

"In his fascination with flying, Leonardo attempts to combine the dynamic potential of the human body with an imitation of natural flight. In his notes, he cites the bats, the kite and other birds as models to imitate. He refers to his flying machine as the “great bird” . "

Jokes by Tommy Cooper

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 08:46:54

Tommy Cooper

View: Biography of Tommy Cooper: Comedian

# I went into this pub, and I ate a ploughman's lunch. He was livid.

# I got home from work and the wife said - I'm very sorry dear, but the cat's eaten your dinner'. I said 'Dont worry - I'll get you a new cat'.

# I've always been unlucky. I had a rocking horse once, and it died.

Tommy Cooper Jokes

Funny Poem for Christmas

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 03:46:07

TALKING TURKEYS

by: Benjamin Zephaniah

Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas
Cos' turkeys just wanna hav fun
Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked
An every turkey has a Mum.
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas,
Don't eat it, keep it alive,
It could be yu mate, an not on your plate
Say, Yo! Turkey I'm on your side.

continued...

Peter Kay: Comedian

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:55:29

Peter Kay

I wrote a short biography of Peter Kay based on his own autobiography.

“With the laughter ringing in my ears. I jumped off the stage and danced out into the audience. I had no idea why, or where I was going, I just knew that I was on to something good. I headed towards my family. “hello mum.” I shouted and gave her a wave. By this time the place was rocking and the audience were in hysterics. They knew this wasn’t in the script.”

(p46 “Sound of Laughter)

A 50 Foot Pole Balancing Record

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:21:07

New Record for Balancing 50 Foot Pole.

Ashrita Furman broke one more Guinness World Record in South Turkey recently. This record was for holding up a pole 50 feet in length. Ashrita balanced the pole on his chin for 15 seconds. This was sufficient for a new record, subject to confirmation from Guinness. Ashrita set the record in an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Aspendos. The amphitheatre was built in AD 162 by the Roman architect Zeno. It was built to fit 12,000 spectators and even 2000 years later the ruins make a very impressive venue.

(photo coming soon)

Stories of Akbar and Birbal

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:03:30

Sri Chinmoy has written many stories about the great Moghul Emperor Akbar the Great. Akbar had a clever court jester Birbal. This is a story called

Four First Class Fools

Once Akbar asked Birbal to bring him four of the world's worst possible fools. So the following morning Birbal began looking for the fools.

Funny Poem - Have a nice Day!

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:56:40

Have A Nice Day

"Help, help, ' said a man. 'I'm drowning.'
'Hang on, ' said a man from the shore.
'Help, help, ' said the man. 'I'm not clowning.'
'Yes, I know, I heard you before.
Be patient dear man who is drowning,
You, see I've got a disease.
I'm waiting for a Doctor J. Browning.
So do be patient please.'

Spike Milligan

Peter Kay - Sound of Laughter

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 04:13:35

Peter Kay Autobiography at Amazon.co.uk

"The Sound of Laughter" is Peter Kay's new autobiography.

I have just finished reading "The sound of laughter". It is an account mainly of his early life and first part time jobs. The amazing things is how much of his comedy is based on true life experiences. I am going to be adding selected excerpts from his book.

The first character is "Roy" of Rank Bingo hall fame

“I’m full of ideas. For example, I organised a Christmas part a couple of years back and it was so successful that we’ve started to have it annually.”

- Roy

Life of Brian Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 07:05:35

When the Life of Brian was brought out ın 1979 it apparantely caused alot of controversy because of its subject material. I'm not sure why because it is just a good satire on human behaviour. But nevertheless it upset many people because of its theme. There was even one town councıl ın Surrey whıch went to the trouble of banning the film even though the town didn't have a cinema. Any way I guess its the thought that counts.

New: "Romans Go Home" - Quotes from scene "Romanes Eunt Domus"

These are some of the funniest Quotes from Life of Brian.

[The audience has trouble hearing Jesus' sermon on the mount.]

Guy: I think it was, "Blessed are the cheesemakers."
Other Guy: Ahh, what's so special about cheesemakers?
Guy: Well, obviously this is not meant to be taken
  literally.  It refers to any manufacturers of dairy products.

Funny English Subtitles

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 05:09:42

Somebody is getting well paid for making subtitles for English films viewed in Hong Kong and China. Either there having a laugh or there english not good so.

I am damn unsatisfied to be killed in this way.

("I don't mind when I die - so long as I'm not there when it happens"- Spike Milligan)

Fatty, you with your thick face have hurt my instep.

(must be some double chin)

Gun wounds again?
A normal person wouldn't steal pituitaries.

(I wonder whether you can insure them?)

Damn, I'll burn you into a BBQ chicken!
Who gave you the nerve to get killed here?

(people these days can't even die without being impudent)

Quiet or I'll blow your throat up.
You always use violence. I should've ordered glutinous rice chicken.

(depending on the Chinese restaurant Chicken chow mein could be a type of violence)

Is Meditation Sitting around doing nothing

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 04:03:48

There is a “new age” joke which runs along the lines of.

“My son used to sit around doing nothing, but now he has taken up meditation.

I think this joke is funny. Well at least its better than the joke about the meditator who told his dentist that he didn’t want any painkillers because he wished to “transcend dental medication” (*) Real meditation though is quite different from just sitting quietly for 5-10 minutes.

On Holiday

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 09:44:18

currently on holıday

In Turkey strugglıng wıth Turkısh t´ınternet ĞÜŞİÖÇ é

Are things getting Worse?

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 17:44:01

Often people have a nostalgic view of the past. Just talk to an old person and they will say how much better things were in "my day". It is true some problems are more pronounced, but it is also the case that perhaps things are not getting as bad as we may imagine. In some regards things are getting better.

Nevertheless I'll know I'm old when I starting talking like this:

"Well when I were a lad, of course things were much better..." - or maybe I will become like one of the 4 yorkshire men.

Anyway this is a question and answer from Sri Chinmoy Library

Question: Why are people getting worse instead of better?

Sri Chinmoy: I hear this question often from elderly people, but I have to be very frank. Has there been any time on earth when there was no conflict, no fighting, no war? From the very beginning of civilisation there has been fighting. At the start of the Mahabharata period they were fighting and later, in the time of the Greek and Roman civilisations, there was also constant fighting. Conflict has always existed on earth.

...

Pink Panther Video Clip

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 17:33:40

Peter Sellers as Inspector Cleauseau trying to force Fortress

I never tire of watching Peter Sellers. The pink panther films were some of his finest comic moments

An example of the dialogue

"Does your dog bite?" Peter sellers pointing to dog.

"NO" - onwner

"OW!" - Peter Sellers

"I thought you said your dog did not bite?"

"That, ... is not my dog"

From: You Tube Peter Sellers

Breakfast at Tiffany's DVD Review

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 17:20:27

This is the kind of film I usually don't particularly like, but to be honest I really enjoyed it. It has a real charm and good sense of humour. Audrey Hepburn deservedly received an Oscar for her performance of a complex character, with an underlying innocence. The film was directed by Blake Edwards who also produced the very popular Pink Panther series. There is definitely some kind of link between the 2 films although its hard to put my finger on it.

The Oscar-nominated screenplay was written by George Axelrod, loosely based on the novel by Truman Capote. George Peppard plays Paul 'Fred' Varjak

Breakfast at Tiffany's at Amazon.com

Breakfast at Tiffany's at IMDB

See also the Nuns Tale with Audrey Hepburn featuring as a nun. Very good film

Will the Dollar fall in 2007?

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 17:03:42

Even if you have no interest in Economics (which is quite understandable) a significant devaluation of the dollar will effect us all. On the plus side American imports will be much cheaper. A new Apple laptop now looks quite affordable. However the devaluation could cause serious problems for the world economy if it continues to fall.

Basically there are serious imbalances in the US economy. They have a very significatn "triple" deficits.

A Current Account Deficit (trade deficit) of $700 bn
Govt debt (spending more than they receive in tax)
High levels of consumer debt.

Combined with falling house prices. This doesn't make a good combination and could lead to a loss in confidence in the American economy which will translate into a falling dollar.

If you are interested in reading more. Here is an article at my Economics Blog

Will the dollar continue to fall?

Pictures of Oxford Winter

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:44:44

University Church across Christ Church Meadow

Poem - Books Make Good Pets

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:43:37

Books make good pets
and don't need
going to the vet

You don't have to keep
them on a lead
or throw them a stick.
They'll wag their tails
when you flick
their dog-eared pages.

The Sphinx - Mystery of Ancient Egypt

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:19:17

The Sphinx, Egypt

Photo By Anjan

Funny Tommy Cooper Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 13:32:31

Tommy Cooper was a remarkable comedian. He was actually a very good magician as well. But he could combine the two for great comic effect.

His delivery and manner are intrinsicly comic. Just by walking onto the stage Tommy Cooper can bring the house down. A real comic treat

One of the Funniest Tommy Cooper Videos.

- The script looks ordinary it's all in the delivery.

Spoon Jar Jar Spoon - "Go on pull it then"

I don't know where I all get em from

"see that glove - second hand"

"I backed a horse at 20 to 1. It came in at twenty past four"

He was so late coming in, he had to tip toe back to stables.

Another Record for "Mr Versatility"

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 13:03:19

Ashrita setting a new record for the spinning top.

In a record breaking year, Ashrita set another Guinnes world record. This time the record was for keeping a spinning top going for the longest time period. The previous record was two hours, 52 minutes and 11 seconds. Ashrita increased this to 7 hours and 1 minute.

Ashrita has been dubbed "Mr Versatility" for his tremendous array of breaking records. This year he has set record for upside down juggling, fastest mile whilst crawling and in the past he has set records such as underwater pogo sticking in the Amazon for 3 hours.

When Ashrita is not breaking records he studies meditation with Sri Chinmoy and runs a health food store in Jamaica, NY.

Photos from Magdalen Bridge, Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 09:54:08

2 Girls on a bike at Magdalen Bridge

I took a few photos on Friday afternoon from Magdalen Bridge in Oxford. Look how flat the back tire is in this picture. There are many cyclists using Magdalen Bridge, mostly students. We have had a lot of rain in Oxfordshire and many places are starting to flood.

Video of New Harry Potter Film

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 08:28:12

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I thought this was the best book in the series, surpassing all the previous books. There are intriguing subplots in the book. I particularly like the way the ministry of magic and Proffessor Umbridge (played by Imelda Staunton) try to infiltrate and influence Hogwarts. The story is no longer a children's story but a very well worked plot and characterisation.

Long live J.K.Rowling!

looking forward to the film - Harry Potter and order of Phoenix

World Harmony Run Turkey

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 13:45:30

World Harmony Run in Turkey.

World Harmony Run event in Turkey. Schoolchildren from Istanbul enthusiastically take part in running event for promoting greater harmony and friendship.

Turkey - World Harmony Run

Peter Kay Quotes and Catchphrases

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:45:10

I've recently posted on Peter Kay. Including some videos. I hope my reader(s) won't mind if I post some more catchphrases.

Peter Kay Catchphrases

"Garlic bread, it's the future, I've tasted it" (phoenix nights)
'T'internet', 'Th'ambulance' and 'T'Egypt' (referring to a holiday in Egypt).
"Garlic...Bread?" (An impersonation of Kay's father who, on holiday in Spain, was bamboozled by garlic bread, wondering how the two ingredients could be combined)
"It's spittin'!" (Dinner lady cry heralding a shower of rain before herding kids into school)
"It's that fine rain that soaks you through", or "It's that fine rain that gets you wet" (At top of tower)
"We're not playing games now" (Used in live shows after telling a sequence of one liners).
"How dare you." (Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere) (not to be confused with the "How very dare you?! from Catherine Tate)
"Put t' big light on" (Mum Wants a Bungalow tour)
"'Ave it!" (John Smith's Bitter advert)
"I've not lost it" (After flicking the microphone in the air, and then catching it by the handle.)

Eats, Shoots and Leaves - Good grammar

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:07:11

I asked my youngest sister Lynne for some constructive criticism for my blog. She kindly said my grammar and spelling are terrible. I always listen to what my sisters say... so here is my intention to write better grammar.

Extract from Eats, Shoots and Leaves

A panda walks into a café. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air.

"Why?" asks the confused waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder.

"I'm a panda," he says at the door. "Look it up."

The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finds an explanation.

"Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves."

So punctuation really does matter, even if it is only occasionally a matter of life and death.

Eats, Shoots and leaves.com

well I'm suitably impressed,

Ice Skating Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 14:50:59

Can't say its my favourite sport. But there is something very impressive and fascinating about how the best skaters can perform so many jumps.

This video is of Midori Ito, 1988 Olympic Games. She got only the silver medal

I think I'll stick to cycling though

Difficulties of Meditation

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:59:02

Very often when giving meditation classes for Sri Chinmoy Centre people remark that meditation is quite difficult. Meditating in a group often gives a good experience but when meditating on their own they find it difficult to maintain this standard of meditation.. It is important to remember that spiritual practise is not like drinking instant coffee. If somebody told you could master playing the piano in one week, you would be suspicious. It is the same with meditation. We should feel that to be proficient in meditation it takes time and regular practice. It is like developing muscles it will get stronger with regular practise.

Music Treadmill Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:54:43

Ben Folds Five - Army (performed by Ok Go on treadmills)

very good routine of dancing on treadmills.

You Tube video

Broad Street Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 17:05:37

broad street

The Nations Favourite Comic Poem

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 18:08:30

The nations favourite Comic poem is: On the Ning Nang Noo With a title like that, what else could it be?

Worth mentioning a good Monty Python Video I put in cycling section Cycling Tour

Milk Bottle Balancing

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 18:00:42

Ashrita balancing milk bottle on head

Back in 1983 Ashrita broke a Guiness world Record for balancing a milk bottle on his head for 24 miles. I like this record because, although it looks funny it requires tremendous persistent concentration. I try balancing a bottle of water on my head but its not easy.

from ashrita comics

Weakest Link with Hip Hop DJs

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 15:44:15

Anne Robinson and American DJ's

The MCs give as good as they get, - They are quick wited. Quite funny culture clash between the English lady and the Urban DJ's.

Quotes

"Young MC, that names a bit out of date isn't it? - A.R

"No more than that dress ma'am" - young MC

"Hate dog, why are you keeping your hands in your pockets? A.R

"so i won't steal nothing."

Funny Quiz Answers : Dumb Britain

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 15:00:59

Jar Jar Binks - not to be confused with Zsa Zsa Gabor

To my eternal shame I was watching (for a very short time period of course) The quiz programme "the weakest link " Anne Robinson seems to take great pleasure in sneering at the contestants. But to be fair some of their answers can be funny in their stupidity. One that made me laugh today

- "Which fictional film character in Star Wars beginning Jar Jar (pronounced Zsa Zsa) was voted most irritating film character of all time?"

- "Zsa Zsa Gabor"

- "no it wasn't Zsa Zsa Gabor - it is of course Jar Jar Binks" (look of great condescension from Anne :)

Question 2

- "Which port in Belgium serves as a port for Bruges?"

- "Zagreb"

Private Eye - Dumb Britain

Each week Private Eye publishes a collection of the latest "Dumb Britain"

Ursi's Blog

Tejvan Pettinger — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:26:15

I am a regular visitor to Ursi's Blog

"Fine Things for your delight" - Is an apt tagline for this blog.

Ursi's blog is regularly updated; every day there is something of interest with a good choice of photos and interesting links

I shall have to think of my own tag line. "A blog by richard" is hardly the most original tagline.

You are also welcome to recommend any other good blogs.

Soul Birds of Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 14:36:15

Soul Bird

Sri Chinmoy has painted several million Soul Birds. This year he passed the 15 million mark. Often when signing his name he will also draw a "Soul-bird". He can draw them very quickly with a few strokes of the pen. He says Soul-birds symbolise both freedom and the aspirations of our soul.

Late Autumn in Oxford

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 15:31:53

The last leaves are falling off the trees

Photo of Rainbow on Primrose Hill

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:31:55

Rainbow On Primrose Hill.

Photo taken by Pavitrata Taylor Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Pavitrata's Gallery

If Genius' Ruled the World

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:12:40

Dice for the Geniuses

From: Contest for geniuses

Speed limit (Sqaure root of 677) strictly enforces

Via: Betuman blog

Will House Prices drop in UK?

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:03:39

My profession is an economics teacher. Occasionally I am inspired to write on Economics. At the moment I am interested in the UK housing market. I think the price of houses is the most popular topic at dinner parties in the UK, 2nd only to the weather.

It is also one of the favourite topics for the front page of the Daily Mail, who are renowned for a bizarre choice of front pages, unrelated to the news. Quite recently when the Stern report (on global warming and future well being of the planet) came out. It was on the front page of all major newspapers. Except of course the daily mail.

Anyway here are my arguments that house prices will fall?

and being an economist. I am of course obliged to write a "on the other hand"

Why house prices may not fall

Meditation - Sri Chinmoy Centre

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:36:09

3 times a year in Oxford we offer free meditation classes to the general public. Usually we get about 20-40 people coming to learn how to meditate. In the first class I talk a little about meditation and give a few exercises for people to try. Meditation is a fairly simple exercise but it does require perseverance and patience.

Dating advice from "Extras"

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 16:04:40

more invaluable comic wisdom from Ricky Gervais

Europe Sepia Photo

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 14:45:15

Europe sepia art.

Photo By Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries

Ashrita's Egg Balancing Record

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 14:25:10

Ashrita on the way to breaking another record.

This Guiness record is for the most number of eggs successfully balanced upright at one time.

He broke the record of 420 eggs in 7 hrs. 33 minutes and finished at 700 eggs in a little over 12 hours.

Sri Chinmoy recently said that nobody could match Ashrita's concentration.

His record inspired me to try balancing an egg. Not as easy as Ashrita makes it looks.

Best of British Blogs

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 13:10:16

Brit Blog list of british blogs

A Welsh View by Robert Gale

Funny Peter Kay Video

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:57:04

Peter Kay - Quavers

Peter Kay is probably my favourite comedian. He does stand up and has featured in tv comedy series like Phoenix Nights. Peter Kay is from Bolton and has a great capacity for northern observational humour. Often when doing stand ups his mother seems to be in the audience. Generally fairly clean, it means when he does swear it can be funny especially if his mother is in audience. Peter Kay.co.ukofficial site of Peter Kay

Deer in the Mist

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:36:12

Deer in the mist.

From: Stefan Loeliger Photos

DVD Rental from Amazon.co.uk

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:18:13

I rarely watch TV so take the opportunity to rent DVDs from Amazon.co.uk. It is much easier than having to go to a video shop. You can choose from nearly any DVDs you might want to watch either film or TV. THere have only been a few old films which weren't available. I was suprised because I found them in a top 100 film list of all time. It costs £10 for 6 per month. or £6 for 3. When finished just pop them in the post. Its hard to see how DVD rental places like Blockbusters will be able to survive in the future.

Funny News Stories

Tejvan Pettinger — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:42:50

No Cash Accepted

Police in Wichita, Kansas, arrested a 22-year old man at an airport hotel after he tried to pay with two $16 bills.

Nuclear Weapons Strictly Prohibited

The Chico, California, City Council enacted a ban on nuclear weapons, setting a $500 fine for anyone detonating one within city limits.

Winter Cycling Training

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 17:54:56

Training ride. Photo by Andy Sherwood who joined me for a gentle ride up the A40 climb in High Wycombe.

Its starting to get a bit colder. I have been using my battery operated socks for a few weeks now. They were developed for fisherman who used to get cold feet whilst at see. But they work pretty well for cycling as well.

This weekend I managed to cycle 100 miles. The weather was very good bright and sunny with very good colors. On Saturday I saw a fox hunt, even though they are illegal in the UK now. I think the rule is you can go hunting with dogs as long as you don't catch anything or something like that. To be honest I can't see the point. Anyways each to his own, unless your a fox.

Underwater Juggling Record - Ashrita

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 16:14:16

Underwater juggling world record holder Ashrita Furman attempts to break his own Guinness World Record beneath the surface of the Aquatheatre, Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It should be simple, if he can just avoid the encircling sharks...

Video at Sri Chinmoy TV

Oxford Photos

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 15:40:22

Radcliffe Camera square

Funny Maths answers

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 12:21:17

Expand! I like the teachers comment

More Funny Maths Tests

Funny Exam answers

Photos of Indigenous People

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 10:47:01

Photo from Phil Borges

My photographic projects are devoted to the welfare of indigenous and tribal people. My intention is to help bring attention to the value these cultures represent and the challenges they face.

Boars Hill Oxford photo

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 10:39:04

Oxford from boars hill, yesterday evening

Oxford in Autumn photos

Jack Dee - Lead Balloon

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 07:49:29

jack dee playing Rick Spleen

I've never been a big fan of Jack Dee stand up routine it was always quite clever but I never really connected.

However I think Jack deserves much credit for his latest comedy "Dead Nelson" In moments it is very funny and has moments of real comic pathos

Catherine Tate Show Quotes

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 07:10:18

"Yeah, but am I bovered?"

Various Characters: Right, Lauren, that's it! You are not going on this trip you will sit there all afternoon! [a long pause as Lauren reflects on her actions]

Lauren: Am I bovvaad?

Catherine Tate video clip

If you haven't seen this programme before it may not make much sense.

Cirque du Soleil Video Clips

Tejvan Pettinger — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:22:38

Cirque du Soleil videos at You Tube.

I went to see a Cirque du Soleil performance in London about 6 years ago. It is of course much more impressive when you are there in person, but nevertheless the video clip gives an idea of their tremendous skill and ingenuity.

Animation Video - Kiwi

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:04:02

Free animation video "Kiwi!" at YouTube

Kiwi is a high quality animation video. Has received many awards and votes at You Tube

Photo of the Day Selection

Tejvan Pettinger — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 03:31:33

Take Off by Jakob Sigurdsson

From Photo of the Day Page

A good collection of photos people have submitted and have been chosen.

Thought of the Day - Concentration

Tejvan Pettinger — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 08:17:01

Thought of the Day at Radio Sri Chinmoy

Sanjaya Spettigue is a friend from the Ipswich Sri Chinmoy Centre. He regularly offers a "Thought of the Day" for a local radio programme. You can listen to it here:

Thought of the Day (m4a format)

In this short extract amongst other things he discusses the role concentration can play in helping sports players to do better.

Oxford at Sunset Photos

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 05:21:53

Oxford Spires at Dusk

Spires of Oxford from North East.

I took this photo from Marston Road at about 4.30pm

Oxford at Night Photos

Tejvan Pettinger — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 05:13:39

Radcliffe Camera at Night

This is a picture of the Radcliffe Camera Library. In the background is Brasenose Colleg. To the right is the Bodleian library. The picture is taken with a Kodak Z612 with a night photo setting. The trick is to be able to keep the camera steady.

Video "Greg Hits Hollywood"

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:11:59

Funny video of interviewing people in Hollywood

"Because hitting people with a microphone is funny."

This video is quite funny. Interesting to see people's reaction to Greg's unusual interview technique

orginal video at youtube

produced by mediocrefilms.com

More selected funny vidoes

North - South DVD review

Tejvan Pettinger — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:47:16

North and South at Amazon.com
North and South at Amazon.co.uk

North South is an adaptation for TV of Elizabeth Gatskell’s novel. Throughout 4 episode series the acting is superb and the strong storyline continually provides interest. With a backdrop of industrial unrest the programme easily draws you into the Victorian era and is a powerful expression of the turmoil’s and emotions of this period.