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Brighter side of web - March 2006
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
New Year Resolution
- Steve Turner
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.
"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."
- 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."
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..."
Jared M. Gordon impersonates 100 characters in less than five minutes
Donald Duck, Homer Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Arnold Swarzanegger, Mickey Mouse...
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
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
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.
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
Turkish Mountains on south coast by Antalya
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
“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!" –
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.
"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.
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
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” . "
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.
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
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)
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)
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.
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 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
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.
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)
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.
currently on holıday
In Turkey strugglıng wıth Turkısh t´ınternet ĞÜŞİÖÇ é
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.
...
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
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
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
University Church across Christ Church Meadow
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, Egypt
Photo By Anjan
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.
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.
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.
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 in Turkey.
World Harmony Run event in Turkey. Schoolchildren from Istanbul enthusiastically take part in running event for promoting greater harmony and friendship.
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.)
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.
well I'm suitably impressed,
read more for the obligatory satire
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
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.
Ben Folds Five - Army (performed by Ok Go on treadmills)
very good routine of dancing on treadmills.
broad street
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
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.
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."
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"
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 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.
The last leaves are falling off the trees
Dice for the Geniuses
From: Contest for geniuses
- Speed limit (Sqaure root of 677) strictly enforces
Via: Betuman blog
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"
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.
more invaluable comic wisdom from Ricky Gervais
Europe sepia art.
Photo By Unmesh Swanson Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries
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.
Brit Blog list of british blogs
A Welsh View by Robert Gale
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.
- From: Stefan Loeliger Photos
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.
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.
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 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...
Radcliffe Camera square
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.
Oxford from boars hill, yesterday evening
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
"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?
If you haven't seen this programme before it may not make much sense.
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.
Free animation video "Kiwi!" at YouTube
Kiwi is a high quality animation video. Has received many awards and votes at You Tube
Take Off by Jakob Sigurdsson
A good collection of photos people have submitted and have been chosen.
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 Spires at Dusk
Spires of Oxford from North East.
I took this photo from Marston Road at about 4.30pm
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.
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
produced by mediocrefilms.com
More selected funny vidoes
- 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.
Dalmation dog riding a bike in Japan
True the bike has stabilisers but its still pretty impressive and quite funny as well.
I know quite a few people who have never learnt how to ride a bike. It must have been quite difficult to teach a dog to cycle, but they say dogs are often smarter than their ownersTom and Jerry Cartoons
It seems absolutely ages since I saw Tom and Jerry Cartoons. Timeless comedy. You can watch many more at Google video
Jesper Olsen - World Run
One Earth - 26000km - 2 years - 1 runner
This is the remarkable story of Jesper Olsen who successfully completed the first complete run around the world. The route took 26,000 Km. Jesper also had to carry all his own stuff in a specially designed carrier. highlights from the run included:
"several weeks running through the frozen Siberian winter. "
"Meeting face to face with a Siberian bear at midnight."
"The economical neccesity of winning a 6-day race while running across Australia in the hot summertime "
From: World Run Blog
Jesper also ran through New York and had the opportunity to meet Sri Chinmoy. Jesper also met with many of the runners from the 3100 mile race. The photo is of Jesper with Suprabha Beckjord holding the World Harmony Run Torch. Suprabha has completed the 3100 mile race 10 times.
Radcliffe Square from inside Bodleain library
Picture of Frog close up
- Many close up photos of insects and bugs
Johnny Carlson - A lament for a Roget's Thesearus Editor
Very simple yet effective and funny. This is the first time i have seen Johnny Carlson. It is a great act. I look forward to seeing more of his videos
It's amazing how many ways there are of saying somebody is dead.
It reminds me briefly of the famous Monty Python Dead Parrot Sketch.
" 'E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the perch 'e'd be pushing up the daisies! 'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig! 'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!! THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!!
Johnny Carlson is a very different style but well worth watching
You Tube sketch
Photo of Christ Church Meadow. A new digital camera is coming soon.
Quite a while ago I went to the closing ceremony of the World Harmony Run in London. I didn't get chance to post an entry at the time.
Japanese performer at the finishing ceremony
I took some photos but there is a better selection of photos here at the World Harmony Run website
Harry Enfield video - 1933 Arsenal v 1991 Liverpool.
A take off of 1930s commentators with Captain Charlie Charles leading the 1931 Arsenal against the 1991 Liverpool. Quality of video not great but one of Harry Enfield's better sketches.
Nanny McPhee is a 2005 children's film. It was adapted from Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda books by Emma Thompson.
As children's films go its pretty good. Its not overly sentimental like Mary Poppins but is quite funny and enjoyable to watch.
Interview video below.
The Bin Shot
I wonder how many times he had to practise before getting his shot in. Anyway its very impressive. You can watch video by pressing more. If I have too many videos on my blog it becomes rather slow to load. Yahoo videos seem to be better quality than Google and You Tube.
Better than Ronaldinho?
The other video is in many ways more impressive its almost impossible to do what he did and hit the crossbar twice. I wonder whether he was aiming to do that or not. He looks quite nonchalant about it all.
I love the Royale Family. The most recent episode was very good. A nice mix of humour and sincere affection for other family members. In this case the death of Nana was done very well.
Quotes from Royale Family
Denise (on Jim's birthday cake) - "Come on Dad! Blow it out!"
Jim - "I will buggery! There's five minutes left in that - save on the lecky."
(Jim is the archetypal tight northener) "Its like Blackpool illumination in this house..."
Video of one legged cyclist. Dexter Benjamin.
Dexter lost a leg in a cycling accident when young. At one time he was homeless in New York, asking strangers for money. Now he works as a bike messenger in New York. Its hard enough cycling in New York without cycling on one leg.
Video is called " fast and reliable"
Ashrita, staying in Turkey, set a new Guinness World Record recently. The Record was for the fastest mile for spinning a child's top. The record entails keeping the spinning top going continuously for a measured mile in the fastest time. Subject to ratification by Guinness, Ashrita succeeded in setting a new record in a time of under 1 hour 30 mins.
View: Ashrita's New Blog
View: An embarrassing moment incident from Ashrita's training.
This is a digital animation about a young warrior, Ashitaka, who is forced to flee his home town because of a curse he gets from fighting an evil demon. The film deals with the conflicts between humans, animals and the ancient Gods and Spirits. The hero of the film, Ashitaka, seems at times to be the only voice for promoting harmony, peace and understanding between the conflicting forces.
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Inspiration News - Good news from around the globe
Second highlights edition from the latest series of Inspiration News. Produced by members of the Sri Chinmoy centre this is a humorous look at unusual stories. Put together by several people from different countries. Music and special effects help alot.
- View: Inspiration News at Sri Chinmoy TV
Funny Video by Chris.Originally from Cutewithchris.com
There's something quite offbeat about this video. The cats are both cute "but this is America and one has to be cuter than the other, so lets have a vote." Maybe not to everyone's taste but I quite liked it.
More funny cat videos from You Tube. Quality of Yahoo videos seems to be much better than You Tube and Google Video.
If you come across any particularly good or funny link/ video let me know by adding a comment or sending email (on home page)
Photo from Christ Church Meadow
...This reminds me of a Zen story. There was a Zen Master who was very pure, very illumined. Near the place where he lived there happened to be a food store. The owner of the food store had a beautiful unmarried daughter. One day she was found with child. Her parents flew into a rage. They wanted to know the father, but she would not give them the name. After repeated scolding and harassment, she gave up and told them it was the Zen Master. The parents believed her. When the child was born they ran to the Zen Master, scolding him with foul tongue, and they left the infant with him. The Zen Master said, "Is that so." This was his only comment.
continued...
"As salt resolved in the ocean I was swallowed in God's sea, Past faith, past unbelieving, Past doubt, past certainty. Suddenly in my bosom A star shone clear and bright; All the suns of heaven Vanished in that star's light."
- Rumi
UNESCO declared that next year will be the International Year of Rumi - 2007.
Rumi was born in Persia, in what is now Afghanistan close to the border of Iran.
I have written a few articles on Rumi and Rumi's poetry
Ashrita juggling upside down
In the company of Tigers Ashrita Furman , of Queens Jamaica set a new record for Juggling upside down in Conneticut's Beardsley Zoo. Ashrita successfully juggled three balls 248 times while hanging upside down in a pair of gravity boots. The previous Guinness record for that event had been 197 juggles. Inevitably Ashrita gets asked why he does these records. I think the main reason is that he really enjoys doing them. We all get joy out of doing better and transcending ourselves. Through his meditation and studying under Sri Chinmoy, Ashrita has shown how we can do many things which otherwise may seem "impossible" His versatility is particularly admirable.
Photo by Jowan Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries
Jesus College is on the left. This photo is taken from Broad Street looking towards High Street.
Radcliffe Square taken October 2006
View: Photos of Oxford in Autumn
View: Photos of Oxford in Summer
View: Flowers from Oxford Garden
View: Oxford Botanic Gardens
View: Oxford Skyline photos
View: Foggy Oxford Photos
At the top of Stennying hill climb to pick up Andy T who punctured
I have only done one open hill climb so far this year. I have been busy and my form not quite as good as last year. The first hill was at Stennying about 1 mile, steepest gradient 17%. Danny Axford did a very good time of 4.04, for some reason I was a slower than last year. I didn't cycle fast enough on the flat bit in middle. There were great views from the top. Andy Sherwood who came down from Oxfordshire with me, punctured but sill managed to finish 9th.
The afternoon hill was at Shoreham it is 2 miles long with a considerable bit of downhill in the middle the average gradient is only 1:33. I regretted not bringing my tri bars. David McGaw used a time trial bike and seems to have been a good choice. The overall was settled on points so I finished just ahead of Danny Axford. It is a shame now that I am not riding the Cat and Bec HC like last year as I would have had a good chance of winning the overall weekend prize.
The event was well organised as usual by Robin Johnson who also was able to contribute a very generous prize list. I won 2 USE aluminium seat posts (engraved, 1 tyre and inner tube from Matt Goodes cycle shop, and also 2 bottles of Champagne and 1 bottle of port. As I never drink alcohol, my father shall be getting a nice Christmas present.
"I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury."
-Groucho Marx
“My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God, and I didn't.”
-Unknown
Funny sketch. It makes you think how would Shakespeare have feared in modern media. You can imagine how modern TV bosses would have wanted to cut long speeches into soundbites. I've never seen this sketch of Blackadder before it must have been written for a live performance and not shown on TV.
Blackadder DVDs
Blackadder DVDs at Amazon.co.uk
Super Squirrel 
