Netbook Revolution

I used to travel alot by train. Not so much now but I do have some trips coming up. My laptop is a little bulky for working on the move and last year I got myself an Asus Eee PC 4G which was one of the first of the Netbook breed of computer. A little PC smaller than a notebook (a notebook being smaller than a laptop). It was fine but connecting to the internet over the HSDPA high speed mobile data network was a bit cumbersome and storage was OK but not completely satisfactory on memory sticks and SD cards. Runing linux rrestriced the software that could be run too. Recently I bumped into this little beauty. The Advent 4213 Netbook. I got mine from Curry's. Im very impressed. It has a huge disc capacity of 160Gb, runs XP, connects by anything, bluetooth, wi-fi, lan, HSDPA, has sd and usb2 ports, built in webcam and more or less full size keys with a screen thats 50% bigger than the Asus. It is at the higher end of the netbook spec and is priced accordingly but lower end models are available for around £200 and are still packed with features. It runs like a dream and I think is the future of portable business computing (its definately NOT a games machine!). Economy notwithstanding, I dont think it will be long before you see everyone walking around with one of these. Just until people cotton on to this magnificent machine the Asus is holding its resale value so its time to sell!

Cathedral Service

Attended a moving service at the Cathedral today to acknowledge the efforts of the Womans Land Army during the war. The Land Army Girls worked on farms to free up the men to go off to defend the Country. Long overdue, this endeavour was recognised last year with the presentation of medals to the the surviving members. My Nan who served in Retford from 1942 just missed out but her medal was awarded posthumously so me, my Mum and my Sisters were proud to represent her.

First Studio Shoot

Had my first studio shoot yesterday and had alot of fun even though there was a bit of pressure and I could have done better I think with more time. This is a sample of the results. For first attempt I'm pleased with what I got. These small pictures dont really do the images justice and are the best example I have of the contrast in quality between jpg (these) and raw (the prints). The prints are much richer and have a far superior colour depth.

LRPS Work Started!

Ive done my first shoot towards my LRPS Distinction at The Kinema In The Woods at Woodhall Spa Lincs. where the owner, Mr. Green, has very kindly agreed to support my project by allowing me to have complete access to his wonderful cinema when I need it. This will be an extended piece of work which will result in 10 images being exhibited for the Royal Photographic Distinctions Board to consider. I hope to be ready sometime next year for that.

Back to Bradford

Return visit to the National Media Museum at Bradford. What a treasure trove including a really good Blue Peter exhibition. Definately not a traditional museum though. Much better! http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/

War on Weight

Being fed up with seeing my weight pile on since I came back from the Himalayas its time for me to wage war on weight! I know all the theory, have read the articles, been to the classes, got the books and the pills. But 2009 is going to be the year when i knock at least 10kg off my weight and 5cm off my waist with a view to doubling that in the fullness of time to bring me back to within striking distance of my ideal weight. This time, instead of trying a particular method to get it shifted Im going to attack it on several fronts. An all out assult! And in this first week, in spite of it beng Christmas and the New Year with all the excesses that come with it I've reduced my weight very very slightly which is a great psychological boost, better than increasing it very slightly and sets me up nicely for the start of a long war that I cant afford to lose!