Archive for May, 2009

Having a Blast!!

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

During one of my many aimless evenings of surfing the web, I came across BBC Blast, a new site that has recently launched to promote talent and creativity.

The site features an impressive art installation housed in the Topolski studio at London’s Southbank Centre where via some very clever web cameras and remote controls you can make an addition to the art installation from your own computer screen. There are 4 machines that can be remotely controlled, ranging from a cool glue gun, paint pellet machine for firing paint at a canvas, printer and hanging light strips that play sounds as they light up all directed from your computer.

For visitors to the Topolski studio, the art is happening in front of them, all controlled by internet users, a fantastic combination of technology and art!

Why not contribute to this impressive project at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/

D-Day for the Mont-ster

Thursday, May 21st, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Last Saturday was make-or-break time for Monty as we enrolled the help of Barking Mad Mal, a canine behaviour expert and ex-police dog trainer, to give us the skills to readdress the balance and show Monty who’s really in charge!

Long nights of relentless barking and general ‘bad’ behaviour had taken its toll on Anna and I so we decided to put an end to it – and give Monty a happier, stress-free life!

Malcolm informed us that Monty thinks that he is the alpha male or pack leader – a role that dogs can assume if they aren’t given clear boundaries and routine.

We’re currently on day four of Monty’s rehabilitation, and there are already positive signs of improvement. Not only have we seen a reduction in the amount of barking, he’s eating his food properly and staying off the sofas – which is a first!

If you have a dog with behaviour issues, I’d thoroughly recommend using Mal – he’s a lovely guy, takes the time to understand the dog’s issues and gives you a written plan to follow in order to give you a happier hound!

Check him out at www.barkingmadmal.co.uk

Camping in style

Monday, May 11th, 2009 Posted in Personal Lives | No Comments »

I recently took a week off to do some volunteer work as part of Leeds Atheist Society’s Rationalist Week 2009. During the week the society erects a marquee opposite the student union and runs a series of talks, debates, socials and other events in order to raise awareness of the society and it’s beliefs.

This year the tent was open 24 hours a day and ended up with the most hardcore of us pretty much living in the tent for the week – despite it being April and us having a heater it was still freezing! Still we managed to survive and are no doubt stronger for it .

During the week I managed to get myself through six talks and speeches though the real stars of the show were our debates with the Christian Union and Islamic Society as well as the range of bands and entertainment we put on. Needless to say we were all shattered by the end of the week but definitely well worth it – roll on next year!