Thursday, November 10, 2011
Down goes Frazier!
Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Those almost immortal words, spoken by Howard Cosell, at the fight between Joe Frazier and George Foreman. How those words have managed to survive the years along with the legendary status that goes with the life of Joe Frazier and have characterised his life, is something to behold and something to mourn.
I mourn the passing of this man, a fighter, a warrior, a man who for me knew no fear. I wish also to celebrate his life, for his life and the lives of his opponents Ali and Foreman, gave meaning to my life at that time. When my father switched on the TV to watch what is now known as the 'Thriller in Manila", we had no idea what was to come. Who could have?
What we and many others around the world witnessed that night, were two men who were prepared to die rather than be beaten. For several rounds, Joe Frazier hurt Ali - literally. But what we did not know, was that Joe Frazier was already partially blind in his left eye from a training accident in 1964. Then his right eye started to close and essentially his was a sitting duck. A sitting duck for his skilled and deadly opponent Ali. Ali mercilessly pounded the head of Frazier until it was swollen and grotesque.
At the end of round 14 came the unthinkable, the realisation that if he were allowed to go out for the 15th and final round, Joe Frazier could really get hurt. His trainer, Eddie Futch, would not allow that to happen. So Joe Frazier was retired from the fight for his own protection. The irony of it all was that Ali was prepared to quit as well and not come out for the 15th round. This fight would define Ali in so many ways but most importantly, the damage that Frazier inflicted upon Ali that night would in my opinion and the opinion of many others, seriously affect the health of Ali in later years.
Ali is often quoted as saying that the fight was like "the closest he ever felt to death". It is without doubt one of the greatest fights I have had the honour to witness and for me clearly defined who Joe Frazier was - one of the greatest heavyweight boxers from that era.
Sadly, society has not valued the contribution that Joe Frazier made to boxing or our lives and for someone with that much courage and charisma, to spend the last years of his life living in one room above his gym, with a can of beans for dinner, is a sad commentary on the society in which we live now and then. Perhaps it was meant to be that the poor boy from South Carolina was meant to return to his roots as a poor man? His passing is a sharp reminder that however good you are, you are only as good as your next fight, whatever that may be.
The Portal of Healing.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Fluid Extraction Suction Syphon Pump 6 Litre Extractor
I have seen and used some tools over the years, but this one is simply a must buy. It is quite simple - a device that allows you to suck fluids out of your car namely oil and transmission. I used this tool to change the oil on my car.
To be honest, the price of an oil change has become for me, too expensive. It is about 30 pounds at Kwik Fit in the UK and on average around $50 dollars in North America. For some, this is a lot of money and of all the things on a car that need to be done, changing the oil is one of the most important.
A lot of damage, wear and tear and increased emissions along with reduced petrol economy are some of the results of not changing the oil regularly. It is generally accepted that an oil change should be carried out about every six months for the life of the car. Even with the improved durability and effectiveness of modern day, synthetic oils, oil degrades and does so quickly. It will soon become contaminated with the engine deposits that will be given off over time.
This suction pump is going to make life a whole lot easier and cheaper. So, I followed the very simple instructions, stuck the thin tube down the dipstick until it could go no further, pumped about eight times and there it goes! The pump created a vacuum which sucked the oil out of the engine without any further input from me. This I like very much. It took about ten minutes and I changed the oil when the car was cold although it was about 25 degrees Celsius at the time, so quite warm.
Towards the end, I pumped a few more times just to make sure it had got all the oil it could out. I did not change the oil filter but this had been done three months before. Changing the filter is optional but I do recommend that the oil filter is changed about once a year. That was it. I chatted with my friend while it was doing it's thing and we could have even had a cup of tea!
I had worked out how much the unit holds, what my car needs for a change without oil filter and it had sucked out almost exactly that amount. So, I knew I had to refill to that amount. I checked the dipstick a couple of times and it was perfect. Lastly, I cleaned the unit by putting the tubes in a bowl of soapy water and pumping that out and that worked very well. I disposed of the old oil and waste water in an old can and took it to recycling.
The advantage of changing the oil this way are many but for starters, it is much safer, no jacking up of the car and having to wrestle with the oil nut and no mess when the oil pours out. Also, when I take my car for an oil change, they DO NOT use synthetic oil but conventional oil which is nowhere near as good. I was able to purchase Castrol fully synthetic oil about half the cost of an oil change at the garage which is about 25 pounds.
So, it is a no brainer that you will recoup your money and save money after two or three oil changes and you will be using the oil that YOU want and need to use, when you want and where. The unit is light and compact and can be carried around so you could share it with your family and friends, all they have to do is supply the oil!
The Portal of Healing.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Jollop Recipe
Well, it's been a busy summer, hence the prolonged absence. In that time, I have been garnishing some recipe ideas for healthy cooking and eating. This is very important to me and many others. One cannot trust in any way most of what can be bought in a shop that passes for food.
So, it is with that in mind, I have increased my efforts to make as much of the food that I eat from fresh ingredients, bought from locally produced outlets where possible and if it is reduced in price, that is good too. For instance, on a recent trip to the local grocery store/supermarket, I happened upon a glut of tomatoes, reduced in price, waiting for someone like me to snap them up! That I did for I was reliably informed that tomatoes can be frozen. Yes, that's correct, they can be frozen for use later in cooking or pickling as we shall be doing in this recipe. So, look out for vegetable or fruit that you can freeze which is reduced. Now, I have some 100 tomatoes and my friend is now called 'the mad tomato woman' for she cannot stop buying them! So, without further ado, the recipe.
This jollop, which is a slang term used to describe a concoction, a mix, a blend of ingredients, is something that has become a major ingredient itself in my cooking. Essentially, one can eat it as a pickle, like a dip or use as I do as the flavouring and base for other recipes which will follow. So here it is:
Jollop (Fresh Pickle)
Chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber
Teaspoon each of thyme, oregano/marjoram, coriander, dill, basil, sage
A little salt and pepper or paprika
Put your favourite ingredients from the above in a clean jam-jar
Top up with cider vinegar and extra-virgin olive-oil - I suggest mixing the cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil 50/50 in another bottle which will make it easier to dispense and that mix works fine for me
Shake well and leave for a few hours before eating (You can put all ingredients in a chopper first if you want) Can be eaten fresh or used as a cooking flavouring.
Now, the quantities above are for one jar of jollop. I had so many tomatoes, that I ended up with several jars of the stuff! But that is just fine, for whenever I want to flavour something else quickly, all I have to do is chuck some of the jollop in the pan before! So, once you have made a batch, it will keep very well in the fridge and be there, which means you do not have to spend time chopping garlic and onions and all the other nice things every time you need to cook. Simple!
The Portal of Healing.
So, it is with that in mind, I have increased my efforts to make as much of the food that I eat from fresh ingredients, bought from locally produced outlets where possible and if it is reduced in price, that is good too. For instance, on a recent trip to the local grocery store/supermarket, I happened upon a glut of tomatoes, reduced in price, waiting for someone like me to snap them up! That I did for I was reliably informed that tomatoes can be frozen. Yes, that's correct, they can be frozen for use later in cooking or pickling as we shall be doing in this recipe. So, look out for vegetable or fruit that you can freeze which is reduced. Now, I have some 100 tomatoes and my friend is now called 'the mad tomato woman' for she cannot stop buying them! So, without further ado, the recipe.
This jollop, which is a slang term used to describe a concoction, a mix, a blend of ingredients, is something that has become a major ingredient itself in my cooking. Essentially, one can eat it as a pickle, like a dip or use as I do as the flavouring and base for other recipes which will follow. So here it is:
Jollop (Fresh Pickle)
Chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber
Teaspoon each of thyme, oregano/marjoram, coriander, dill, basil, sage
A little salt and pepper or paprika
Put your favourite ingredients from the above in a clean jam-jar
Top up with cider vinegar and extra-virgin olive-oil - I suggest mixing the cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil 50/50 in another bottle which will make it easier to dispense and that mix works fine for me
Shake well and leave for a few hours before eating (You can put all ingredients in a chopper first if you want) Can be eaten fresh or used as a cooking flavouring.
Now, the quantities above are for one jar of jollop. I had so many tomatoes, that I ended up with several jars of the stuff! But that is just fine, for whenever I want to flavour something else quickly, all I have to do is chuck some of the jollop in the pan before! So, once you have made a batch, it will keep very well in the fridge and be there, which means you do not have to spend time chopping garlic and onions and all the other nice things every time you need to cook. Simple!
The Portal of Healing.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
DiabetesCare.Net - Insomnia Linked to High Insulin Resistance in Diabetics
DiabetesCare.Net - Insomnia Linked to High Insulin Resistance in Diabetics
"In the largest study of its kind to establish a link between sleep and diabetes, researchers found that people with diabetes who sleep poorly have higher insulin resistance, and a harder time controlling the disease."
Please watch the video above which helps to explain insulin resistance.
The Portal of Healing.
"In the largest study of its kind to establish a link between sleep and diabetes, researchers found that people with diabetes who sleep poorly have higher insulin resistance, and a harder time controlling the disease."
Please watch the video above which helps to explain insulin resistance.
The Portal of Healing.
Friday, April 22, 2011
INOSITOL - BENEFITS, SUPPLEMENTS, INFORMATION, ARTICLES, LINKS, NEWS, ADVICE
INOSITOL -BENEFITS, SUPPLEMENTS, INFORMATION, ARTICLES, LINKS, NEWS, ADVICE
"Inositol is part of the vitamin B complex. It promotes healthy brain development and function, and works closely with choline to move fats out of the heart and liver."
I have just discovered this supplement. It is produced naturally by the body but a lack of inositol can lead to some very serious and nasty health conditions. Some symptoms of inositol deficiency are arteriosclerosis, constipation, hair loss, high cholesterol, irritability, mood swings, and skin eruptions.
Most significantly, it has also been said to have a calming effect on the nervous system, and is being studied as a possible treatment for depression, panic attacks, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
It is with this in mind i.e. the benefits for the nervous system, depression, anxiety and mental health that I am going to try it out and see how it goes. I will let you know.
The Portal of Healing.
"Inositol is part of the vitamin B complex. It promotes healthy brain development and function, and works closely with choline to move fats out of the heart and liver."
I have just discovered this supplement. It is produced naturally by the body but a lack of inositol can lead to some very serious and nasty health conditions. Some symptoms of inositol deficiency are arteriosclerosis, constipation, hair loss, high cholesterol, irritability, mood swings, and skin eruptions.
Most significantly, it has also been said to have a calming effect on the nervous system, and is being studied as a possible treatment for depression, panic attacks, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
It is with this in mind i.e. the benefits for the nervous system, depression, anxiety and mental health that I am going to try it out and see how it goes. I will let you know.
The Portal of Healing.
Friday, March 11, 2011
What makes fructose fattening? Some answers found in the brain
What makes fructose fattening? Some answers found in the brain
"The dietary concerns of too much fructose are well documented. High-fructose corn syrup has become the sweetener most commonly added to processed foods. Many dietary experts believe this increase directly correlates to the nation's growing obesity epidemic. Now, new research at Oregon Health & Science University demonstrates that the brain -- which serves as a master control for body weight -- reacts differently to fructose compared with another common sweetener, glucose."
To put it simply, processed sugars are not good for you. For far too long, the food industry has kept quiet about the use and infusion into processed foods of all kinds of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Try to avoid eating any kind of food that has artificial sweeteners of any kind and preferably stay away from high sugary foods such as cakes, sweets and biscuits especially if your blood sugar is prone to fluctuation.
This advice applies to anyone even if you think you are not diabetic there are many people who are pre-diabetic and those of us that think we can get away with eating food saturated in processed sugar need to think again.
The Portal of Healing.
"The dietary concerns of too much fructose are well documented. High-fructose corn syrup has become the sweetener most commonly added to processed foods. Many dietary experts believe this increase directly correlates to the nation's growing obesity epidemic. Now, new research at Oregon Health & Science University demonstrates that the brain -- which serves as a master control for body weight -- reacts differently to fructose compared with another common sweetener, glucose."
To put it simply, processed sugars are not good for you. For far too long, the food industry has kept quiet about the use and infusion into processed foods of all kinds of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Try to avoid eating any kind of food that has artificial sweeteners of any kind and preferably stay away from high sugary foods such as cakes, sweets and biscuits especially if your blood sugar is prone to fluctuation.
This advice applies to anyone even if you think you are not diabetic there are many people who are pre-diabetic and those of us that think we can get away with eating food saturated in processed sugar need to think again.
The Portal of Healing.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Panasonic KX-TG8523EB DECT Trio Digital Cordless Phone
"I surrender!" That is what she said. Oh, alright, I won't tease you all any more, this is what she really said:
"OK, I surrender - 3rd phone playing up now - cut me off after 5 minutes
chat or so.
Have read loads of reviews - this one does texts, 40 minutes answer phone,
Caller ID, which lets you block particular callers and also numbers
beginning 09, 07 etc. as well as identify answer phone messages so you can
listen to ones from specific people, and also you can set a night-time
setting (you set the hours required) so no-one gets through on a
particular handset - e.g. bedroom - except people you specify."
So, here it is. Ready for you to order. It looks like from now on I am going to find it very hard to get hold of her on the phone as I think she is going to be deep in thought reading the manual!
The Portal of Healing.
"OK, I surrender - 3rd phone playing up now - cut me off after 5 minutes
chat or so.
Have read loads of reviews - this one does texts, 40 minutes answer phone,
Caller ID, which lets you block particular callers and also numbers
beginning 09, 07 etc. as well as identify answer phone messages so you can
listen to ones from specific people, and also you can set a night-time
setting (you set the hours required) so no-one gets through on a
particular handset - e.g. bedroom - except people you specify."
So, here it is. Ready for you to order. It looks like from now on I am going to find it very hard to get hold of her on the phone as I think she is going to be deep in thought reading the manual!
The Portal of Healing.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Electric current moves magnetic vortices: With the help of neutrons, physicists discover new ways to save data
Electric current moves magnetic vortices: With the help of neutrons, physicists discover new ways to save data
"One of the requirements to keep trends in computer technology on track -- to be ever faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient -- is faster writing and processing of data. In the Dec. 17 issue of the journal Science, physicists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) and the Universitaet zu Koeln report results that could point the way to a solution. TUM physicists set a lattice of magnetic vortices in a material in motion using electric current almost a million times weaker than in earlier studies."
The Portal of Healing.
"One of the requirements to keep trends in computer technology on track -- to be ever faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient -- is faster writing and processing of data. In the Dec. 17 issue of the journal Science, physicists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) and the Universitaet zu Koeln report results that could point the way to a solution. TUM physicists set a lattice of magnetic vortices in a material in motion using electric current almost a million times weaker than in earlier studies."
The Portal of Healing.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Guidelines Blood Sugar Levels: Normal, Pre-diabetes, Diabetes
"The Diabetes Prevention Study shows that losing 5-7 % of your weight, exercising for 1/2 hr per day and following a healthy diet can reduce your risk of getting diabetes by up to 58%!."
This website http://www.diabetes-blood-sugar-solutions.com/guidelinesbloodsugarlevels.html is packed full of very useful information. If you have the slightest doubt about your blood sugar level, get it checked or got to your local pharmacy and pick up a kit which will allow you to check it yourself. If you are marginal for Diabetes or Pre Diabetes, do what it says above i.e. lose some weight, take regular exercise and follow a healthy diet.
The consequences of not doing anything are far too disturbing to discuss but I can assure you from experience of other with diabetes, it is a slow, painful death.
The Portal of Healing.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - 'Lux Aurumque'
There is not much to say except that it is beautiful and required viewing. Get involved in this project if you can and visit the youtube page for details.
The Portal of Healing.
The Portal of Healing.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
FDA Decides to Curb Avandia But Is It Enough?
The problem I have with the FDA ruling is that it does not go far enough and has created a discrepancy i.e. in Europe it has now been banned. Why the discrepancy on such a dangerous drug like Avandia? Why has the FDA only restricted access to it? We probably know the answer but we won't go there right now.
More importantly, it stresses the need for all of us to be extremely careful with our diet and exercise. It's the same old advice given out year after year and not just by this blogger - eat a sensible diet, watch your sugar and salt intake especially the processed kind and take exercise. These are just a few of the suggestions that could be made to just about any person if they wished to avoid or decrease the risk of contracting diabetes.
Be healthy and be happy.
The Portal of Healing.
More importantly, it stresses the need for all of us to be extremely careful with our diet and exercise. It's the same old advice given out year after year and not just by this blogger - eat a sensible diet, watch your sugar and salt intake especially the processed kind and take exercise. These are just a few of the suggestions that could be made to just about any person if they wished to avoid or decrease the risk of contracting diabetes.
Be healthy and be happy.
The Portal of Healing.
Cinnamon Helps Control Blood Sugar
Such a simple idea. Add some to your tea or your home cooking such as biscuits and cake. All we need now is a nice pot of tea!
The Portal of Healing.
The Portal of Healing.
Statins and CoQ10 Deficiency
"CoQ10 is arguably our most important essential nutrient. Its role in energy production is to make possible the transfer of electrons from one protein complex to another (within the inner membrane of the mitochondria) to its ultimate recipient, ATP."
I have been taking Q10 for a few years now and have found it really helps in my energy levels. Q10 is not a magic pill that will suddenly give you energy you never had, it does what it is supposed to do - allow the transfer of energy that you take in, to the body more efficiently. Those over 50 especially those on medication like Lipitor should be on Q10 as well.
Even for those of you not on medication, Q10 is a very valuable supplement that will help you in your day to day life, taken regularly.
The Portal of Healing.
I have been taking Q10 for a few years now and have found it really helps in my energy levels. Q10 is not a magic pill that will suddenly give you energy you never had, it does what it is supposed to do - allow the transfer of energy that you take in, to the body more efficiently. Those over 50 especially those on medication like Lipitor should be on Q10 as well.
Even for those of you not on medication, Q10 is a very valuable supplement that will help you in your day to day life, taken regularly.
The Portal of Healing.
Too much glucosamine can cause the death of pancreatic cells, increase diabetes risk, researchers find
"High doses or prolonged use of glucosamine causes the death of pancreatic cells and could increase the risk of developing diabetes, according to a team of researchers at Université Laval's Faculty of Pharmacy."
I know glucosamine is recommended especially for those with aches and pains in their joints but it pays to be careful when taking these alternative supplements. Always consult your doctor especially if you are already on medication and never exceed the stated dose. If in doubt, ask.
The Portal of Healing.
I know glucosamine is recommended especially for those with aches and pains in their joints but it pays to be careful when taking these alternative supplements. Always consult your doctor especially if you are already on medication and never exceed the stated dose. If in doubt, ask.
The Portal of Healing.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Lethal pancreatic cancer 'grows for decades'
"The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund welcomed the findings, but said that research was underfunded in the UK."
That statement underlines the problem with the treatment of this and other forms of cancer. So, it is imperative that we all do what we can to be healthy. Eat a sensible diet, Quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Definitely no drugs! Take regular exercise when you can, it does not matter what it is.
Most importantly, stay happy. Being happy is all part of the mix as far as being healthy is concerned. Being happy will help you to feel better about yourself and so many other things. I know, especially right now in the world, that it is difficult to be happy with so many bad things going on in the world but we must all try a little bit harder.
Do something that makes you happy this weekend whatever it is. Just going for a walk to the park if you can, sitting quietly and watching the world go by can be something that brings you peace. Especially if you have children, walking to a local park and watching them play can be very joyful. I love photography and there are many people that do. If you can, take some photos or get someone who can to take some photos and share them, it is a very nice feeling.
The Portal of Healing.
That statement underlines the problem with the treatment of this and other forms of cancer. So, it is imperative that we all do what we can to be healthy. Eat a sensible diet, Quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Definitely no drugs! Take regular exercise when you can, it does not matter what it is.
Most importantly, stay happy. Being happy is all part of the mix as far as being healthy is concerned. Being happy will help you to feel better about yourself and so many other things. I know, especially right now in the world, that it is difficult to be happy with so many bad things going on in the world but we must all try a little bit harder.
Do something that makes you happy this weekend whatever it is. Just going for a walk to the park if you can, sitting quietly and watching the world go by can be something that brings you peace. Especially if you have children, walking to a local park and watching them play can be very joyful. I love photography and there are many people that do. If you can, take some photos or get someone who can to take some photos and share them, it is a very nice feeling.
The Portal of Healing.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Grand Pier Weston Super Mare
“They have also confirmed that we will have access from today to start fitting out the building with our fixtures and fittings.
Assuming this all goes to plan, we believe that we can open in time for the school half-term holidays starting on October 23rd."
http://grandpier.blogspot.com/
I hope, along with many others that we do see the re-opening of the pier, it has been too long since the original fire in 2008. I visited the pier and beach front again this summer and it looks like they have done a good job. I hope that the business community can recover and help to get Weston back to where it belongs, as one of the premier places to visit.
The Portal of Healing.
Assuming this all goes to plan, we believe that we can open in time for the school half-term holidays starting on October 23rd."
http://grandpier.blogspot.com/
I hope, along with many others that we do see the re-opening of the pier, it has been too long since the original fire in 2008. I visited the pier and beach front again this summer and it looks like they have done a good job. I hope that the business community can recover and help to get Weston back to where it belongs, as one of the premier places to visit.
The Portal of Healing.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Lara Fabian - You're not from here
There are many songs and singers I could blog about, but this song and especially this singer, gets me going, in a good way. I get those amazing tingles going down my spine and real surges of deep emotion as I can relate to the lyrics and the way Lara Fabian sings them as if it had really happened, which it may have. Lara Fabian sings with complete conviction, there is no fear of what she is doing and it takes me a while to compose myself again after listening to this song and many others she has recorded.
As Lara Fabian gets to the words "and I'll fly" second time around, oh boy, are the hairs on the back of my neck standing up? Yes they are! I strongly recommend a purchase of any of her work but especially tracks recorded for the PBS live show of which You're not from here is one.
Play this to someone you really care about, it may be one of the best things you could do for that person.
The Portal of Healing.
I don't know what is going on
You turn around and touch my heart
A silent moment speaks the truth
Something has happened all at once
It should have scared me in advance
But I was falling in those eyes of yours
And so
Fear was gone
I knew there was nothing else
I'd ever want
[Chorus:]
I know you
You're not from here
I've waited for you to appear
To take my breath away
And make me weep
You're not from here
Not from this here and now
Just a touch of yours
And I fly... and I fly... and I fly
I can't get used to missing you
If this is how it's gotta be
I need an angel to watch over me
No one can hold the hands of time
But I can hold you in my mind
Over and over like a melody
For now
I'll stand still
For now
I'll be filled by the memory of your skin
I know you
You're not from here
You don't belong to lies and tears
The greatness of your soul
Makes me weep
You're not from here
Not from this here and now
Just a touch of yours
And I fly... and I fly... and I fly
[Chorus]
Monday, September 13, 2010
Music on prescription could help treat emotional and physical pain
"The impact of a piece of music on a person goes so much further than thinking that a fast tempo can lift a mood and a slow one can bring it down. Music expresses emotion as a result of many factors," says audio engineering specialist Dr Don Knox, project leader. "These include the tone, structure and other technical characteristics of a piece. Lyrics can have a big impact too. But so can purely subjective factors: where or when you first heard it, whether you associate it with happy or sad events and so on. Our project is the first step towards taking all of these considerations -- and the way they interact with each other -- on board."
I have known this since I was a child. I was acutely aware at an early age of how music of different types affected people in different ways at different times. Many people I have known have turned to music at some time in their life for comfort and as a way of understanding what was happening to them. The scarcity of music in mainstream education is disturbing and has had a major effect on the social fabric of our society. I challenge anyone to sit a child in the middle of a symphony orchestra and watch how that child is moved and changed by the sounds and emotions.
Let us all hope that this research encourages more people to go out and make music and get involved.
The Portal of Healing.
I have known this since I was a child. I was acutely aware at an early age of how music of different types affected people in different ways at different times. Many people I have known have turned to music at some time in their life for comfort and as a way of understanding what was happening to them. The scarcity of music in mainstream education is disturbing and has had a major effect on the social fabric of our society. I challenge anyone to sit a child in the middle of a symphony orchestra and watch how that child is moved and changed by the sounds and emotions.
Let us all hope that this research encourages more people to go out and make music and get involved.
The Portal of Healing.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Fujifilm FinePix HS10 Digital Camera
Ok, having had a long hard look at the market and read a gazillion reviews on a whole host of cameras, I have finally decided to get the Fuji FinePix HS10. The reason? Simply, it is probably one of the best cameras in the class of cameras known as a bridge camera i.e. not a point and shoot but not a full Digital SLR.
The features speak for themselves - shoots raw which is very important, uses standard sd or sdhc memory cards unlike some previous models that only used xd (which is a pain), has a good lens on the camera, 30X wide optical zoom which is more than enough for most uses, has some nice features like panorama function and the camera will allow me to use it completely on auto with very good results and progress to full manual mode when I get round to using those features.
Of course, the price is a big factor as I have seen this camera being sold on Amazon as high as £400.00 pounds so at it's current price this is a bargain. One other very important factor for me is the weight and the grip. I looked at several cameras by the major players including Canon and Nikon and most of the cameras similar to this were either too heavy e.g. Nikon D3000 or the grip was just no good. This Fuji is a very nice fit and is remarkably light for the size. Some people will say that with the heavier camera you get a better build quality but I need the camera to be light as I cannot hold a heavy camera for long unless it is on a tripod and that is not always possible.
There are some nice accessories available such as a lens kit including UV and CPL and a macro lens kit, a screen protector all for a reasonable price and I have included links to those products. So, I am off for a cup of tea while I dream about my new camera arriving next week.
The Portal of Healing.
The features speak for themselves - shoots raw which is very important, uses standard sd or sdhc memory cards unlike some previous models that only used xd (which is a pain), has a good lens on the camera, 30X wide optical zoom which is more than enough for most uses, has some nice features like panorama function and the camera will allow me to use it completely on auto with very good results and progress to full manual mode when I get round to using those features.
Of course, the price is a big factor as I have seen this camera being sold on Amazon as high as £400.00 pounds so at it's current price this is a bargain. One other very important factor for me is the weight and the grip. I looked at several cameras by the major players including Canon and Nikon and most of the cameras similar to this were either too heavy e.g. Nikon D3000 or the grip was just no good. This Fuji is a very nice fit and is remarkably light for the size. Some people will say that with the heavier camera you get a better build quality but I need the camera to be light as I cannot hold a heavy camera for long unless it is on a tripod and that is not always possible.
There are some nice accessories available such as a lens kit including UV and CPL and a macro lens kit, a screen protector all for a reasonable price and I have included links to those products. So, I am off for a cup of tea while I dream about my new camera arriving next week.
The Portal of Healing.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Hama DVD Laser Cleaning Disc: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo
So, the other day, I had to hook up my DVD recorder, it has not been used for a while but was not used that much anyway. To my horror, it was making all kinds of grinding noises on any type of disc I tried in the unit. I gave up. Then someone suggested I try the Hama DVD lens cleaner. I did and hey presto! It worked! No more grinding noises and what's more, it reads discs very quickly and smoothly. Now I am going to go round the house and use it on the other DVD players and the pc. Worth the money.
The Portal of Healing.
The Portal of Healing.
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