Right now I am not feeling too well. I think it's sinusitis and a bad cold. It's laid me up however, so this weekend I am doing nothing much except rest. There's also meant to be a wind chill factor of minus 6 centigrade, with snow expected Monday/Tuesday.
In an effort to heal myself, I plan to watch comedy films and programmes on DVD. I know there have been many studies done which show that laughter releases feel-good healing chemicals that support and strengthen the immune system.
So this morning I have been watching one of my favourite comedians on Youtube - Michael McIntyre. I saw this chap perform live in Edinburgh last year when I went to experience the festival with my mum. The excerpt below is when he performed at the Hammersmith Apollo. He does some hilarious mocking of Londoners, Scots and Brits in general. Enjoy!
Dancing, random mentions about my life; thoughts about the environment and the world; other stuff; plus music I love
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Excerpts of Obama's Inauguration Speech which I like
In the end I watched Obama's inauguration speech at work, in the canteen, displayed on a big screen. I enjoyed his speech, and he said some good things......here's a few quotes which resonate the most to me.....
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long, no longer apply.
This crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.
With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old.
These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence: the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall. And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
"Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
Barack Obama gives hope, focus and inspiration to many, including me.
Now, his real work begins. And so does ours no matter where we are in the world as I believe his message is truly global.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long, no longer apply.
This crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.
With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old.
These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence: the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall. And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
"Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
Barack Obama gives hope, focus and inspiration to many, including me.
Now, his real work begins. And so does ours no matter where we are in the world as I believe his message is truly global.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Chill out, because in the words of Obama "Yes, we Can!"
Barack Obama will be inaugurated as President of the USA tomorrow and I feel quite excited about it. I was reading thelondonpaper on the way home from work and laughed out loud on the tube because Ben & Jerry's have released a special edition of ice cream called "Yes, Pecan!"
hahahahaha :)
So I think this is a wonderful, simple and poweful motto which is very affirming and opens our minds to opportunity which has potential to manifest (Yes, Pecan and Yes We Can!)
I will try to leave work as close after 4pm GMT to race home so I can see it happen live on the television. I reckon his speech will be legendary, inspiring and also sobering given the current realities of our economy, our climate and the conflicts which are all around us.
On a slightly different note, I just read an interesting article on the BBC website - a study which indicates that if you're calm and relaxed throughout life, you're less likely to develop dementia in your old age. So all I can say then is to do your best to CHILL OUT, be happy, and try not to worry too much because it doesn't do anyone any good, least of all yourself.
Go OBAMA, O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA! :o)
hahahahaha :)
So I think this is a wonderful, simple and poweful motto which is very affirming and opens our minds to opportunity which has potential to manifest (Yes, Pecan and Yes We Can!)
I will try to leave work as close after 4pm GMT to race home so I can see it happen live on the television. I reckon his speech will be legendary, inspiring and also sobering given the current realities of our economy, our climate and the conflicts which are all around us.
On a slightly different note, I just read an interesting article on the BBC website - a study which indicates that if you're calm and relaxed throughout life, you're less likely to develop dementia in your old age. So all I can say then is to do your best to CHILL OUT, be happy, and try not to worry too much because it doesn't do anyone any good, least of all yourself.
Go OBAMA, O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA! :o)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
10 Things Science says will make you happy
A friend of mine in New Zealand sent me this list and I think some of them are really worth trying to hold onto and practice. They were read out on New Zealand's National Radio by a DJ called Jim Mora just before Christmas. If you click this link you may still be able to listen to the actual broadcast: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/20081218 The list was compiled by someone called Jen Angel.
Apparently groups of people were studied to ascertain these pointers. Don't ask me to reference the actual studies because, well, I don't know. I guess the best way to know if they work is to test them for yourself. I am currently doing number 8 in a proactive way, and I try and do all the others as often as I can! :) I think they work most of the time.....
1) Savour every day moments – stop and smell that rose
Study participants who took time to slow down showed significant increases in happiness and reductions in depression
2) Avoid comparisons – instead of comparing ourselves with others, focusing on our own personal achievements leads to greater satisfaction
3) Put money low on the list – people who put money high on it, are more at risk of depression, anxiety and low self esteem. The finding hold true across nations and cultures. The more we seek satisfaction in material goodies the less we find it there. Money seekers score lower on tests of vitality.
4) Have meaningful goals – people who strive for something significant are far happier than those who don’t have strong dreams or aspirations. Humans need meaning.
5) Take initiative at work – when we express ourselves, help others,suggest improvements or do additional tasks on the job, our work feels more rewarding and we feel more in control.
6) Make friends, treasure family – happier people have good families friends and supportive relationships.
Quote “I set out to find friends and found none. I set out to be a friend and found many”
7) Smile even when you don’t feel like it – people acting positively see possibilities, opportunities, success. Even if you weren’t born to see the glass as half full, with practice a positive outlook can become a habit.
Abraham Lincoln said “you end up as happy as you decide to be”.
8) Say thank you like you mean it – people who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis, are healthier, more optimistic and more likely to make progress towards achieving goals. People who express appreciation to someone who made a difference in their lives score higher for happiness and lower for depression, and the effects last for weeks.
9) Get out and exercise – exercise may be just as effective as drugs as in treating depression, without all the side effects. Regular exercise offers a sense of accomplishment, opportunity for social interaction and endorphin release and a heightening of self esteem.
10) Give it away – make altruism and giving part of your life. Helping a neighbour, volunteering, donating goods and services results in a helpless high and you get more benefits than you do from exercise. Those who spent money on others, report much greater happiness than those who spent it on themselves.
Apparently groups of people were studied to ascertain these pointers. Don't ask me to reference the actual studies because, well, I don't know. I guess the best way to know if they work is to test them for yourself. I am currently doing number 8 in a proactive way, and I try and do all the others as often as I can! :) I think they work most of the time.....
1) Savour every day moments – stop and smell that rose
Study participants who took time to slow down showed significant increases in happiness and reductions in depression
2) Avoid comparisons – instead of comparing ourselves with others, focusing on our own personal achievements leads to greater satisfaction
3) Put money low on the list – people who put money high on it, are more at risk of depression, anxiety and low self esteem. The finding hold true across nations and cultures. The more we seek satisfaction in material goodies the less we find it there. Money seekers score lower on tests of vitality.
4) Have meaningful goals – people who strive for something significant are far happier than those who don’t have strong dreams or aspirations. Humans need meaning.
5) Take initiative at work – when we express ourselves, help others,suggest improvements or do additional tasks on the job, our work feels more rewarding and we feel more in control.
6) Make friends, treasure family – happier people have good families friends and supportive relationships.
Quote “I set out to find friends and found none. I set out to be a friend and found many”
7) Smile even when you don’t feel like it – people acting positively see possibilities, opportunities, success. Even if you weren’t born to see the glass as half full, with practice a positive outlook can become a habit.
Abraham Lincoln said “you end up as happy as you decide to be”.
8) Say thank you like you mean it – people who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis, are healthier, more optimistic and more likely to make progress towards achieving goals. People who express appreciation to someone who made a difference in their lives score higher for happiness and lower for depression, and the effects last for weeks.
9) Get out and exercise – exercise may be just as effective as drugs as in treating depression, without all the side effects. Regular exercise offers a sense of accomplishment, opportunity for social interaction and endorphin release and a heightening of self esteem.
10) Give it away – make altruism and giving part of your life. Helping a neighbour, volunteering, donating goods and services results in a helpless high and you get more benefits than you do from exercise. Those who spent money on others, report much greater happiness than those who spent it on themselves.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Hitting back with New Year Resolutions
It's been a while since posting anything, so a warm Happy New Year to my small following of readers! May 2009 bring you much happiness, laughter and inner peace.
So what's in store this year? By look of it, on a global level, hardship is present for many: in economic terms what with the credit crunch, warzones, famine, misguided dictators etc. I could go on and on.
All these negative things often make me feel very powerless and limited. I have to remind/reassure myself that one mustn't get too disheartened, but simultaneously it is not the best approach to develop a victim-no-can-do attitude either.
In 2009 I will endeavour to stay focused on the things which are important to me, to not get sidetracked so often; to stay focused on my core values, my positivity, my potential, my inherent goodness and lightness. And to focus on this in other people as well. I believe we're all of us inherently full of goodness - we just ALL get sidetracked, misled, scared, comfortable etc.
Environmental issues seem to have dropped off the media's radar somewhat since recession hit, Israel hit, Baby P hit the headlines, Mugabe hit the Zimbabwean spirit yet again etc. Let's hit back with positivity; some solutions and ideas/creativity to our own 'problems'; some action and speaking out against ignorance, corruption; some dialogue with our politicians and one another about how to really ENGAGE with the issues of our time. I admit I am guilty of burying my head in the sand all too often. So I really want to fight this laziness in me. I have learnt though, for myself, that quality and considered use of my time and thoughts is generally more productive, satisfying and fun than spreading myself too thinly and trying to achieve too much.
So I will use my blog to talk about things as and when I feel the inspiration - for 'green' things, political things, things that matter to me.
This includes some positive, more light-hearted and entertaining stuff as well which inspires me or makes me smile :)
Have a fun January in spite of the COLD, and don't let the buggers get you down....
So what's in store this year? By look of it, on a global level, hardship is present for many: in economic terms what with the credit crunch, warzones, famine, misguided dictators etc. I could go on and on.
All these negative things often make me feel very powerless and limited. I have to remind/reassure myself that one mustn't get too disheartened, but simultaneously it is not the best approach to develop a victim-no-can-do attitude either.
In 2009 I will endeavour to stay focused on the things which are important to me, to not get sidetracked so often; to stay focused on my core values, my positivity, my potential, my inherent goodness and lightness. And to focus on this in other people as well. I believe we're all of us inherently full of goodness - we just ALL get sidetracked, misled, scared, comfortable etc.
Environmental issues seem to have dropped off the media's radar somewhat since recession hit, Israel hit, Baby P hit the headlines, Mugabe hit the Zimbabwean spirit yet again etc. Let's hit back with positivity; some solutions and ideas/creativity to our own 'problems'; some action and speaking out against ignorance, corruption; some dialogue with our politicians and one another about how to really ENGAGE with the issues of our time. I admit I am guilty of burying my head in the sand all too often. So I really want to fight this laziness in me. I have learnt though, for myself, that quality and considered use of my time and thoughts is generally more productive, satisfying and fun than spreading myself too thinly and trying to achieve too much.
So I will use my blog to talk about things as and when I feel the inspiration - for 'green' things, political things, things that matter to me.
This includes some positive, more light-hearted and entertaining stuff as well which inspires me or makes me smile :)
Have a fun January in spite of the COLD, and don't let the buggers get you down....
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