benjamenus on posterous

benjamenus on posterous http://benjamenus.posterous.com musings posterous.com BenjamenusOnPosteroushttp://feedburner.google.com Tue, 21 Sep 2010 07:37:00 -0700 If Facebook Existed Years Ago http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-facebook-existed-years-ago http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-facebook-existed-years-ago <p> <p>Sooo true!!!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/CDbdpzcuhkAnttzdmDaqyDezdJoHtFzlzvbnlcyshHfewzvlbnGablCAFfai/ATT10812.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10812" height="348" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/CDbdpzcuhkAnttzdmDaqyDezdJoHtFzlzvbnlcyshHfewzvlbnGablCAFfai/ATT10812.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/EjwJlthqqBrzDfAFJzgHjdpufkEkDDlxvhEcDeynAhxIphiJdsjntlIxCqxy/ATT10813.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10813" height="308" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/EjwJlthqqBrzDfAFJzgHjdpufkEkDDlxvhEcDeynAhxIphiJdsjntlIxCqxy/ATT10813.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/qAEIyeECHcxcCiAgwunJwFgHzzIAAsnlIJgzpBJdEuinwcCbplceFvmBbxfr/ATT10811.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10811" height="82" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/qAEIyeECHcxcCiAgwunJwFgHzzIAAsnlIJgzpBJdEuinwcCbplceFvmBbxfr/ATT10811.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/uJqFnlyFEaDdqIdsEEilsawsIsGsFmvwCzxDqnneHvklbksEtAktuyApbuFz/ATT10814.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10814" height="197" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/uJqFnlyFEaDdqIdsEEilsawsIsGsFmvwCzxDqnneHvklbksEtAktuyApbuFz/ATT10814.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/wCimmIygqoyigaxkpGfChHsEmItbvieoBIAiJwprqmqDvoHoDpqruBaGChpG/ATT10815.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10815" height="115" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/wCimmIygqoyigaxkpGfChHsEmItbvieoBIAiJwprqmqDvoHoDpqruBaGChpG/ATT10815.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/hxryDJjEmoyiryCmsmzIEdxwixtldbreBJEBcdhqIhgowJjkpzsqjApicBqy/ATT10816.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10816" height="709" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/hxryDJjEmoyiryCmsmzIEdxwixtldbreBJEBcdhqIhgowJjkpzsqjApicBqy/ATT10816.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/gCJwjmwqxbqtkAeIGgGvrxcenABcAHAvkihqJjIyxjqHvsIbnkEqCvwCxaBd/ATT10817.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10817" height="285" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/gCJwjmwqxbqtkAeIGgGvrxcenABcAHAvkihqJjIyxjqHvsIbnkEqCvwCxaBd/ATT10817.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/jaheeGmknpzFsjyBjFwAtFtcsouiFefqhzBuzIpxldwItJfrgsGykDsinuHC/ATT10818.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Att10818" height="161" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-21/jaheeGmknpzFsjyBjFwAtFtcsouiFefqhzBuzIpxldwItJfrgsGykDsinuHC/ATT10818.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-facebook-existed-years-ago">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-facebook-existed-years-ago#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/11U3pWQiJRSIYvpek8gCKImxKtc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/11U3pWQiJRSIYvpek8gCKImxKtc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/11U3pWQiJRSIYvpek8gCKImxKtc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/11U3pWQiJRSIYvpek8gCKImxKtc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:35:00 -0700 Anonymous Donations http://benjamenus.posterous.com/anonymous-donations http://benjamenus.posterous.com/anonymous-donations <p> <p><strong>Money pollutes purity of purpose.</strong></p> <p>Let's take a look at a (simplified) hypothetical situation... You start doing some charity work out of the goodness of your heart. Someone notices the work that you're doing and gives you some money which helps you to continue or expand that good work. On the surface of it, this seems like a positive situation.</p> <p>However, if you want to continue doing that work then you'll probably want more money - and the easiest place to look for it is from people or organisations that have donated previously. The trouble is that they'll only continue to donate whilst they're 100% behind what you're doing. If you deviate from that, they'll stop.</p> <p>Whilst it may seem like it is for the greater good to spend some time appeasing their needs so you can continue to do their good work, you're now beholden to them in some way. I think there is an alternative...</p> <p><strong>Anonymous donations only.</strong></p> <p>If you only ever accepted anonymous donations, then you wouldn't (couldn't) ever be beholden to anyone. This may seem completely naive, but the reality is that the balance of power<span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span> has completely shifted. It may seem inappropriate to talk about power in this situation. However, it is more about a shift from doing what the money dictates to doing what is truly needed. In principle, this has to be a good thing.</p> <p><strong>What do you think?</strong></p> <p>Could this ever work? Have you any experience or knowledge of working with people/organisations in this way? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httplaxfufilesw_stdhy" height="291" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/dvrmIsFnncnpIfcjxyurHpJlAnJdAksiJnlqboiemyGgvrhGaeHpEukgyxey/media_httplaxfufilesw_stdhy.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="290" /> </div> </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/anonymous-donations">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/anonymous-donations#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/P3XQeGhzzMoickp59Uq73YvTALI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/P3XQeGhzzMoickp59Uq73YvTALI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/P3XQeGhzzMoickp59Uq73YvTALI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/P3XQeGhzzMoickp59Uq73YvTALI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:58:00 -0700 Thoroughly Disappointed with Linux http://benjamenus.posterous.com/thoroughly-disappointed-with-linux http://benjamenus.posterous.com/thoroughly-disappointed-with-linux <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthevargu_tjgbs" height="346" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/BnoJvsdvyIkydnBxwacqwGkowEyiAzGntgflfBDsvrwbcbjpoEajFvelDbyJ/media_httpwwwthevargu_tjgBs.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="300" /> </div> </p> <p>I'm so unimpressed with Linux.</p> <p>Let's set the context. I'm a geek. I've worked in IT for years. I programmed in basic on my ZX 81 and progressed through the ranks. I was never a developer, but I can build some useful apps in Visual Basic and can hand code HTML, XML, CSS etc. I'm also happy in DOS.</p> <p>Despite all that, Linus always looked complicated.</p> <p>However, I have an old laptop and I'd been led to believe that Linux would run much better than the big, bad, bloated Windows - so I thought I'd give it a go. And installation wasn't too difficult. Getting WiFi to work was very bloody difficult. And then, just grabbing some new software and installing it proved to be such a pain, I decided to switch back to Windows.</p> <p>Linux <em>did</em> look pretty good and it was pretty quick with my limited system resources. And, I can imaging that if you were given a working version and didn't want to do anything too much with it (as a non-technical user), you'd be pretty happy.</p> <p>But, the barrier to entry is just too high. When you download a program, as a user (even a technical user), you just want to be able to double-click it and sit back. Even reading the support forums is upsetting with all that complex (until you know it - but why should you have to bother) code.</p> <p>No, when Linux works, I'm sure it's great - but if they want wider adoption (and I'm not sure they do), then it needs to be made so much more friendly. Trying to re-learn an OS and find new software to do all the things you used to do quite happily on Windows or Apple is too much of an ask. Who'd got the time or inclination?</p> <p>Linux is not for me.</p> <p>I'm sure there's a myriad of people that disagree with me, so let's hear it for (and against) Linux in the comments.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/thoroughly-disappointed-with-linux">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/thoroughly-disappointed-with-linux#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jsDk9Brio3TQIryrnryNn4yXgiY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jsDk9Brio3TQIryrnryNn4yXgiY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jsDk9Brio3TQIryrnryNn4yXgiY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jsDk9Brio3TQIryrnryNn4yXgiY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:24:00 -0700 3 Life (and Sales) Lessons Learned from Buying a New Car http://benjamenus.posterous.com/3-life-and-sales-lessons-learned-from-buying http://benjamenus.posterous.com/3-life-and-sales-lessons-learned-from-buying <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_http4bpblogspot_eaqip" height="260" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/yvhvhuwrJdajEyvxtjrsqGjxiAdohnvpCfkkmjceIgJmlciuaEepkomyGutw/media_http4bpblogspot_Eaqip.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="340" /> </div> </p> <p>As my girlfriend's mum knows little about cars or negotiating with salesmen I said I'd help her to buy a new car. It was a beautiful sunny day and it took all day. Aside from doing someone a favour, I felt the day had been wasted - that was until I looked back at what I'd learned about life.</p> <p><strong>Lesson 1 - Patience</strong></p> <p>The salesman we dealt with was absolutely fantastic - I've never met anyone so patient, and certainly not in a sales environment. His manner was simply brilliant. He later told us that his son is autistic and that he'd learned his patience from his son. For anyone who, like myself, occasionally rushes through life and snaps at anyone and anything that gets in the way, we'd do well to learn from Anthony. Apart from making the whole process more enjoyable for both himself and us, Anthony now has a customer for life. My girlfriend's mum is so comfortable with him in an environment that normally makes her squirm, she'll happily pay well over the odds just to deal with someone who makes her feel relaxed instead of nervous and incompetent.</p> <p><strong>Lesson 2 - The Power of a Brand </strong></p> <p><strong></strong>My girlfriend's mum had always driven Ford Fiesta and wanted another - this is despite the fact that her car is 15 years old and shares nothing in common with the new version aside from the badge. In her mind, it was something familiar that she could rely on. All credit to her, she allowed me to show her a couple of other options, but as soon as she sat in that Fiesta, it was the car she was having - despite it being out of her price range. Some people don't like choice, they know what they want and they'll be completely satisfied when they have it. The fact that, on paper at least, there are better options for them doesn't matter one bit. Sometimes I wish I could be more like this - every decision I make is based on logic and analysis of the options. Many times this leads me to something that is 'as right as it can be'. But the process is stressful and there is evidence which says that people who look that deeply into a purchase tend to be less satisfied overall.</p> <p><strong>Lesson 3 - Familiarity and Simplicity</strong></p> <p><strong></strong>In one of the more basic cars we tested my girlfriend's mum sat in the back and commented on the manual window winders. The salesman quickly pointed out that they were electric in the front. Little did he know that she was actually <em>pleased</em> that they weren't electric and he was actually helping to put her off the car! You see, she still has views from 15 years ago where 'mechanical = good/control' and 'electric gadgets = unreliability/confusion'. So powerful is this feeling she has that she nearly didn't buy the Fiesta she wanted so badly because she couldn't get to grips with the electric door mirror control on the test car. My personal feeling is that she'd have benefited from things like an auto gearbox and parking sensors - and that eventually she'd have got used to them and come to like them. But that didn't matter, she wanted something she immediately felt comfortable with that fitted with her view of new gadgetry being unreliable, complicated and to be avoided. There's certainly a market out there to be served with products that my generation believe should be consigned to the scrap heap.</p> <p><strong>Lesson 4 - Peace of Mind</strong></p> <p>Yes, I was only going to do 3 lessons, but this one is quite important too. Normally I'm no fan of finance and debt. However, due to the bonus scheme we could get £500 discount on the car if we took out finance, and the cost of finance (i.e. interest) was only £300 - so we'd have been £200 better off paying for the car in 2 lump sums rather than in one go. Despite having already stretched her budget way past what she originally set out to spend, my girlfriend's mum wanted to pay an extra £200 so that she didn't have to 'worry' about making another payment. And this also fitted with her view of 'finance = bad'. People don't always want the cheapest deal - sometimes they'll pay more for something that they value more highly, in this case, peace of mind (or closure).</p> <p><strong>The Twitter Style Lessons</strong></p> <p>If you're selling to someone (or, as I prefer, someone is buying from you), listen to what they want and what they value - it may not be what you expect. By meeting their desires in a manner that makes them feel comfortable and 'equal' you'll have a happy customer and more profit than you perhaps anticipated when you first thought when you were trying to work out how to screw them. What Anthony did went way beyond the normal 'building obligation by sitting you down with a coffee' and as such, I'll be putting as much business his way as I possibly can.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/3-life-and-sales-lessons-learned-from-buying">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/3-life-and-sales-lessons-learned-from-buying#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/kOBVphsPuAL8RjiK9pM2BqViJFM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/kOBVphsPuAL8RjiK9pM2BqViJFM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/kOBVphsPuAL8RjiK9pM2BqViJFM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/kOBVphsPuAL8RjiK9pM2BqViJFM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:17:27 -0800 The great British seaside http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-great-british-seaside http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-great-british-seaside <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <object height="417" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-0Xa4bHcJu8&hl=en&fs=1" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-0Xa4bHcJu8&hl=en&fs=1" wmode="window" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="417" width="500"></embed></object> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Xa4bHcJu8&feature=player_embedded">youtube.com</a></div> <p></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-great-british-seaside">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-great-british-seaside#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A1WtvZgy75zmt6bbWkB_0xTxUkY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A1WtvZgy75zmt6bbWkB_0xTxUkY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A1WtvZgy75zmt6bbWkB_0xTxUkY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A1WtvZgy75zmt6bbWkB_0xTxUkY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:52:00 -0800 A Review of the (sadly disappointing) UltraMotor A2B Metro Electric Bicycle http://benjamenus.posterous.com/a-review-of-the-sadly-disappointing-ultramoto http://benjamenus.posterous.com/a-review-of-the-sadly-disappointing-ultramoto <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/sl3Aotf0UqoB6o0NQsXZKfUgGm6uyzESH0u7F7wy9uk01TaTCoXW46qnEVBC/09032010.jpg"><img alt="09032010" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/qfyngYsXvlLPuqF1LmuJJhgl3MsUT70VWGF41z7knEn1Agx9wagwwvVDVGfo/09032010.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <p /> My review of the A2B Metro electric bicycle is very much based on my own personal circumstances and requirements, which are:<p /></p> <ul> <li>capable of a 40 mile round trip commute on battery power alone</li> <li>can be propelled by human pedal power alone should there be a desire!</li> <li>very comfortable for the duration of the commuting time/distance</li> </ul> <p><br />I borrowed the A2B Metro from the <a href="http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/">Electric Transport Shop</a> who have branches in London, Cambridge and Oxford. I spoke to staff at a couple of branches and all were very helpful and knowledgeable. After much research I had a shortlist of 3 bicycles, the <a href="http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/shop/electric-bikes-trikes/ultramotor/ultramotor-a2b-metro/prod_640.html?review=read#read_review">UltraMotor A2B Metro</a>, the <a href="http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/shop/electric-bikes-trikes/gocycle/gocycle/prod_639.html?review=read#read_review">GoCycle</a> and the <a href="http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/shop/electric-bikes-trikes/long-range/wisper-905se-city/prod_619.html?review=read#read_review">Wisper 905se City</a>. I was told that the GoCycle wasn't really designed for my longer distance needs so that left the A2B Metro and the Wisper 905se City. Given that I already have a mountain bike for normal use, I thought I'd opt for the A2B Metro which is also faster than the Wisper when using the 'boost' button (which I don't think you can do legally on European roads).<p /> Make no mistake, the A2B is a beast. At something like 35kg it is heavy, though cycled easily enough with pedalling alone due to the gearing - though this becomes a problem at quicker speeds (which I'll talk about later). I also happen to think it is pretty funky! So why was I so disappointed by it?<p /> Well, to begin with, I wasn't. I thought it was a hoot. Cycle along, use the twist-grip (see the picture) and woohoo, extra power. But then the niggles quickly revealed themselves...<p />Firstly the saddle. Yes, yes, changing a saddle is easy. But really - this bike has a supremely comfortable ride, yet the saddle is just awful. And I was saddled with it on my hire bike for the next 16 miles home. My bum still hurts a few days later! It is a big padded affair, but it just isn't nice and it digs in all the wrong places and to top it all, it isn't conducive to pedalling. I know this is an electric bicycle, but it isn't unreasonable to want to pedal.<p /> Next problem - the 'high' speed wobble. I don't know what was causing it, but between 15 and 20mph, there was a very noticeable wobble that was almost a little disconcerting. Maybe, like the saddle problem this can be fixed. Given the sheer hugeness of the wheels and tyres, maybe something was out of balance?<p /> Now to the bigger problems that I don't see a fix for...<p />You see from the picture how the throttle is a twist grip affair, but only the inner inch of the handlebar grip (next to the battery indicator lights)? Well try turning that and holding it in place between thumb and forefinger for 90 minutes. It just isn't at all comfortable. I say this as someone who rides a motorbike, so I'm very used to twist grips, but where you can twist and hold with your whole hand. Forefinger and thumb just doesn't work for this length of time.<p /> That brings us to the next issue - the boost button (which is the grey one to the left of the battery indicator lights). It is nigh on impossible to operate with a thumb that is already trying it's best to hold the twisty throttle in place and at full throttle is probably somewhere on the underside of the handlebar. I don't have huge hands, but I still can't see how it would work logistically. I had lots of time and many miles to try and get it right and I couldn't. To show the extent of the problem, I ended up operating it with my left hand!!! Yes, I was holding the right-hand side of the handlebars with both hands, one operating the throttle and the other operating the boost button. Now that can't be safe?!<p /> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/vnSEJG0QO6VTFRABFiPOrkKo6oRSm9ohYFe9khTOppR5AtZ9S2tFCBZ3Vl7l/10032010.jpg"><img alt="10032010" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/oxRF0m9YIAaWoMRn17Us723trSEyaB7OtPSFe7OQZgYp9umY0DvT4c2u8IOt/10032010.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <p /> And finally, the last problem(s)... The bike will propel itself on battery power to 20mph (assuming you can operate the boost button). On an incline of any description this is great, especially over longer distances. However, part of the fun of cycling (for me at least) is to pedal like hell down a hill and reach speeds much greater than this - and on the A2B Metro, you just can't as the gearing is all wrong. That means that everyone you overtook going up hill is going to pass you again going down. Going slowly down a hill is soooo frustrating! I used to do a 22 mile round trip commute and could average around 14mph. I wasn't fit enough to do it 5 days a week, but I don't reckon I'd be any quicker on the A2B. I'm certainly not fit enough to do a 40 mile commute, but I'd rather do it on a scooter than the A2B. Perhaps the Wisper is worth a try (combining the battery for distance and incline assistance together with normal bicycle characteristics)? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.<p /> So as you can see, for me at least, the A2B just didn't fit the bill. Sort out the saddle, wobble, throttle and 'boost' action as well as the gearing and you have one helluva machine - but until then, it just doesn't cut it, and that's a great shame.<p /> Have you got any experience of electric bicycles? Share them in the comments...</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/a-review-of-the-sadly-disappointing-ultramoto">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/a-review-of-the-sadly-disappointing-ultramoto#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/urIMzUIDeqcX53m5eftsXfzDgBQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/urIMzUIDeqcX53m5eftsXfzDgBQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/urIMzUIDeqcX53m5eftsXfzDgBQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/urIMzUIDeqcX53m5eftsXfzDgBQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:52:10 -0800 The spoon game! http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-spoon-game http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-spoon-game <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_video_embed'> <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-spoon-game"><img alt="" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-03-08/CJsoFtjqqokgfGDywjyuBbJBjwexeDIvIggsdmEblpatlxfaJtjiinFqFezm/Kopfschlagen.png" /></a> <div class='p_embed_description'> <strong>Kopfschlagen.wmv</strong> <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-spoon-game">Watch on Posterous</a> </div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-spoon-game">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-spoon-game#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GKdujpNFzi-bFqiVzjc-R2qLEq0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GKdujpNFzi-bFqiVzjc-R2qLEq0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GKdujpNFzi-bFqiVzjc-R2qLEq0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GKdujpNFzi-bFqiVzjc-R2qLEq0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:11:01 -0800 The Internet Facilitates Societies' Outcasts Wrong-Doings http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-internet-facilitates-societies-outcasts-w http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-internet-facilitates-societies-outcasts-w <p> Societies make their own rules. Who am I to decide whether murder or incest is wrong? The society I live in has 'agreed' laws which say that it is (I happen to agree). And, pretty much everyone in that society abides by those laws - it allows us to live side-by-side in relative harmony. Of course there are people who don't agree with the rules of their society but, by definition, they tend to be in a minority (otherwise the laws would eventually change), so on the whole they go along with the majority. That's a good thing because it means in a society that has decided that they don't want murder or incest, it doesn't happen as much as in a society where it is permissible. In the past, if you had a particular perversion then chances are you'd be on your own and wouldn't be brave enough to act on it - to act against the rules of your society.<p /> Now we have the internet which allows us to easily find like-minded individuals. If you have a penchant for some weird chocolate flavour, you have a good chance of finding someone else in the world that does too and together you can share and indulge in your weird chocolate flavour fantasies. No harm done. But, in the same way, societies' outcasts - terrorists, murderers, rapists - can also find like-minded individuals through the internet. Many of them. This is very worrying because it could lead to them feeling that their perversion is acceptable. Worse still, it could lead to them acting on their perversion due to increased bravery from not feeling alone in their opinion (or even from encouragement).<p /> The internet and social media are great tools. Many wonderful things are accomplished with them. Like all tools though, there's no real control of who can use them. You can't un-invent tools either. And, as always, the problem is people. There are always people who will use those tools for, what our society at least says is, evil.<p /> I've deliberately written this to be controversial. It's likely you have some pretty strong views on the subject so why not have your say in the comments...<p /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwadrantsc_ggeiy" height="315" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/IsBvmCEgyyjrldutFxxgcFnBlekIvaGeFJpyfvhhuhqFjsnAeBmkApDjuAuJ/media_httpwwwadrantsc_GgEiy.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="450" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-internet-facilitates-societies-outcasts-w">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-internet-facilitates-societies-outcasts-w#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qqx1L2dhEge8AV0ARCcl2AujkF4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qqx1L2dhEge8AV0ARCcl2AujkF4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qqx1L2dhEge8AV0ARCcl2AujkF4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qqx1L2dhEge8AV0ARCcl2AujkF4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:41:52 -0800 The human lifespan explained... http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-human-lifespan-explained http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-human-lifespan-explained <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpstatichowst_tzqgc" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/duEkjrIoJJrJghaodcFChmsAyvatvqzGrfcCmohycBJbuikywmnvhqzimfAA/media_httpstatichowst_tzqGc.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="400" /> </div> </p> <p>On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past.  For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."</p> <p>The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking.  How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"</p> <p>So God agreed...... </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwccldusim_fwmkh" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/xyqbgnqCcEAtxDbhrdaAienqaaqbuysxtGHxDgGEqypagwADayFEyomwtCEi/media_httpwwwccldusIm_fwmkh.gif.scaled500.gif" width="245" /> </div> </p> <p>On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh.  For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."</p> <p>The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years?  That's a pretty long time to perform.  How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"</p> <p>And God agreed......</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpftwrdsdaaor_jrxje" height="326" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/AayEwufAcIcnqpdtJwkmwlBIFcAnjlFueImFgAHjdxnmnAkHBrDcswfqnFdB/media_httpftwrdsdaaor_jrxJE.gif" width="352" /> </div> </p> <p>On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family.  For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."</p> <p>The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years.  How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"</p> <p>And God agreed again......</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwbabyonth_fwfab" height="162" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/qtmiJmiEjDgdDDGvEuDhkwhHauenGCyGEuvphAFyekrCtdiDhyEhndeoxFEk/media_httpwwwbabyonth_fwfab.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> </p> <p>On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life.  For this, I'll give you twenty years."</p> <p>But the human said, "Only twenty years?  Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"</p> <p>"Okay," said God.  "You asked for it."</p> <p>So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves.  For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family.  For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren.  And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.</p> <p>Life has now been explained to you.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_https3amazonaws_emnba" height="275" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/ftAwzgqfgAcmfuaGFkiiCFCEvacBdFwGfrjuxaHnChFEIBmhiIoEJuvswvAB/media_https3amazonaws_emnBA.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="320" /> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-human-lifespan-explained">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/the-human-lifespan-explained#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Mr3djK8oTLrN1d-8CtiNe7gdP6w/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Mr3djK8oTLrN1d-8CtiNe7gdP6w/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Mr3djK8oTLrN1d-8CtiNe7gdP6w/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Mr3djK8oTLrN1d-8CtiNe7gdP6w/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:08:29 -0800 Dealing with clients... http://benjamenus.posterous.com/dealing-with-clients http://benjamenus.posterous.com/dealing-with-clients <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_file_embed'> <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/dealing-with-clients"><img alt="" src="http://posterous.com/images/filetypes/pdf.png" /></a> <div class='p_embed_description'> <strong>dealing_with_clients.pdf</strong> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-03-04/ppFFvHpqtrheeDFBAFjdjjGkvnjgjanvoJnGaIqyGpijCcxnpfHaIznDHebt/dealing_with_clients.pdf">Download this file</a> </div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/dealing-with-clients">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/dealing-with-clients#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJL9rmewKIpzBzAVGBYWlGIyClU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJL9rmewKIpzBzAVGBYWlGIyClU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJL9rmewKIpzBzAVGBYWlGIyClU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/gJL9rmewKIpzBzAVGBYWlGIyClU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:56:00 -0800 Next Generation Sat-Nav http://benjamenus.posterous.com/next-generation-sat-nav http://benjamenus.posterous.com/next-generation-sat-nav <p> <p>Here's an idea I had today that I'd love to become reality. It's yours for the taking if you want it...</p> <p>Sometimes the directions on satellite navigation systems are difficult to follow because they have to give you the instruction in advance. So for example it'll say "turn right in 200 yards" and then when you get near the turning it'll say "turn right" again - but you might be alongside another right turn that just happens to be immediately before the one you want. It can be very confusing. If you have someone sat next to you giving instructions, they'll say something along the lines of, "turn right after the bollards" or "turn right after this green car parked on the left". These are much easier to follow as there's something visual and distinct for you to pick out from the surroundings.</p> <p>I reckon we could achieve the same clarity with 'live' sat-nav by hooking it up to the parking sensors in cars so that it can 'see' and 'recognise' everyday objects (including signs on shops, etc). That way the sat-nav can start giving you insructions like "turn left after the petrol station". Now that'd be an easy instruction to follow.</p> <p>The core technology to make this happen pretty much exists today, I'm sure of it. Just the various components need to be brought together to make it happen. Anyone fancy the challenge?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwmapsandd_ttsps" height="500" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/IskvnJxmDvqfpxDAruJEuAxmeymAdjHeCpmzgryidynxFHakcddIuuzhagdi/media_httpwwwmapsandd_ttsps.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="408" /> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/next-generation-sat-nav">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/next-generation-sat-nav#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joATjU1VujbfTrJN7zxaXY1XBCs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joATjU1VujbfTrJN7zxaXY1XBCs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joATjU1VujbfTrJN7zxaXY1XBCs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/joATjU1VujbfTrJN7zxaXY1XBCs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:31:12 -0800 Loud-mouthed Lunatic http://benjamenus.posterous.com/loud-mouthed-lunatic http://benjamenus.posterous.com/loud-mouthed-lunatic <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwleedsini_nejih" height="378" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/benjamenus/jcCmljfzJurJyAEFzdmHfqFogFBmErdmbdpGAjAylaypsxgliAusFlzeuHbw/media_httpwwwleedsini_nEjIH.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="250" /> </div> </p> <p>Loud-mouthed lunatic. At least that was my initial reaction, the one that showed my true prejudices when a young man swaggered onto the tube tonight loudly proclaiming that...</p> <p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>"MY BOOK IS GOING TO BE THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD, IT'S GOING TO SELL OUT IN EVERY COUNTRY!!!"</strong></span></em></p> <p>My first reaction, and I certainly wasn't the only one, was to look away and silently hope 'I hope he doesn't pick on me'. I'm not proud of this reaction, but I'd be fibbing if I said it was anything else. Oh, you're probably wondering what happened next...</p> <p>The man then proceeded to perform a rap/dance mix where he produced this amazing beat with his feet whilst rapping about all the countries in the world. I don't know if he got them all, but he was still going 3 stations later when I got off.</p> <p>So what can I conclude? Apart from being a prejudiced scaredy-cat (that's me if you didn't guess), this guy was seriously talented. Fantastic rhythm and dance as well as incredible knowledge of all the countries in the world. Brave too - not many people would put on such a confident public performance. Oh, possibly a lunatic.</p> <p>I'm not sure what one can do about their prejudices, I think it's natural to pre-judge. But recognise that you have prejudices (everyone does), and do your best not to act on them - that's discrimination. If you can catch yourself in the act, maybe you won't be so quick to judge next time.</p> <p>P.S. I wished I'd recorded it to show you what I saw, but as I didn't I thought I'd try and find something similar on YouTube - and then I found him!!! Yes, turns out he's a prolific tube tap-dancer. So for your pleasure and entertainment...</p> <p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IrTqsA7WtvQ" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="417" width="500"></iframe></p> <p>P.P.S. There's plenty more of him on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tap+dance+tube&search_type=&aq=f" target="_blank">YouTube</a> if you want to look.</p> <p>P.P.P.S. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts in the comments on the whole prejudice thing. Is it something you're guilty of too?</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/loud-mouthed-lunatic">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/loud-mouthed-lunatic#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lvMfRSe1-b5AlmvFUlkZSFsOCis/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lvMfRSe1-b5AlmvFUlkZSFsOCis/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lvMfRSe1-b5AlmvFUlkZSFsOCis/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lvMfRSe1-b5AlmvFUlkZSFsOCis/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:25:00 -0800 Pointless. Or Is That The Point? http://benjamenus.posterous.com/pointless-or-is-that-the-point http://benjamenus.posterous.com/pointless-or-is-that-the-point <p> <p>I've been reading <em>This Book Will Change Your Life: The Best of - This Diary Will Change Your Life</em> (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Book-Will-Change-Your/dp/075222669X/thiswebsite-21" target="_blank">see it on Amazon</a>). If you've not heard about it before, there is a page for every day of the coming year. Each page describes a task for that day. These are generally pretty wild, so here are a few so that you get the idea:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Enter Miss or Mr World.</strong><br />The provide a form to fill in and an address to send it to.</li> <li><strong>Try out all the major religions and see which is best for you.</strong><br />All religions are listed with basic details. You try them and score them.</li> <li><strong>Self-medication day.</strong><br />Self medicate by mixing and combining tablets/capsules based on colour.</li> <li><strong>Free pet day.</strong><br />Put up a 'lost' poster and see if anyone hands over a stray animal. They provide information on making a convincing poster.</li> <li><strong>Sketch someone opposite you on public transport and see how they react.</strong></li> <li><strong>Write and thank your most influential teacher.</strong></li> </ul> <p>As you can see, some might spark a positive random act (e.g. write to thank your teacher). Others are positively dangerous (e.g. self-medication day). Others are harmless but largely pointless (e.g. enter Miss World).</p> <p>For those that aren't dangerous (e.g. free pet day), you can see how doing this might bring something rather unexpected into your life, thus changing it - which is, of course, the point of the book. However, most are time-consuming (not just for you, but also for others involved - such as the person processing Miss World entries), and pointless.</p> <p>All this got me thinking... If someone was willing to make the effort and spend the time doing something new every day, imagine what they could achieve if they only carried out positive or constructive acts (instead of pointless ones). But then I wondered if I was missing the point. I mean, does everything have to be positive or constructive? Maybe it's fine to do stuff for the sake of it, maybe that's the point of doing pointless things? I don't know, it just seems a little wasteful - but that's the opinion of this rather highly-strung individual?</p> <p>What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.</p> <p>P.S. You can visit the authors' website, <a href="http://www.benrik.co.uk/content/blog_list.asp" target="_blank">benrick.co.uk</a>, where everyone participating can keep a blog of their activities!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/pointless-or-is-that-the-point">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/pointless-or-is-that-the-point#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hfD_0FrXJTYvt3yM9u0n5lGKnXg/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hfD_0FrXJTYvt3yM9u0n5lGKnXg/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hfD_0FrXJTYvt3yM9u0n5lGKnXg/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hfD_0FrXJTYvt3yM9u0n5lGKnXg/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:19:00 -0800 Life. Principles. Idealism. Compromise. Truth. Simplicity http://benjamenus.posterous.com/life-principles-idealism-compromise-truth-sim http://benjamenus.posterous.com/life-principles-idealism-compromise-truth-sim <p> <p>The following is paraphrased from a book I picked up whilst travelling called <em>Bombay Rains, Bombay Girls</em> by Anirban Bose.</p> <p><strong>The Scene</strong></p> <p>A man is taking his son to university in another city, Bombay. They jump in a taxi with their bags. The taxi is involved in a minor accident and the driver of the other car gets in the taxi and starts beating the taxi driver. Man and son are threatened with a knife so exit the taxi. After being beaten, the taxi driver zooms off without them, taking their bags.</p> <p>Man and son decide to make their way to the university on foot. Upon arrival, the taxi driver is waiting there with their bags, and in fine spirits. Man and son offer to go to the police and file a report, but the taxiwala dismisses the incident saying "as long as you're not seriously hurt, you just learn to ignore... In a big city like this, nobody knows or cares... and you just learn to continue like nothing has happened."</p> <p><strong>Lessons on Life</strong></p> <p>The man and son later discuss the incident. The conversation left an impression on me and it is paraphrased (and copied directly where appropriate) below...</p> <blockquote> <p>I am troubled by the taxiwala's reaction. How could he be so calm after such a thing?... After all, what is life devoid of dignity?... It is more important to succeed in one's own eyes than to live up to someone else's expectations. I have never compromised, never... but you know what, every day I walk with pride, I feel comfortable in my skin, and I sleep at night with a clear conscience. That is who I am... my being, my soul. I cannot cmopromise on that.</p> <p>Such a practical approach to life is good, but sometimes it is good to look at life in the simplest of terms... Feel bad when hurt, outraged when wronged, pained when sad, happy when right. Continue to believe in goodness, and right, and justice, and truth, however much your faith is questioned by circumstance. Idealism, however impractical, gives a meaning to our existence... Wonder at the beauty around you, question wrong without doubting its injustice. Doubt comes after going through life.</p> <p>Compromises are part of life, but they make you cross a line that starts to disappear the first time you cross it, until one day it disappears altogether. Then wrong becomes right and lies seem like the truth; everything becomes just a matter of interpretation because truth loses its best quality - its simplicity. That's when you should look in the mirror and see if you recognise yourself as the person you wanted to become. That is the day you'll know if you will sleep well or keep awake the rest of your nights, talking to your conscience.</p> </blockquote> <p>Pretty profound stuff eh? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments...</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/life-principles-idealism-compromise-truth-sim">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/life-principles-idealism-compromise-truth-sim#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/v2P3Qbf3tFjgoijzCRNksTczD6Y/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/v2P3Qbf3tFjgoijzCRNksTczD6Y/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/v2P3Qbf3tFjgoijzCRNksTczD6Y/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/v2P3Qbf3tFjgoijzCRNksTczD6Y/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:22:00 -0800 I Enjoy Smoking http://benjamenus.posterous.com/i-enjoy-smoking http://benjamenus.posterous.com/i-enjoy-smoking <p> <p>There, I've said it... "I enjoy smoking". Smoking is good for you, it makes you look cool (well, not really - it'd take more than a cigarette to make me look cool). It's the best (probably only) accepted excuse to take a 10 minute break from work. It gives you something to do in traffic jams and when waiting for busses, and a cigarette after a meal is one to be savoured.</p> <p>Smoking is good. Well no, actually we all know smoking is bad!!!</p> <p>So what to do when it's time to finally quit? I have a few suggestions...</p> <p>First of all, if you want to stop smoking, I highly recommend reading the free (and very comprehensive) article <a href="http://www.adaringadventure.com/blog/wordpress/life-coaching/how-to-quit-smoking/" title="how to quit smoking for free" target="_blank">how to quit smoking</a> by Tim Brownson. Tim Brownson is a life coach and NLP Master Practitioner. If you really <em>want</em> to quit smoking, Tim's advice will help you.</p> <p>If you want to quit smoking the easy way, then you might also want to try hypnosis. You can download a <a href="http://freefromsmoking.net/hypnosis-can-help-you-stop-smoking.html" title="stop smoking MP3 download" target="_blank">stop smoking MP3</a> right now. Tim actually refers to the Free From Smoking MP3 in his article. It's one of the least expensive out there and comes with a no-questions-asked 30 day money back guarantee, so there's absolutely no risk involved. Tip: use the code <strong>FFS10</strong> for a 10% discount.</p> <p>Finally, if you want to investigate other options, then take a look at these <a href="http://freefromsmoking.net/stop-smoking-mp3-hypnosis-program-review.html" title="stop smoking reviews" target="_blank">quit smoking reviews</a>. There's a whole variety of options including ebooks, stress relief advice and tips on avoiding weight gain.</p> <p>Best of luck with your decision to quit smoking - you can do it.</p> <p>If you found this post helpful, please pass it on to friends, family and colleagues who smoke. Thank you.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/i-enjoy-smoking">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/i-enjoy-smoking#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/0DcixX2dcY9ljxJCIkyAGySYB60/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/0DcixX2dcY9ljxJCIkyAGySYB60/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/0DcixX2dcY9ljxJCIkyAGySYB60/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/0DcixX2dcY9ljxJCIkyAGySYB60/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:09:39 -0800 Expectations http://benjamenus.posterous.com/expectations-31 http://benjamenus.posterous.com/expectations-31 <p> I feel that there's something awry with my outlook on things. I'm in India at the moment and have been fortunate enough to stay in a few 5* hotels. I don't know if it's an Indian thing or a 5* thing (I suspect a bit of both), but the staff are very keen to do <i>everything</i> for you. For example, in the restaurant they will pull out your chair (that's fine), but then push it back in (that's a little awkward actually). Then they'll place the napkin on your lap. Maybe they'll pour you some water too (thank you), but then they'll take the bottle from your hands if you try to top up yourself. I love good service, but I also like to do things myself. Sometimes it just feels a little too much. Is it insulting if you tell them "I'm fine thank you", and do it yourself?<p /> Anyway, that wasn't really the point of this post. It was meant to be about expectations. So I'm at the aforementioned restaurant getting some chocolate pudding from the buffet. The waiter approaches me and offers me ice-cream (not part of the buffet, and a very kind gesture). He says there are 6 flavours and I ask for a 3 (greedy, I know) to go with my hot chocolate pud. They arrive about 10 minutes later - long after I've given up and finished the pudding (it would have gone cold). And when they do arrive, it's not the 3 flavours I asked for. In these circumstances I feel a bit miffed. If you're going to offer something, then deliver what has been asked for in a timely fashion. What started as a nice gesture resulted in a disappointed customer.<p /> I don't know, is there something wrong with my attitude? Would you also feel as I did? Obviously I accept this is a petty incident - I'm just using it to illustrate a point. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/expectations-31">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/expectations-31#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nwkWaGZoe55JVwv4q5k7xv6gjg4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nwkWaGZoe55JVwv4q5k7xv6gjg4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nwkWaGZoe55JVwv4q5k7xv6gjg4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nwkWaGZoe55JVwv4q5k7xv6gjg4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:57:00 -0800 Little-Known Yoga Secrets http://benjamenus.posterous.com/little-known-yoga-secrets http://benjamenus.posterous.com/little-known-yoga-secrets <p> <p>I don't profess to know much about yoga. In fact I've probably attended less than 20 classes in my entire life. Yet today I learned something that I suspect many yoga fans are completely unaware of... <p /> At the end of todays' lesson, the teacher took a few minutes to dispel some common yoga myths. <p /> Firstly, yoga is not really about posture, in fact, it's only 1% about posture, the other 99% is about mind and how you live your life. <p /> Secondly, there are no 'advanced' postures - or not as we tend to think of them anyway. Apparently any posture can be an advanced posture if: <p /> 1. You are breathing deeply. <br />2. You have full awareness of your posture. <br />3. You are still. <p /> After a few minutes at least one of these tends to go. For example, your breathing returns to normal or your mind wanders and you lose your posture awareness, or you wiggle your toes and you've changed your posture (i.e. not remained still). <p /> I'm told there are 4 'streams' of 'real' (original) yoga. The one my teacher follows is karma yoga. Apparently some of them don't even have postures! But he told me they are all paths to the same destination - to live life as a yogi. So it doesn't matter which you follow. <p /> He also told me that the ancient texts prescribed balance. So, if you do 10 forward bends, then do 10 back bends. However, he believes that this no longer applies. Because our modern lives are out of balance, we spend more time bending forward (for example). We might tie our shoe laces, pick up the shopping, etc. So in order to achieve balance, we would, in this case need to do yoga back postures. And these can be done right after picking up the shopping, so there's no need for a yoga session at the end of the day. So long as your posture meets the 3 criteria above. This way you're living a yoga life rather than 'doing' yoga x times each week. <p /> What are your thoughts, have you been taught anything like this? Please share and enlighten in the comments below.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/little-known-yoga-secrets">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/little-known-yoga-secrets#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NzlbaxuGe4LzGbYAGkRD96eGzes/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NzlbaxuGe4LzGbYAGkRD96eGzes/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NzlbaxuGe4LzGbYAGkRD96eGzes/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NzlbaxuGe4LzGbYAGkRD96eGzes/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:27:00 -0800 If You Want The Answer, Just Listen http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-you-want-the-answer-just-listen http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-you-want-the-answer-just-listen <p> <p>Be honest with yourself, you already know the answer. Oh, the question? Whatever you're deliberating about right now. <p /> We all have our own internal debates. <p /> For example, maybe you're trying to eat healthy and become slimmer. You're out with friends eating an extremely tasty meal and are feeling full, but you're only half way through. You know that to reach your goal you should stop eating now you're full - and you definitely shouldn't have that chocolate pudding! Your body is telling you that you are full, you just have to listen. <p /> Another example, maybe you are in a relationship but things aren't what they used to be - some of the spark has gone. You might rationalise the best, most practical course of action, but your gut will tell you what you really need to do - it's just a case of whether you listen, whether you're ready to accept the reality of what you must do. <p /> The thing is, how will you ever know if you were right? I'm afraid you can't. It is impossible to take two courses of action, so you must choose one - and you'll never know if the alternative course would have turned out 'better' or 'worse'. How do you even know what is better or worse? If you chose to end the relationship you may be miserable for some time... and then meet the love of your life. If you chose to stay in the relationship you may put in more effort and rekindle that spark. <p /> Whatever the outcome, accept the consequences and be kind to yourself. Every moment you have the option to make another choice - be brave, for inaction guarantees you'll stay where you are. And if you're happy where you are, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. <p /> Do you have any personal experience of these dilemmas? Share them in the comments.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-you-want-the-answer-just-listen">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/if-you-want-the-answer-just-listen#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-d-iJJpzHg-v5g_iV7USaLPeP2U/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-d-iJJpzHg-v5g_iV7USaLPeP2U/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-d-iJJpzHg-v5g_iV7USaLPeP2U/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-d-iJJpzHg-v5g_iV7USaLPeP2U/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:37:00 -0800 Mental Chatter Without Words http://benjamenus.posterous.com/mental-chatter-without-words http://benjamenus.posterous.com/mental-chatter-without-words <p> <p>Even if you're not interested in meditation, yoga or personal development, you'll be aware of something often referred to as mental chatter. It's the constant running commentary going on in your brain and is responsible for thoughts such as:</p> <ul> <li>did I turn off my hair straighteners?</li> <li>isn't that person rude!</li> <li>they really shouldn't wear that outfit with their figure! </li> </ul> <p>The thoughts are rarely positive and it's incredibly difficult to turn them off - though practices like meditation should provide temporary relief. Mental chatter is the reason we're rarely truly present in the now. When you listen to someone talk, are you really listening? Or are you formulating your next question or forming an opinion? <p /> Tonight I was meditating and my mind wouldn't quieten. There was a constant stream of thought. I've been told in the past not to dwell on these thoughts, instead imagine them as clouds floating by. Acknowledge the thought, let it float away and return your attention to the present. <p /> Then I got to thinking... does someone with no language, no words, also 'suffer' from mental chatter? Do they even have thoughts or do they only experience emotions? All of my mental chatter is in words - is yours the same? <p /> How can we find answers to these questions? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/mental-chatter-without-words">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/mental-chatter-without-words#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/DPtLHGN-GuY_AoYsKhvZUIAKkYA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/DPtLHGN-GuY_AoYsKhvZUIAKkYA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/DPtLHGN-GuY_AoYsKhvZUIAKkYA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/DPtLHGN-GuY_AoYsKhvZUIAKkYA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:43:33 -0700 Account Setup http://benjamenus.posterous.com/account-setup-8 http://benjamenus.posterous.com/account-setup-8 <p> I'm interested to know how Posterous works? </p> <p><a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/account-setup-8">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://benjamenus.posterous.com/account-setup-8#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-SZ8rDZ11QGA64SzujNcUGH6klM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-SZ8rDZ11QGA64SzujNcUGH6klM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-SZ8rDZ11QGA64SzujNcUGH6klM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-SZ8rDZ11QGA64SzujNcUGH6klM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/300816/benjamenus.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36jBLeGuz5XX Mark Mark Mark