Sometimes wonder where life is going?

This is something I have been giving some thought to. I lay here on the bed, or sit at my chair at the desk and just think. Observe what is going on around me. Seeing how busy everyone is, shuffling paper, rattling their fingers on the tops of the keys on their keyboards, frantically typing away on the pc.

Just taking a minute or two to observe, I’ve noticed how very little we know about one another, yet see on a daily basis, be it grabbing a cup of coffee on the regular coffee run, picking up a newspaper in the corner shop, or getting a sandwich from the canteen. It’s pretty sad in some ways, how we stand in a lift all in our own worlds thinking and contemplating, getting stuck in a regime like a programmed robot. Before you know it, another day has gone, then two, then a week, two weeks, a month and a year. You get the idea.

So what am I trying to say? Yes, continue working along, but say hi. Smile, ask questions and don’t be shy. Interaction is the key to our success and will brighten up our days.

Apr 29 2012

Homophobia – has no place in modern society!

As a gay man living in England, I consider myself relatively privileged. Whilst I have experienced those that want to engage in name calling of people from the LGBT community, I have fortunately only had to experience that. But there is no justification what so ever to people being discriminated against and most drastically killed for their sexuality.

Reading another blog entry, earlier today, I was saddened to learn of the death of Daniel Zamudio, a 24 year old Chilean man, that had his whole life ahead of him. Going about his normal business, seeking to educate himself, work hard and positively contribute to society, he was killed. Killed for his sexuality. My heart goes out to his family, friends and loved ones. Such a tragic loss.

The death of Daniel Zamudio, is just one example highlighting the need for more to be done around the world by the LGBT community and society as a whole. It is an issue for national governments to tackle at a national and international level. But it is most important to remember that each and everyone of us can help address the issue of homophobia. Be accepting and challenge those that make degrading, demeaning and insulting comments about people from the LGBT community. By doing so, people we soon learn that their is no place for such ill treatment. We all have a right to life, and as the Tesco motto goes, ‘Every little helps’ and indeed it does.

Apr 29 2012

The Saatchi Gallery

Situated about 5-10 minutes walk from Sloane Square Underground station, depending on how fast you walk, this is a must see art gallery. It is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern day life, especially for those living in London. Indeed it is always good to have a break and take time out and consider something bigger than oneself and ones work.

This gallery gives modern art a new meaning, demonstrating the artists of now and the future. I love the way the gallery continuously updates itself. My favourite installation by far is 20:50 by the acclaimed artist, Richard Wilson. This can be viewed in Gallery 13. A room flooded in oil, it gives a new meaning and perspective on things. It’s a piece of art that absorbs all your senses, and one that is ever changing depending on which angle you look at. Something so simple, yet so unique, no wonder it my favourite.

For more information, visit the Saatchi Gallery website.

Apr 28 2012

Should we be as worried about CISPA as we were about SOPA?

Reblogged from GigaOM:

Just a few months ago, internet companies and the technology community came together to protest two anti-piracy bills (SOPA and PIPA) because they would have breached free-speech protections and other social safeguards in the name of stopping copyright infringement. Now, a new bill called CISPA that just passed in the House of Representatives is getting a lot of negative attention, with some…

Apple's inevitable path to a post-PC era

Reblogged from GigaOM:

There is definitely some sort of Zen that makes Apple, well, Apple. Taking something obvious, and making it somehow better, somehow cooler, somehow new. How do they do it? By observing how consumers interact with technology and experimenting ad nauseum internally, until they get it exactly the way they want it. This includes abandoning the past if it no longer makes any sense.

“INTRUDERS” – A Film Review

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with this film. It wasn’t one I would have chosen generally, but having finished at the gym and being by the cinema there was only a few films on around that time.

The story line is interesting, and leaves a question at the back of your mind, based on something said part was through, if you listen carefully enough. The story flits between two children, one based in Spain (where I don’t know), and the other in London.

If your in the mood for a film that will pleasantly surprised you, and you like such films as ‘The Awakening’ and ‘The Sixth Sense’, then this is definitely a film you must watch. Overall not a bad film, especially seeing January hasn’t been the best month for films on at the cinema.

Jan 29 2012

“BEEN THERE, DONE THAT AND BOUGHT THE T-SHIRT”

Well I have a new and very dear friend, their name being the gym. Yes, today was my Sunday workout as usual, my one of tree days a week of visiting the gym, and a place I am thinking of frequenting more often, maybe increasing to 4-5 times a week next month. At the moment I don’t want to enter the over kill level.

Today’s work out was very pleasing, and stuck to the one hour time period that I normally do during the working week. Last Sunday you will know that I did 1 hour 30 minutes, this weekend, decided to do less. Whether this is a good thing or bad thing, time will only tell, and the scales obviously on Thursdays weigh in. Haha

The gym felt good. My energy levels were higher than previously experienced, and my breathing more relaxed and regular. Listening to music and working out always gives me a great time to reflect and consider things in detail. My only real time of being uninterrupted from daily life’s goings on. Plus, my brain seems to function quicker when I am on the cross trainer.

Well the post is short and sweet. Didn’t want to bore you too much, as I know you have other things to do.

On a final note, enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Yours,

BENJAMIN

Jan 29 2012

“THE SITTER” – A Film Review

This was a light hearted and quirky one to watch. Something great for the weekend, whereby you want to forget about the stresses an strains of everyday life, and escape into something that just makes you laugh and take time out.

The story line is laughable. Simple, yet funny. Dry at times, yet eventful. This is a great film to watch if your in the mood for a bit of tlc. A great one to watch with family.

Overall it isn’t going to win any Oscars, but fun nonetheless. Lighthearted laugh guaranteed. Go on…have a laugh!

Jan 28 2012

“J. EDGAR” – A Film Review

This is a special breed of movies. Clint Eastwood demonstrates that he is not only an all time great actor, but a ‘director’ worthy of that title also. This film/documentary if you like, was highly thought provoking, showing the inner depths of the workings of J. Edgar.

The film was captivating from the start. Whilst being lengthy, it needed to be in all fairness to show in detail the trials and tribulations of this particular individual. It shows Edgar’s ambition as a young individual, his closeness to his mother, and his love for another man. It was a very endearing movie to say the least.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it as a must watch. You won’t be disappointed, a worthy film for an award I believe.

Jan 24 2012

‘POLITENESS COSTS NOTHING AND IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS WE CAN GIVE TO EACH OTHER!’

You maybe wondering where this blog entry come from, and in particular the reason: yes / or no, am I mistaken?

Well having finished the gym and heading to Canary Wharf shopping mall, I entered Cabots Place through a set of double doors. Noticing there was someone heading in my direction I held the door open for them. No thank you, nor even any recognition of my existence as a human being. This I consider ill and rude mannered behaviour. It would have taken two words to say, ‘thank you’, or even ‘thanks’ would have sufficed.

In this era of politicians up talking the big society, and our connections with one another, this seems to be a grave area overlooked. Manners cost nothing, and create a very positive impression of others. Instead, this evening I was left with a feeling of, my my, what a rude individual.

In an age of anonymity, to put it a better way, that is, in London in which we become lost in the void perhaps, people could recognise the little things we do to be helpful. It is easy to do, and greatly respected.

So next time, when someone holds the door open for you, smile and say ‘thank you’. You will feel all the better for it. Rather than feeling like a servant in the medieval era!

Rant over. Have a good day.

Yours