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Book Review: A Survival Guide for Life by Bear Grylls

By Amazon, Books & Authors, ReviewsNo Comments
bear-grylls-survival-guide-to-life-book-cover Bear Grylls shares the wisdom he’s learned through life in A Survival Guide for Life. Life can be difficult at times, in A Survival Guide for Life Bear writes how to not only survive these times but thrive in them. His positivity in this book is inspiring and infectious.

Bear gives advice like:

  • Have bravely to face your fears.
  • Failure is the key to future success. If you’re failing your making progress towards success.
  • Set your goal and focus on the journey not the destination.
  • Be the most enthusiastic person you know.

Over the 72 short chapters (each chapter being 2-3 pages at most) there isn’t a single wasted word. That said, I would have preferred Bear to tell more of his personal story.

He quotes people he admires including the famous, friends, colleagues and the bible.

When I bought A Survival Guide for Life I didn’t realise that he was a Christian and initially it didn’t bother me. However as the book progressed the tone was preachy at times and at one point he even recommended that the reader sign up to an Alpha Course. I also felt like he was atheist-bashing at some points. His religious views made me physically sigh on more than one occasion.

The presentation of A Survival Guide for Life was excellent. A good selection and use of fonts, as well as spacing created a consistent style that was pleasing to the eye of the reader.

If you ignore the Christianity in A Survival Guide for Life, then book is great. The wisdom he imparts is the sort of life lessons we should be teaching all children in our society. His his upbeat tone is captivating and makes it a joy to read. A Survival Guide for Life by Bear Grylls is available to buy on Amazon.

Review soon,

Antony



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Saturday 2 August 2014

Lancashire Science Festival 2014

By Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, Life, Love & Relationships, Reviews, Technology, The WebNo Comments
lancashire-science-festival-2014

Lancashire Science Festival: Sign.

 Last weekend I dragged boyfriend-A along to Lancashire Science Festival. We arrived, signed in and were given a programmes, maps and visitor passes. It was being hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), which had a special significance for me as UCLAN was where I completed Nursing studies sometime ago. It was nice to see that the campus has developed, while at the same time keeping some of the buildings that I studied and lived in. Walking around triggered many happy memories for me, but I wasn’t there for a trip down memory lane. We were there to explore all things science. All things geek.

Which started with Titan, a singing, dancing and joke-cracking robot. See photos below (click any image for full size photo):

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Lancashire Science Festival Selfie with Titan.
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Titan The Robot.
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Titan 2
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Titan 3
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Titan 4.
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Titan 5.
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Titan 6. Mr Red Eyes.

Then boyfriend-A and I listened to a fascinating talk from @Drsurvival entitled Power Up Your Brain. I enjoyed the talk, but it would have been great to have two talks: one aimed at children & families and one aimed purely at adults. This was because I would have liked @Drsurvival to go into more of the biological and physiological detail.

We discovered a hall that had so many activities from a wide range of science and engineering organisations. My particular highlight was the CSI tent, where we learned more about the process of investigating crime. Then it was time for lunch, followed by Jo Blows Stuff Up!

Lancashire Science Festival ignited my imagination for everything science, engineering and technical. There was so much to get round, we spent most of the day there and only got through a small fraction of the activities on offer. I would have loved to have more time to do: the Science Dome Planetarium, Zoo Bus and Flash Bang Science. The free talks were over subscribed meaning that even pre-booking I couldn’t get tickets to attend Davros – An Audience with Davros and Science of Sherlock free talks. But I’m sure we’ll get around to some of these activities and talks next year.

Lancashire Science Festival is free fun for all the family. There were loads of young children there, loads of activities for them and they looked like they were having a fantastic time.

My advice on how to work the day: Arrive early and do the open activities in the morning. Then pre-book a talk or two for the afternoon.

Write soon,

Antony



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Friday 4 July 2014

Mid-Wales Part 2: Aberdovey Beach & King Arthur’s Labyrinth

By Adventures, Friends & Family, Gay, Happiness & Joy, ShoppingNo Comments

While Simon and I were away (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage), on the Saturday morning the sun shone gloriously and the temperature was set to soar. So we went to Aberdovey Beach for the day. It felt like being abroad. The sand was golden and reflected the sun. The sea was calm with the faint scent of salt in the air. The smell of coconut sun lotion drifted by from the people that had come to the beach to make the most of the weather. I imagine that this is what heaven is like. Here are some photos (click on any image for full size photo):

Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach: Felt like being abroad.
Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach 2.
Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach: Sailing boats and glorious sandy beaches. It got busier as the day went on.
Aberdovey Beach

People watching.

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Simon and I spent the time people watching and sitting in a small gardens with coffee. We walked along the sea front and I had an ice cream. I think I spent too long in the sun, as my arms were a lobster red colour by the end of the day. More photos:

Aberdovey Beach compass

The compass of the circled bench seating area.
Aberdovey Beach sea front walk

Walk along the sea front.
ice cream wales Aberdovey Beach

Ice cream: Just want I needed.
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Lobster Red: Think I spent a bit too much time in the sun?

On the way back to the Cottage (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage) Simon and I had seen King Arthur’s Labyrinth on Google Maps, so decided to check it out. It turned out that King Arthur’s Labyrinth was a children’s attraction. But on the site was a collection of artists workshops in little huts. In a gorgeous little candle shop, I bought the most fabulous gay mirror:

gay mirror fabulous multi-coloured

My Fabulous Gay Mirror.

Our whole time in Wales was brilliant. Throughout the trip we ate out often. We drove home through Betws-y-Coed and Conway. On the way to Wales we had bought lotto tickets. While at the cottage Simon and I had talked about what we’d do if we won. Simon had said: “I’d be happy with just £50.” and guess what? We actually won £46 which was a pleasant ending to our awesome trip.

Write soon,

Antony



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Thursday 22 May 2014

Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage

By Adventures, Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, NatureNo Comments
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Penrhos Cottage Sign

 Simon and I spent the weekend at Penrhos Cottage. This homely cottage, set in the beautiful Welsh Valley of Corris was the perfect escape from busy life. We dubbed Penrhos ‘The Lovely Cottage.’ Here are some photos (click any photo for full size image):
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Simon popping his head out of The Lovely Cottage
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Cosy & Homely.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The fireplace – we didn’t use it, as it was such good weather.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Practical Kitchen.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Bathroom 1
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Bathroom 2. A shower big enough for two.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

My bedroom.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Simon’s Bedroom.

It was wonderfully peaceful, especially with the whooshing from the stream set in the centre of the valley. The view was great:

Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The View 1.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The View 2.

We met the chickens, roosters and pigs that were in the field in front of the cottage:

Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The Chickens & Rooster.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The pigs.

The Lovely Penrhos Cottage is the the perfect place to holiday; whether you’re looking for quietness or activity. For those looking for quietness and contemplation you can chill out in the cottage or take long walks in picturesque countryside. If you’re looking for activity there’s plenty of tourist attractions just a short drive away. The cottage features include Wifi, a fully functioning kitchen and a washing machine. Children and dogs are welcome.

It struck me that Penrhos Cottage would make a superb cottage for writers taking a writing holiday. Simon and I left The Lovely Cottage feeling rested, relaxed and recharged.

In Mid-Wales, Part 2 I’ll tell you about Aberdovey Beach, King Arthur’s Labyrinth and my fabulous gay mirror.

Blog soon,

Antony



I aim for posts on this blog to be informative, educational and entertaining. If you have found this post useful or enjoyable, please consider making a contribution by Paypal:


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Tuesday 20 May 2014
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