Monday, 28 January 2013
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Monday, 21 January 2013
Davos 2013: Haiti
3 years ago I recall being in Davos fielding a great level of enquires around partnering in Haiti just after the earthquake
Today I was interviewed on them.
My interviewer asked me a question, if you we're able to go back what would you have done differently.
I had no answer. He asked me this months ago. Even now when re-asked I still don't know.
What happened was not perfect not was it text book. However, it was real. It was what I was able to do under the pressures that I had. I certainly wished there was more I could do rather than less. But really the answer was kind of nothing. I certainly would not have learned what I did had it not been for the mistakes. I would maybe not have gone out there, supported an athlete to come over and compete in the Paralympic Games. Not worked with a family who lost their son during the earthquake. I guess without all that shaping experience I would not be where I am today.
Whilst not perfect... I am grateful for the learning process.
Today I was interviewed on them.
My interviewer asked me a question, if you we're able to go back what would you have done differently.
I had no answer. He asked me this months ago. Even now when re-asked I still don't know.
What happened was not perfect not was it text book. However, it was real. It was what I was able to do under the pressures that I had. I certainly wished there was more I could do rather than less. But really the answer was kind of nothing. I certainly would not have learned what I did had it not been for the mistakes. I would maybe not have gone out there, supported an athlete to come over and compete in the Paralympic Games. Not worked with a family who lost their son during the earthquake. I guess without all that shaping experience I would not be where I am today.
Whilst not perfect... I am grateful for the learning process.
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Davos 2013: five
This is our fifth Davos.
We came here with one goal: to create, to forge, to stir a deep understanding amongst the community of the World Economic Forum of global issues. The last four years it has been of displacement, upheaval, migration and forced removal. This year it's about depravation, not having enough and poverty. These issues are close to our hearts.
The solution we seek is not a given nor a prescription. It is a dialogue of will. The will to engage with such issues and the will to transform on these matters.
Success is the stirring of hearts and minds to act. The answer in my brief spell in the humanitarian world (15 years now) is never singular nor one size.
I'm open to listen and learn this year more so than before.
This year I long to see this stirring and do my utmost to help shape that for the least of these.
Can't believe its been five years. It may even be our last too.
What a privilege.
We came here with one goal: to create, to forge, to stir a deep understanding amongst the community of the World Economic Forum of global issues. The last four years it has been of displacement, upheaval, migration and forced removal. This year it's about depravation, not having enough and poverty. These issues are close to our hearts.
The solution we seek is not a given nor a prescription. It is a dialogue of will. The will to engage with such issues and the will to transform on these matters.
Success is the stirring of hearts and minds to act. The answer in my brief spell in the humanitarian world (15 years now) is never singular nor one size.
I'm open to listen and learn this year more so than before.
This year I long to see this stirring and do my utmost to help shape that for the least of these.
Can't believe its been five years. It may even be our last too.
What a privilege.
Davos 2013: A prayer for papa
It was certainly a chase.
A chase to be on time. A chase to get to the check in desk. The lady and team were quick to not let us get through and scare us away. Whilst only arriving with one minute to spare. The words "we can't guarantee your luggage will get there" never brings assurance from a budget airline.
A chase then to get through the departure lounge. A chase to avoid being searched. Which snared one of our team. A chase for us to split and to stall the at the gates for the one left behind. Running to the gate. Around an entire duty free shop due to their ikea style walk through the entire store path.
My first running since my operation too.
Making it with minutes to the last call. Passengers still boarding. But only just.
The two left behind surface. Panting from their running. We got in. We collapse. We fly.
At Zurich after the long route to baggage reclaim we wait.
They arrive. Our luggage made it.
A sigh of relief.
My phone buzzes with a Text to say my son impromptu prayed for me. His request, 'Please can I pray for papa?' followed by "Dear lord Jesus please be with papa wherever he goes, always be with him"'
Amen to that and thanks for the prayer son.
A chase to be on time. A chase to get to the check in desk. The lady and team were quick to not let us get through and scare us away. Whilst only arriving with one minute to spare. The words "we can't guarantee your luggage will get there" never brings assurance from a budget airline.
A chase then to get through the departure lounge. A chase to avoid being searched. Which snared one of our team. A chase for us to split and to stall the at the gates for the one left behind. Running to the gate. Around an entire duty free shop due to their ikea style walk through the entire store path.
My first running since my operation too.
Making it with minutes to the last call. Passengers still boarding. But only just.
The two left behind surface. Panting from their running. We got in. We collapse. We fly.
At Zurich after the long route to baggage reclaim we wait.
They arrive. Our luggage made it.
A sigh of relief.
My phone buzzes with a Text to say my son impromptu prayed for me. His request, 'Please can I pray for papa?' followed by "Dear lord Jesus please be with papa wherever he goes, always be with him"'
Amen to that and thanks for the prayer son.
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Davos 2013: it starts, again
Five. Five years I've been doing this.
It's 4.24am. Been awake 64 minutes already today and I'm waiting.
Waiting for "it" to start again. Waiting for collection. Waiting to get prepared. Waiting for action stations. Waiting to stir hearts and minds for action. Waiting for whatever "comes" next.
Am I ready? Am I prepared? Do I have all I need?
The questions are legion and the answers amorphous.
First part of the journey: avoid the snow to make the journey. Snow disruptions imminent. Snow contingencies at the ready. Our paths are set on a collision course within the next 32 minutes.
Still waiting.
It's 4.24am. Been awake 64 minutes already today and I'm waiting.
Waiting for "it" to start again. Waiting for collection. Waiting to get prepared. Waiting for action stations. Waiting to stir hearts and minds for action. Waiting for whatever "comes" next.
Am I ready? Am I prepared? Do I have all I need?
The questions are legion and the answers amorphous.
First part of the journey: avoid the snow to make the journey. Snow disruptions imminent. Snow contingencies at the ready. Our paths are set on a collision course within the next 32 minutes.
Still waiting.
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Children's Stories
I came home buzzing.
It was the bit with the Eagles. I remember it. It excited me then and it did today when I saw it on the screen and even more so with the prospect in the morning when a tell the boys.
The thrill of an adventure. The changes in the heroes rising to challenges. Insurmountable odds. Hope fading. The stuff of legends.
I just saw the Hobbit.
Loved it. Loved the experience of stepping out, just briefly, into a very different world.
Critically, the film was good (not great nor the best). The 3D added depth and cinematic experience.
But what I loved was the thrill of an adventure which elevated the whole experience.
Oh and the bit with the eagles was as good as I remember. The amount of times I've replicated that in stories for my little ones.
A friend shared... upon a dusty Kenyan road travelling a very long journey his head rested well upon his mothers lap. Her loving hand stroking his young hair. The words uttered were of the adventure and challenge of a small, reluctant, and unassuming hobbit who journeyed with 12 dwarves and a wizard to meet a dragon. He rested and listen transfixed to every word and dulcet sounds of a mother with excitement. It was his earliest memory.
I can't wait to tell my children about it.
It was the bit with the Eagles. I remember it. It excited me then and it did today when I saw it on the screen and even more so with the prospect in the morning when a tell the boys.
The thrill of an adventure. The changes in the heroes rising to challenges. Insurmountable odds. Hope fading. The stuff of legends.
I just saw the Hobbit.
Loved it. Loved the experience of stepping out, just briefly, into a very different world.
Critically, the film was good (not great nor the best). The 3D added depth and cinematic experience.
But what I loved was the thrill of an adventure which elevated the whole experience.
Oh and the bit with the eagles was as good as I remember. The amount of times I've replicated that in stories for my little ones.
A friend shared... upon a dusty Kenyan road travelling a very long journey his head rested well upon his mothers lap. Her loving hand stroking his young hair. The words uttered were of the adventure and challenge of a small, reluctant, and unassuming hobbit who journeyed with 12 dwarves and a wizard to meet a dragon. He rested and listen transfixed to every word and dulcet sounds of a mother with excitement. It was his earliest memory.
I can't wait to tell my children about it.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Lunch
Last year a mate helped me out.
He is the Head Chef of a pretty swanky place. Make that "extremely" swanky place.
He attended an event that I helped with and in turn said he'd give his services for an auction for a private function with locally sourced foods and delights. Someone paid over £1000 for the honour.
He gave all the proceeds away.
He even sent his marketing colleague to the "slums" we constructed in Chancery Lane last summer.
Today i stepped into his restaurant.
I was on his territory. It was luxury, followed by luxury. Man, I never thought of serving a exotic soup in a cup the size of an espresso glass served next to a bhaji. Then there's the starters.... and it went on. Wow. I even didn't know we'd get a glass of bubbly on arrival. The staff came over with the hugest smiles. It strange I'm used to meagre foods and food security situations yet today I enjoyed plenty. Was even able to suggest serving a "menu" from the slums for a day... which really excited me. Thanks for looking after us and if I may highly recommend the Paternoster Chop House in London.
He is the Head Chef of a pretty swanky place. Make that "extremely" swanky place.
He attended an event that I helped with and in turn said he'd give his services for an auction for a private function with locally sourced foods and delights. Someone paid over £1000 for the honour.
He gave all the proceeds away.
He even sent his marketing colleague to the "slums" we constructed in Chancery Lane last summer.
Today i stepped into his restaurant.
I was on his territory. It was luxury, followed by luxury. Man, I never thought of serving a exotic soup in a cup the size of an espresso glass served next to a bhaji. Then there's the starters.... and it went on. Wow. I even didn't know we'd get a glass of bubbly on arrival. The staff came over with the hugest smiles. It strange I'm used to meagre foods and food security situations yet today I enjoyed plenty. Was even able to suggest serving a "menu" from the slums for a day... which really excited me. Thanks for looking after us and if I may highly recommend the Paternoster Chop House in London.
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Monday, 24 December 2012
'twas the night before Christmas
We're preparing for Christmas and writing a note of thanks to Father Christmas listening to some Sufjan Stevens.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Who? Where? Why? by Jesus Jones
Here's a vid from the other night that I was able to capture on my camera.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Gig review from my big bro
My big bro sent me this review of last night's gig
SLEIGH THE UK 2012, O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE
As the Rolling Stones start their 50th anniversary tour with many people excited and horrified in equal measures, questions are being asked “When should a band stop performing, should you still go to concerts in the same capacity as a teenager, and is the music still as good it was then?”
I found myself asking these questions last night as I caught up with three bands that dominated my teenage years, Jesus Jones, Pop will eat itself, PWEI and the Wonder Stuff who all played at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. It was very interesting finding myself face to face with the teenager I once was moody, spotty and with long hair. This was MY music back then and now it gives me a chance to reflect on who I was and who I am now.
In the late 80s early 90s the guys that went to see these bands were mainly white middle class and wanting to be outside the mainstream of the pop music of the time. The music was a mix of skate punk and dance for Jesus Jones. Dance, sampling and heavy guitars for PWEI and indie country music for the Wonder stuff. Looking around the theatre auditorium yesterday it was still white middle class guys, some even came with children, some with band t-shirts that were odd to look at the whole package, I mean guys in their forties wearing band t-shirts looks exactly like guys over 30 wearing football shirts for anything other than sports, not the best of fashion statements! Looking around and taking in the chatter from my fellow concert goers, there were Project Managers, Solicitors and consultants from Harley Street. But once the music started middle, aged moshing began, very fun to watch and watching 40 year olds crowd surf, alas I’m too heavy for that, but yeah I wanted to do it.
First up was Jesus Jones who faces I once got my artistic friend to paint on the back of my jacket, the face now were older rounder but still with the glint in the eye that I saw over twenty years ago and the boundless enthusiasm on display. Now whilst I don’t have the energy the boys on stage did, they may have been a bit slower but were all giving it 100% and not even the sample sounds breaking down ruined my enjoyment of a sharp 35 min set which they knew not to disappoint their audience with and they stuck with predominantly material from their first couple of albums and not their lesser known later albums.
PWEI came on and had their own rubber carpet laid down as they do plenty of stage jumping and bumping. Only one original member left, Graham wearing a rather groovy combo of white trainers, red knee length shorts and t-shirt along with a group of fine musicians. They did play some of their best known material and they encouraged the 30 and 40 something guys to jump harder and faster whilst singing along. Again the energy was amazing and they had the crowd eating from the palm of their hands, especially when playing classics as Def Con One.
I was one of those guys that loved the Wonder Stuff when they released their first two albums but a combination of the Bass player leaving, the band appearing to start playing children’s theme tunes and hanging around with Vic Reeves made me go off them. Last night I was thrilled and less than thrilled with their set but then towards the end they pulled me in from the cold by surprising everyone with a cover of ‘Planet Earth’ by Duran Duran and by playing the earliest material that I had once held so dear to my heart. They ended by inviting everyone back next year as they do it again, will I come back? Yes and I think I’ll wear the t-shirt, to hell with age that teenage boy is still around!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
SLEIGH THE UK 2012, O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE
As the Rolling Stones start their 50th anniversary tour with many people excited and horrified in equal measures, questions are being asked “When should a band stop performing, should you still go to concerts in the same capacity as a teenager, and is the music still as good it was then?”
I found myself asking these questions last night as I caught up with three bands that dominated my teenage years, Jesus Jones, Pop will eat itself, PWEI and the Wonder Stuff who all played at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. It was very interesting finding myself face to face with the teenager I once was moody, spotty and with long hair. This was MY music back then and now it gives me a chance to reflect on who I was and who I am now.
In the late 80s early 90s the guys that went to see these bands were mainly white middle class and wanting to be outside the mainstream of the pop music of the time. The music was a mix of skate punk and dance for Jesus Jones. Dance, sampling and heavy guitars for PWEI and indie country music for the Wonder stuff. Looking around the theatre auditorium yesterday it was still white middle class guys, some even came with children, some with band t-shirts that were odd to look at the whole package, I mean guys in their forties wearing band t-shirts looks exactly like guys over 30 wearing football shirts for anything other than sports, not the best of fashion statements! Looking around and taking in the chatter from my fellow concert goers, there were Project Managers, Solicitors and consultants from Harley Street. But once the music started middle, aged moshing began, very fun to watch and watching 40 year olds crowd surf, alas I’m too heavy for that, but yeah I wanted to do it.
First up was Jesus Jones who faces I once got my artistic friend to paint on the back of my jacket, the face now were older rounder but still with the glint in the eye that I saw over twenty years ago and the boundless enthusiasm on display. Now whilst I don’t have the energy the boys on stage did, they may have been a bit slower but were all giving it 100% and not even the sample sounds breaking down ruined my enjoyment of a sharp 35 min set which they knew not to disappoint their audience with and they stuck with predominantly material from their first couple of albums and not their lesser known later albums.
PWEI came on and had their own rubber carpet laid down as they do plenty of stage jumping and bumping. Only one original member left, Graham wearing a rather groovy combo of white trainers, red knee length shorts and t-shirt along with a group of fine musicians. They did play some of their best known material and they encouraged the 30 and 40 something guys to jump harder and faster whilst singing along. Again the energy was amazing and they had the crowd eating from the palm of their hands, especially when playing classics as Def Con One.
I was one of those guys that loved the Wonder Stuff when they released their first two albums but a combination of the Bass player leaving, the band appearing to start playing children’s theme tunes and hanging around with Vic Reeves made me go off them. Last night I was thrilled and less than thrilled with their set but then towards the end they pulled me in from the cold by surprising everyone with a cover of ‘Planet Earth’ by Duran Duran and by playing the earliest material that I had once held so dear to my heart. They ended by inviting everyone back next year as they do it again, will I come back? Yes and I think I’ll wear the t-shirt, to hell with age that teenage boy is still around!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
First gig
I believe it was 1991.
The turn of the decade behind us, the eighties behind us. The Iraq war still a vivid memory. The iron curtain had fallen and afresh with freedom, optimism and newness.
Music was coming alive with Stone Roses and the indie bands. The competition with dance was fierce. Guitars versus drum machines.
It was the group Jesus Jones that were creating a freshness to being a punk. With their dirty sounds, guitars and bouncing around that I was listening to.
It was out of the Wonder Stuff domination of the indie world that I was starting to despise that the rawness of Jesus Jones that I liked. Correction. I was follower of my brother's record collection and JJ were the flavour of the month.
I loved it. I loved them. But I worshipped my brother more.
Together with my two brothers we ventured up to the then Town and Country club to watch JJ supported by Soho.
Wow, what a gig.
Nearly 20 years on I'm seeing them again.
On the train on the way up now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The turn of the decade behind us, the eighties behind us. The Iraq war still a vivid memory. The iron curtain had fallen and afresh with freedom, optimism and newness.
Music was coming alive with Stone Roses and the indie bands. The competition with dance was fierce. Guitars versus drum machines.
It was the group Jesus Jones that were creating a freshness to being a punk. With their dirty sounds, guitars and bouncing around that I was listening to.
It was out of the Wonder Stuff domination of the indie world that I was starting to despise that the rawness of Jesus Jones that I liked. Correction. I was follower of my brother's record collection and JJ were the flavour of the month.
I loved it. I loved them. But I worshipped my brother more.
Together with my two brothers we ventured up to the then Town and Country club to watch JJ supported by Soho.
Wow, what a gig.
Nearly 20 years on I'm seeing them again.
On the train on the way up now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Christmas Tree
Last year Joshua shouted out with both arms stretched high "I love this house!" after finishing decorating the tree. It was a real moment.
This year... It was a little more sedate. Illness taking over a little more. But it was still a moment that we were able to cherish.
I love this house too!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This year... It was a little more sedate. Illness taking over a little more. But it was still a moment that we were able to cherish.
I love this house too!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, 7 December 2012
Thursday, 6 December 2012
A memory of warmer days on such a cold one
It snowed yesterday. Today it's freezing.
I don't like putting on layers. Prefer to crank up the heat. Not very efficient or popular.
I'm resorting to some memories of warmer days.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I don't like putting on layers. Prefer to crank up the heat. Not very efficient or popular.
I'm resorting to some memories of warmer days.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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