Dave’s Book Club | 2010

I have asked a number of friends (and friendly people) to recommend a number of books that I could benefit from reading this year and possibly write reviews on. The main remit was to find books on fiction, faith, business and others that might light my fire. I may not read them all this year but heck it’s worth a try plus it’s a lovely exercise. So here is the list so far with specific books and for those who think I may have left out a recommendation it’s probably because I have read it already. Eclectic mix.

Reflections | 2009 and The Noughties

Taking some time out to reflect on both the last decade and last year.
What have I learnt? What am I most proud of? What has happened to shape the person who I am?

Tenacity
The start of the last decade brought it with some serious challenges professionally. The knock on effects of the closure of my business at the beginning of the decade had me really thinking about how I would progress. The last few years running my new business has taught me that it is about planning, taking action and revisiting with new ideals. Most importantly though it is about being clear on what it is you do. Even now as the old decade ended and a new one began its about being tough and digging in and maintaining who you are.

Tolerance
I have been pleasantly surprised over the last decade on my openness to new ideas and tolerance of things that once I never thought would be. Spiritually the last ten years have seen a progressive move away from organised religion as it stands. I no longer attend a church on a regular basis and to be honest cannot see myself going to one in a hurry either. I am quite content in worshipping with my family and exploring new ways of experiencing God without having someone dictate to me their truth. Along with this however I have also learned to appreciate and not to knock other views. From atheist to Christian and everything in between. Whilst online there are some great opportunities for discussion I often wish there was more of a place to debate stuff face to face. Maybe there is an opportunity in there some where.

Thankfulness
I am learning to say thank you a lot more. To be more grateful. Thankful for the opportunities. Thankful for the skills and talents that I have. Thankful to my family and friends and even in some situations thankful for the   which have helped to create the tenacity and tolerance spoken about before.

So here is looking forward to a new year and a new decade and the joy and challenges it will bring.

Short Film| Strangers

Deep.

Gen Y? Ah I get it!

Who is Generation Y ??

The Silent Generation are people born before 1946.

The Baby Boomers are people born between 1946 and 1965. 

Generation X are people born between 1965 and 1979.   

Generation Y are people born between 1980 and 1995.

Why do we call the last one Generation Y ?   I did not know until now, but the cartoon below explains it eloquently…. and now, you too have learned something new!

Gen Y

TEDx Euston | Africa Revisited

I can’t believe I have not done my write up about this event yet.
Slacking Dave. Slacking.

Well for those who have heard me going on and on about TED Global in Tanzania 2007 and the meeting of revolutionary methods this was an opportunity to be able to hear more stories about marvellous work going on in the continent.

Held last week Saturday in the University of Central London by my TED Fellow Chikwe Ikweheazue, I wildly sent emails around to my colleagues to seize the opportunity of catching a little flavour of this kind of event. Unfortunately many could not attend of the short notice but I went anyway.

An Open Letter to God

Dear God

I do believe in you, but that does not come without its doubts and questions. I think it is only healthy that if questions do come to mind that I ask them and respectfully pursue those answers whether out of my own curiosity or peace of mind. For many years growing up in the Christian faith I have taken it as read that many of my beliefs whether in your creative power, the concept of salvation and a restored earth are unquestionable. At my core these beliefs still remain however as a child to their parent it is only healthy I believe that when something does arise to challenge this thinking that it does get addressed.

In my youth I always say atheists, humanists and all others who did not believe in you as I did as targets of ridicule or opportunities to exercise my theological superiority on.

For the love of Fussball

Last week my butt got ceremoniusly kicked by a young lady called Lola.

After throwing down the gauntlet for a game or three I manned up (or so I thought) and took to the board where I was routinely thrashed and with a giggle.

My future shopping list includes a fussball table.
Practice will be taken up and revenge will be sweeter than a mars bar after running a marathon.

Lola (and anyone else reading) you have been warned.

Afrosphere | African Digital Art

For those who know me,  I am passionate about African culture and arts.
One of the most talented ladies I have met in the last two years  is Jepchumba, a Kenyan digital artist living in Chicago, Illinois.

Her site African Digital Art highlights a lot of the most innovative and cutting edge artistry coming out of the continent. The site features artists from all across the continent with special features, interviews and more recently this year a community section.

Links through to other social media like Facebook, Flickr and featured videos on YouTube position this as one of the best sites if not the leading one on african digital art. Check it out. Subscribe. Immerse yourself.

Drugs | The Nutty Professor vs The Govt.

So let’s consider the facts. Dude, aka Professor Nutt (yes the universe has a sense of irony), thinks that the government are not being as honest as they should be on drugs policy. In steps Alan Johnson the Home Secretary who sacks Nutty Professor (sorry couldn’t help it) for stepping over the line when he more or less stated that science should not be ignored when defining policy.  To be fair he did make some crass comparison between deaths from ecstasy compared to horse riding.

My Opinion
I think before I take this further I should state my claim. I am concerned about the legalisation of drugs like cocaine, heroin or marijuana. I am also concerned about the harm done by any kinds of drugs to people. However

Culture | Black vs White Intelligence. Again!

Source: Telegraph

One of the most popular posts on my blog has been about the race and IQ. Since as early as I can remember there have been some very interesting debates around this issue and it still raises as much passion as ever.

Channel 4 are going to starting a series discussing issues around race. The leading programme is  Race: Science’s Last Taboo and is being chaired by Omar Rageh where he challenges the concept of race and intelligence.