Fairtrade Fortnight

I know this is a slightly late post but hey i've been busy... this is just to let you know that it is Fairtrade Fortnight 26th Feb to 11 March! Get involved! I know at our uni the Fairtrade Stand is out every day of the fortnight, instead of their normal just once a week. Mmm I could really do with some fairtrade chocolate right now!

Hippyshopper's suggestion on how to get involved with Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade fashion from Tam and Rob

Cute Beagle Mix

I had to share this majorly cute picture from dailypuppy.com. Find more pictures of this cute Beagle Mix called Shiloh here! She made me smile, I hope she makes you smile, and feel all warm and cuddly inside!

Yay... Dissertation is being bound!

I handed in my dissertation this morning to be bound, which means tomorrow I can hand it in! That will be one subject down, only three exams at the end of the year left! Hope that everyone else is being dissertation successful, and wishing all those who are in the last minute rush good luck!

Prada Phone

Now if any of you know me, you will know i'm a complete mobile freak, in fact i'm a bit of a general gadget freak, but for some reason i suffer from phone boredom more than with any other type of gadget. Perhaps because I have to use my mobile alot more than anything else I own, or perhaps i'm just very shallow and don't want to be carrying a mobile i'm embarrassed of, whatever the reason i'm afraid i have the itch again... my samsung e900 is boring me slightly. It has done very well for itself, making me loyal to it for about a year (for me a real feat), but i feel it may be time to move on.

I hadn't seen anything that was offering me what I really want out of a mobile, most notably wi-fi (my internet through my network is ridiculously expensive), until i saw the iPhone release to which initially the only fault I could find was that it wasn't a clamshell or a slider (i like that little bit of drama when you have to open it to answer a call or hang up - loser i know). It has wi-fi woo! But then the bombshell, it's not being introduced in the UK until Q4, now call me impatient but i don't think i can last that long.

The options are then to import one from the US in June (slightly excessive), or find something else. Enter LG Prada Phone. Now it doesn't have wi-fi, but it is very pretty, still touchscreen and most importantly i don't have to wait until winter for it, i'm being tempted. Apparently Prada has been quite forceful in making sure that they are involved in the design process and it seems it has had quite an effect on the product. The more I see it the more i love it, who needs Apple anyway!

Here is the shinyshiny.tv original article about the phone.
Here is the LG (rather empty) product page.
Here is the link to the video review on shinyshiny.tv.

Depression Website for Students

A new site has been set up to raise awareness of the symptoms of depression so students are more likely to be able to spot them in their friends. This site www.studentdepression.org/ states February as a crisis month for many students, due to financial stress and exam concerns. Have a browse, particularly if you are concerned about someone. Be aware that things such as irregular sleep patterns, and increased irritability are depression symptoms, it's not all about the crying and suicidal thoughts. The more informed you are, the more likely you are to be able to spot those who are struggling and give help. An article about this site and depression is here.

Help towards a Breast Cancer Mammogram!

The Breast Cancer site is apparently having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. Click on the link to the Breast Cancer site, and then click the pink window in the centre. Only takes two seconds, and you can help by visiting the site every day!

If you are a Facebook user like myself there is a Facebook group here regarding this, so you can join and invite your friends to a good cause.

There are many ways to support the Breast Cancer cause, another is buying products like this Kensington Pink si750 wireless mouse from which 10% goes to the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Snowboard Monopoly

I'm quite excited by this Snowboarder's Monopoly game, which I found via Nollie. Although I have gone off Monopoly recently due to aggressive male players, both my housemates from last year and my brother at home (who will even scam our baby sister), I still have fond memories of playing as a small child. Maybe the snowboarder's version is what I need to put the spark back into the game. Only slight disappointment is that I believe it is all based in America, which just makes it slightly irrelevant to us over the pond, but hey I guess you can't have everything.

PostSecret

PostSecret is a site where readers send in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. These postcards are then posted on the site as part of a community art project. The site is interesting but I find it slightly disturbing. Perhaps there are one too many dark secrets being shared?! Whatever it is that makes me nervous about it, it is as far as I know a totally new concept and an interesting social experiment, and so still worth having a browse of.

I found this site PostSecret and the site in my previous post directly below this (TheManWhoFellAsleep), in this article on the shinyshiny.tv website.

What people are overheard saying on the Tube

Have just discovered TheManWhoFellAsleep.com which is a site dedicated to things overheard on the tube. I have to say I find the whole concept a little weird, and some of the things overheard are quite mundane really, but hey if you want another site to aid procrastination check it out.

Dissertation!

Just a note to say that I hope everyone is coping with dissertation stress. Our hand-in date is the 5th March which means that we have to have it bound at the end of this week really, and so we are all in a state of stressed rush. I have just discovered that I need to write an abstract, contents page and readjust my referencing, as well as writing two more paragraphs, and then bringing it all down to under 10,000 words. Isn't law fun?!

It's not helping that I have riding training today and a competition in Swansea on Wednesday. I need less hobbies, and to do more work!

Personalise your Wii!

I don't have a Wii, and although my housemate does I have been so busy I haven't had an opportunity to play on it. Which is sad because it does look rather fun. However if I did own a Wii, rather than a slimline ps2 which i only really use to play dvds once in a blue moon, I would want one of these personalised covers. Just because they are cool, and remind me of the designer sky+ boxes that I also want one of. Thinking about it there would potentially be alot of clashing in terms of patterns, perhaps they should bring out similar designs for both so you could coordinate your living room, perhaps even wallpaper (wow I can see it now). Anyway although I might be getting a little carried away the Wii covers are cool, lets hope that they don't peel easily with long use heat.

The product page for the Wii skins is here.

Sharing yourself online

Slightly freaked out by this article regarding remaining secret online. Have a look at it.

Vox.com

I have just started a new blog at vox.com in an attempt to find something prettier than blogger which I can use, and I have to say vox wins hands down in the easy prettiness stakes. If I had any vague understanding of html i'm sure that blogger would be the better option, but sadly at 21 i seem to be losing my brain agility for understanding new computer based things.

As far as I can work out however, there is no way to import twitter, which is annoying. And although it has several tools regarding importing things from youtube (which i do actually use), it is also advertising flickr which I have never had patience with. It is also based on a neighbourhood scheme, which involves you being able to blog simply at family and friends, as well as to the big wide world... as much as I actually quite like this idea, I am painfully aware that i'm the only one sad enough amongst my friends to blog so I would not be able to use this option. It also won't let me send blog posts that i make on vox to this blog, although I haven't yet checked whether I can do it from the blogger side of things.

Also having Facebook, plenty of gmail emails, twitter and this blog to occupy what time i do not have, it raises the question do I really need something else to log into and check or update. In fact I deleted my MySpace account a couple of months ago because it just seemed pointless and increased the amount of spam I received about ten fold.

Basically I'm left wondering if I can really justify swapping functionality for prettiness. I don't think I can. As I am however, lothe to part with my pretty new page I am going to have to think of a cunning way to use it. Ideas on a postcard please.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Just a note to wish you all Happy Chinese New Year, which is, yes you guessed it, today! woo!

Wikipedia Information
Chinese New Year site

We went a beagling...

This year I am a member of Southampton University Agricultural Society, and yesterday I went Beagling with them. We joined the Purbeck and Bovington Beagles in Dorset, the pack that my friend Christina is a very active part of. They are a military pack and are kept in kennels within the Bovington barracks. They are no longer cared for by the military, although they do have a military pack leader as well as a civvy pack leader.

Beagling involves a pack of beagles, hunted in pairs, in this case usually hunted in groups of around 20. It is also caught by the Hunting Act 2004, and to be able to hunt legally they are allowed to exercise the hounds, hunt rabbits and set a drag trail. They are not allowed to hunt hares.

The day began at Holwell Manor, Dorset, which the hunts are kindly allowed to use to meet. Port, cocktail sausages and cake were handed around in traditional hunt meet fashion. This English tradition is carried on very much as it has always done, traditional dress and horns included.

We were following a drag hunt, although it was possible that they hounds would set off on a 'line' after a rabbit. It was off to a great start with the hounds running around the hill that we were stood on, allowing us to have a fantastic view. When they get the scent they set off in full cry, which is a haunting sound from the past, add in the traditional cries of the whips and it is truely a traditional country scene. I was slightly nervous that something would be caught by them as I love rabbits, and am not a big fan of blood but it turns out that that worry was very much unfounded. In fact we saw several hares running in the opposite direction without the beagles even being aware of them. Beagling is perhaps the more fun, and least effective type of hunting, but actually thats how I like it.

After an hour or so they disappeared over the hills on a line and left us to attempt to follow on foot, over and under fences, over ditches, it was possibly the most fun I have had recently. Just getting out of the city and to the fabulous Dorset countryside was fantastic. I'm a country girl at heart!

The day ended with some of Christina's lovely cake, after some drizzle, alot of walking and quite a bit of contemplating whether they would notice if we stole a beagle. I have to conclude that perhaps the old countryside pursuits are some of the best.

Wikipedia defination of Beagling
Beagling article

Vulnerable Native Breeds

On November 12th (yes I know bear with me I haven't been blogging, i think i might start referring to it as a my 'sabbatical') I attended Discover Dogs at Earls Court in London, because, yes, big surprise, i want a dog :). This event allows normal, dog loving people to meet and greet up to 209 breeds of all dog types (hound, working, terrier, gundog, pastoral, utility, and toy), learn more about breeds they haven't heard of, or are interested in, and potentially make links with breeders. As well as a stand for each breed, they have various stands for doggy organisations, charities such as Dogs Trust, stands where you can buy doggy items, and show rings with things going on from agility and flyball to showing. My personal favourite was the Golden Retriever display team shown in the photo. It is a real introduction into the world of dogs and is a must for anyone thinking about taking on a dog. The breeders and handlers at the show are all very helpful and friendly, which leads to you learning more about the breed and if it is for you, and also gives you hands on experience with the breeds of your choice.

The most interesting stand for me was the British and Irish Dog Breeds Preservation Trust. Here I was informed that the breed I had come to Discover Dogs to see, the Wheaten Terrier, was on the Vulnerable Native Breeds list. As I understand it to be considered on this list, the breed must be from the UK originally and has to have an average of less than 300 puppies registered per year. Wheaten Terriers are the lucky ones. They are on the borderline between vulnerable and normal. They also have a wonderful system for breeders and potential owners alike. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain have a list of approved breeders, and if you wish to apply for a puppy you fill in their puppy application form, which can be found on the website, and they will put you in touch with breeders in your area (ncluding a local person who will allow you to see Wheatens in a home environment so you can decide if they are the breed for you).

It is shocking the breeds that can be found on the Vulnerable Native Breeds list. The dogs at risk are:

• Bloodhound
• Deerhound
• Greyhound
• Otterhound
• Miniature Bull Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Irish Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lakeland Terrier
• Manchester Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Skye Terrier
• Smooth Fox Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Welsh Terrier
• English Toy Terrier (black and tan)
• King Charles Spaniel
• Clumber Spaniel
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Field Spaniel
• Gordon Setter
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Sussex Spaniel
• Cardigan Corgi
• Lancashire Heeler
• Smooth Collie

And websites for many of these breeds can be found here.
Both of the dogs my mother and sister were interested in (Otterhound and Skye Terrier respectively) are also found on this list.

The two breeds which are considered most at risk currently are the Sealyham Terrier and the Skye Terrier (pictured above right [taken from http://www.evcilkopekler.com/kopek-irklari/skye-terrier]). Both breed clubs have stated that if nothing changes the breeds could be extinct by 2010. In the famous (true) story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who stayed by his masters grave after he died for fourteen years until he himself passed away, was a Skye Terrier. Last year there were only 30 Skye Terrier puppies registered in the whole country, and it is estimated that there are less than 3000 left worldwide. To put this into context in terms of numbers, there were 45,000 Labrador Retriever puppies registered last year, and that is just the puppies in this country.

Awareness of these problems in 'at risk' dog breeds is low, but the lower the numbers fall, the lower the gene pool to breed from. Some have even suggested that the vets automatic reaction to suggest neutering or spaying in puppies just makes the problem worse, and that they should be being informed on which are the vulnerable breeds and give advice accordingly. I myself have decided that when I get a dog on leaving university I am going to have a Skye Terrier. It's all very well feeling bad for the situation of the breeds, but not if afterwards you are still rushing out to get a Labrador. If you are thinking of getting a dog then check out the Vulnerable Native Breeds, their characteristics and traits, if there is one that will suit you and your lifestyle why not take on a breed that will be unique and will give you just as much love and affection as the 'in-dog' of the moment?!

Discover Dogs will also be at Crufts at NEC, Birmingham

Some Links:
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain
Bentley's Home Page (Diary of a Wheaten Terrier Owner)
Skye Terrier Club
Sealyham Terrier Club

LWord Actress Twittering

Just discovered someone I added on Twitter because they seemed interesting is actually Janina Gavankar from the LWord. I don't actually watch it but its still quite exciting. This actress twittering is here.

Wikipedia information about her is here.

Snowboarding Tips!

The girl based snow-boarding site Nollie is giving snow-boarding tips. Might be useful if any of you are planning on hitting the slopes like my brother has this week (*so jealous*), and i'm sure it can also be applied to men, a snow-boarding tip is essentially a snow-boarding tip.

Leopard Print Gone Mad

Now I have to be honest, I have never been keen on Leopard print (although I love real leopards, particularly snow leopards) but knowing that it is currently the 'in thing' I have been happy to let it go. By 'let it go' I mean I have managed to hold back from screaming in horror when seeing people wearing it, including Camilla Parker-Bowles wearing it as a fetching hat.

BUT i have to admit going back to my traditional screaming in horror when seeing these snow sport base layers. I don't know what you would have to be thinking to wear them but i know what i would be thinking: 'please god don't let me fall over, break my leg and have to show my hideous underclothes to anyone in A and E'. Did I mention they are known as horny-bodies? *another scream in horror* i think the less said the better really...

Twitter: What are YOU doing?!

I thought I should perhaps tell you a little something about Twitter because until very recently I had never heard of it. Apparently taking America by storm, this site allows you to make short updates (text length minus your 13 character user name) by accessing the site, GoogleChat or text messages, all to answer the key question 'What are you doing?'. You can opt to only allow your friends see your updates, and if you don't choose this option then anyone can opt to 'follow' you, which essentially means they can choose to be instant messaged or texted your updates. Now in my opinion the texting thing is slightly scary and stalker-like, as if you are publicly updating then some random in Brazil could be being texted the fact that you are 'just leaving the house' BUT then again like many of these networking sites you can only be stalked by how much information you give. It would be sensible for example to not be updating with 'in house all on my own, forgot to lock the doors, have lots of expensive electrical equipment'.

The major advantage of the site is being able to blog quickly, and it does make you consider what you write much more as you have to be informative and amusing in a minimum number of characters, particularly if you are posting publicly. My favourite posts are not the ones about going to buy shopping, they are the ones that tell you something interesting, funny and amusing.

Overall it seems pointless when you first join, just like a site dedicated to the 'status' feature of Facebook, but definately grows on you. My turning point was the morning it snowed last week, and on the public timeline you could see the reactions of people all around the country, VERY interesting.

On a more informative note you can also choose to receive news updates from BBC England, and could effectively just use it as a free text information service.

On a less informative note apparently you can follow Macworld (I don't have one and so won't be), and there are rumours that many tv/film directors are planning on joining, including the director of My Name is Earl... or that Ed show, i can't remember which or where I read it...

NB. It is Mike Pennie, writer/producer of 'My Name is Earl'. Find his twittering here. And I rediscovered this on the Twitter blog here.

My Lack of Posting and Twitter...

Hello! Have been so busy in the last year I have really neglected (abandoned really) this blog and i feel soooooooooooooooooo guilty! I still am running low on time, and so am using Twitter to do very short posts when i have two seconds! Have been lucky enough to be allowed to ride on two riding teams this year with the university, and it is my final year! Handed in my dissertation first draft yesterday... woo!
Right am going to attempt to incorporate Twitter so this is not so poorly updated.