Crossing the Severn Bridge for the six time in 10 days today I thought that I'd find out a bit more.
Here are my top ten facts.
1 - The old Severn Bridge owed about £450 million, The debt was taken on by the new bridge owners
2 - They are not owned by the French
3 - They are owned by a consortium (including Laing and the French & MANY PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION FUNDS but mainly American Banks)
4 - They earn about £76 million a year
5 - They cost about £15 million a year to maintain
6 - They become public ownership after 30 years or £1 billion is made by the holding company.
7 - Currently they earnings are ahead of forecast and will see the bridge become public owned in around 2017
8 - The old bridge starts and ends in England. It does not touch Wales.
9 - You CAN pay by credit or debit card
10 - The second bridge is 3.2 miles long according to the mileage meter on my Van.
This parliamentary debate is the best source of info that I have found.
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Monday 5 December 2011
Motivational Monday
Self Motivation Tips For Success
Self motivation tips is a lens that will help you develop some of the internal skills that lead to you achieving much more in life. As a professional coach one of the things that I find with a number of people is that they are capable of many great things but really struggle to follow through unless they are being "pushed". With them the motivation is external and most of the time they're looking for someone else to keep them going. A much more empowering way would be for them to learn some of the techniques for self motivation and that way they would not only achieve more but they would have a far stronger sense of achievement.
In this lens we'll look at some of those motivational techniques and how you can take them and apply them in your own life. Here's the kicker though; If you don't apply them they won't work for you. Stunningly obvious I know but sadly it's where most people fail. You probably know at least one person like that. They can tell you word for word the teachings of the best motivational speakers like Bob Proctor, Anthony Robbins, Robin Scharma and the rest of the guys. They can give you a reading list to make the British Library envious. They've probably bought every success cd on the market and attended motivational summits but they're still in the same place they started at. Why? Simply because that's all great stuff but it's external and they lack SELF motivation.
Self motivation tips is a lens that will help you develop some of the internal skills that lead to you achieving much more in life. As a professional coach one of the things that I find with a number of people is that they are capable of many great things but really struggle to follow through unless they are being "pushed". With them the motivation is external and most of the time they're looking for someone else to keep them going. A much more empowering way would be for them to learn some of the techniques for self motivation and that way they would not only achieve more but they would have a far stronger sense of achievement.
In this lens we'll look at some of those motivational techniques and how you can take them and apply them in your own life. Here's the kicker though; If you don't apply them they won't work for you. Stunningly obvious I know but sadly it's where most people fail. You probably know at least one person like that. They can tell you word for word the teachings of the best motivational speakers like Bob Proctor, Anthony Robbins, Robin Scharma and the rest of the guys. They can give you a reading list to make the British Library envious. They've probably bought every success cd on the market and attended motivational summits but they're still in the same place they started at. Why? Simply because that's all great stuff but it's external and they lack SELF motivation.
Monday 28 November 2011
Motivational Monday Tips from Tantrwm
1. Live Below Your Means
There will always be temptation to forsake the future for immediate gratification. We all want to buy that new piece of technology, treat ourselves to an expensive night on the town, or take out a loan for the flashy car we can’t afford. It might feel great at the time but rash spending hurts a lot later on.
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures and save as much as you can. Expensive things don’t create lasting happiness and security. Careful spending will bring you greater leisure and enjoyment in the long run.
2. Put Your Money to Work
Saving is great, but to make the most of your money you need to put it to work. Good investments can be the difference between retiring in your 40′s or in your 60′s.
A post today at The Simple Dollar really got me thinking. According to Trent’s projections, if a person in their early 20′s invests 20% of their income in an S&P index fund, the interest they earn will equal their current salary when they reach their early 40′s. They could retire without a drop in income!
Wise investing is the surest path to financial independence and it’s something everyone can work on. It’s definitely an area I’ll be devoting more attention to in my personal life and on this blog.
3. Educate Yourself
To be happy we need continuous growth. The best way to grow is life long education. This doesn’t mean you need to pursue a doctorate or spend 2 hours reading every day. Self education can be anything that takes you out of your comfort zone.
The important part is keeping an open mind and searching for fresh ideas and perspectives.Education builds over time. It might feel like the bits of wisdom you acquire don’t mean much, but over the years they add up to form a wiser, kinder, more interesting person.
4. Develop Lasting Personal Relationships
Suppose you had everything you wanted. Would you be happy without anyone to share it with? The personal relationships we develop with friends and family members are the greatest source of happiness in our lives. Don’t forget about them.
Taking the time to cultivate and enjoy personal relationships is essential to longterm happiness. Without the people you care about you’ll probably be miserable, no matter how successful you become.
5. Work Towards a Dream You’re Passionate About
Even if your life isn’t perfect, you can always build towards a goal you’re passionate about. If you aren’t building towards something, you’re probably stagnating. When this happens to me I start to feel like a victim trapped by my own life. The best way to reverse this is working towards a goal.
We can’t control everything about our lives, but working towards a goal gives us something positive to focus on and lays the foundation for future success. No matter what your passion is, get out there and start doing something. As Lao Tzu said, even a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
6. Stay in Shape
You only get one body. Once it’s been ruined there isn’t much you can do about it. Exercise to keep the rust off. Avoid excessive consumption of damaging substances and unhealthy foods. It may feel like terrible self denial at the time but enjoying good health in your later years is worth the sacrifice.
1. Live Below Your Means
There will always be temptation to forsake the future for immediate gratification. We all want to buy that new piece of technology, treat ourselves to an expensive night on the town, or take out a loan for the flashy car we can’t afford. It might feel great at the time but rash spending hurts a lot later on.
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures and save as much as you can. Expensive things don’t create lasting happiness and security. Careful spending will bring you greater leisure and enjoyment in the long run.
2. Put Your Money to Work
Saving is great, but to make the most of your money you need to put it to work. Good investments can be the difference between retiring in your 40′s or in your 60′s.
A post today at The Simple Dollar really got me thinking. According to Trent’s projections, if a person in their early 20′s invests 20% of their income in an S&P index fund, the interest they earn will equal their current salary when they reach their early 40′s. They could retire without a drop in income!
Wise investing is the surest path to financial independence and it’s something everyone can work on. It’s definitely an area I’ll be devoting more attention to in my personal life and on this blog.
3. Educate Yourself
To be happy we need continuous growth. The best way to grow is life long education. This doesn’t mean you need to pursue a doctorate or spend 2 hours reading every day. Self education can be anything that takes you out of your comfort zone.
The important part is keeping an open mind and searching for fresh ideas and perspectives.Education builds over time. It might feel like the bits of wisdom you acquire don’t mean much, but over the years they add up to form a wiser, kinder, more interesting person.
4. Develop Lasting Personal Relationships
Suppose you had everything you wanted. Would you be happy without anyone to share it with? The personal relationships we develop with friends and family members are the greatest source of happiness in our lives. Don’t forget about them.
Taking the time to cultivate and enjoy personal relationships is essential to longterm happiness. Without the people you care about you’ll probably be miserable, no matter how successful you become.
5. Work Towards a Dream You’re Passionate About
Even if your life isn’t perfect, you can always build towards a goal you’re passionate about. If you aren’t building towards something, you’re probably stagnating. When this happens to me I start to feel like a victim trapped by my own life. The best way to reverse this is working towards a goal.
We can’t control everything about our lives, but working towards a goal gives us something positive to focus on and lays the foundation for future success. No matter what your passion is, get out there and start doing something. As Lao Tzu said, even a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
6. Stay in Shape
You only get one body. Once it’s been ruined there isn’t much you can do about it. Exercise to keep the rust off. Avoid excessive consumption of damaging substances and unhealthy foods. It may feel like terrible self denial at the time but enjoying good health in your later years is worth the sacrifice.
Monday 21 November 2011
Motivational Monday
Motivational Tips to Hack Your Day
Admittedly most of struggle with increasing workloads. Getting through a regular day isn’t as straight forward anymore as it was maybe ten years ago. With the increased pressures we face every day, it only makes sense to find ways that help us hack our days to keep some sort of mental balance.
The sooner we take back control, the more we can eventually relax and enjoy life.
A definition of “hack” was found to explain:{one who works hard at boring tasks}
It starts at the beginning
Before we even attempt to try a day hack we need to look back and write down the biggest hurdles we face every day to get things done. Perhaps they are:
doing the washing
paying bills
cleaning up the house
feeding the family
write correspondence
finish tasks for work
etc.
Either way, most of us have certain things that are part of every day. If not, we do have at least a weekly schedule that prompts us to act on these things.
Let’s face it, we don’t really get excited to clean the house or wash the dishes. Nor do we feel that paying bills is a task we can’t wait to perform. Trouble is, that since most of us hate to do all the necessary things we need to, we often fall behind and as a result start stressing out when we realize we just missed an important deadline. You probably felt like this many times in your life before. But how do we turn boring tasks into an exciting experience?
To claim back your day and start to have some measures of fun despite all the hard work we do and the responsibilities we have, we can do a few simple things. These things will serve to have us relaxed, instead of stressed out at the end of every day. Not only will we be able to gain back some valuable time, but often we’ll sleep much better as a result. Which will give us more energy to get even more done!
Start of by:
1. Planning for the week ahead.
2. Before you leave the house each morning for work/school spend 30 minutes to clean up.
3. Choose a set day to pay your bills each week.
4. Divide work between family members.
5. Do all you shopping at once. Shopping is an essential necessity.
6. To save time cooking you can prep meals ahead of time.
The more ways we find to work smart at home, the more we can enjoy time off work at the end of every day. In a world that is increasingly putting more and more demands on us this has never been more important.
Admittedly most of struggle with increasing workloads. Getting through a regular day isn’t as straight forward anymore as it was maybe ten years ago. With the increased pressures we face every day, it only makes sense to find ways that help us hack our days to keep some sort of mental balance.
The sooner we take back control, the more we can eventually relax and enjoy life.
A definition of “hack” was found to explain:{one who works hard at boring tasks}
It starts at the beginning
Before we even attempt to try a day hack we need to look back and write down the biggest hurdles we face every day to get things done. Perhaps they are:
doing the washing
paying bills
cleaning up the house
feeding the family
write correspondence
finish tasks for work
etc.
Either way, most of us have certain things that are part of every day. If not, we do have at least a weekly schedule that prompts us to act on these things.
Let’s face it, we don’t really get excited to clean the house or wash the dishes. Nor do we feel that paying bills is a task we can’t wait to perform. Trouble is, that since most of us hate to do all the necessary things we need to, we often fall behind and as a result start stressing out when we realize we just missed an important deadline. You probably felt like this many times in your life before. But how do we turn boring tasks into an exciting experience?
To claim back your day and start to have some measures of fun despite all the hard work we do and the responsibilities we have, we can do a few simple things. These things will serve to have us relaxed, instead of stressed out at the end of every day. Not only will we be able to gain back some valuable time, but often we’ll sleep much better as a result. Which will give us more energy to get even more done!
Start of by:
1. Planning for the week ahead.
2. Before you leave the house each morning for work/school spend 30 minutes to clean up.
3. Choose a set day to pay your bills each week.
4. Divide work between family members.
5. Do all you shopping at once. Shopping is an essential necessity.
6. To save time cooking you can prep meals ahead of time.
The more ways we find to work smart at home, the more we can enjoy time off work at the end of every day. In a world that is increasingly putting more and more demands on us this has never been more important.
Monday 14 November 2011
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY
Tips For How To Get Motivated Today
Find Your Mantra or Slogan. A mantra doesn’t have to be long. Raam’s mantra is taken from Aristotle [you are what you repeatedly do]. Raam expanded on it and gave me permission to post the full thing. I love it - “Get out and do something. Move. Interact. Explore. Breathe. Take a chance.
“Stop voluntarily wasting your life. Stop complaining and saying you’re bored. It’s your life. Do something with it. You are what you repeatedly do.”
Everyone has his or her own life to live, and I can’t tell your what your mantra is, but I bet you probably already have something in mind.
Remember Your Peak Moments. These are moments of triumph and they remind me who I am, what I am about and why I am chasing my unique goals.
“A peak moment is a time when you felt you were at the top of your game. Your Peak Moment connects you with that time when you felt most fulfilled, most stretched, most present, a moment of insight where you say: “yes this is something to remember, this is a moment of me at my most essential, me at my most authentic and best.”
Find Your Mantra or Slogan. A mantra doesn’t have to be long. Raam’s mantra is taken from Aristotle [you are what you repeatedly do]. Raam expanded on it and gave me permission to post the full thing. I love it - “Get out and do something. Move. Interact. Explore. Breathe. Take a chance.
“Stop voluntarily wasting your life. Stop complaining and saying you’re bored. It’s your life. Do something with it. You are what you repeatedly do.”
Everyone has his or her own life to live, and I can’t tell your what your mantra is, but I bet you probably already have something in mind.
Remember Your Peak Moments. These are moments of triumph and they remind me who I am, what I am about and why I am chasing my unique goals.
“A peak moment is a time when you felt you were at the top of your game. Your Peak Moment connects you with that time when you felt most fulfilled, most stretched, most present, a moment of insight where you say: “yes this is something to remember, this is a moment of me at my most essential, me at my most authentic and best.”
Friday 11 November 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
The Audio Book Bay.
Now in the past i have shared with you a great ebook site called bookboon for loads of business and other free ebooks. Well this week we have discovered a great site that gives away free audio books.
There are all types available from classics such as shakespear through to recent books such as "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo". There are many business books and autobiographies available as well.
You need to sign up with an email for the torrent down load versions or if you want direct download links then you need a credit card (We use the torrent site and it works great).
Enjoy
Now in the past i have shared with you a great ebook site called bookboon for loads of business and other free ebooks. Well this week we have discovered a great site that gives away free audio books.
There are all types available from classics such as shakespear through to recent books such as "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo". There are many business books and autobiographies available as well.
You need to sign up with an email for the torrent down load versions or if you want direct download links then you need a credit card (We use the torrent site and it works great).
Enjoy
Monday 7 November 2011
Motivational Monday
Extreme focus
Though this weeks topic brings to mind all the old comments about "can't see the forest for the trees," and sometimes, people can't see the tree for the knothole, I think it's still something to remember: focus adds power; as we focus on one part of our life, we tend to give more weight to that area.
That's good and bad, of course. When we focus on one particular area, we tend to "defocus" on other areas, some of which could be extremely important: family, happiness, the future. But by focusing on one particular area, it increases the chance that we'll have success in that area.
Like a kid using a magnifying glass to burn ants on the pavement, or like a nail being driven home by a hammer, focusing our energy on one single area gives us power and energy that we can get no other way. It's a useful mechanism to create change in our lives. Many people use an alteration of this technique, maintaining extreme focus for enough time to accomplish change, and then moving the focus to a new challenge to overcome.
Whatever way you work on it, extreme focus is an important technique to accomplish change in our lives, as long as we don't go overboard to the detriment of the remainder of areas that we must include in order to achieve true happiness.
Though this weeks topic brings to mind all the old comments about "can't see the forest for the trees," and sometimes, people can't see the tree for the knothole, I think it's still something to remember: focus adds power; as we focus on one part of our life, we tend to give more weight to that area.
That's good and bad, of course. When we focus on one particular area, we tend to "defocus" on other areas, some of which could be extremely important: family, happiness, the future. But by focusing on one particular area, it increases the chance that we'll have success in that area.
Like a kid using a magnifying glass to burn ants on the pavement, or like a nail being driven home by a hammer, focusing our energy on one single area gives us power and energy that we can get no other way. It's a useful mechanism to create change in our lives. Many people use an alteration of this technique, maintaining extreme focus for enough time to accomplish change, and then moving the focus to a new challenge to overcome.
Whatever way you work on it, extreme focus is an important technique to accomplish change in our lives, as long as we don't go overboard to the detriment of the remainder of areas that we must include in order to achieve true happiness.
Friday 4 November 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK: Do you use a calendar? How about a contact management tool? Even project management, billing and scheduling.
worketc is an amazing resource for all you busy people. It is an integrated business automation tool.
Believe us when i tell you that Tantrwm uses this tool EVERY day. It is a real business saviour. And it is even available in the Welsh language.
WORKetc combines CRM, project management, billing, sales, support and more with a powerful automation engine to help take your small business to the next level.
worketc is an amazing resource for all you busy people. It is an integrated business automation tool.
Believe us when i tell you that Tantrwm uses this tool EVERY day. It is a real business saviour. And it is even available in the Welsh language.
WORKetc combines CRM, project management, billing, sales, support and more with a powerful automation engine to help take your small business to the next level.
Monday 31 October 2011
Motivatinal Monday
Determination
What does it mean to be determined?
When you’re determined to do something, you’ve set your mind to it. You’ve decided it. You’ve set it in stone. You’ve thrust your shoulders back, put your legs in gear, started your movement, and set off down the road to a destination, without any chance of turning back.
That’s what it means to be determined.
And that’s something that most people will not achieve.
Most people, for whatever reason, rarely set their mind to anything. They waffle and hedge, hem and haw, mumble and make excuses. They may do great things if they set their mind to it, but since they never really get determined, they never really make a difference.
The determined person is going to accomplish their goal, come hell or high water, or die trying. They won’t make excuses, because there is no excuse for not achieving a goal. They set their mind on a course of action, and determinedly keep on working until that goal is achieved and the course of action bears fruit.
The determined person is the one who determines goals, sets goals, and achieves goals.
The determined person determines his or her life’s work, and never lets up until that is achieved.
They may change their mind from time to time, as circumstances present themselves, but they invariably move down the new path with as much determination as they traversed their former road. Determination makes a difference. In fact, determination makes THE difference.
What does it mean to be determined?
When you’re determined to do something, you’ve set your mind to it. You’ve decided it. You’ve set it in stone. You’ve thrust your shoulders back, put your legs in gear, started your movement, and set off down the road to a destination, without any chance of turning back.
That’s what it means to be determined.
And that’s something that most people will not achieve.
Most people, for whatever reason, rarely set their mind to anything. They waffle and hedge, hem and haw, mumble and make excuses. They may do great things if they set their mind to it, but since they never really get determined, they never really make a difference.
The determined person is going to accomplish their goal, come hell or high water, or die trying. They won’t make excuses, because there is no excuse for not achieving a goal. They set their mind on a course of action, and determinedly keep on working until that goal is achieved and the course of action bears fruit.
The determined person is the one who determines goals, sets goals, and achieves goals.
The determined person determines his or her life’s work, and never lets up until that is achieved.
They may change their mind from time to time, as circumstances present themselves, but they invariably move down the new path with as much determination as they traversed their former road. Determination makes a difference. In fact, determination makes THE difference.
Friday 28 October 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Monday 24 October 2011
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY
Tomorrow?
“Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow you’re always a day away.” [Annie]
Altogether too many of us (myself included) look to tomorrow as an alternative time to doing something.
But the real problem here is that tomorrow never comes around. We tend to separate time into chunks of days, but the truth is that time is a continual stream. Anyone who has stayed up all night will be able to tell you. Both yesterday and tomorrow are mere figments of our imagination, created in order to cut up time into more reasonable chunks that align with the setting and rising of the sun.
So, knowing what you know, does it ever make sense to put something off until tomorrow, knowing that tomorrow really never comes?
Sure, there are things that should be put off, those things that you really shouldn’t be doing anyway. Put them off as long as you want.
But for the items that need to be done, do them today, because if you leave them until tomorrow, they will likely not get done.
So follow this advice, I will try and do it, as much as possible, do things now, don’t put them off, don’t assign them to another time zone, don’t push them into tomorrow, unless you are willing and able to schedule them and complete them.
Too many times, “I’ll get to it tomorrow” is merely a fiction we use to keep from doing something at all.
“Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow you’re always a day away.” [Annie]
Altogether too many of us (myself included) look to tomorrow as an alternative time to doing something.
But the real problem here is that tomorrow never comes around. We tend to separate time into chunks of days, but the truth is that time is a continual stream. Anyone who has stayed up all night will be able to tell you. Both yesterday and tomorrow are mere figments of our imagination, created in order to cut up time into more reasonable chunks that align with the setting and rising of the sun.
So, knowing what you know, does it ever make sense to put something off until tomorrow, knowing that tomorrow really never comes?
Sure, there are things that should be put off, those things that you really shouldn’t be doing anyway. Put them off as long as you want.
But for the items that need to be done, do them today, because if you leave them until tomorrow, they will likely not get done.
So follow this advice, I will try and do it, as much as possible, do things now, don’t put them off, don’t assign them to another time zone, don’t push them into tomorrow, unless you are willing and able to schedule them and complete them.
Too many times, “I’ll get to it tomorrow” is merely a fiction we use to keep from doing something at all.
Friday 21 October 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Tantrwm's website of the week:
We consume geekery like the USA consumes oil! So that said, one of our favourite tech insight sites is "Digital Trends". It keeps us up to date with the latest gadgets, apps, game launches, industry insughts and of course all the juicy gossip and rumours. Its like hello magazine for boys but without the bullshit!
We consume geekery like the USA consumes oil! So that said, one of our favourite tech insight sites is "Digital Trends". It keeps us up to date with the latest gadgets, apps, game launches, industry insughts and of course all the juicy gossip and rumours. Its like hello magazine for boys but without the bullshit!
Monday 17 October 2011
Motivational Monday
Ok, lets kick off Monday morning with some motivation music for you. So set your play list and you’ll be walking into work with ready to take on the world. Of course we would love to hear your music track list that gets you up and at em on a Monday. Leave comments.
1. Christina Aguilera – Fighter
2. Tina Turner – River deep mountain high
3. Boo Radleys – Wake up boo
4. Queen – We are the champions
5. Sly and the family stone – Everyday People
6. James Brown – I’ve got the power
7. SNAP! – The Power
8. Bobby McFerrin - Don’t worry be happy
9. Eminem - Lose Yourself
10. D:Ream – Things can only get better
1. Christina Aguilera – Fighter
2. Tina Turner – River deep mountain high
3. Boo Radleys – Wake up boo
4. Queen – We are the champions
5. Sly and the family stone – Everyday People
6. James Brown – I’ve got the power
7. SNAP! – The Power
8. Bobby McFerrin - Don’t worry be happy
9. Eminem - Lose Yourself
10. D:Ream – Things can only get better
Friday 14 October 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Tantrwm's website of the week:
A few weeks ago we told you about one of our favourite places to discover new things to make.
Well this week we are giving you another resource that lays out the plans for you to conjure up some pretty cool stuff. We mean really cool. Things like rockets, helicopters, water canons, cool clothes, and way to much to put down here. Pop along to Instructables and see for yourself. 9/10
A few weeks ago we told you about one of our favourite places to discover new things to make.
Well this week we are giving you another resource that lays out the plans for you to conjure up some pretty cool stuff. We mean really cool. Things like rockets, helicopters, water canons, cool clothes, and way to much to put down here. Pop along to Instructables and see for yourself. 9/10
Monday 10 October 2011
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY
"Motivational Monday"
Here at Tantrwm we have written some motivational quotation to give you that Monday morning boost.
"Be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."
Dr Suess (via Stephen Hanks)
“When you know what you want, and you want it badly enough, you'll find a way to get it”. By Craig Chapman
“Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living”. By Andrew Chainey
"I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain (Merthyr Mountain). And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land (of Aberdare). " By Craig Harris
"Unless you're willing to have a go, fail miserably, and have another go, success won't happen." By Rhiannon Davies
Here at Tantrwm we have written some motivational quotation to give you that Monday morning boost.
"Be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."
Dr Suess (via Stephen Hanks)
“When you know what you want, and you want it badly enough, you'll find a way to get it”. By Craig Chapman
“Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living”. By Andrew Chainey
"I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain (Merthyr Mountain). And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land (of Aberdare). " By Craig Harris
"Unless you're willing to have a go, fail miserably, and have another go, success won't happen." By Rhiannon Davies
Sunday 9 October 2011
Chomsky and others ar REbellious Media Conference
Recorded session from The Rebellious Media Conference 2011 featuring Chomsky, Michael Albert, Becky Hodge, and some others. Tantrwm recorded and streamed this live with 1500 attendees.
The first 15 minutes is a Korean female speaker that i would forgive you if you skipped - nice content but nit a presenter in the English Language.
The first 15 minutes is a Korean female speaker that i would forgive you if you skipped - nice content but nit a presenter in the English Language.
rebelliousmedia on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free
Watch live streaming video from rebelliousmedia at livestream.com
Coming live from the Rebellious media conference 2011.
Chomsky this afternoon.
Friday 7 October 2011
Well that was a busy summer!
Between March and September this year, we produced something in the region of 60 films for a range of clients. From teenage love stories for the National Libraries of Wales to comedy sketches aimed at students studying English as a foreign language for the British Council. One project came hot on the heels of another.
And now the fruits of our labour are being released to an enthusiastic audience, it feels a bit like having your children leave home to go to college. Thankfully, the feedback we have been getting has been great.
The folk at ITEFL (who know a bit about teaching English as a foreign language) have hailed the films we created for the British Council as 'some of the best teaching resources' they have ever had'.
The films we have made to promote libraries for sixth formers are now going to be used to promote public libraries as well as college libraries... as the public libraries liked them so very much.
The film we made to explain child employment law to young people in RCT, is now going to be used nationally, as there was nothing else that came close to it in terms of explaining children's rights to children.
So all the hard work has paid off, and while we may have spent much of the summer months with our eyes glued to computer screens (was there the BBQ summer they were speaking about?), it seems like someone up there liked us enough to give us an Indian summer to make up for it.
And now the fruits of our labour are being released to an enthusiastic audience, it feels a bit like having your children leave home to go to college. Thankfully, the feedback we have been getting has been great.
The folk at ITEFL (who know a bit about teaching English as a foreign language) have hailed the films we created for the British Council as 'some of the best teaching resources' they have ever had'.
The films we have made to promote libraries for sixth formers are now going to be used to promote public libraries as well as college libraries... as the public libraries liked them so very much.
The film we made to explain child employment law to young people in RCT, is now going to be used nationally, as there was nothing else that came close to it in terms of explaining children's rights to children.
So all the hard work has paid off, and while we may have spent much of the summer months with our eyes glued to computer screens (was there the BBQ summer they were speaking about?), it seems like someone up there liked us enough to give us an Indian summer to make up for it.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Tantrwm's website of the week:
The Khan Academy blew us away when we were first introduced to it. A totally free resource that will assist children, parents, teachers and your accountant with their mathematical abilities. Taking you from absolute zero mathematical ability through to the knowledge needed to crash the World banking system, the Khan Academy really is a brilliant tool for everyone to improve their knowledge.
The Khan Academy blew us away when we were first introduced to it. A totally free resource that will assist children, parents, teachers and your accountant with their mathematical abilities. Taking you from absolute zero mathematical ability through to the knowledge needed to crash the World banking system, the Khan Academy really is a brilliant tool for everyone to improve their knowledge.
Monday 3 October 2011
Motivational Monday
“Bi-pass that Monday feeling”
Here are 10 tips on avoiding the Monday Blues, you don’t have to do them all at once but try a few and see how you get on……
1. Buy something new for Monday - it doesn’t have to be big or expensive – a pen, a sketchbook, fancy post-it stickers.
2. Listen to happy songs – a tune can affect your mood. Let cheery, happy songs be the soundtrack to your Monday.
3. Plan your day in small gentle steps. Apply micro movements throughout the day. You can use a GTD system or simply divide your day into of 1/2 – 1 hour chunks with a goal for each time unit.
4. Wear your best clothes or the cheeriest colour from your wardrobe. You’d be surprise how much your clothes could affect the way you feel about yourself.
5. Complete as much work possible on Friday – you’ll have less work to worry about on Monday, which lead to the next point:
6. Choose to feel happy. If you don’t already know, being happy is a choice, so choose happiness!
7. Plan something special for Monday night – meet a friend for dinner, rent a DVD. The day will be easier when you have something to look forward to.
8. Dance - just move that body! Jog in place, stretch, do yoga. You’ll feel less lethargic.
9. Affirmative statements – Today is a great day. I will complete my report today. Stick positive messages around your monitor and take them seriously.
10. Do not get distracted. Youtube, Facebook, personal emails. Once you allow yourself to get distracted you will be sucked into hours of time-wasting activities. If you don’t have the discipline to limit your distraction to 10 minutes, don’t attempt to do it at all. Reading blogs like this is another time-sucker so now that you’ve reach the bottom of the list, why don’t you get working! :)
Here are 10 tips on avoiding the Monday Blues, you don’t have to do them all at once but try a few and see how you get on……
1. Buy something new for Monday - it doesn’t have to be big or expensive – a pen, a sketchbook, fancy post-it stickers.
2. Listen to happy songs – a tune can affect your mood. Let cheery, happy songs be the soundtrack to your Monday.
3. Plan your day in small gentle steps. Apply micro movements throughout the day. You can use a GTD system or simply divide your day into of 1/2 – 1 hour chunks with a goal for each time unit.
4. Wear your best clothes or the cheeriest colour from your wardrobe. You’d be surprise how much your clothes could affect the way you feel about yourself.
5. Complete as much work possible on Friday – you’ll have less work to worry about on Monday, which lead to the next point:
6. Choose to feel happy. If you don’t already know, being happy is a choice, so choose happiness!
7. Plan something special for Monday night – meet a friend for dinner, rent a DVD. The day will be easier when you have something to look forward to.
8. Dance - just move that body! Jog in place, stretch, do yoga. You’ll feel less lethargic.
9. Affirmative statements – Today is a great day. I will complete my report today. Stick positive messages around your monitor and take them seriously.
10. Do not get distracted. Youtube, Facebook, personal emails. Once you allow yourself to get distracted you will be sucked into hours of time-wasting activities. If you don’t have the discipline to limit your distraction to 10 minutes, don’t attempt to do it at all. Reading blogs like this is another time-sucker so now that you’ve reach the bottom of the list, why don’t you get working! :)
Friday 30 September 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Tantrwm's Friday website of the week:
If you have not heard of TED then you are missing out. This really could change your life. The amount of sense that comes from TED is more than the combined output of the whole UK council and government system. For sure! Check out some of the lectures on genetics, robotics, life, the Universe, health, living, love and everything else that defines human kind. 10/10
If you have not heard of TED then you are missing out. This really could change your life. The amount of sense that comes from TED is more than the combined output of the whole UK council and government system. For sure! Check out some of the lectures on genetics, robotics, life, the Universe, health, living, love and everything else that defines human kind. 10/10
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Tuesdays Tips:
Super Tuesday
Technique’s
We use Photoshop on a regular basis and we are always on the lookout for ways to improve our skills. We thought that we would share one or two tips with you:
Photoshop tips: Create
Pop Art
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t35mitYWf70&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t35mitYWf70&feature=relmfu
This is an introduction to creating a
pop-art effect with Photoshop. Something like an album cover or early 80's
poster.
BEFORE
AFTER
Monday 26 September 2011
Motivational Monday
"Motivational Monday"
Article 1
“Getting off to a good start”
It’s surprising how much a good start to your day can affect the way you feel and influence the rest of your week. Here are some simple tips you can use that will help you motivate your Monday mornings.
Early Start – bad things happen when your late and we all hate the rushing around feeling of trying to get to work on time and walking in though the door of the office 5 minutes late. You notice the sneaky eyes of your colleges or management looking to their watches or phones to see how late you are….grrrrrr….So get up an hour earlier and just see how it affects your day. Take your time and make a nice breakfast, try and eat something healthy? Wear your best, when you dress good you feel good. Your clothes reflect your personality, wear the cheeriest of outfits from your wardrobe, you’ll be surprised how much your this could affect the way you feel about yourself.
For the above to work it will need a little bit of organising. Have everything ready the night before, get your clothes, your files, documents, laptop ready and laid out for you in the morning. Saving a few minutes will save you time, so you can concentrate on more important things.
Now you look good and feel good, enjoy your day.
Article 1
“Getting off to a good start”
It’s surprising how much a good start to your day can affect the way you feel and influence the rest of your week. Here are some simple tips you can use that will help you motivate your Monday mornings.
Early Start – bad things happen when your late and we all hate the rushing around feeling of trying to get to work on time and walking in though the door of the office 5 minutes late. You notice the sneaky eyes of your colleges or management looking to their watches or phones to see how late you are….grrrrrr….So get up an hour earlier and just see how it affects your day. Take your time and make a nice breakfast, try and eat something healthy? Wear your best, when you dress good you feel good. Your clothes reflect your personality, wear the cheeriest of outfits from your wardrobe, you’ll be surprised how much your this could affect the way you feel about yourself.
For the above to work it will need a little bit of organising. Have everything ready the night before, get your clothes, your files, documents, laptop ready and laid out for you in the morning. Saving a few minutes will save you time, so you can concentrate on more important things.
Now you look good and feel good, enjoy your day.
Friday 23 September 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Tantrwm's Friday website of the week:
Now being a bunch of geeks and having tinkered from an early age, can you imagine our joy when we discovered this.
Make Magazine is a fantastic on line resource for all you makers, potchers and home tinkerers. From Spud guns to Robots. IPhone Hacks to Glow in the dark clothing. It is all here.
Now being a bunch of geeks and having tinkered from an early age, can you imagine our joy when we discovered this.
Make Magazine is a fantastic on line resource for all you makers, potchers and home tinkerers. From Spud guns to Robots. IPhone Hacks to Glow in the dark clothing. It is all here.
Friday 16 September 2011
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Tantrwm's Friday website of the week:
We thought that we would start sharing our favourite sites. This week check out bookboon.com an amazing resource for free ebooks on loads of self development, business, technology, and science topics. Over 500 high quality text books with more being added weekly.
We thought that we would start sharing our favourite sites. This week check out bookboon.com an amazing resource for free ebooks on loads of self development, business, technology, and science topics. Over 500 high quality text books with more being added weekly.
Friday 9 September 2011
It has been a busy few months since our last Blog Post.
We completed 10 films for the British Council. They will be launching a new English Learning Platform soon, and our creations will be seen there.
We have also finalised two films for Rhondda Cynon Taff Services for Young People. Child Work Law is a fun guide to the facts relating to young people in the workplace - a must see for anyone.
We have worked with fhjconsultancy.co.uk to deliver multimedia workshops with young peopel in N.E.E.T. environments. These workshops were accredited.
An amazing film was crafted for the National Library Service of Wales. This is one of our favourites of all time and we will post some links soon.
And so much more has been happening, The Rheola Festival, Dyfed Powys Police Website, Famramgeddon, Green Man, Lukes Wedding, Two Short Films for Stephen, A Music Video, its quite a lot really. Well done everyone.
We completed 10 films for the British Council. They will be launching a new English Learning Platform soon, and our creations will be seen there.
We have also finalised two films for Rhondda Cynon Taff Services for Young People. Child Work Law is a fun guide to the facts relating to young people in the workplace - a must see for anyone.
We have worked with fhjconsultancy.co.uk to deliver multimedia workshops with young peopel in N.E.E.T. environments. These workshops were accredited.
An amazing film was crafted for the National Library Service of Wales. This is one of our favourites of all time and we will post some links soon.
And so much more has been happening, The Rheola Festival, Dyfed Powys Police Website, Famramgeddon, Green Man, Lukes Wedding, Two Short Films for Stephen, A Music Video, its quite a lot really. Well done everyone.
Thursday 16 June 2011
It’s Craig H again.
I’ve been here at Tantwm a month now and the pace hasn’t relented one bit. Still busy, busy with most of my time being spent making the Groundwork documentary.
This has involved me zipping around the valley’s videoing volunteers as they go about their work for various organisations.
One of the highlights so far has to be the Interlink Awards. Abercwmboi Rugby Club was transformed for the glamourous ceremony with everyone in attendance adorned in his or her finest togs. It reminded me a bit of Royal Ascot, only without all the horses and instead of the queen we had Stan Stennett MBE hosting.
Part of the ceremony involved a live vote, where the audience got to choose who they thought were most deserving of an award using a state of the art keypad (think Matthew Kelly’s YouBet and you’re on the right track). Seconds before the vote, with one hundred manicured index fingers poised above the keypad buttons, the computer powering it all crashed. Did they manage to get it back up and running in time???... Well yes, Team Tantrwm was there to save the day with another catastrophe narrowly averted.
Thursday 9 June 2011
Investors in People
Tantrwm are very proud to announce that we have received the "investors in people" award. This really means a lot to us and to some of our clients. The award recognises that we value the staff hat work with Tantrwm and also identifies that we understand the need for all members of our team to have an influence on the development of the business.
I just have to say a huge thank you to the fantastic team, to everyone's hard work, commitment, drive and ability to be motivated during the slack times and driven during the busy times. awesome. Right let's have some cocktails!
I just have to say a huge thank you to the fantastic team, to everyone's hard work, commitment, drive and ability to be motivated during the slack times and driven during the busy times. awesome. Right let's have some cocktails!
Tuesday 31 May 2011
Meet the new guy!
Craig Harris (or Craig-2 or miniCraig or just simply Harris) here, the new guy at Tantrwm.
Just finished my second week at Tantrwm HQ and it’s been one crazy fortnight. From filming people raking leaves in their back garden to shooting a series of green screened skits in Elywood, Cardiff. Just had five minutes to catch my breath so I thought I’d take the time to update you all.
I’m settling in nicely, and fitting in well with the rest of Team Tantrwm (although there is at least one case of Craig related confusion every hour, sorry Chapman). It was a stroke of luck with me getting the job, I was offered it on the very same day that I handed in my final project for my masters at Newport uni. Sweet timing!
I’ve got a few things coming up. Off filming down the senedd in Cardiff Bay next week, then making a ten minute documentary to mark the tenth anniversary of Groundwork Merthyr & RCT, as well as a quick trip to a stately home near St. Albans for Deutsche Bank. So it’s all go! Til next time.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Free Cocktails here we come!
How exciting... We've just been nominated for a Welsh BAFTA.
Panda Car, written and directed by Stephen Hanks, our creative director, is one of three films nominated for the Best Short award. Our competitors are the UK Film Council and BBC Wales, so wish us luck.
But most exciting of all is the promise of free cocktails at the after show party!
Panda Car, written and directed by Stephen Hanks, our creative director, is one of three films nominated for the Best Short award. Our competitors are the UK Film Council and BBC Wales, so wish us luck.
But most exciting of all is the promise of free cocktails at the after show party!
Friday 6 May 2011
Wicid ways to a top career!
Wicid ways to a top career!
Wicid.tv gets career advice from some of the biggest names in show business.
In amongst the scrum of journalists lining the red carpets at the Texas based South by South-west film and music festival Wicid.tv, an online magazine by young people and for young people were right in the thick of it.
Wicid.tv is the second largest, and fastest growing youth website in Wales, with an editorial team 48 young writers and gathering thousands of visits every month. This spring they went global covering the South by South-west music and film festival, interviewing A-list stars, like Jake Gyllenhall and getting the scoop on what it takes to make it in the entertainment industries.
Wicid’s Editor, Catrin Southall says, “It was an excellent opportunity to gather and share ideas and network with creative industry leaders regarding their journey towards careers in the technology, film and music industries. I hope they'll feel a lot more confident to embark on a career in the creative industries having seen and heard the inspirational stories from all over the World.”
The footage shot in Texas, is now being edited by pupils from St. Johns Baptist School, and is being posted up on the Wicid YouTube channel. So stay tuned!
Wicid.tv gets career advice from some of the biggest names in show business.
In amongst the scrum of journalists lining the red carpets at the Texas based South by South-west film and music festival Wicid.tv, an online magazine by young people and for young people were right in the thick of it.
Wicid.tv is the second largest, and fastest growing youth website in Wales, with an editorial team 48 young writers and gathering thousands of visits every month. This spring they went global covering the South by South-west music and film festival, interviewing A-list stars, like Jake Gyllenhall and getting the scoop on what it takes to make it in the entertainment industries.
Wicid’s Editor, Catrin Southall says, “It was an excellent opportunity to gather and share ideas and network with creative industry leaders regarding their journey towards careers in the technology, film and music industries. I hope they'll feel a lot more confident to embark on a career in the creative industries having seen and heard the inspirational stories from all over the World.”
The footage shot in Texas, is now being edited by pupils from St. Johns Baptist School, and is being posted up on the Wicid YouTube channel. So stay tuned!
Monday 28 March 2011
South by South West
Phew, what a week that was...
Tantrwm has spent the past week out in the State, in sunny Austin Texas, mixing with the stars and attracting plenty of attention ourselves.
Armed with nothing but an iPhone 4 and a LED light, we lined up along Red Carpets, and gate crashed many an after show party to bring the readers of Wicid.tv the scoop on realising your ambitions, from some of the hottest A-list actors and Silicon Valley hotshots...
Here are some of the highlights...
Nick Frost of 'Shaun of the Dead' fame... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/17/9oIOEKPwe9g
Game Salad, new and exciting app development software... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/11/eal2Q_Dk63Q
Morgan Spurlock, director of Super Size Me... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/19/NBbglziUFoQ
Girlsintech.net founder, on being a woman in a man's world... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/20/8ZeHaRiIxRo
Duncan Jones, film director... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/24/y58j0laRCPs
Tantrwm has spent the past week out in the State, in sunny Austin Texas, mixing with the stars and attracting plenty of attention ourselves.
Armed with nothing but an iPhone 4 and a LED light, we lined up along Red Carpets, and gate crashed many an after show party to bring the readers of Wicid.tv the scoop on realising your ambitions, from some of the hottest A-list actors and Silicon Valley hotshots...
Here are some of the highlights...
Nick Frost of 'Shaun of the Dead' fame... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/17/9oIOEKPwe9g
Game Salad, new and exciting app development software... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/11/eal2Q_Dk63Q
Morgan Spurlock, director of Super Size Me... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/19/NBbglziUFoQ
Girlsintech.net founder, on being a woman in a man's world... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/20/8ZeHaRiIxRo
Duncan Jones, film director... http://www.youtube.com/user/WicidTV?feature=mhum#p/u/24/y58j0laRCPs
Friday 11 February 2011
Monster the Musical
We have been getting a new project off the ground lately.
"Monster the Musical" involves schools across Wales.
We create Monsters, use SFX make up, write songs and make a film.
Easy as that.
So today meet the "Zombie Monster Army" from Blaengwawr on our make up test day.
Thanks to Sam and Mr. Brock
"Monster the Musical" involves schools across Wales.
We create Monsters, use SFX make up, write songs and make a film.
Easy as that.
So today meet the "Zombie Monster Army" from Blaengwawr on our make up test day.
Thanks to Sam and Mr. Brock
Monday 7 February 2011
Tantrwm meets Sara Edwards and Derek Brockway
Over the last few weeks we have been running around Wales filming the Welsh Libraries festival.
We filmed interviews with Derek Brockway and Sara Edwards who it was a pleasure to work with, for information on this please click on the link below.
Bangor Library
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Weatherman Walking
As part of the Fancy That! libraries festival, Tantrwm have been high-tailing it across Wales hot on the heels of the countries most loved Weathermen, Derek Brockway...
Having been challenged to learn a new skill at libraries across Wales, Derek has tried his hand at wood carving, knitting and rapping...
Follow the adventure at www.thebiblis.com
Having been challenged to learn a new skill at libraries across Wales, Derek has tried his hand at wood carving, knitting and rapping...
Follow the adventure at www.thebiblis.com
Tuesday 1 February 2011
Tantrwm is now a proud parent!
She has a Facebook page, so she must be real! Our very own teenage daughter, Lauren Bibli is now online, tweeting and facebooking like any other 14 year old... Best start saving for university fees...
Wednesday 19 January 2011
The Biblis
We work long hours at Tantrwm. For the last month, through snow, cold, dark nights, long days and xmas cheer, the team at Tantrwm have burnt the candle at both ends.
The 20th of January see the launch of "The Biblis" , a series of five cartoons, website and print campaign for Welsh libraries.
We developed the characters and scripts, animated the films, designed and printed the posters and flyers, distributed to 22 authorities, built the website and made the tea.
Watch, enjoy and befriend Lauren Bibli on facebook.
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