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Stephen Hawking - There is no God

2010-09-02 20:32:23

There is no God in Sweden!

On the day that Stephen Hawkings announces that there probably is no God a friend has sent through this photo.

So that's just a pure chance pink sunset?

You decide.

Stephen

Stig-tastic

2010-09-01 18:12:47

Its true! The Stig is Ben Collins, a guy I used to watch driving F3 single seaters, and yes he even once took me around Thruxton in an Ferrari 355 Spyder....I'm looking for the photo to prove it, oh and I've even applied for the job if Collins gets the sack.

Bank Holiday Delight

2010-08-30 17:56:37

We enjoyed a few hours on the beach at Budleigh today. Getting there and back in one of these would have made the day even more special. There's something special about "The Great British Sports car" that no Fandango GTI will ever be able to recreate.

OK, so my own Austin Healey Sprite was a rust bucket, but these cars always put a smile on your face.

MG Midget sans Rubber Bumpers

Is there anywhere nicer than Budleigh on a hot summer's day? Excellent Ice Cream, lovely sunshine, wonderful millpond sea, and as ever free parking on the sea front.

Stephen

Coleman's Balls

2010-08-23 23:15:26

Private Eye Readers will know that Britain's best gaffes appear in this fortnightly satirical comic.

I have put one forward today.

Steve wright had a certain "celebrity" on his Monday Show. Olly Murs (no I'd never heard of him either) decided to spout forth on the wonders of "Simon Cowell" (He of a star in a reasonably priced car fame).

The line that creased me up was, "Simon Cowell is not one to rest on his morals".

Hey mate you might have come 2nd on a crass TV show, but really you ought go back to school!

Stephen

Shop on Line - it might surprise you

2010-08-23 17:47:09

The Biggs Household tries to practice what we preach. Not only do we sell excellent coving on line, but increasingly we buy on line.

Ponder this. We had our renewal for Home and Contents insurance through a few days ago, and it just looked too expensive.

So I took a look at "Go Compare" and filled in the application for quotations. After only 10 minutes work I established that I could save over 50% from the premium, without changing provider!

Now that's what I call 10 minutes well spent.

Stephen

Shooting Stars

2010-08-12 23:00:14

Did I see a Shooting Star?

In Search of Meteors

Read the paper, get the drift, hang out the bedroom window at gone eleven, what do you see?

An orange glow from street lamps, and look up high and yes, a clear night sky, the milky way and maybe the odd satellite. Mmmm, time for bed. Just give up, go to bed.

BUT NO.

Get outside, go for a walk, look North. Double check where North is using the car's sat nav and just walk to a better vantage point. Drat, those sodium lights are really sodiuming up my viewing.

Give up? No way. The Milky Way is enough to force me into a greater action of faith.

Turn the key, start the engine. Head further afield. That's it, park on the edge of a field on a North Facing slope. Get out the car and try, try again.

Nothing. Zippo. Zilch.

Back to the car, grab the bins. What extra help can Ziess afford? Mmmm. Probably a handful of minor shooting stars, nothing as exciting as one might see on any late night sky with good visibility.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiippppppppppppppppppppppppppppp.................

East to West an absolute scorcher, South to North immediately after psccchhhhhhhhhhhzap, and another, this one's so fast and so long the meteorite lingers in a bright jet like trail for just a moment all across its original course.

WOW

One more, and I'm off home.

Not one a minute, but what I saw was AWESOME.

Stephen

Hitchcock - The Birds

2010-08-02 16:42:48

They say Hitchcock's Pyscho shower scene took days to film, but the end result was truly horrifying. If you look at his "The Birds" classic film today you'll cringe at the lousy "special effects".

I read the book once, and found it interesting but hardly scary. I mean their just birds aren't they. Feathery things that would have no real clout.

So there I was sitting at my desk with the showroom door open, and I became aware of a pigeon flying in the through the door straight towards my head! AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggghh.

I ducked and fell off the swivel chair just in time. Roz ran for cover outside. I bravely grabbed two grp chimney samples and shepherded the menace out through the door.

Guess what? I had a narrow escape. My order book took a direct hit, or have I missed a letter from the last word?

That was close. My views on "The Birds" have been altered to suit the frightening experience...

Stephen

Shedding Tears

2010-08-01 00:37:47

We're back from a week in Normandy. England was wet and cold, France hot & sunny! I can't believe how pricey France has become, but they sure know how to keep their towns pretty and roads empty.

We "did" museums, cathedrals, Bayeux Tapestry, Le Memorial at Caen (€44 for 2!), but the best bit for me was our trip to "Brettville-sur-Laize cemetery. Having a Canadian daughter-in-law seemed like a good excuse to pop by.

Canadian War Graves near Caen, France

I think I could have spent a day there. These War Graves are well kept, and worthy memorials to those that fought for the freedom of Europe, and especially the ensared folk of Vichy France.

Outside the Cemetry

Each tombstone tells a story, and I was especially sad for those that bore no family tribute. Surely each lost soul deserves better? Then were the lost airmen who were buried side by side, and the Jews who must have fought with righteous anger against those that sought their destruction.

Fallen Heroes of WW2 - Canadian War Grave

Many of the lost were in their early twenties, some leaving 2 or more kids and a wife grieving back at home. What a tragedy. After a few hours the tears were running down my cheeks, and I said goodbye the fallen (but not forgotten) heroes from the D-Day landings.

Stephen

French Field

2010-06-16 17:00:51

Purple French Field

About an hour south of Cherbourg I pulled of the northbound autoroute, had lunch & filled up with fuel.

I'm no gardener, but these certainly aren't poppies. What are these beautiful flowers? Please let me know, if you know.

STEPHEN

01626 853987

Stift Melk

2010-06-13 13:08:27

Melk Abbey - Austria

Driving back from Hungary I stumbled across the wonderful Austrian town of Melk. If you like National Trust properties then you'll love this. Stift Melk is an ancient Benedictine Abbey and school.

Spectacular is an adjective which sells this place short.

It only cost about 10 euros, but was well worth a visit.

STEPHEN

Shell Collector

2010-06-05 21:28:22

Every now and then Roz and I take the long walk to the end of Dawlish Warren, and collect a few shells.

Two days ago on my European Tour I drove into both Mostar and Sarajevo. These vibrant cities still bear the scars of different shells.

Being there and seeing the damage on so many buildings is quite spooky, imagine living in a zone where snipers and mortars are commonplace. If you think your neighbours are awkward imagine being handed over by them as they "Split" on you and your beliefs!

I think I'll stick to collecting shells from the beach rather than them there hills!

Weary Traveller

Flight Observation

2010-05-11 22:01:22

On my travels I often get glimpses of the natural world.

The key events of my day may have been an introduction to something more topical, but from a feathered perspective.

Each sighting centred on what to the casual observer would have seemed just like an ordinary bird of prey. Whilst I was listening to the "Today" programme on Radio 4 I noticed a bulky, somewhat clumsy looking bird gliding in a low but stealthy fashion not more than two feet above the top of a motorway embankment. The big BROWN common Buzzard was looking for opportunities, whilst commentators were suggesting a certain other Brown was trying to create a last minute Rainbow coalition.

As I drew closer to the M3 I spotted a far more graceful, dare I say attractive bird. It wheeled this way and that and sported a forked tail pointing (as they do in two separate directions). The orangey brown plumage of the Red Kite certainly looked pleasing to the eye, and to be frank it only recently seems to have started frequenting the horizons this close to Westminster. On closer inspection I could see this raptor had none of the powerful features of big brown Buzzard. Maybe the broad wing span took the eye away from the relatively small talons, presumably more suited to lightweight carrion than the hard hitting Common Buzzard. Meanwhile the commentators on the Radio spoke about the apparent displeasure of some as they viewed a relatively newcomer to the big stage trying to snatch a morsel from 2 different feeding stations.

Ah, well. Business done I headed west, and before long found myself heading south down the M5. Not far north of Bridgwater heading from the Somerset Levels and out to the west was a powerful looking greyish blue raptor. Of all the three birds of prey I had seen today, this was the first that seemed to be clutching a prize, mind you it was labouring through the air as it carried home a rich picking. The sickle shaped wings were of course those of a supreme opportunist, the Peregrine Falcon. as any birder will tell you, they aren't on the scene one moment but all of a sudden stoop and arrive at incredible speed.

By now my radio was telling a different story, the once widespread Brown was now (it appeared) having to make his nest elsewhere, the attractive articulate (speech and tail) of the Clegg factor appeared to slipping back towards it's original port of call. The aspirant and powerful David had made the kill, but unexpectedly has to carry the baggage which a hung parliament brings.

Hopefully as the season develops we'll get a chance to see if the Peregrine can soar, dive, and rise again with a once more vibrant nation beneath it's wing tips? Or was today just one of those days when one gets to say a brief visit of what appears to be a strong line up, but in actuality is just a transitory migration, just like the Hobbies at Shapwick Heath?

Stephen

Some Hobby

2010-04-24 22:02:47

Maybe this is a Hobby you've never heard of, it's actually a small bird of prey and a master at catching both insects and small birds in the air.

My optimism was rewarded today, as my previous encounters with this species have been fairly fleeting.

Today I was able to watch 5 hawking about above the Somerset Levels.

Splendid.

Stephen

Squirrel

2010-04-09 23:02:37

Have you noticed how in the last couple of weeks all the pussy willow has gradually puffed up, and the velvet grey tips have turned into soft dusty yellow and green?

These willows look beautiful, and this afternoon I spotted a squirrel who obviously been nuzzling his way through the trees and was sporting a dusty snout. I know they're vermin but this little creature looked so cute.

Ham Wall RSPB reserve also was blessed with the "Booming Bittern" calling out across the reeds. I think I'll be back. 19 degrees centigrade, made the walk even more enjoyable.

STEPHEN

Greenfinch

2010-04-08 22:57:17

All quiet on the western front? Well it was today, so with the sun shining I decided to do a circular walk at Topsham.

As Spring is only just springing getting pictures of perching birds is unusually easy.

Greenfinch may be common, but I still love'em.

The gentle zizzing of numerous Long Tailed Tits caught my attention, and for once these shy birds were quite obliging.

The Bird Watcher

Question Time

2010-03-25 23:41:35

As ever the politicians on Question Time didn't have anything useful to say. Who soundest the smartest? The Chap from Industry? The SNP Leader?

No.

The public and their texts on The Red Button. Next time you get a chance press the red button and tap in 155.

After a discussion upon the National Debt one wag texted in;

Sell Wales

I thought this was hilarious, but what came next from a Gent in Bangor?

Sell England

Predictable really, but the next text read.

Too bad, that was done years ago! Well done "Vic" who sent that one in, sadly it's true.

Stephen

Steamy Weekend

2010-03-21 23:01:03

We're just back from a steamy weekend in Dunster. We stayed in The Lutterell Arms which is ideally situated within easy walking distance of The National Trust Castle, and the Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead steam railway.

The Golden Age of Steam is behind us now, but you can't help thinking the nation's missing a trick relying on Arab Oil whilst we sit on the vast mineral deposits which once fired The Industrial Revolution.

The Luttrell Arms had pleasant and surprising peaceful rooms, but watch out in the restaurant every portion appeared to twice the size we expected.

Stephen

Breaking the Rules?

2010-02-21 22:49:43

Once upon a time (not so long ago) I came to the conclusion that when it comes to buying "stuff" it doesn't pay to compromise.

As a youngster I bought the best binoculars I could afford. East German Ziess 10x50s. Do you know I kept them for over 20 years, and they did me proud. Being a tad more affluent I eventually upgraded to a modern waterproof Ziess binocular. They have withstood awful weather, being dropped and after 10 years still give a fantastic view.

My choice of cameras has been similar. I have tried not to compromise. Three Sony digital cameras in a row. All of which gave me good service, and were passed on to deserving causes.

These days digital SLRs are de riguer. My choice is Canon. First a 20D (still in active service at House Martin) and latterly a 30D. Yes, I know it's old hat now - but it still works well.

So why did I let the LCE talk me into a Tamron 10-20mm wide angle lense? First time out "in the field" I knew I'd made a bad choice. It just feels wrong. OK, so I can now take panoramic landscapes like the one above, but next time I'm not going to break my own rules.

Stephen

Time

2009-12-03 23:02:51

Times Square Seoul at Night

Sitting in a customer waiting room today I had two choices. Firstly I could have reflected on my last visit where a 90 minute appointment took 150 minutes, or not dwell on such things and just relax and enjoy myself.

A quick look on my bookshelf at 8:00am unearthed a neglected trilogy which has been on my list of reading material for about 10 years. Today I actually made a start, and investigated the writings of Francis A. Schaeffer.

I was not disappointed, indeed after a few minutes my curiosity was such that I decided to go on line and see if I could also track down one of his famous lectures on a DVD. It looks like I may be able to add something profitable to my short Christmas/Birthday list.

But back to the book. The well researched material stimulated my mind, and alerted me to different ways of thinking. Early on the reader gets a chance to ponder Soren Kierkegaard's 19th century suggestion that anything of real importance in life is established via a Leap of Faith.

I feel as though my mind is being awakened and refreshed. As avid reader of "information" which can simply be digested and stored away for a rainy day I find this whole experience akin to physical sensation of a good wash after spending a whole day driving in a sticky car.

So my planned 90 minute confinement at Westerly turned out to be a thoughtful and enriching TIME.

Stephen

Contrasts

2009-11-23 22:04:15

Biggs and Kim clan Teignmouth Nov 09

Today was the last day that our newly extended Anglo/Korean family could be together, and together we traversed Dartmoor lanes and sights, popped into "The Cathedral in The Moor", various shops, and two eateries.

As a group of 9 one would imagine we'd be warmly received as worthwhile customers.

Our hosts at the first stop were the staff of "The Three Crowns" at Chagford. Two men were serving at the bar, and made us feel most welcome. Just how far would one expect bar staff to go in making their customers feel comfortable?

Well these people actually went beyond the call of duty, as they not only served fine cuisine but also fed us with fascinating historical information about the building and nearby church. When it became apparent that parsnips were not a known Korean delicacy we were even brought an uncooked parsnip from the kitchen.

Spendid! My scampi & chips were excellent, and a nibble from So Young's venison was equally pleasing.

Later we splashed our way through to the coast and afternoon tea at Teignmouth. What a contrast, one of the staff in the establishment we ate in seemed to be more interested in going home than serving, and American visitors who called after us were virtually rebuked for requesting food a few moments later.

Hospitality. A long word, and a difficult concept for some.

Stephen

Basic Photography - Lesson 2 - Timing

2009-10-20 22:48:01

At the end of another day I sit here contemplating all the things I might share with you, and it seems that I might actually have "Writer's Block".

What words do I wish to disseminate?

Perhaps none.

As I type something has indeed come to mind, other than just leaving you with a big white space.

Perspective and Timing. Do you know whatever you're looking at (even your computer screen) at different times, and from different view points it will look totally different. Sadly too often we take hold of a certain standpoint, "position" and stick to it and maybe miss out.

Nothing could illustrate this better than using a camera. Look at today's Autumnal Photo. It is my favourite out of around 20 shots taken last Sunday. I'd have to say it portrays the current season reasonably well, but then I'm biased.

So it would be easy to sit back and be content.

However just walking back from "The Bishop" last night I saw a far more glorious sight.Red leaves illuminated by a street light, it was the same scene (more or less) but almost Narnia like in beauty.

Dog Poo Alley by Streetlight

Yes, I know the composition is poor, but this blog programme only lifts my uncropped picture. My point is that at a different time the same place takes on a whole new aura. The sighting was quite accidental but I was there and enjoyed the moment.

Maybe in life we can look back at something from a different angle, or at another time and realise just what we have gained, enjoyed, or tackled. Or on a purely photographic level, maybe try to tackle the shots at odd time and surprise yourself.

Stephen

Basic Photography Tips No.1

2009-10-17 17:11:26

Regular readers will of course realise that I'm quite a keen photographer. I often notice young children are generally very keen to have a go at taking pictures.

As a consequence I recently gave a talk to a bunch of youngsters, on a few basic rules of photograpy.

So on today's blog I'll take a chance to cover a key topic. EXPOSURE.

Take a look at the first photo. Notice anything?

Over Exposure - EXETER

As is so often the case a good photo has been spoilt as the exposure level has been set frighteningly high. So what could be done to overcome the problem? Well ideally, set things a few stops lower, or alternatively do not expose at all until it gets a good bit darker.

Of course some will argue getting the right exposure is a purely subjective matter, if in doubt get advice from an older more experienced person, who can help out.

Contrast the above with the picture below, whilst it a good few stops under exposed it isn't as bad as the over exposed picture.

under exposed skyline

Contrast both of the above with the photo below. Here is a very happy chap perfectly illuminated by the evening sun. Nothing is shouting out at us, the picture tells a story and doesn't leave us guessing.

Brearley Grandad

Watch out for other tips soon!

Stephen

Would you fork out for a new Porsche?

2009-10-17 13:39:34

Somebody locally did!

Fork Out for a 924

As this a 924S, it was worth "digging deep"!

The Observer

Home Cooking

2009-10-15 07:51:18

After a busy day at work there is nothing nicer than coming home to a beautifully prepared meal.

After a l o n g day at work there is nothing more frightening than a DIY meal SJB style. Go the freezer rustle around a few boxes and look for something easy.

Frozen battered fish "steaks". Read instructions, dial up some heat and insert the items into the oven. Watch smoke. Insert frozen waffles, temporarily loose vision. Open doors and windows.

Pre-heat posh plate in the warmer (why haven't we got boring plates that can take the heat in the oven?). Add mini corn on the cobs to plate.

Wait a further 10 minutes. Listen to Radio 2 Radcliffe & Marconi. Remember pot of tea, which has now over brewed. Struggle to consume beverage.

Try to release captive fish from inferno. Actually end up pushing them around the grill, before scooping onto a bloomin hot plate. Extract rather hard waffles, being careful not to break plate.

Smother with Salad Cream. Walk to dining room. Wonder why the hype on carton does not match the true flavour.

Spray hallway and kitchen with air freshner. Listen to "The Chain" on Radcliffe & Marconi.

Roz comes home. Appalled at the state of the oven.

Go to bed. Can't sleep, fish feels heavy inside. Get up, drink water. Try to go to sleep. Remember the last time you were sick. Drink more water. Just about survive, fall asleep.

Stephen

A Gorgeous Afternoon

2009-10-10 23:20:25

Lydford Gorge and Tactile Handrail

Our eldest son came home yesterday, and has quickly re-aligned to Greenwich Mean Time. Today we played Boggle in the morning, and took a trip to Lydford Gorge in the afternoon.

My photography skills were severely tested, but there is no doubt that this is well worth a visit. Looking through the viewfinder I was scarcely able to do justice to this National Trust site of outstanding beauty.

Mind you we didn't escape the unwelcome attention of zealous National Trust sales staff. They just won't take no for answer, even when Joe explained he lived overseas the lady still wanted him to become a member. Aaaghh, it's the worst aspect of National Trust sites.

The White Lady waterfall is shown below, and whilst it might not be Niagara it certainly looks impressive.

White Lady Waterfall LYDFORD Gorge

The frothy waters deep within The Devil's Cauldron were equally spectacular, and a still greater challenge for my Canon 30D. Rather than present a feeble effort I have picked a shot of the waters that tumble out just below this dramatic pool.

Devil's Cauldron overspill

Further up the gorge, and nearer the village centre the valley opens out and the late afternoon sunlight speared through the beech trees onto the rolling water below. Here the author models his Flanders Fields T Shirt whilst trying to look intellectual in his cheap Boots glasses.

Biggs in Lydford Gorge

Stephen

Silver Sprouts in Brussels

2009-09-06 00:50:52

Reflections from 31st August 2009

When I was little my folks always insisted that I should eat my Brussels. Well these miniature cabbages only appeared at Christmas, so I didn't suffer too much.

I wonder why they they are called "Brussel Sprouts" anyway? The only spheres we could find sprouting out of the ground during our day in Bruxelle were rather silvery, and metallic.

Antonium on Heysel Plains of Brussels

My desire to visit the Antonium stems from an article in MotorSport magazine. The journalists in question were given a BMW 3.0 CS and set about touring each of the major continental capitals in a relatively short time span. There was a lovely photo of the trendy yellowy/green grand tourer parked beneath the metallic globes.

Silver Sphere and G-Wiz

Nowadays the GT has been replaced the the hideous Reva G-Wiz electric car. Our trip around this World Expo marvel brought me even more satisfaction when I realised it was opened only a few weeks before I was born, way back in 1958.

Zip Wire BRUSSELS

The construction was the centre piece of a master plan to pup Belgium back on the map, and stimulate the economy in the dark post war years. I have to say they did a pretty good job. If you are planning a trip to Brussels you might well enjoy a few hours at this famous landmark, and whilst you're at it why not jump off the top on an amazing zip wire. I would have loved to try it, but spotted it too late in the day.

Antonium Restaurant Brussels

Whilst we were wandering around I paid a quick visit to the posh restaurant, although we only had a drink in the ordinary cafe. If I ever go back I'll make sure I grab a window seat in the restaurant pictured.

Heysel Disaster Scene BRUSSELS

Football fans might recognise the famous Heysel Stadium where 39 people died in a clash between Liverpool and Juventus football supporters. Another shot shows a major fire over near Brussels airport.

In summary, fork out your 9 euros a head and prepare for a good value tour.

Stephen

Things that go bump in the night...

2009-08-24 14:10:44

Yesterday we had a whole host of reasons to be cheerful.

1. England won The Ashes.

2. A big Sunday Roast, with amazing lamb.

3. Playing "I Spy" with our nephew and niece whilst driving up the A38.

And then Uncle and Auntie had to put these wee bairns to bed. By 10:30 everyone was fast asleep.

BUMP

Sounds like someone fell out of bed.

I scurry into the room. Young lad fast asleep, young lass sitting bolt upright in the middle of the bed, but thankfully no tears. I tucked her back in and return to my bed.

An hour and half pass.

BUMP and CRASH

I tell myself, ah that's someone next door. And try to drift back into the land of nod. But as any caring uncle would I can't so venture to the next room.

Young niece is again sitting bolt upright on the bed. "I overbalanced", is the first thing I hear. Now quite how you can "overbalance" when asleep I am not sure, but I scooped up the sleeping bag and went to walk out.

I hear dripping. I return to find a broken mug and water everywhere. So off come the bedclothes, and on goes my quilt. Just as I was about to walk out there is a small, "Thank You".

I go to sleep.

BUMP. Then silence. Then, "Knock, Knock". Can you tuck me in?

Ah, the joys of having little ones to stay.

Uncle Stephen

The most important thing on earth is....

2009-02-08 19:21:52

....found at airports.

Having two sons who live in far flung corners of the globe I often find myself standing in the arrivals hall at Heathrow or Gatwick. These are wonderful places for observation as one awaits a re-union.

Today's collection was at a surprisingly quiet Terminal 1, where I had navigate passed numerous Jews with their black hats & dangling locks of hair.

Why do they dress like that I pondered? But then why do we dress like we do? It all adds to vibrancy of life, and makes these moments more fascinating.

Many years ago as a young lad I went with my Dad and sister to collect Mum back from the States. We noticed a lively and flamboyant Lulu connecting with a girlfriend smiling and expressing her delight.

Today I witnessed a girl in her mid-twenties being welcomed home by (presumably) her Dad. The girl was overcome with emotion, and frantically tried to paw away her tears as she gasped for breath.

And amidst all the little collection signs written in felt tip, and soberly dressed gents with their taxis outside the irony of the situation dawned on me.

Relationships are the most important thing on earth, but it is flight that brings all the pent up emotion to the fore. What a wonderful picture to see a parent welcoming home a child.

Stephen Luke 15:10-24