badshah.net Thoughts & Ramblings

The Trinity Centre - DOST Project

2012-01-30T07:52:00.000-08:00

So in a career development conversation/ meeting with my group manager I was advised to contact the DOST project based at the Trinity Centre located a stones throw away from where I live.

The DOST Project helps young refugess who have no family in UK so are placed in foster care etc. DOST from what I understands helps these youth find thier feet in thier new world.

I'll be filling in a volunteer application asking about what mentoring opportunities they may offer.

Breaking New Effective Routine

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Lat night (Thursday 26^th Jan 2012) my lovely wife treated me to a meal out. When we got in we offered Esha Salah (prayer) and decided a family movie would be a nice break from the new routine of only watching educational documentaries and the like.

We’ve actually been skipping the whole viewing of anything, and have just got into the pattern of offering Esha Salah (prayer) and then I would read from an Islamic book which narrates live events from the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) – book title Hayatus Sahabah.

We then get to bed at a very early time around 20:30. As I mentioned we strayed from the new routine and watched a family movie. It was nice, but soon as we lay down in bed, we both told each other what a bad idea that was. We both couldn’t sleep and it took us over an hour to do so.

Getting up this morning was extremely hard work. It’s good that we experienced this discomfort as a real life experimental (all be it unplanned) test on how effective our new routine was helping our rest and recovery and in turn our energy levels.

The Artists Way

2012-01-26T12:25:00.001-08:00

Richard my Permaculture tutor suggested a 12 week course as lined out in the book 'The Artists Way'. So I decided 'I'm in'

Every morning, very first thing I need to write three pages. The content doesn't matter just to write anything which comes to mind first thing as a awake. The other is a Artists Date. This is alone time once aweek doing somthing alone. Could be as simple as a long walk.

Two days in, I have two journal entries. These I can't read or look back on untill around week 8.

Let's see if these 12 weeks unlocks the creative genius in me.

Training: Client Affairs – Mental Capacity Act 2005

2012-01-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

A few ago I attended a one day training course on Mental Capacity Act. The main thing I took from this training was to draft a Last Will and Testament along with a Lasting Power of Attorney stating who I want in charge of my finances and my decisions on my health and wellbeing if I should loose the mental capacity to be able to make such decisions.

Both documents can be done online and leaglly binding for about £100

SICKO by Michael Moore

2012-01-14T12:23:00.001-08:00

Before watching this documentry about the medical health care in America. I agreed with some of the arguments for privatisation of the NHS in UK. The case made in the book 'Welfare State We're In' are strong. The core problem being the the US medical insurance companies and how they operate.

Michael Moore visits Cuba with a group of volunteers who assissted in the aftermath of 9/11 who had serious health problems which weren't being addressed in the US. The way the Cuban medical staff treated and cared for them along with the honour the Cuban fire fighters showed them brought a apple up in my throat.

Now, not only do I agree with free univeral health care I'm a supporter.

Balancing it all

2012-01-10T01:33:00.001-08:00

Life is a balancing act most days for me. Between the usual activities I'm sure most people face. Work, family, extended family, friends & alone time. I've added gardening to produce some organic foods (shoe box sized home garden & allotment), Brazilian JuJitsu, a Diploma in applied permaculture and very poor attempt at spiritual reform. Sure there are others bits and bobs I'm forgetting.

Balancing all this in itself can and has recently been exhausting. More so on my cluttered mind then physically.

Not quite sure if cutting back is the answer. Maybe having a ponder on how I can stack some of these activities to carve out time for play.
Ideas are welcome.

Reflection of What I Gained From the Training the Trainer Course

2011-12-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Here is what I took away from my learning experience on the Training the Trainer course I attended over three days back in September 2011.

I experienced the importance of what I have learnt to call edutainment, which is combining education and entertainment to facilitate learning. This is not just for children but adults who can also lose focus in a learning environment. Three months on from the training I am still able to remember the training which was delivered in a game or was entertaining fashion. However I can only vaguely recall the subject matter being taught delivered by co-attendees of the course, which was monotones and lacking in energy.

I also understand the merit in a good trainer putting the hard work in at the designing stage. This will in turn reduce the amount of work to be done at the time of delivering the training. For example if good group work sessions are designed well on the day of delivering training, the trainer is then able to sit with each group and use this time to observe and possibly an opportunity for a formative assessment.

To conclude, I have learnt to design the training well, which includes making it an enjoyable experience, entertaining and letting student’s have more discussion time and less teacher talk time.

Tweaking my blog and websites

2011-12-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

As part of my current project I'm tweaking all my blogs and my two websites to me inter linked to each other. I found a great video to help with this. Hope it helps others wanting to do the same.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Note (ICT)

2011-12-06T03:01:00.000-08:00

I've been using a Dell Streak smart phone for over a year. And loved it. I'm a heavy blogger with minor youtube uploads.

My major gripe with the Dell Streak was the camera shutter speed. It was way to slow. I tried finding a software fix, but no joy. The pictures where poor, and the video quality poor also.
The Galaxy Note is great for blogging on the go, take a picture, write my blog entry and upload.
Same for youtube videos. Just need to play with the on board video editing software some more, then I'll be able to do the lot on the Galaxy Note.

Here's one of the first videos I took on a very cold Dec 2011 morning

Here are some pictures taken on the same day- (ones dated 2011.12.03)

As for the pen usage, I think I'll watch a few youtube videos on how people are using their Galaxy Notes for some inspiration.

To conclude I love it, and it's outdone the Dell Streak by a country mile.
Hopefully I'll update at a later date on how it gets on with what I throw at it.

Review: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (book)

2011-12-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

Great Starting Place for Personal Development/ Self Help,

This is a great book to start your self development journey. I say this as it sets a very clear structure on deciding what it is you need to work on, and then the techniques.

The first 3 habits are to make you independent. the next 3 make you work effectively as a team player, and the 7th is to keep you growing.

The reason I prefer this as a starting place, and also as a annual / bi-annual redesign is that fact that While allot of books/ media in the self development world just attempt to hype you with motivating stories etc. This is a very logical and systematic way of designing a productive/ effective life.

Note: I said life, not business or profession. As getting ones life in oder and having a fulfilling balanced life is very important, something this book also covers.

I have brought this book as a gift for my brother, sister, wife and anyone I mentor.

Badshah Rating: 5/5

Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey in Amazon.co.uk
My Reveiw of 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey in Amazon.co.uk

Connecting with Others in Regards to Personal Development

2011-12-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Just finished work and on route to grabbing a quick bite before I head to BJJ class when I bump into Tony A. He'd just finished a time management days worth of training. So we stood out in the cold and just connected. Simple.

From what I could feel from the conversation Tony A has been bitten by the personal development bug. So I recommended to him a great book - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Discovering the inner 'why' and then articulating to others from this 'why'

2011-11-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

I was going to email my close friend the following email, but figured lets share with all.

--------------------------------------------------------------
After out discussion on discovering the inner 'why' and then articulating to others from this 'why' when we talk to encourage people of smiler motivations to co work with. I thought you'd find the following videos of some use.

Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action

Tony Robbins: Why we do what we do, and how we can do it better

Next one is not really on the why, but on motivating people via rewarding them with autonomy.

Daniel Pink on the surprising science of motivation

Lets discuss these concepts the next time we meet.

Using Technology to facilitate learning

2011-09-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

I love watching the odd TED Talks video on youtube and wondered what their highest voted videos are. And stumbled on this gem.

His website is here - http://www.khanacademy.org/ awesome stuff. Is that Bill Gates interviewing Salman in the end???

Taking a proper lunch break

2011-09-15T04:34:00.001-07:00

I love getting away from my desk at work, heating up my packed lunch (lovingly packed by Mrs Bad) getting a coffe and sitting anywhere away from my office. Today I was based in Startford Town Hall. As my lasangnia was heating up I looked out of the and noticed the courtyard bathed in midday sun. I grabbed my food and a cup of coffe and sat out. Mobile phone switched off, just enjoying a real break.

Just as I finish eating a biker is standing over me (Shoei helmet in hand). It happens to be a senior manager from the main building. We sit, chat and enjoy the sun, and the court yard.

Two discoveries. Fist, the court yard itself. It traps the suns heat really well and a great place away from the hustle and bustle of central startford. It's open to the public and they have a cafe their if you'd want a cuppa, quick bite, hot food. I've yet to try their food so can't comment on how the food is.

Secound, the senior manager is a real hands on foody. He's raised and slaughtered his own chickens. We covered topics from automatic irrigation systems to breads of chickens.

Conclusion, try new things and places. You never know it may bring you new friends and new favourite places. To actively push our edges is an excellent way grow , learn and connect.

Note to self: Book next chat and meal with the senior manager in the Malaysian restruant in Westfield Stratford.

Fire Warden Training

2011-09-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

So I've just completed my Fire Warden Training and I must say I enjoyed it. Few points I've picked up

Fire regulations do not apply to privately owned personal residence.

BUT privately rented homes need a mains powered smoke/heat detector in the landing of each floor.

A whole book of regulations exist for public buildings (see regulatory Reform Fire Safety order 2005).

Public building should have a Fire Risk Assessment annually AND/OR when any changes to building layout AND/OR use.

I'll be purchasing a fire blanket for my home kitchen and powder extinguisher for the rest of the apartment.

Got to practically test out fire extinguishers today on real flames and the hands on experience was worth it.

Application & Interview training (1 day)

2011-09-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Had a great days training, interviews for me are not a problem. The applications, more specifically the personal statement stage is a real chore. I walked away with allot from this.

1. A one page C.V. Time is money, and recruiters don't have the patients for 6 pagers
2. When answering a question use the STAR method. State the Situation, Task, Actions and Results. Most time on the last bit.
3. Be confident, if you can't be, then act confident by sitting upright and speaking SLOWER

One of the slides from the training session

Android Applications I like to use

2011-05-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

I used to be a hardcore HTC man, but defected to the Dell Streak and find Android an awesome operating system. The Android Market has all the goodies. Below is a list some of apps I use.

Alarm Clock Plus - Set the alarm, and when it goes off you have to correctly answer a maths question to snooze or switch off. You can set the difficulty to the required level.

ASTRO File Manager - Think windows explorer for your phone

Blogger-droid - for mobile blogging

Compass - Does what it says on the tin

DCSwitch - lets you switch off the data connection, saving your battery life

Tiny Flashlight + LED - Lets you control the LED to you as a torch

Handcent SMS - improves the txting experience

JuiceDefender - battery saver - tweeks settings to save battery life

InkPad Notepad - (for notes) - simple app to take notes

Lookout Mobile Security - Antvirus for your phone

MyPhoneMyRules - turns phone silent and switchs off vibrate by placing phone face down, along with selecting individual contacts to keep on silent.

RockPlayer Lite - for playing video

Tango Voice & Video Calls - think facetime (apple). It works over mobile data connection also.

Unified Remote - lets you control you PC. Mouse and keyboard functions present.

WhatsApp Messenger - free SMS via wifi/data

Book Review by badshah.net: Islam in Victorian Britain: The Life and Times of Abdullah Quilliam by Ron Geaves PART 2

2011-03-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

Click here for part 1

Quilliam was a true ambassador for Islam, actively lecturing on comparative religion and implementing within the laws of Britain an Islamic community, masjid, school, orphanage, even a portion in the grave yard for those who died with the 'truth'. Along with the equivalent of open days. The local community (regardless of religion) where invited to celebrate and eat at the Eid festivities with the Muslims. Providing breakfast for the poor Christian children on Christmas day is another act of charity and community building Quilliam not only orchestrated but in the majority of theses works heavily funded from his own pocket. He was the first point of contact from dock workers right up to the mayor on all matters concerning the Muslims in and around Liverpool.

I will touch on what could be seen as a negative chapter in Quilliam’s life. His taking on of a new identity in the later years of his live. Much controversy surrounds this section of his life and I feel the author has done well to shed as much light as was possible with the information available to him.

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the 'British Muslim' area of politics, sociology, and community cohesion. It's also a great read for those having an interest in the British Empire around this era (1900’s). For me it's been a ‘how to’ guide on becoming a 'Great British Muslim'. I shall attempt to put into practice the lessons learnt from reading about Quilliam's life.

Book Review by badshah.net: Islam in Victorian Britain: The Life and Times of Abdullah Quilliam by Ron Geaves

2011-03-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

Abdullah Quilliam was a giant of a man by any standards. He was the quintessential Victorian British gentlemen. Solicitor by profession, defender of human rights, orator and lecturer on geology and numerous other sciences and an advocate for sobriety at a time when the consumption of alcohol far out weighted today's levels. This was the man even before Islam. After his return form North Africa where he embraces Islam he grows vastly over the following years, and becomes the leader of a multi cultural community of Muslims (both born and British converts, over 200 in number) from all walks of life in Liverpool (the main international dock of the British Empire at the time), along with heading a Muslim school and orphanage he is titled the Sheikh-ul-Islam of Britain by non other then the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Abdul Hamid II). No other Muslim has and in all likeliness (due to the lack of an Islamic state) will ever be given such an honour.

I first heard about Abdullah Quilliam many years ago in passing conversation, and was intrigued, and when I saw this autobiography, I had to read about this interesting character. For me the pull towards this great personality was the fact that he was a proud Brit, but above all a Muslim. And I wanted to see what this 1900's gentleman a true British Muslim in every sense of the term balanced his loyalties to Queen and country, and by his own compulsion the 'True Faith' (as Quilliam often referred). While the biography starts a tad text book like I feel this section is important as it lays the settings in which these events in the Sheikh's life are occurring. Victorian Britain during the industrial revolution was the centre of a vast Empire which had colonies across the globes and a greater number Muslim subjects then the Ottomans had. The emerging might of the Russian region, Germany, France and her colonies, as well as the established Ottoman empire all tragically manoeuvring in what eventually where to become the alliances of the first World War. International snapshot of history covered. We move onto Liverpool at this time which was a hub of immigration from Muslim lands and closer to home. (Ireland, Scotland, &

Wales

) and had its own religious conflicts before Islam enters the equation as the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants often erupting into violence.

But the book after a slow start gets to the main course. Abdullah Quilliam the man, the ideals and his experiences. Most interesting and influential for me being the challenges he often but not always overcame with the duality of being a British Muslim, and these are truly the insights I fell the majority of British Muslims (Muslims in Britain regardless of race, country/ religion of birth, social class) can learn a great deal from.

Click here for the rest of the review

Easy Life of Hamza the Cat

2011-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

What a life a well looked after domestic cat has. The best of both worlds. Food and drink provided for, come and go as you please. Fussed over, groomed and adored. Here's Hamza a stray my uncle brought back mistaking him for our lost cat Gorgeous George. He's been with us ever since.

Google Reader Saves Time When Reading Blogs

2011-03-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Google's web based reader allows you to enter the web addresses of all the blogs you want to keep up to date on. It saves you having to revisit blogs only to find nothing new has been added. All the blogs I'm interested in, all in one place. Saves time, you gotta love saving time.

You'll need a Google/ Gmail login, add away and manage your subscriptions via the option in the bottom left corner of the reader.

Some blog addresses to get you started on your subscriptions.

http://badshahnetthoughtsramblings.blogspot.com/
http://badshahpermaculture.blogspot.com/
http://muzlimmind.blogspot.com/
http://badshahnetcombatsports.blogspot.com/
http://badshahnethealthwellbeing.blogspot.com/

Google Reader can also be used to subscribe to news feeds & RSS feeds here's what Wiki states about Google Reader

Anthony Nolan Trust FTW

2011-03-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Back in 2009, I stumbled upon the Anthony Nolan Trust. This charity is responsible for maintaining a donor register potential for bone marrow and stem cell matches. Back when I did it, it required a blood sample being taken and sent to the charity to add your details to their register. Now it's even easier, they simply take a cheek swab (just like in the crime dramas). If you're from the black or ethnic minority group then it'll be even more imperative you consider joining this list as the demand far out ways positive matches found for such groups.

Click here for the Anthony Nolan website/ application

Click here for my poor attempt to raise the money it costs to keep me on the register.

Writing book reveiws

2010-11-24T17:01:00.001-08:00

I've decided to knock up short reveiws of the books I go through. The main reasoning behind this intention is simply the hope I'll retain more of what I read by processing a book reveiw once I've finished with the book.
Found a webpage with some advice, anyone have more?
http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-write-book-review

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Journal, blog, diary, cyber note book & venting

2010-11-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

I've started this blog as a place for me to simply put down any thoughts, ideas or just have a good old fashioned moan about any random topic.

For example I prefer black and white pictures over color in most situations. I can't really explain why, I just do.

No longer angry at the world

2010-08-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

To cut a long story short I was in a very angry and demotivated place a few months ago. Through work I was referred to counseling. In one of these sessions I admitted to being angry with all the injustices I see around me. In response my councilor asked me 'what good does it do you, being angry at the whole world?' I couldn't answer the question. After this session I stumbled upon the following video on you tube.

After this I've decided to accept, forgive and love in my life. With this new outlook and change in lifestyle some very positive things have occurred. Holding onto anger has a very similar negative effect on heath, as high cortisol levels do. More on these positive outcomes in my next installment.

Election time is coming

2010-04-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Been busy 2010.03.25

2010-03-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Just been real busy. Mostly with moving home and a intermittent back injury. But a quick recap over the last few months.

Moving home is the most stressful thing I've done. Mostly because the place I moved into needed a new kitchen and bathroom and I ended up with some builders who sad to say lived up to the builders reputation.

Work has been very stressful, and the allotment is on pause. I'm working on a small garden at my new place. Video and Pics to follow.

Still my hero (2008.12.25)

2010-02-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

Whenever I here some rap lyrics about missing someone they've lost to urban violence, my mind always has flashbacks of my very close friend and older brother figure Riz. He was a legend, the man had knocked out both of his opponents in the first round on the same night in the regional championships. He could bang, but the man was smooth as silk on his feet too, this was a very dangerous combination. He was in many ways my hero as I was coming into my own as a fighter and a young man. I'd often tell him if it wasn't for the 20kg he had on me, I'd school him in the ring, he'd laugh it off. I didn't know too much about his personal life, but being a legend has its negatives. There were so many stories of brawls which took place outside the ring, where Riz had given guys much bigger a right hiding and from what I knew of Riz, he'd have been the last person to have started trouble. He was one of the most humble people I knew. He never admitted to winning in a street fight, but would divert the conversation, by telling those who asked about the times he was beaten at school by older kids.

I was once walking towards Ilford, when Riz was driving by, he pulled up and asked me were I was heading. He told me to hop in and he'd drop me off. Explaining to him it's in the opposite direction to where he's heading didn't make any difference. He wouldn't take no for an answer. This was a guy who went out of his way to make my life that bit easier.

We once walked down the high street as we we're due to box at a show held in the West Ham Working Men's Club. Riz must have been stopped close to a dozen times by guys of all ages, to shake his hand and ask how he was, and in a way pay their respects. As we finished the fourth such encounter I realized that the guy I often verbally laid into and teased like a fellow school buddy was truly a local legend. I then joked that I’ll never walk with him anywhere again as it takes twice the time with all these stops. He then apologised, and explained; how out of all the people he had met he only knew one by name. Right there he had become my hero, he made time for the common guy, the weaklings, dweebs, uncools of society. People Riz had nothing to gain from. Those who showed him respect we're treated with a similar level of respect, and those who harmed or even threatened to harm his friends where suddenly waking up lying flat out on the ground.

April 2003 - I got a call, my hero had been stabbed on the High Street, he later died in Newham General, I couldn't be there but friends tell me how when they were allowed to finally see his body, it was a gruesome sight. I still come close to tears of anger and rage when I think about what a rare type of man to poses so much talent along with humbleness and mutual respect was a victim of an urban feud.

I miss you Riz, and will try my best to treat people with the respect I witnessed you show others. You're still a hero to me, and you had a very positive influence on my life. I'll be praying for you.

To judge the character of a man you must witness how he treats those he has nothing to gain from.

Riz (bottom left) helping me out on one of my bouts. Winston May with the dreads. (York Hall I think)

Infected with LS (not ILS)

2009-08-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

After a year of rolling around on sweaty mats I stayed infection free. Washing my gi and all my gear soon as I got in and using a cap full of Dettol instead of softener in the machine and Dettol soap in the shower. Followed this with oiling my skin with coconut oil before I towel down. Worked great at keeping me bug free. But After a solid year of infection free grappling I've pick up a really strong strain of LS.

What is LS?

It mainly effects (but not excluded to) the latissimus dorsi (Lats) to region. The doctor tells me the only cure is to stop grappling. This will lead to the LS (Lat Syndrome) reversing over a period of 3-6 months.

LS is a physical condition, while ILS(Imaginary Lat Syndrome) is a psychological one.

All jokes aside I do feel I'm morphing into a Silverback the more I grapple.