I really like the idea of encouraging people to be outside. Even in these colder months.
I could go down the line of telling people where nice walks are.. Planning out the walks. for instance we are only 40 mins away from yorkshire moors, the penines etc. There is so much to see!
I think with this though needs to be some really organic design. most probably hand crafted. I think something digital would contradict what I am trying to get across.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Looking closer into the benefits of being outside.
Cold air on your body during the winter or warm sunlight on your face in the spring communicates valuable and appropriate information to your genes so that your body can serve you better. Being outdoors for part of the day helps reset circadian rhythms and balances hormones and promotes weight loss.
Encouraging young children to be active outdoors is important for their physical, mental and social development. Another possible mechanism relating nature to health is that of social interaction and forming relationships.
Research shows the benefits of just a little big of greenery goes way beyond a momentary mood boost - they can have a profound effect on your health. Evidence suggests that forest and other nature areas help in people’s recovery from stress and fatigue. The more often one visits green area, the less often one reports sickness from stress.
Plants and trees are like living, breathing air filters. They detoxify the air by absorbing many substances that can be harmful to humans, like excess carbon dioxide and dust particles. They also create oxygen, which we need to live and to function. NASA researchers conducted a study years ago, which found that having just two houseplants per 100 square feet of space removed toxins and dramatically improved air quality in a house.
Exercising on a natural surface imparts tremendous benefit to your musculoskeletal system. In order to continue to improve musculoskeletal health uneven or natural terrain like grass fields, trails, hills, and other obstacles should be utilized. This can significantly decrease the risk of foot, ankle and knee injuries.
A variety of research has identified these startling facts: 20 percent of our four year olds are overweight and 8.5 percent of six year olds and 15 percent of 15 year olds are obese. Obesity is linked to increasing less physical lifestyle and a reduction in outdoor activity.
(this is in america and found on http://www.getawaytotennessee.com/html/outdoor_health.html)
Being outside.
I think the main things I love about rounders are being outside, running around and being with my friends.
BEING OUTSIDE.
There is something about being outside that is really refreshing. when I am inside and have nothing to do I get frustrated really quickly but outside there is so much to occupy my mind, so much to see and it just feels good.
Whats the science behind it??
BEING OUTSIDE.
There is something about being outside that is really refreshing. when I am inside and have nothing to do I get frustrated really quickly but outside there is so much to occupy my mind, so much to see and it just feels good.
Whats the science behind it??
With technology and information more and more of our time is spent inside. We travel from one box to the next. We sleep inside we eat inside we step into our cars and move to our next compartment all without going outside. There is a growing body of research showing the health benefits of being outside. Speeding the recovery from medical procedures and increasing energy levels to better mental clarity and longer attention span, the list of known benefits is compelling. Our modern lifestyle has developed to the point where going outside has become an “option”, the effects of this are just beginning to be understood.
The benefits of exercise can be summed up as putting more years in your life and more life in your years. The health effects are numerous and lack of exercise is being touted as one of the most significant factors in our burgeoning health care costs. The surgeon general is recommending at least 5 hours of physical activity each week, estimates are that 60% of us fall short of that minimum.
Spending time outside and exercise are both utilized as stress reduction techniques. Either one will boost energy levels and increase one’s sense of well being.
The combination is greater than the sum of its parts. Achieving two compatible necessities at once, time is saved. Outdoor exercise tends to encourage more complex movements often preformed on varied ground surfaces. This creates a greater development of coordination and the muscles which stabilize the body. Increased strength in movement has a better correlation to life’s challenges of carrying kids or running up the stairs than does the isolated muscle strength created through restricted movement patterns.
To get started just open the door and step out. Walk, hike, run, ride a bike, play with your kids, join a soccer league, train for a triathlon, join an outdoor boot camp… the choices are virtually endless. Combined with healthy eating habits you will not only gain health and vitality for yourself but set the example for your family and friends. Happy Trails! (http://www.wellsphere.com/recreation-article/the-benefits-of-exercising-outdoors/3989)
http://www.teambuilding.co.uk/ from £75
I want to look into making Rounders a team building exercise. This would be based around small offices with a low budget possibly independent companies. The team building websites(above) offer a wide range of acitivities but sadly non of them are rounders!! Rounders is a game that can easily be set up by the group of people, they wouldn't need someone there to help arrange them and usually parks are scattered around cities/towns so would only be a short ride to get there. The point in doing this is to attempt to promote rounders in our society outside of school.
Monday 11 October 2010
Shopping
I was searching for a rounders set in shops around leeds and was really disappointed when I found that either no body sold them or they were out of stock. Of course there is always the internet but will people really go to that trouble for a casual game of rounders.
This could definitely be a market for me to look further into. Talk to shops and ask why they have not been stocking rounders kits. Are shops too full of the sports that make loads of money? (probably).
This could definitely be a market for me to look further into. Talk to shops and ask why they have not been stocking rounders kits. Are shops too full of the sports that make loads of money? (probably).
whenever I play rounders...
I always get together a miss match of equipment. The bat is indeed essential but the bases can be changed for jumpers/cricket stumps/shoes (anything available!) and the soft leather cased ball is often substituted for a less painful and easier to hit tennis ball. This seems to add to the informal, play it wherever you are game of rounders which I have grown up to love. It has an easy going, summer time sense surrounding it. The classic english summer maybe?
I want to hold onto this informality and comfort created by what is usually seen as a competitive sport.
I want to hold onto this informality and comfort created by what is usually seen as a competitive sport.
They don't need encouraging.
I think it is fair to say that the majority of schools will have rounders as part of their P.E class in both primary and secondary schools and so when it comes to encouraging kids to play more rounders I don't think it is needed. 90% of the 11-15's I spoke to all said they enjoyed rounders and loved playing it at school.
Historians believe that rounders and cricket originally came from a game called STOOLBALL.
This is played in a marked field with a batter and a bowler.
Although mainly seen as a game played at school I see rounders having huge potential of becoming more popular.
Rounders is the name used by Jane Austen in her book "Northanger Abbey". Following the "The Boy's Own Book" of 1828 devoted a whole chapter to Rounders and in 1889 the Liverpool and Scottish Rounders Association was founded. The 1st official rules did away with the practice of putting a running batter out by hitting them with a thrown ball.
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Rounders vs Baseball
For some reason people seem to have a big problem in telling rounders and baseball apart.
Personally, even though baseball is a huge game in America, I much prefer rounders. Rounders is more humble and modest. It doesn't show off and is not in your face but it is a game for everyone. All ages, male/female, families, students etc. I love that rounders is so English and would prefer it to stay that way.
I think I need to set people straight thinking that they are the same... because rounders is so much better.
Personally, even though baseball is a huge game in America, I much prefer rounders. Rounders is more humble and modest. It doesn't show off and is not in your face but it is a game for everyone. All ages, male/female, families, students etc. I love that rounders is so English and would prefer it to stay that way.
I think I need to set people straight thinking that they are the same... because rounders is so much better.
I have been reading around and baseball historians believe that baseball in fact originates from rounders which made me happy.
Tuesday 21 September 2010
A selection of my notebooks.
All
Monday 20 September 2010
Do you like rounders?
- Yes! Its fun and the rules are easy to remember.
- yes! i love that you can hit the ball far enough it'll get you the rounder!!! WINNER
- no, i could never ever hit the ball!!
- yes. i like the running part.
- No, rubbish at all games.
- No - just because.
- Yes - cos any number can play and any age.
- No - No hand/eye coordination and I've always been useless at running!
- No, a thousand times no, I once got a black eye from a rounders ball, never could hit the drated thing!!
- I love it! Haven't played since the kids were little but I always felt that it was a game I did ok at. Yep - definitely really enjoy rounders.
- I love playing rounders, its one of the best games around, and its always fun to do on a nice sunny day in the park, with loads of friends... everyone should play it. xx
- yes: great game for a big group of people.
Rounders today
Today Rounders remains a highly popular sport mostly played by schoolchildren and groups of friends.
In 1943, the National Rounders association was founded to arrange tournaments and decide on rules and regulations.
The NRA is recognized by the British Sports Council and allots grants to aid the sport annually.
Whether you can reach 1st Post or 4th Post, Rounders can give you, your friends and your family a fun sport to help keep you fit and healthy.
When you ask people about Rounders it brings a smile, revisiting memories of a fun, team sport they played at school. But Rounders is for everyone - schools, universities and colleges, adults, families and even a great activity for corporate away days.
If you would like to return to Rounders or try Rounders for the first time just type your postcode into our club locator and it will find your nearest club. Alternatively, our Regional Rounders Officers are located across the country and would be happy to see you at one of the many taster days and festivals they hold throughout the year. Our newly formed STAR Centres and Indoor Leagues also make it easier for people to play and develop their skills in Rounders all year round.
Rounders England has many ways in which we can support schools in developing Rounders through resources, courses and competitions and our current work with colleges and universities will provide more opportunities for competitions between HE / FE institutions across the country.
Whatever level you play Rounders at or wherever you play, Rounders England has a membership package to suit your needs, bring you many benefits and help you develop your skills in Rounders
etting up the pitch
Although these measurements are not critical and may be reduced slightly for younger players. Ideally, the total playing area should be about 40 yards square, but a smaller area is often quite satisfactory if that is all that is available. The rounders bat or stick is normally one standard size for all players and ideally each batsman should have his own stick. However, when only one stick is available the batsman leaves it for the next batsman after hitting the ball.
The History of Rounders
As a sport, rounders must be considered modern since it has only recently gained “official” status with written rules and a National Association. However, the origins of the game go back many years with historical associations and many similarities to such games as cricket, stoolball and, of course, baseball and softball. Today it is becoming increasingly popular with schools, clubs and families as an ideal team sport for a variable number of mixed ability participants.
Rules for The Game
The official game of rounders is played between two teams of nine players each, but in casual games numbers can be easily adjusted to suit the number of players available. However, it is advisable to have 3 or 4 outfielders and therefore, teams of 5 or 6 players are a suggested minimum. Each team completes an innings in turn, a game consisting of an agreed number of innings. Captains toss a coin up to decide which team bats first. The fielding team consists of a bowler, backstop and 7 outfielders. The objective of the batting team is for each batsman in turn to strike the ball to a part of the field where he will have time to run round the outside of the four posts in turn and so complete a “Rounder” and have another turn. The team getting the greatest number of Rounders wins. Each batsman receives only one “good” ball to attempt to strike and he must run even if he misses it. A “good” ball must be bowled underarm and must reach the batsman below head level, above knee level, and within reach of the outstretched rounders stick. A “no ball” may, however, be hit by the batsman if desired, this is advantageous since he cannot be caught out from a “no ball”. Alternatively, he may, of course, ignore the “no ball” and wait for the bowler to bowl a “good” ball. If the ball is hit into the area behind the batting line, he may only run to first post. If a “Rounder” is completed by a batsman after actually missing the ball, only a “half-rounder” is counted. A batsman is out (a) if a fielder catches the ball, or (b) if the fielder touches the post the batsman is running to with the ball before the batsman reaches it. He is also out if he leaves a post before the subsequent batsman has started his run, as he must remain in contact with the post at all times when not actually running and cannot return to a post once he has left it. If the batsman does not have time to complete a “Rounder” before the ball is returned from the outfield, he may stop at posts 1, 2 or 3, and then run on to complete the circuit when the next or subsequent batsman has started running. In this event he waits in line to have another turn for his team, but does not count a “Rounder”. When a batsman is out he does not, of course, have another turn and the innings, therefore, continues until all batsmen are out, with some players usually having several turns in an innings. When the last batsman in a side is left, he will, of course, have to run complete “Rounders” in order to have another turn.
Playing Rounders
Whether you play Rounders seriously or as an enjoyable club or pastime, we hope your participation in the fast growing sport of rounders will be a successful and enjoyable one.
I just got myself a new moleskine diary/notebook. It is LOVELY. It felt good to spend the money as it is very practical. I also got my friend some nice simple ones as a present. Always a good one for a fellow student. very happy with the purchase and has made me think that notebooks and 'more good'.
Moleskine notebooks
Chatwin's Story
The notebook was Bruce Chatwin's favorite, and it was he who called it "moleskine." In the mid-1980s, these notebooks became increasingly scarce, and then vanished entirely. In his book The Songlines, Chatwin tells the story of the little black notebook: in 1986, the manufacturer, a small family-owned company in the French city of Tours, went out of business. "Le vrai moleskine n'est plus," are the lapidary words he puts into the mouth of the owner of the stationery shop in the Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, where he usually purchased his notebooks. Chatwin set about buying up all the notebooks that he could find before his departure for Australia, but there were still not enough.
The Moleskine® Notebook
In 1997, a small Milanese publisher brought the legendary notebook back to life, and selected this name with a literary pedigree to revive an extraordinary tradition. Following in Chatwin's footsteps, Moleskine® notebooks have resumed their travels, providing an indispensable complement to the new and portable technology of today. Capturing reality in movement, glimpsing and recording details, inscribing the unique nature of experience on paper: Moleskine notebook is a battery that stores ideas and feelings, releasing its energy over time.
Today
Today, Moleskine brand is synonymous with culture, travel, memory, imagination, and personal identity--in both the real world and the virtual world. It is a brand that identifies a family of notebooks, journals, diaries and innovative city guides, adapted to various functions. With the diverse array of page formats, Moleskine notebooks are partners for the creative and imaginative professions of our time. They represent, around the world, a symbol of contemporary nomadism, in close connection with the digital world, through a network of websites, blogs, online groups, and virtual archives. With Moleskine, the age-old gesture of taking notes and doing sketches --typically analogue activities-- have found an unexpected forum on the web and in its communities.
From moleskine official site.
WHY DO WE DOODLE?
An article I found on www.theregister.co.uk
Why do we doodle?
Asked by Leanne Ward of New York City
We often do it. We often don't realise it. Often, when caught doing it, we are embarrassed to have to explain it.
Surprisingly, these nonsense scribbles we leave behind on notepads, paper margins, desktops, walls and anywhere else where pen can leave a trace may have meaning.
In fact, for one US psychologist, doodling and what doodles mean has been the chief focus of his lifetime work. Dr Robert Burns, formerly the director of the Institute for Human Development at the University of Seattle, studied doodles and used them to diagnose emotional problems of clinical patients.
Dr Burns and other clinicians and researchers in the field of behavioral art therapy, maintain that the shapes and symbols we draw can reveal much about our state of mind.
As Dr Burns first stated back in 1991 in an article in the March/April In Health, "even the most innocent doodle may carry messages from the unconscious". For example, a commonly-drawn doodle is a tree. Trees represent growth and life. A full, leafy tree with a wide trunk suggests someone who is vital, energetic, and with a strong will to live. Very narrow trees with leafless branches often appear in the drawings of the frail elderly, indicating that their spirit, their will to live, may be waning.
According to Dr Burns, "if you find yourself doodling pictures of houses, you probably place a high value on shelter and security". Other symbols too are strong indications of things which an individual values most. For example, numbers and dollar signs indicate a preoccupation with money. Planes, cars, ships, and other vehicles may indicate a desire to travel, alter relationships, or change one's life.
Indeed, the list goes on and on. Ladders can be symbols of tension and precarious balance. Light bulbs and images of the sun suggest feelings of warmth and light. Squares, triangles, and circles are the sign of a logical, analytical mind.
None other than Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung are the two pioneers of symbol interpretation in psychology - the co-fathers of "doodleology", if you will.
According to Dr Burns, the analysis of doodling should be part of the clinical procedures of every psychologist or psychiatrist. He notes: "The messages are there, after all. No one's surprised that an electroencephalogram can chart brain waves using a stylus attached by way of electrodes to the brain. The only difference with doodling is that we use a pen attached to the brain by nerves and muscles."
Doodling becomes a kind of visual free association, a way of tapping the deep reservoir of self-knowledge contained not in words but in images. But what of the claim that the study of doodles is unimportant since there is no way of knowing what the scribbles symbolise to the scribbler - if anything at all?
Dr Burns counters that it is only after careful study of doodles over many years and from many different individuals that the patterns of doodle symbolism and their significance emerge. He adds: "Even at their simplest, the idle jottings we repeat in the margins of our notebooks can evoke childhood memories and associations that provide clues even to our obsessions. Stars, for instance, show up all the time in the drawings of emotionally deprived children. Stars are what we wish upon. People who fill their doodles with stars may be longing for something they were deprived of, like love or affection."
So take it from this doodle dandy - and you thought your doodles only meant...
Do men and women doodle differently
Asked by Leanne Ward of New York City
Dr Burns claims that gender is a factor in doodling patterns. He maintains that: "Men tend to doodle geometric shapes while women are more likely to doodle human figures and faces. Physical features, especially any that are abnormally large or small, carry special meaning. Very large eyes suggest vigilance, for instance, or in extreme cases, paranoia. Very small eyes or no eyes at all, suggest someone who doesn't want to see. Long arms symbolize reaching out. An absence of arms means withdrawal."
Do our doodles reveal sexual thoughts?
Asked by Leanne Ward of New York City
Dr Burns claims that one's relative preoccupation with sex also shows itself through one's doodles. Dr Burns observes that "a preoccupation with sexuality usually shows up in figures whose genital areas are emphasised and heavily shaded or in the repeated use of classic sexual symbols such as snakes, candles, or darts striking a target".
Doomed if you do, doomed if you doodle
In January 2005, doodles found on the desk of British Prime Minister Tony Blair at Number 10 Downing Street were discussed by psychologists and handwriting experts as to their meaning. According to the BBC of 30 January 2005, newspaper stories contained phrases such as "struggling to concentrate" and "not a natural leader". It then emerged that a mistake had been made. The doodles were in fact drawn by a visitor to Number 10 - Bill Gates.
JFK and the 9/11 conspiracy doodle
The doodles and notes of US president John F Kennedy are released periodically by the John F Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. One hundred and thirty five pages were released in 2004. Subsequent historical events, long after JFK's assassination in 1963, give one JFK doodle a special significance: On one page a small circle was written with the numbers "9/11" contained within. Just to the lower left on the same page is the word "conspiracy" - and it is underlined. Conspiracy buffs, take note!
Sunday 19 September 2010
I have been taking photographs of all my doodles. I love doodling and can't seem to stop myself. I always draw abstract lines and squares and it tends to be when I am having to listen to someone or when i am trying to do work.. but not doing it. I like the way a doodle can lead to something more than just a doodle... an idea or just a nice illustration... not that any of mine ever do!!
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