Thursday 28 May 2015

Attitude

In many situations we can endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

Monday 25 May 2015

Rickenbacker

Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1937, made in Los Angeles, nickel plated finish, stamped metal body, original black hard shell case.

A nice early example of the Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Steel Guitar, one of the company's most striking 1930's classics. The entire instrument is nickel plated metal, with a headstock logo plate reading Rickenbacher " Electro" Los Angeles. The standard 1 1/2" prewar horseshoe pickup's mounting flange is marked within the recently assigned patent number, in place of the earlier "Pat. Pend". This first version has a single volume control on the bass side, with original arrow-top black bakelite knob. Molded plastic bridge and nut, which mellows the sound slightly from the earlier metal fittings.

The Silver Hawaiian was the next model designed after the bakelite Model B, coming into production about two years later in 1937. The stamped metal body was less expensive to build, resulting in a retail price 30-40% cheaper. The hollow chambered body gives a more 'reverby' sound than the earlier solid instruments, with a slightly more acoustic character. The plated metal gives a very flashy appearance- Rickenbacker's original description states "...delights the eye with its flashing beauty" and indeed this is a most striking looking and fine sounding prewar steel.

Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/8 in. (54 mm.). Some overall plating wear, somewhat later Grover Sta-Tite tuners but otherwise original hardware; overall a good example. Generally Very Good + Condition. 
Item # 3854

Saturday 16 May 2015

Thursday 14 May 2015

Panoramic X-Ray

Any budding radiologists like to interpret this? paying particular attention to the left temporomandibular joint area; and to the sinuses. Let me know, okay?

Sunday 10 May 2015

The Opposite of Addiction is...

This writer argues that the opposite of addiction is connectedness; addiction is not merely chemical - because gambling is equally addictive as drugs; so instead of singing war songs, we should have been singing love songs all along:

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6506936

Saturday 9 May 2015

Step Out in Faith!

Ask God, "Is there anything you would like me to do?" 

And expect an answer within two weeks!

I asked God. A few days later when I was driving to work, admiring my car, God said, "...give it away". And I knew who I had to give it to.

Then when I got to work that morning, God started speaking to me again, "It's time you gave notice in your job".

"What do you want me to do?" I asked.

"Just go wherever I tell you to go, and preach the Gospel," He answered.

"How am I going to live?" I asked.

"...just trust me - I'll provide everything," He said. 

So that day I gave notice in my job. Then after work I drove over to a friend's place who I felt led to give the car to.

I didn't tell him at first why I was there. But the first thing he said to me was, "John, my wife and I have been praying - we're really asking God to give us a car".

With that confirmation, I threw him the car keys, "It's all yours," I said.

In my spirit I knew I was to go to four towns, and I was to take five weeks to do it. Problem was I didn't know anyone in any of the towns except the last one. I had to just step out in faith trusting God alone for everything.

So I bought a one-way coach ticket. The very first people I met invited me into their home. In the next town a family had been shown by God that someone would be coming and that they were to look after him when he arrived. They were even shown my face and what colour shirt I'd be wearing. Sometimes within hours of arriving in a town, doors opened for me to preach in churches, schools and youth groups. I never needed to spend one cent. 

In the 20+ years since then I've been sent on many adventures, some lasting an hour, or a day, a few days, several weeks, or a year or longer - both nearby and far away. And God has always provided everything, just like He said.

Ask God what He wants you to do.

Expect an answer within two weeks.

Stay appropriately related to others.

Get the timing right.


Then step out in faith!

Gift from Eric Gosden

Mother made us some ramen tonight, which I ate using the chopsticks which Eric Gosden - then Field Director of the J.E.B. - gave me as a going-away present when we left Japan in 1976. I was eight years old. I still use the same chopsticks. 

Friday 8 May 2015

New Exercise Philosophy

A more sensible exercise goal for me now, I think (rather than bodybuding, or to run a marathon) - 'training for life':

http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/exercise/dont-settle-for-dad-bod-20150507

Also, I think injury should be avoided at all times. It's not just about short-term achievement but about lifelong mobility. 

Marathon gold-medallist Robert de Castilla said the secret of his success was his willingness to undertrain.

Kosher McDonalds


Monday 4 May 2015

Thoughts About My Ideal Bodyweight and Measurements

I think my ideal bodyweight (given my current level of muscle development) would be somewhere between 57.5kg and 63.5kg.

With maximum potential muscle development, someone with my height, wrist and ankle measurements (according to certain proposed formulas) might reach a bodyweight (at 10% body fat) of up to 75kg; chest measurement (relaxed, under armpits) 46 inches; biceps (flexed, at largest point) 17 inches; calves (relaxed, at largest point) 16 inches; thighs (relaxed, midway between hips and knees) 24 inches; forearms (fist clenched, hand out straight, measured at largest point) 13.5 inches; and my neck 16.5 inches - approximately.