Down Syndrome

Something many parent's have to think about when tests are being offered during pregnancy.
Should you have a test?
What to do if the result is positive?
Lots of emotional turmoil even thinking about it.

We had a test, unsure what we would do if the result was positive.
How could you know until you are there?
In life, I like to say that we are exactly how we are, to avoid value judgments when I feel them creeping up on me.

Noah was born without Down syndrome. We didn't have to think further.
However, it is still worth thinking about, and I just read a very good article that talks of a new test which makes screening easier and earlier, raising a variety of issues.

I thought this quote from a mother, whose daughter Penny has Down syndrome, really brings those issues down to a basic question:

"Can she live a full life without without ever solving a quadratic equation? Without reading Dostoyevsky? I'm pretty sure she can. Can I live a full life without learning to cherish and welcome those in this world who are different from me? I'm pretty sure I can't."

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/11/29/are-kids-with-down-syndrome-on-the-road-to-extinction/#ixzz1fIJa85Ot

Slimbridge Wetland Trust

We recently went to Slimbridge Wetland Trust in Gloucestershire to show Noah some ducks.
He loves ducks!

We saw plenty of ducks, geese, lots of flamingos, and even otters.

I took a few photos which I would like to share...

Foggy walk in Richmond Park

With the fog encasing London over the weekend, we went down to Richmond Park to try and find some stags rutting in the gloom.

No deer (except through the car window), but we loved wandering through the white-out landscape, and I found some beautiful water drops suspended on cobwebs and in the grass.

A perfect day.

A photographer's ethos

Chris Packham, of Nature Watch etc., is also a photographer, and he has an Ethos which whilst I don't totally agree with, I do admire.
I like that he clearly thinks and cares passionately about what he is doing.
This is inspiring.
His absolutism, "can reach levels which promote real depression" is not for me.
I will take an easier path, but I think he is a useful guiding light.

http://www.chrispackhamphotos.com/concepts/Ideas.htm

Doodling - it's not doing nothing.

Another interesting TED talk.
We had a digital strategy meeting yesterday, and it went on all morning and into the afternoon.
Although most interesting and engaging, there were naturally moments when my attention waned. However, on the advice of this talk, I tried doodling.
You know, of course, because I am suggesting you watch / listen to this, that it worked, that my attention was better than I know it would otherwise have been.
So, go on, pull out a pencil and cheap pad, and let the pencil wonder as you listen to this....

What do babies think?

Very interesting TED Talk.
"Babies are the Research and Development team of the human species."

Luvie Awards for BBC World Cup Tracker

The BBC Team Tracker, which I built at Saint@RKCR/YR for the 2010 World Cup, has just been recognized again, this time at the Luvie Awards.

It featured in three categories, winning a Silver in their Sports section, and getting shortlisted in the Flash and Best Practices sections.

Although only shortlists, I am most happy with the Best Practices and Flash results.
Working on the V&A project, I was connected with a good few Golds for work last year, but these Luvie's really reflect upon the work that I did.
Well done and thanks guys!

Best Practices - shortlisted
"Best practices sites serve as an industry benchmark for the most current, innovative, and advanced practices in web development. Sites demonstrating unparalleled excellence across The Academy's six criteria: content, structure & navigation, visual design, interactivity, functionality, and overall experience."

Flash - shortlisted
"Sites that showcase an exciting and interesting use of Flash"