Friday, 14 September 2012

WLCM 14/9/12

Quote of Note: WLCM 14/9/12
With the introduction of 4G wifi this week and iPhone 5 @Gilgillies was over heard to remark "we want it bigger, faster, stronger, better and we want it now". I think I have to agree.

Saturday, 1 September 2012

FSB August Networking Lunch.

12 members and guests of the FSB enjoyed lunch on Friday 31/8 at Ashoka Shak, Livingston, where we discussed the merits of the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme in Scotland. It was generally agreed that it is good for our youth to have this access to further training and job opportunities but it is not very well geared for the employer. The £2000 employer incentive has been withdrawn in most cases which could be the resource needed by many small business. This fund should be reinstated.
Once again we thrashed out the Pros and cons of social networking and left with this great advice from @alisonwinn " spend as much time searching as you do posting" for successful social media campaign.

Monday, 6 August 2012

Windows - Secure by Design

If you are having your windows replaced you should know this. The Building Regulations now require all windows to meet the standard "secure by Design". Essentially this means that all locks should be designed to this standard but more significantly all ground floor glass needs to be laminated which will have an impact on the costs.

BF aug 12

Saturday, 4 August 2012

The Death of Fear

Care nothing at all for what others MIGHT think,
And cast from your head all self doubt,
Be happy each day for the things that you have,
And be proud how you've brought them about.

Do something each day that scares you,
And some things you'll need to do twice,
You will then get to witness the death of your fear,
As your comfort zone grows which is nice.

BF be strong.

"Ted" Review of the movie

Ted
Ted is a funny film. It is based on the theme of a US sitcom, romcom or chick flick and when viewed as such, and with a fairly open mind, it will amuse and entertain the audience.
However the movie does have a deeper more reaching message which is much less amusing. It explores some of the main hang ups and social problems of Western Society and uses them as the basis of its storyline. The disturbing elements here are a) that these issue exist, and b, most of us don't see them as issues.

The main storyline explores a 36 year old man's reluctance to let go of his childhood which has a serious impact on his ability to deal with adult realities. He has relationship issues, work issues and a general reluctance to accept responsibility as an adult. The movie uses a childhood teddy bear to depict his obsession but this could easily be replaced by football, fast cars, pornography, alcohol or drugs and the list goes on.

The movie also explores pornography in its own right. It uses graphic sexual references and the casual sexualisation of women to make some of its points.
When viewed with an open mind these scenes can be amusing, however if we stop to realise this is how society is teaching it's children then it is very disturbing. There are fantasy sex acts which don't require too much imagination to get their message across including female exploitation, homosexual violence and casual sex. All of which when targeted at an audience as young as 15 raises further concerns in my mind.

The movie does the same to various degrees with the following social subjects: mental health, drug abuse, exploitation in the work place, kidnapping, bullying, racism including anti semitism and drink/drug driving.

I did come away from the film having enjoyed the humour, and indeed it is depicted as a comedy, but I am far more impressed by the raising of the above subject areas and hope that the audience will question itself as to why we think they are funny.

BF 3.8.12

Friday, 27 July 2012

FSB Networking Lunch 27.7.12


On Friday 27thJuly the WL Branch of the FSB held our monthly Lunch at Ashoka Shak, McArther Glen where once again Gaurav hosted us superbly and fed and watered us with the help of his excellent staff. 15 of our members gathered to talk through the merits of social networking using smart phone apps for all the popular platforms including Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter. One of the benefits of these apps is the ability to network when sitting in front of the TV allowing even the men to multi task. We were pleased to welcome



Kerry Stein,Photographer – www.21mainstudios.com

Steven BurrowsIT – www.pyramid-it.co.uk

Darren and Julie – www.room108.co.uk

Ian Pritchard – www.dynamiccolour.co.uk

Micky Cooper – www.mickmickdesigns.co.uk

Andy Hutton – www.onelifeleisure.co.uk

Craig Scott – www.gomobileapps.co.uk

Jack Marshall – www.tapside.com

Plus Aiden, Drummond, Ron, Tam and me from the FSBcommittee

Plus Gaurav who joined for lunch.



This lunch is a great way to meet new business ownersin West Lothian who collectively have a wealth of information and experience toshare. Watch out for the August Lunch and please feel free to join us.



Best regards.



Bruce.

Sunday, 1 July 2012

WHAT YOU MISSED.

The FSB networking lunch held in Ashoka shak on 29 June was yet another fabulous event. 15 of us broke bread under Gaurav's famed hospitality. The fine Indian cuisine helped to get the tongues wagging and tales were told of renewable energy, smart local vouchers and sharp photography. The FSB is the leading Business organization in West Lothian although our networking events are open to all. If you would like to join in please let me know and I'll book you in for next months event.
Happy business
Bruce.
Before you build it...plan-It.