What do I do outside of work, and outside of geek-dom?
I read Lifehacker and similar sites - a lot. I love the idea behind this site more than the ideas in the site, which is saying something.
This is because I don't like restrictive labels - on anything. They automatically limit what people think items are capable of, can be used for and what they can do for before anything has even been considered.
Think 'Chasing Amy' - the scene where Alyssa finally decides to date Holden because she realises her self-imposed label has unintentionally restricted her choice, when it was put in place to do the exact opposite.
Finding a new unintended purpose for an old or outdated product gives one of the best feelings of satisfaction (and so does buying something purely to use it not-as-intended, especially if it is cheaper than the mainstream product)
I try to read, or at least listen to audio books. Most of my interests are in the Sci-Fi and science fact genres, with bits of fantasy and mystery thrown in as well. Recently I've very much enjoyed Stephan Fry's Mythos and Heroes audio-books.
I really enjoy sci-fi TV shows and films (bundling superhero into sci-fi 'cos I want to).
I've recently bought an Oculus Quest! So much fun! I've tried a few of the phone-based VR systems before (Daydream, Google Cardboard, the Lenovo Star Wars one), but this is in another league.
Lastly, I like making people think. Normally by confusing them or arguing as the devil's advocate (without stating such). Most of the time it's for a good reason...
My two big 'social' interests are Scouts and martial arts (far more proficient at the former than the later, but I'm working on that).
I've been at the 4th Camberley Scout Group since I was in Beavers (5-ish). It is one of the oldest Scout Groups in the Surrey Heath district and I absolutely loved going through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures (Yes I'm old enough to have done that) and Network - I managed to miss Explorer Scouts due to being too old when the change in sections went through.
While at University I helped out at the 2nd Borth Scout Group (Wales, near Aberystwyth) - a little unusual in it's set-up as three of main sections - Cubs, Scouts and Explorers - all met on the Friday night one after the other for the four years I was there.
For a fair while (Feb 2008 - Dec 2017) I was an Assistant Cub Scout Leader at the group, looking out for the more outdoor-sy and traditional activities. I firmly believe that even Cubs can and should be taught usable basics of pioneering, map-reading and camping - and that there should still be a strong competitive streak in the activities/games (meaning there are both winners and losers to the activities and games etc., but the activities should cover a wide range of abilities so as not to focus purely on physical abilities)
I am currently an Assistant Scout Leader (and Assistant Cub Scout Leader, and quartermaster) at the 100th Elvetham Scout troop, my current local group. Here I help with most of the same skill sets, but to a higher level due to the ages involved.
I have recently (2018) been tasked with giving the older Scouts regular opportunities throughout the year to go on expeditions. This includes making sure they have the appropriate skill sets to do so! A number of the 100th EH Typhoon Scout Troop leaders (including me) are looking to go through our T2 training that will allow us to take small groups of Scouts on more mountainous terrain, which will open up a few areas for expeditions and the like.
Through Scouts, I have (Dec 2017) passed the ArcheryGB Instructor Award, allowing me to run beginner level archery sessions. In February 2019 I went through a Tomahawk/mini hawk throwing course for Scout Leaders as well. Some point soon I am hoping to take a similar course for beginners fencing!
As of October 2020 I am in addition to all the above, the Explorer Unit section leader for Odiham's Endurance Explorer Unit!
Since early 2007 I've been a part of SiFu William's Kung Fu school. I started learning the forms and applications of the Ancestral Mountains' Long-Fist style being taught and passing through the gradings. The school was also becoming more social, with members meeting up for activities outside of classes, and even had a couple of weekend 'Kung Fu training camps' organised.
Meanwhile SiFu had been progressing through the Lau Fat Mang World Eagle Claw Association to add even more depth and skill to the teaching, the result being that in towards the end of 2010 the school moved from Long-Fist to the Eagle Claw (more specifically Bak Siu Lum Ying Jow Faan Tzi Mun which translates as "Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw 'Rotation' Boxing"). This gave us access to a rich heritage of form and information, and a far stronger lineage of teachers at all levels. Unfortunately due to external forces I had to stop training kung fu for 18 months at this point, but started back at the school, learning the first Eagle Claw form from March 2012.
The Lau Fat Mang Eagle Claw system under Grandmaster Gini Lau has a primary focus on practical applications. Every move should have at least one standard application, and students are encouraged to find more (for example different body types have different strengths, and not all applications will work for all people or situations). The same move could be used offensively (striking), defensively (blocking), a throw, a joint lock etc. depending on the situation and body types of those involved. These applications are then tried at increasing levels of resistance before being tried in the light sparring we do.
There is a strong emphasis on forms (kata/patterns) for progression in the system,. These are presented as a mix of:
Physical mnemonics for the applications
Drills to enforce flowing through multiple applications rather than stop/starting each of them.
Progressively drill and improve body mechanics, with each form having a specific martial focus and a specific body-mechanic focus (starting from just being able to go through a sequence, something long to dissuade those who just want to brawl; moving on to footwork, stamina, reinforcing correct striking drive/source, flow through different heights of stances, better use of rotation through movements and so on).
These forms are not just 'empty' and you cannot pass gradings just by going through the motions. You must be aware of at least one of the applications per movement set, and during class time explore additional applications and test them on resisting classmates.
In the school's curriculum there are 20 graded single-person forms (empty hand and weapons) to build up stamina, agility, flexibility etc. to prepare for the three core Eagle Claw forms: Hung Kun Sup Loh – 10 section walking form, Lin Kuen Ng Sup Lho – 50 section connecting fist and Yhat Ling Bhat Cum La Sau 108 point Eagle Claw form In addition to these 22 forms (Hun Kun Sup Loh is in the 20 graded forms as well as being one of the three core forms) the Lau Eagle Claw system has many extra-curricular forms - some single person, others two or more, and again mix of empty hand and weapons.
I have recently gone through my third level test and have just taken my thirteenth grading under Lau family Eagle Claw kung fu system (every fourth grading is a level test, going through all previously tested material).
At present I am the furthest of my SiFu's students through the Eagle Claw curriculum, having overtaken other longer-standing students - mainly I think due to training six days a week. Despite my progress there are other students (who have been training longer) that are currently above my level when it comes to sparring. I am working on this. I am also helping out as an assistant instructor for almost all of the kids and family classes that the school runs.
SiFu also holds Chen Style Tai Chi classes which I have been attended for a number of years (including through my 18 month break from kung fu back in 2010-12ish). I feel the tai chi compliments the kung fu rather spectacularly, and have found the martial applications can be just as effective once the right level is reached (although this takes quite a bit longer than kung fu)
In July 2012 I was invited to join the school's Lion Dance team, going through the basics of the instruments, and now working playing the Big Headed Buddha character, the Lion's head and tail, and even a few performances on the drum!
Unfortunately we weren't able to record our 2017 performance, but hopefully we have something new done soon!
I am currently 'owned'* by two Bengal-Cross cats, brother and sister, who if ever learnt how to work together could probably take over the world (or at least the local street). They're both 'people' cats, who have no issues being round large gatherings (more hands to feed and pet them), and have very little aversion to water. Both have fallen in full baths, only to silently climb out, sit down next to the bath, and preen. Anthony also enjoys playing with hosepipes.
*Lets face it, cats are always in charge of whatever house they're in. Have been since at least ancient Egyptian times.
I have been very into my strategy based PC games, including the Age of Empires series, Red Alert, Total Annihilation, and Supreme Commander.
With everything else going on I've found I rarely have time to go through these any more, but I still load them up every now and then, along with things such as Star Trek Online or some of the earlier Diablo games.
I have tried console gaming, but found the various control systems lacking when compared to PC control system and functionality.
Recently (end of 2019) I bought an Oculus Quest - the standalone (PC-free) version of the Oculus VR headset. It's incredible, though I've had to rearrange the living-room a bit to create enough space. I've already side-loaded apps to it (as it's android based) through SideQuest (great name!) and spent a lot of time in BeatSaber and the Vader Immortal series.