domforth.com

Ralph Marston: Appreciate where you have been

2017-06-22T14:09:00.002-07:00

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Appreciate where you have been

Learn what the trouble has to teach, and it is trouble no more. Grow to be the person who can deal with the problem, and it is no longer a problem.

By making a mistake you empower yourself to never make it again. As morning always follows night, the light of wisdom emerges as a matter of course from pain.

If you had never known darkness, you could not fully appreciate the wonder, the miracle, the power of light. From every experience you grow stronger.

Now, take that strength you’ve earned and point it toward what you love. Today, life is yours and possibilities abound, so make it all count.

Live joy so completely that it seems it will never end. Endure pain boldly, knowing you’ll soon be looking back on it from a stronger, higher perspective.

Whatever happened yesterday, today is your opportunity to do better, to live smarter, to exercise new power and create new value. Appreciate where you have been, and move solidly now in the direction you seek to go.

— Ralph Marston

Read more at http://greatday.com/motivate/170621.html#IhjsZYFwX5z2v0Jh.99

Article 19 of the Montreal and Warsaw conventions

2016-02-12T00:12:00.003-08:00

Just come across this legal language and wanted to share, re: Air Travel

"You have the right to request from the airline that they board you on any other available flight when severe delays are expected for the originally booked itinerary. If other available flights, operated by other airlines, exist and the ticketing airline fails to provide you an alternative you may be entitled to compensation per Article 19 of the Montreal and Warsaw conventions."

This drives me so mad as I was repeatedly refused access to other flights operated by other airlines last September trying to get back to the UK for a wedding. I almost missed the actual Wedding because of the incompetence of one member of United Airlines staff at Tulsa Airport.

They made me spend the night in Tulsa because as I watched spare seats go unused on Delta and American Airlines flights. All because of a mechanical problem with the United Airlines plane.

I don't blame United Airlines but I do blame the member of staff. The next day I complained at check-in at the way I was treated and my bag was subsequently lost in transit, never to be recovered.

Yep...

In Loving Memory: Happy 35th Birthday today John!

2014-07-18T09:58:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday to the legend John Forth who would have been 35 today! So many happy memories and so many happy times. Can't wait to raise a pint in your honour later tonight! Love you mate! xxxxx

VIDEO: World Cup 2014: Fans Celebrating Clint Dempsey's Goal - USA v Ghana 1-0

2014-06-21T06:26:00.005-07:00

San Jose Earthquakes hosted this watch party at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose.

This is the reaction from the crowd when Clint Dempsey scored to put USA 1-0 up. USA went on to win the game 2-1 in a great game!

My expression watching the Liverpool Highlights tonight

2014-05-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

Liverpool collapsed in the last 11 minutes against Crystal Palace today, conceding 3 goals to draw 3-3 and effectively lose the title to Manchester City.

The funny thing is, they still can mathematically win the Premier League if Manchester City slip up on Wednesday. The way this season has gone, don't be surprised if that happens.

I'm enjoying this moment as much as I can until then!

Book Launch & Exhibition Tour: San Francisco

2014-04-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

We headed to SF’s Goforaloop today for the public opening of 101 Vagina - a powerful photo exhibition celebrating women and breaking down taboos about body image.

Australian-German photographer Philip Werner's book contains 101 black and white photos of vaginas, along with a message, story or poem written by each woman to accompany their photo.
Pictured with Philip Werner and my girlfriend Catherine Sands

As Werner states, "The messages are candid and span the spectrum of emotions. They are raw and honest and form a small compendium of women’s experiences with their bodies and womanhood in general, with a focus on the vagina."

I really didn't know what to expect, but I was really surprised how compelling the individual stories were. I found them extremely thought-provoking from a male perspective and it I'm looking forward to Werner's next project 101 boobs (working title).

Masquer - There Was The Smell Of Grease (Florian Paetzold Remix)

2014-02-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

Currently hot on the domforth* playlist: Masquer - There Was The Smell Of Grease (Florian Paetzold Remix)

The Art of Rock Balancing in Sausalito

2014-02-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

As one reviewer on yelp writes, "It is a must to see this guy's work. Zenned out and totally focused, this guy is a rock and roll star of forming impossible melodies of balanced nature."

The concentration Bill Dan exerts to balance these rocks is very impressive and definitely worth checking out if you are ever in Sausalito on a Sunday.

Gary Farrell Winery

2014-02-22T15:33:00.000-08:00

Gary Farrell Winery offers sweeping views on their terrace overlooking the Russian River Valley.

Our host Ed guided us through six exquisite wine selections including some of our more limited single vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs such as Rochioli and Hallberg.

This was a great experience in gorgeous weather, especially for February!

Here's a photo of Cathy enjoying one of their Chardonnays:

30 Minute Mahalo Mix - domforth*

2014-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

30 Minute Mahalo Mix (January 2014) by Domforth* on Mixcloud

Tracklist
Bastian K - Boys Of Summer
Betoko - Supersonic (Tube & Berger Remix)
Joachim Pastor feat. Florence Bird - Wayfaring Stranger
Agoria - Scala
Rudimental ft. Emeli Sande & Nas - Free (Maya Jane Coles Remix)
Flight Facilities feat. Christine Hoberg - Clair De Lune (Florian Paetzold Edit)

Team Mango Annual Awards

2014-01-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to be a guest at Team Mango's Annual Awards last night where we got to enjoy this wonderful view!

In the early 1990's a group of Athletes on the Big Island competing in Triathlon were in need of quality training so they came up with the idea to combine each others personal training routines to form a safe and inexpensive way to have simulated race group training events.

Team Mango was born and the group now organizes races throughout the year on the Big Island. It was great to meet so many athletic and enthusiastic individuals at such a nice event!

Toasting the New Year at Domaine Carneros in Napa Valley

2014-01-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

With exquisite views of endless vineyard-covered hills, this was the perfect setting to savor the beginning of 2014. Domaine Carneros in the heart of Carneros, is the California expression of the tradition and excellence of its founder, Champagne Taittinger. Established in 1987, Domaine Carneros is considered a regional landmark. The main château and terrace are open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily. The last service of the day is at 5:45 p.m.

Visiting Domaine Carneros by Tattinger

2014-01-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

In the late 1970’s, Claude Taittinger, the president of Champagne Taittinger, proclaimed his faith in the future of American wines and began the search on U.S. soil for a suitable winery site. In 1987, Champagne Taittinger, along with partner Kobrand Corporation, selected this 138 acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, a viticultural appellation they recognized to have the potential to produce world class sparkling wines. This was a wonderful setting to enjoy the beginning of 2014 and is highly recommended.

New Year's Eve in San Francisco

2013-12-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

An amazing fireworks show from both sides of the bay. Here's the video I took from the Embarcadeo Waterfront in San Francisco

Happy 7th Birthday to my Nephew Mikey!

2013-12-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

Can't believe this Mr. Man is 7 years old. I love him so much!

This is the card I made him for his birthday today! :)

Reasons to run the SF Marathon in 2014

2013-12-14T22:08:00.004-08:00

Reason #12... After a pass behind AT&T Park you are almost home – just run under the Bay Bridge and up to the Finish Line. Once you finish, this is the view of the Bay Bridge you'll have behind you! Good luck! :)

How to Remove the Lock Screen in Windows 8.1

2013-12-14T17:37:00.002-08:00

If you want to remove the lock screen (not just the password entry, but the lock screen as well!) then all you need to do is go to Control Panel and find User Accounts. Then click reset security policies. That should fix the issue!

Sounds easy, but I spent weeks trying to find a solution online until I broke down and threatened Microsoft publicly that I was going to uninstall this piece of garbage software.

If you're still having issues try this link for more info: HERE

Alternatively you can lambaste Microsoft publicly on twitter and they should find you a solution pretty quickly!:)

My Favourite Place in San Francisco

2013-12-14T14:30:00.002-08:00

Hidden (or maybe not so hidden) below Ghiradelli Square, there is a small beach to the Bay. From here you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz and (to the right) all the way to the Bay Bridge! :)

Top 10 US travel destinations for 2014

2013-12-14T10:19:00.004-08:00

Planning a vacation in the US next year but aren’t sure where to go? After all, it’s a big place! For the fourth year running, Lonely Planet's travel experts have scoured the States to make the decision a bit easier for you.

While Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 covers global must-sees, including Chicago and Texas, here they delve a bit deeper and showcase the top 10 places in the US that should be on travelers’ radars in the coming year.

There’s something for all – beachcombers, nature lovers, beer aficionados, history buffs, road trippers, dice rollers – from every corner of the land.

Whether quietly emerging destinations or perennial favorites, these places have new or timely angles that make them prime for visiting in 2014.

I've been lucky enough to visit five out of the ten of these places already, and will post links soon. In the meantime, read more at Lonely Planet.com: here...

Happy Birthday Dad

2013-12-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

I think the card says it all! xxx

10 Days in China: Suggested Itinerary

2013-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Antique yet up-to-the-minute, familiar yet unrecognisable, outwardly urban but quintessentially rural, conservative yet path-breaking, space-age but old-fashioned, China is a land of mesmerizing and eye-opening contradictions...

Here's the itinerary we booked through ChinaTour.com.... We got an amazing deal including airfare, transfers, hotels, breakfasts (plus a few lunches and dinner) for $999. Unbelievable deal and worth every penny!

Day 1. Gateway / Beijing
Depart USA for China while enjoying delicious meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment during your journey.
Day 2. Arrive Beijing
Upon your arrival, their guide will meet you at the airport and then escort you to your hotel.

Day 3. Beijing
(Breakfast, Special Dinner)
This morning, you will sightsee Tiananmen Square, which is noted as the largest public square in the world and then the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. Stop at a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. Later visit Summer Palace declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, with the largest imperial garden in the world. In the evening, you will enjoy a Peking duck dinner, the region's famous dish. Optional: Hutong tour with rickshaw & lunch at local family ($39 per person).

Day 4. Beijing
(Breakfast, Lunch)
The Great Wall of China is one of the seven greatest man-made wonders of the world and is definitely the focal point of China. You will hike along the Great Wall (Juyongguan Pass). After that, you will stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of Jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as 'Yu', and it has a history in China of at least four thousands years. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to shop and explore at Wangfujing, Beijing's must see shopping strip - it's mega long and full of life.

Day 5. Beijing / Shanghai - Suzhou
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Fly to Shanghai in the morning. You’ll visit Shanghai Old Street, which is a top tourist attraction in Shanghai. And then be transferred to Suzhou. Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". And visit Shan Tang Street, which has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. It has a long history of about 1,100 years, its layout and architecture are the best to represent the characteristics of Suzhou's old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes.

Day 6. Suzhou - Hangzhou
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you will visit the Lingering Garden, Silk Spinning Factory. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is known for its silk, so for sure we will take you to the Silk Spinning Factory. Then, we'll drive you to Hangzhou. Hangzhou is one of the seven capitals of ancient China, known for its tea products. Take a small boat ride on the West Lake which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. You will admire the Su Causeway. It was built in the fifth year of Yuanyou Period in the Northern Song Dynasty (1090) and has evolved since then. At that time, Su Shi (Dongpo), a poet known as the prefect in Hangzhou Prefecture, had the West Lake dredged, and built the Su Causeway by dredged silt. Optional: Boat ride on the Grand Canal $20 West Lake

Day 7. Hangzhou - Shanghai
(Breakfast, Lunch)
After a stop at the Green Tea Village we will then drive you to Shanghai to visit the Bund as well as the Gem Exhibition Center. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Optional: Pizza dinner Permanent Show 'ERA - Intersection of Time' $49

Day 8. Shanghai
(Breakfast)
Free at leisure for last minute souvenir shopping or just relax at your hotel.

Day 9. Shanghai / Gateway
(Breakfast)
Today you'll be escorted to the airport to board your homeward flight.

All in all this was an amazing trip. I took so many photos that it will take me some time to get them all uploaded. My three favourite things were: Great Wall of China, The Green Tea Village and The Bund. In all honesty though, I loved it all though!

I just looked online and their rates vary by date. You can check them out here: http://www.chinatour.com/deals/air-inclusive-01.htm

30 Minute Mixcloud Mix - November 2013

2013-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Domforth* - 30 Minute Mix - November 2013 by Domforth* on Mixcloud

Tracklist

Too Late - Gui Boratto

Mr Man - Dusky

Come with me - Nora En Pure

Primative People (Tale Of Us Remix) - Mano Le Tough

Ringo (Original Mix) - Joris Voorn

Gotta Have You (Original mix) - Touch & Go

SAP Center: San Jose Sharks vs Tampa Bay Lightning

2013-11-22T09:55:00.003-08:00

San Jose Sharks fans stood up and applauded Marty St Louis on his 1000th NHL appearance last night. #respect

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

2013-09-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! I was blown away by some of the beauty at Mulnomah Falls and surrounding areas! Thank you to the Mulcahay's and McHugh's for being superb tour guides!

2013-09-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

One of the best surprises this weekend was this lovely birthday cake! Thank you so much to Kiris and her family for creating it.... Originally she said I was going to be a jester, but then decided on a frog.

At least a frog has potential to turn into something better.... LOL!

I have to say too, the cake was delicious! :)