Why do organisations become oppressive? Why do people become "reluctant" at their jobs? In his book The Naked Leader David Taylor has an explanation and a way forward. Read an extract here.

Try Latin dance. Salsa and merengue will keep you fit and sexy and the music is wonderful. Check Salsa Estrellas , Salsa Ambiente, or Salsa Diva for classes. Remember, "dance like there's nobody watching".

"Life is a romantic business. It is painting a picture, not doing a sum -- but you have to make the romance, and it will come to you; the question is: How much fire do you have in your belly?" Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

"In two days I will be 52 and I have little to regret in my life other than the usual train of mild mis-demeanors and blunders. But if you were to ask for advice I would urge you to take chances, trust people more and be less cautious than you think appropriate. I would try to convince you to be even more spontaneous, learn about accountability by making more mistakes and doing fewer things 'the right way'." Kevin Yates - July 2002

It's very hard to truly waste time because, no matter what you do, you can't help learning something .

"F/8 and be there".

In photography, comfortable shoes are as important as your best lens.

Eliminate numerical goals and targets, substitute leadership.

Read Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland (ISBN 0-9614547-3-3 ) "What is your art really about? "Where is it going?" "What stands in the way of getting it there?"

"... a key lesson of success - to reject rejection." D.R. Martin

Straight talk about internet and the music industry, from legendary singer and songwriter Janis Ian.

"The more you do of what you're doing, the more you'll get of what you've got". Brian Tracy

"Resist the usual" Raymond Rubicam, co-founder of advertsing agency Young & Rubicam

Just fishing...photo by Pete

An Irish friendship wish:
"May there always be work for your hands to do...
May your purse always hold a coin or two...
May the sun always shine on your windowpane...
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain...
May the hand of a friend always be near you...
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."

"Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent play of volumes brought together in light ..."(Le Corbusier)

"The more opinions you have, the less you see." Wim Wenders.

"Qualität bleibt noch lange bestehen, nachdem der Preis vergessen ist" Quality remains long after the price is forgotten.

"Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses — for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it..." Herman Melville

"You've got to get it in your head before you can carry it on your hip." Anon

"When you're ready the money will come." Anon

"...tortured - as those who obstinately undertake a task that is impossible for them not because of its difficulty but because of its incompatibility with their natures..." from "War and Peace" By Leo Tolstoy

"Kill the monster while it's little. Jennifer Reed

Words by which to live, by Anon:

1. Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas or walk with hot coffee naked. 2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape. 3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are "I apologize" and "you are right." 4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. 5. Never pass up an opportunity to pee. 6. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her - believe them. 7. Learn to pick your battles; ask yourself, "Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?" 8. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm. 9. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance! 10. Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you. 11. Work is good, but it's not that important. Money is nice, but you can't take it with you. Statistics show most people don't live to spend all they saved; some die even before they retire. Anything we have isn't really ours; God gave it to us; He just let us borrow it while we're here.... even our kids. 12. And finally... Be really good to your family and/or friends. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.

"Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity." Albert Einstein

"Innovation comes from freedom. It comes from those who are obligated to no one. It comes from people who are responsible only to themselves." W. Edwards Deming

"Anyone who wants to catch fish should not trouble the water" Henri Cartier-Bresson

"He who is content to walk instead of run on his allotted path through life, while he may not so quickly reach his goals, has the advantage of not being out of breath upon arrival." Malagasy proverb

If it's a decisive moment, for whom is it decisive, the photographer or the subject?

Whatever you focus your thoughts upon grows, so spend your time on solutions not on thinking about your problems.