Photograph of a half moon

I took these photographs last week on a cold clear night, anybody know where I can find some tips to improve my techniques?

Denplan Excel

In January, we were once again inspected by Denplan to make sure we met the standards to continue to be a member of the Denplan Excel scheme.

We are one of the few dental practices in Exeter to achieve Denplan Excel Accreditation. 

What does this mean for you?

This means that as a practice, the team at Spicer Road Dental Practice have achieved the high standards required to join the Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme, developed by Denplan. The programme helps dentists to develop better relationships with you, our patients, through good communication and improving your experience of coming to the dentist.

Denplan Excel is the first accreditation scheme to be approved by the Patient’s Association and was developed as a result of studies showing that patients who enjoy a good relationship and effective communication with their dentists are less anxious about examinations and treatment.

As a member of this groundbreaking scheme we are regularly monitored to see that we maintain these high standards. We first achieved Excel accreditation four years ago and  have been re-accredited three times since, most recently in January 2013.

We are delighted to achieve these high standards of patient care and see our Denplan Excel Accreditation as a badge to be worn with pride.

An Interesting Speech

In 2005, Steve jobs was invited to give the commencement address at Stanford University. Fot those of us who aren't American, this is a speech given to students  on their graduation when they are awarded their degrees or diplomas.

It's interesting, passionate and gives an idea into what drove Steve Jobs. It talks about several pivotal points in his life and how he used them to motivate himself.

I'd heard about it for several years but took the time to listen to it yesterday. It's worth a look.

Snow arrives in the UK again

So I suppose it should be expected, in the middle of winter we can expect some snow. During the second week of January the Met Office gave warnings of snow coming to the UK. Plenty of advice was given and on the Friday, snow arrived overnight and during daytime. Exeter sat right on the cusp of the snow zone, wet snow fell in the city but didn't stick, about 10 miles from the city, fairly significant amounts of snow were seen. Over the next few days, snow fell across the country and once again travel disruption occurred, many flights were cancelled at London Heathrow and the road networks were disrupted. Just a little moan why is it in the UK with plenty of advance warning, snowfall causes chaos? Surely we can cope with a few inches of snow without our transport infrastructure falling apart! The rest of Northern Europe manages it, why can't we. These countries must be laughing at us.

One other thing, as the skies cleared on 22nd January, you may have been able to see this, a rare conjuction between Jupiter and the Moon. I got a very rough picture on my phone but I managed to find some better photographs on the web.

Here's a better view.

Welcome to 2013!

So I'm sitting by my mac and have decided to write my first blog post of the new year. Last night at the stroke of midnight, 2013 began.

For me 2012 was a bit of year spent in limbo, I don't intend to do the same with 2013. Tomorrow will mark a significant  event in moving on.

This year I plan to do things differently. I realise I must enjoy and make the most of every day and live life to its fullest potential.

So I plan to take every opportunity life gives me and run with it. I will appreciate the time I spend with friends and family, and enjoy the adventures that each day will bring.

So what are my plans (don't like resolutions).

• This year to work smarter and harder.
• To be more organised in my business and home life.
• To take and enjoy more leave, if things work out well,I would love to travel to New York and see this amazing city.
• Enjoy my golf and get my handicap down.
• Read at least a book a month.
• Rekindle my interest in photography, this year I didn't really take the opportunity to take enough photographs.

I think I should look back on this every few months and see how I do.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Big films for the holiday season!

Looking forward to seeing both these films over the holidays.

First the Hobbit, a film I've been waiting for them to make for years

And second, saw the trailer for this and was intrigued, I know its an adaption of a book but nothing else. My second choice is Life of Pi.

Christmas Decorations are going up

Today I put my Christmas tree up at home, the house is starting to look festive.

My dog is intrigued by the tree and the new boxes that have appeared.

Here's the dog looking bemused by the whole experience.

Excuse the blurry photo of the tree, taken on my phone.