Coping With Diabetes As A Teenager
In my weekly Youtube update, there was an video of a speech made by Hannah, a young Type 1 diabetic, about living as a teenager with diabetes.
Personally, I was lucky. I was diagnosed with diabetes at 20 years old. I was an independent student, living alone away from home but spending enough time at the family home for my Mum to spot something was amiss and have me diagnosed. My age played a huge part in me being comfortably able to change my lifestyle and manage my condition. Also, importantly, I didn’t have to grow up whilst managing my diabetes. I feel privileged to have avoided that.
Hannah was diagnosed at 2 years old so she’s dealt with Type 1 diabetes throughout her living memory. This audio clip is well worth a listen if you, or anyone you know, is growing up with diabetes or any condition which needs daily management. Her experiences probably aren’t unusual, and should help other people to learn about dealing with a medical condition – and with the people around you!
If you’d like to know about more about living as a teenager with diabetes, then have a look at Hannah’s blog: The Bad Diabetic.
Tell her Phill sent you 
Tags: Bad Diabetic blog, Diabetes, Managing diabetes for teenagers, Type 1 diabetes, Type 1 teenager
No Place For Old Bags
I’m undergoing a renaissance in my photography at the moment, motivated by some projects I have underway for the Spring & Summer. Photography has always been a love of mine, so the chance to enjoy it again is one I’ve grabbed with both hands.
I recently picked up a digital SLR to replace my (very) old film SLR which had been broken for some time. I still had an old LowePro Toploader Zoom bag, but it was very dusty and looked distinctly low-rent compared to the shiny SLR.
So, I picked up a new bag. My requirements were:
- Must fit a DSLR plus long(ish) standard zoom lens
- Needs space for spare batteries; memory cards; money & credit card; extra lens filter…
- Would be protective of my lovely camera
- Preferably looks ace
I’ve become quite fan of showrooming recently. I definitely wanted the “try before you buy” experience so I took my camera (in the ancient Toploader) to PCWorld and tried it for size in a few bags. Some were deceptively small on the inside, looking initially like fairly chunky pieces of luggage. Others just didn’t fit the bill. One case stood out – the £40 Case Logic DSLR bag.
But… £40? Excuse me? Quite a lot for a smallish bag, really. So I had a think… Then I got my mobile phone and had a browse… Then I found it online for less than £25.
Now, I don’t mind paying a premium for good product, demonstrated well and available from stock in store. However, I’m no mug and I’m not paying an 82% premium for a quick feel and instant gratification (calm down ladies and gents, you’re reading the wrong blog for that sort of thing).
What’s The Bag Like, Then?
Before I give you my verdict, let me tell you about the hammock. Yes, a hammock inside a bag… This sits over the top of the void and holds your camera body away from the base of the bag. It means that, when you put your bag down, the weight isn’t suddenly put onto the end of the lens. It was this feature which pushed me to choose this bag more than any other.
There’s also a rubberised waterproof sheath around the bottom of the bag, which will be very handy on those bad-weather days.
I do like the bag. A lot. The zip opens and allows you to open the top flap away from you, with perfect access to grab the camera quickly. The side and front pockets have enough room for a few extra bits and bobs and the strap is very comfortable, with plenty of adjustment to use across your body or just over your shoulder.
Would I Recommend it?
Yes, I would. If you’re in the market for a new DSLR or you’ve got one and want a new compact bag for it, I’d tell you to have a look at the Case Logic DSLR bag and stick it on your shortlist. Just make sure you get the right size for your camera – they do a shorty one for standard lenses too.
Tell ‘em Phill sent you
Tags: Camera Bag, Camera bag with hammock, Camera Bags Reviewed, Case Logic DSLR, DSLR Bag, Photography, Review
Shameless Photo Experimentation
I recently treated myself to (a demo version of) Photoshop Elements. When I popped out for a short ride around the trails near home last Saturday, I took my compact camera and my gorillapod to snatch a few shots.
To give myself the bast chance of catching a good photo while the sun was low in the winter sky, I set the timer and programmed the camera to take ten shots in quick succession.
Uploading the photos from the camera and scrolling through, a thought struck me… Can I make an animation from these?
Well, one quick search on Youtube later and the answer was “Yes!” – Result.
Down Carr Lane
Back Up For The Camera!
So, what do you think?
… and more to the point, where could I use some now that I know how to do it?
Let me know, people. Thanks!
Tags: Animation, mountain biking, MTB, Photography, Rides
