Catching The Rain » Other http://www.catchingtherain.com Mainly just a place to test things out Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:41:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 New Powerhouse Museum WordPress plugin launched http://www.catchingtherain.com/2011/01/new-powerhouse-museum-worpdpress-plugin-launched/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2011/01/new-powerhouse-museum-worpdpress-plugin-launched/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:02:55 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=309 Continue reading →]]> Seb Chan and the team at Powerhouse Museum in Sydney certainly likes to make sure they stay one step ahead of everyone else in the museums sector, and they’ve proved it once again with the launch of a custom WordPress plugin that interfaces with their collections information through the API (which, of course, they have had up and running for ages).

Here’s a little test.

  • Afghan camel train on the Wanaaring Road
    85/1284-765 Photographic negative, Afghan camel train on the Wanaaring Road, Warrego district, glass / gelatin emulsion, photographed by George Bell (attributed).
  • Glass plate negative of Como Hotel, Como with Illawarra train line
    2008/165/1-126 Glass plate negative (1 of 193), Como Hotel, Como with Illawarra railway line, glass, photographer possibly Arthur Phillips, Australia, c. 1900
  • 'Moraine' sofa by Zaha Hadid
    2005/180/1 Sofa and cover, 'Moraine', polyurethane foam/ leather/ canvas, designed by Zaha Hadid, England, 2000, made by Sawaya & Moroni, Italy, 2004
  • Tin plate toy coal tender from train set
    85/2587-25 Toy coal tender, from train set, tin plate, made by Meccano, England, c. 1937
  • Photograph of Avro Anson trainer aircraft
    88/289-969 Photographic glass plate negative, Avro Cadet trainer aircraft, A6-3, A6-15, A6-23, in workshops, Clyde Engineering Pty Ltd, Australia, 1940
  • Bullock team clearing drains
    85/1284-982 Photographic negative, bullock team clearing drains with a piece of equipment called a 'delver', glass / gelatin emulsion, photographed by George Bell (attributed), published by Kerry and Co, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1890-1900
  • Glass plate negative of Lavender Bay with steam train
    2008/165/1-137 Glass plate negative (1 of 193), Lavender Bay with steam train, glass, photographer possibly Arthur Phillips, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c. 1910
  • A botanical model of a wheat grain and sprout.
    2798 Botanical model, 'Grain de ble' (Wheat grains), plaster / metal, made by Dr Auzoux, Paris, France, 1883
  • Two control units from Fleetwork Trainer
    98/113/1 Control units (2), Fleetwork Trainer components, pupil's course and speed unit & instructor's control panel, metal / alloy / electronic components, commissioned by the Communications School at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria, Australia, made by Research
  • Model of a brig, made & presented by the boys on the training ship "Sobraon".
    H1697 Model of a brig made & presented by the boys on the training ship "Sobraon" (SB).
  • Photograph of Avro cadet trainer plane A6-17
    88/289-147 Photographic glass plate negative, Avro Cadet trainer aircraft A6-17 on float, Clyde Engineering Pty Ltd, Australia, 1941
  • Length of toy train track, made by Mettoy
    85/2577-323 Length of toy train track, tin plate, made by Mettoy, England, 1934-1954
  • Bottle of 'Pattinsons Brain and Nerve Tonic'
    2002/53/5 Proprietary pharmaceutical, 'Pattinsons Brain & Nerve Tonic', in glass bottle, Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co Ltd, Sydney & Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, [1955-1975]
  • Photograph of Wunderlich rainwater capping with grotesque animal antefix
    A7437-28/83 Photographic print, black & white, rainwater capping with grotesque animal antefix designed and made by Wunderlich Limited, E A Bradford, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c 1930
  • Malietoa supporters trained by Lieutenant Gaunt, Apia, Samoa, 1899
    85/1284-1481 Photographic negative, Malietoa supporters trained by Lieutenant Gaunt marching through the streets of Apia, gelatin / glass, photographer unknown, published by Kerry and Co., Apia, Upolu, Samoa, March 1899
  • Tin plate toy carriage from train set
    85/2587-26 Toy carriage, from train set, tin plate, made by Meccano, England, c. 1937
  • Photograph of parts for grain stripper
    88/289-213 Photographic glass plate negative, parts for Clyde horsedrawn grain stripper, Clyde Engineering Pty Ltd, Australia, 1900-1940
  • Tin plate toy carriage from train set
    85/2587-27 Toy carriage, from train set, tin plate, made by Meccano, England, c. 1937
  • Bicycle training rollers used by Ron Cazey
    2007/53/2 Bicycle training rollers, metal / rubber, maker unknown, used by Ron Cazey, Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia, 1930s
  • Concept drawings for the 4th Generation 'Millennium' train
    2006/52/7 Drawings (3), concept sketches and renderings for the 4th generation 'Millennium' train, paper, made by TDI (Transport Design International) and Design Resource Australia, Crows Nest, New South Wales, Australia, 1995-1997
]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2011/01/new-powerhouse-museum-worpdpress-plugin-launched/feed/ 0 Imperial War Museum panorama http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/08/imperial-war-museum-panorama/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/08/imperial-war-museum-panorama/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:02:24 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=241 Continue reading →]]> Another experimental panorama, this time at the Imperial War Museum. Most of the main attractions are set as highlights, but Microsoft Silverlight is very frustrating in that it doesn’t allow users to hover over something in the scene and find out more. In fact it’s not very good at displaying information at all – I’d have thought it would at least show captions from the titles and descriptions that you set!

Wait a little while and it should automatically go through the highlights, or just click on the thumbnails to the right (again, there must be something not quite right with a piece of software if you have to give people guidance on how to do the basics!)

I’d suggest opening full screen for maximum impact, or see the original on photosyth.net

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/08/imperial-war-museum-panorama/feed/ 0 51.4959679 -0.1086510 A Day At The (Horniman) Museum http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/04/a-day-at-the-horniman-museum/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/04/a-day-at-the-horniman-museum/#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:04:42 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=215 Continue reading →]]> The facade of the original 1901 building at the Horniman Museum
I was recently prompted to pay a long overdue visit to the Horniman Museum, round in Forest Hill, south east London. So last Sunday morning Oliver and I set off for the day.

Wow, it had changed incredibly since my last visit, back in the days when I was working on plant uses in the Centre for Economic Botany at Kew (my first job at Kew). With brand new galleries, a new aquarium, and the temporary travelling exhibition Myths and Monsters (from the Natural History Museum team) it proved to be a great day out.

Myths and Monsters
Myths and Monsters exhibition at the Horniman Museum Myths and Monsters exhibition at the Horniman Museum Myths and Monsters exhibition at the Horniman Museum Myths and Monsters exhibition at the Horniman Museum

Even the old natural history galleries, where one is rather fittingly invited to ‘step back in time’, provided some engaging displays; for examples skeletons of apes and early man, together with moulds of brain sizes, give a stark reminder of how we have evolved. Somehow these rather erudite displays seem suitably complemented by the over-stuffed walrus
 which takes pride of place in the middle of the gallery.

At the Horniman the theme of culture is a constant one, and we found ourselves watching videos of brass shields being made in Benin, looking at mummies from Egypt, and gazing at the most amazing displays packed full of musical instruments of all shapes and sizes (with a nice little side room where you can try some out, though not the expensive guitars, much to Oliver’s disappointment!).

Lunch in the Conservatory at the Horniman Museum View over a dreary looking London from the Horniman Museum I shouldn’t forget the gardens. It was hardly the best time of the year to visit a garden, nor was the weather on our side, but it’s good to see that they have just got nearly a million pounds of Lottery money to carry out an extensive refurbishment, including rebuilding the bandstand (from where you get amazing views looking north over central London).

He’d hate me for saying this, but whether it was the stepping back in time, the change in surroundings, or simply a rare chance for us to spend one-on-one time together, Oliver was transformed from ’12 year old going on 18′ into the studious scholar, to the point where half the time he was telling me what things were!

Just goes to show the power of museums of all shapes and sizes, and you don’t get much wider a range of exhibit than the Horniman – well worth a visit, with a wide appeal to everyone.

Check out their website and their Facebook page

Aquarium jellyfish at The Horniman Museum The Horniman Museum Natural History Gallery at the Horniman Museum Like father like son - Oliver taking photos at the aquarium at The Horniman Museum

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/04/a-day-at-the-horniman-museum/feed/ 0 51.4408150 -0.0603390 Paris 26 Gigapixels – gigapixel image of Paris http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/03/paris-26-gigapixels-gigapixel-image-of-paris/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/03/paris-26-gigapixels-gigapixel-image-of-paris/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:20:31 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=204 Continue reading →]]> I’m always wary of technology for technology’s sake, but not only is this a fantastic technical feat and a high quality image, it’s also delivered via a rather slick interface …

Gigapixel image of Paris

Gigapixel image of Paris from http://www.paris-26-gigapixels.com

Paris 26 Gigapixels – Interactive virtual tour of the most beautiful monuments of Paris.

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2010/03/paris-26-gigapixels-gigapixel-image-of-paris/feed/ 0 48.8566666 2.3509872 Layar augmented reality at Kew http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/11/layar-augmented-reality-at-kew/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/11/layar-augmented-reality-at-kew/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:27:49 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=250 Continue reading →]]> My experiment with Augmented Reality (AR) at Kew has just been featured on the Layar blog …

200911111344371200911031427501200911031433501

It uses the Porpoise PHP to deliver the xml-based API, and reusues images and content from the www.kew.org/trees website that I managed.

It has also had a mention on cnet.co.uk and csmonitor.com

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/11/layar-augmented-reality-at-kew/feed/ 0 Google Doodle – Kew Gardens http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/05/google-doodle-on-kew/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/05/google-doodle-on-kew/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 07:25:36 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/archives/2009/05/196 Google today have a Doodle for Kew Gardens’ 250th birthday, and the Queen is paying a visit.

Kew's Google Doodle

Kew's Google Doodle celebrating its 250th anniversary

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/05/google-doodle-on-kew/feed/ 0 Phototrek in the New Forest http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/02/phototrek-in-the-new-forest/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/02/phototrek-in-the-new-forest/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:03:32 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=177 Continue reading →]]> The lonely life of the professional photographer!

Way back last summer the kids bought me a voucher for my 40th birthday to go on a phototrek in the New Forest. After a failed first attempt thanks to storms back in November, I finally made it down there.

The treks are organised by local photographers Ian Badley and Barry Whitcher, under the banner of www.photonewforest.com/.

Turned out to be a great day, and although we didn’t get much sunshine the weather stayed kind to us. Would recommend these New Forest phototreks to anyone, beginner or expert.

090215272 Dead wood patterns (b&w)Barry Yew sprig on moss Walkers and cottage Fallen tree - detail Holly Dead branches (black & white) Winter bracken Walking reflections (spot the dog!) Walkers and cottage

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/02/phototrek-in-the-new-forest/feed/ 0 50.9068718 -1.6975862 A winter’s walk along the canal http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/01/a-winters-walk-along-the-canal/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/01/a-winters-walk-along-the-canal/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:51:13 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/?p=161 Continue reading →]]> I had to go to Screwfix to get some DIY bits, and the most direct route is along the tow-path of the Grand Union Canal. Needless to say I took the camera, and it took me a little longer than expected.

Brunel's Three Bridges - detail
The wall of the old Hanwell Asylum The wall of the old Hanwell Asylum - detail Footplate on canal lock Canal lock sleuce gate gears Lock detail - Hanwell Flight, Grand Union Canal

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2009/01/a-winters-walk-along-the-canal/feed/ 1 51.5053825 -0.3489876 ‘Bride’ arrested on wedding day – Times Online http://www.catchingtherain.com/2008/10/bride-arrested-on-wedding-day-times-online/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2008/10/bride-arrested-on-wedding-day-times-online/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:35:28 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/archives/2008/10/120 Is this the sort of wedding photography I aspire to?

‘Bride’ arrested on wedding day – Times Online

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2008/10/bride-arrested-on-wedding-day-times-online/feed/ 0 51.4500008 -0.0833333 Cheering on Sharon Laws at the Olympics http://www.catchingtherain.com/2008/08/cheering-on-sharon-laws-at-the-olympics/ http://www.catchingtherain.com/2008/08/cheering-on-sharon-laws-at-the-olympics/#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:14:30 +0000 James http://www.catchingtherain.com/archives/2008/08/118 Continue reading →]]> A short while ago I discovered that a former colleague, friend and fellow cyclist Sharon Laws is going to be riding for Great Britain in the women’s road race at the Beijing Olympics. Wow, bloody amazing! So, this is just to say….

GO SHARON!

More about Sharon at:
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2525097/Sh…
www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/gbr/News2008/200808…
www.olympics.org.uk/beijing2008/AthleteProfile.aspx?id=6813

Sharon also did the video feature for the BBC about the road race (during which she broke her leg!):
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/cycling/7550414.stm

]]> http://www.catchingtherain.com/2008/08/cheering-on-sharon-laws-at-the-olympics/feed/ 0