tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32220312736205501182024-03-05T13:14:37.996-08:00Sam Cam@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-78859873789829875492014-07-21T06:55:00.000-07:002014-07-21T06:55:21.221-07:00A Lesson In Striving! <br />
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The idea of the <a href="http://www.strivechallenge.com/" target="_blank">Virgin Strive Challenge</a> came easily. My cousin Noah and I had both identified that we wanted to do a big challenge – something to push us to our physical and mental limits. But just as importantly we wanted it to be a vehicle for conversation about teaching children how to develop the skills they need to thrive in life.</div>
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These skills, like having a positive perspective, goal setting, resilience and communication, inform such crucial parts of a child’s development. They’re also the DNA that runs through the Virgin Strive Challenge.</div>
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We didn’t want Strive to be a typical fundraiser, where we have a dinner to raise funds for the schools that do these amazing life skills projects. We wanted to be out on the frontline, meeting these amazing people and really showing how and why goal setting can make such a big difference in their lives and create a vehicle in which to talk about them.</div>
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I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but after two amazing days spent at three different schools, what I didn’t know was how much I was going to learn from the children. They were very passionate about thriving in life and it was incredibly inspiring. Some are further along that journey than others! </div>
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There were some amazing examples of striving. There was one pupil who came from Italy two years ago and spoke no English. He’s now fluent and is studying French and Spanish.</div>
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I was seeing different people facing very different challenges. Telling people about life skills while not really knowing about their challenges can be tricky, but it’s really about a balance. You have to inspire them while still respecting the complexity and breadth of the problems they face. </div>
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When I was at the Globe Academy I was part of the egg and spoon run during their sports day. I was next to a young girl who wouldn't get involved and didn't engage with me. But within five minutes of attention and interest in her, she was smiling and enjoying herself. Sometimes all it takes is to show an interest in people and make them realise someone cares. </div>
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The school trips have just been amazing; really powerful and humbling. The kids have been incredibly engaged. We’ve been chatting to them, playing sports with them, listening to their dreams.</div>
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There have been tears in the classroom, laughing in the sports field (when I dropped the egg during the spoon race) and a real feeling of positivity and growth all around. Both sides of the fence! </div>
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These sorts of experiences really reinforce why we are doing this challenge, and gives us extra reason to dig deep under pressure during tough parts of the challenge.</div>
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It was such a wonderful experience and a real education for myself and the team. We'll aim for many more but if we can improve even one life from this, it will have been worth it! </div>
@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-32495626221855528612014-07-15T04:08:00.000-07:002014-07-15T04:08:07.290-07:00My Top Five Films Celebrating the Planet <div class="p1">
I’m a big believer in the impact films can have on the world. They have the power to trigger global conservations that can have real positive ramifications. That’s exactly the reason why I set up my production company<a href="http://www.sundogpictures.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Sundog Pictures</a> - to tell stories that matter and bring new audiences to important topics.</div>
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Here are my top five films that celebrate the planet in a unique way and left a lasting impression on me. </div>
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<b>Baraka - 1992</b></div>
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This is a stunning film and is such a beautiful way to showcase the planet. It’s incredibly immersive and hypnotic, and it has such an amazing visual presence that you forget it doesn’t have a voice over - it’s just this amazing planet looking like you have never seen it before.</div>
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<b>1 Giant Leap - 2001</b></div>
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I saw this a few years ago and it was such a beautiful way to chart human relationships amidst a backdrop of the world and music.</div>
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There is a brilliant album to go alongside this beautiful film - so either way i’d encourage you to listen or watch the life lessons shared here.</div>
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<b>An Inconvenient Truth - 2006</b></div>
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Proof that film can be such a powerful medium. I remember it coming out in the cinema and I kept hearing from people that I had to see this film. I was absolutely blown away by what I saw, and completely believe that is one of the most powerful and important films I have ever seen. It really got the subject of climate change to the whole word and triggered a global conversation that people are still having now.</div>
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<b>In The Shadow of the Moon - 2007</b></div>
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This was a film I saw last year. It was recommended to me by a friend and it documents the story of NASA’s manned Moon missions in the 60s and 70s. As I am going to be heading to space in the near future with Virgin Galactic I really wanted to be aware of the history of space travel.</div>
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It’s an incredibly interesting and moving film, and after I watched it I had a mixture of nerves and excitement about my trip to space!</div>
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Revolution -2013</div>
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This is an amazing documentary made by my pal Rob Stewart. It initially looks at the world with concern - highlighting worries about pollution, wavering ecosystems and over population before focusing on how we can all make a difference.</div>
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His belief is that if more young people knew what was happening to the world they would stand up and fight for the future. It’s a powerful film. </div>
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What are your favourites? </div>
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-60537521524029322014-07-13T12:45:00.002-07:002014-07-13T12:47:25.578-07:00The Power of a Positive Perspective <div class="p1">
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One of my earliest memories is that of my dad heading off in a balloon on another one of his crazy world record attempts. I remember sneaking into the capsule to leave a note asking him to make sure he came home because I was terrified that I might never see him again. </div>
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I guess the adventurous spirit runs strong in my family, because adventures have also been such a big part of my life – and I can confidently say they have helped shaped me into the person I am today.</div>
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I’m not going to lie, I’m a LUCKY man. I have been able to travel the world, meet some incredible people and do some pretty amazing things. But in my late teens, like the majority of people, I had started to question life and the meaning of things.</div>
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I just couldn’t shake off the feeling that my life needed a direction, a focus. I didn't have the first clue what that direction was and how to go about finding it, and then the phone rang, and I was offered an amazing opportunity that changed everything!</div>
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It was Will Steger – who has led some of the most significant dogsled expeditions in the world. I had joined Will on small trip before and liked him. On the call he filled me in on his next challenge.</div>
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He was planning a 1,400 mile dogsled expedition in Arctic to raise awareness of climate change amongst young people in US... and it would take about three months!</div>
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Arriving in Baffin Island, I got a huge shock to the system. We were packing up and sorting our equipment and I remember thinking, 'What the hell have I let myself in for?' </div>
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The tents were tiny, I literally couldn’t expose any skin outside, I was already exhausted... and I had three months of this ahead of me!</div>
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I knew I couldn't get through it in that state of mind, thinking in that way – so I took myself aside and said to myself: ‘You are not just going to do this, you are going to do it with a huge smile on your face.’ </div>
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Otherwise what’s the point?’</div>
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I didn't want to go in to it wishing for it to be over before it had even started. </div>
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So I told myself: 'Do your best to make the most of every moment and embrace all the feelings that come with it, good or bad'. And from that point on, I was ready for near enough anything the experience threw at me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwpOTZdxZSpJ1n7ftO5Oi_jElL3Db7MAun6xaDf8L2Entn6MB4Pm-E183YDzIEqBYOZUe6VyuqytlwZ083XCIiE9nscetLaIwW5SdxWS4mxBJLmsZueqcxJTIN9_n4b_L4FZJ88xI2BE/s1600/1L7Z0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwpOTZdxZSpJ1n7ftO5Oi_jElL3Db7MAun6xaDf8L2Entn6MB4Pm-E183YDzIEqBYOZUe6VyuqytlwZ083XCIiE9nscetLaIwW5SdxWS4mxBJLmsZueqcxJTIN9_n4b_L4FZJ88xI2BE/s1600/1L7Z0158.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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That was the only way to do it. In fact, I believe it’s the best way to approach any challenge life throws at us. The realisation that in most situations in life we have a choice of how to perceive something is empowering.</div>
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Perspective with purpose is incredibly motivating and when I embraced the experience of that journey in the Arctic and stopped thinking about the end goal and how far away it seemed, I was set…This perspective has driven me ever since and I try to adopt it in everything I do. </div>
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That was one of the key themes I talked about last Sunday at the 2014 Adventure Travel Show at Olympia London. I was incredibly fortunate to speak at the event, and it was heart-warming to see my family and friends, including my beautiful wife and my sister Holly, there.</div>
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Since that expedition the bug certainly took hold and I’ve undertaken a few more challenges. I have broken a world record for the most linked runners to complete a marathon, attached to 33 friends; I have cycled from Italy to London as a part of the Dallaglio Flintoff cycle slam and I kite surfed from France to England, achieving the World Record for the fastest cross-channel kite surf. </div>
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I believe that setting yourself goals and trying to achieve them is the fastest way to becoming a healthy, happy and confident individual – and the best way to achieve those goals is through a positive perspective and enjoying the journey along the way.</div>
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What are your tips on tackling big challenges in life?</div>
@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-87162795588902699242014-07-10T11:38:00.000-07:002014-07-10T11:38:39.837-07:00They Call It Puppy Love <div class="p1">
An office should be a place of work - but also one of liveliness, flexibility and fun... with that in mind, let me introduce you to Nala, the latest member of the Branson family.</div>
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I’ve learned since I was young that work should never be a daily grind. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, office life should be a place of work - but also one of liveliness, flexibility and fun. A place of work should be somewhere which inspires you, and it should be also be a place where you can be yourself and enjoy. You spend most of your life at work, so as much as it can be a place that brings joy the better. Positive people are more creative and more productive.</div>
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My production company <a href="http://www.sundogpictures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sundog Pictures</a> is an incredibly happy place to work, and the staff work hard but also enjoy the work they create.</div>
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It’s an atmosphere that encourages people to push themselves, but also to unwind and have a laugh - the most recent way of doing this is for people to bring in their dogs. I mean what would Sundog be without the dog!</div>
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My wife and I recently adopted a seven week old puppy and we named her Nala, from the Lion King (a small obsession of mine!) She’s an absolutely beautiful and sweet natured Golden Retriever… but she does keep me awake for most of the night! I had to sleep on the sofa with the fire door closed and put my fingers in my ears, with two pillows on top, and I could still hear her!</div>
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-37158216115217810672014-07-09T03:29:00.002-07:002014-07-09T03:29:59.876-07:00Health Over Handcuffs <div class="p1">
The<a href="http://supportdontpunish.org/" target="_blank"> Support, Don’t Punish</a> campaign is urging for a change in drug policy that will treat drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one.</div>
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I completely agree that this is the right message to spread. It’s also an incredibly important one.</div>
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My production company <a href="http://www.sundogpictures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sundog Pictures </a> made <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/breakingthetaboofilm" target="_blank">Breaking The Taboo </a>because it was exactly the sort of story that I set up my company for – to tell stories that matter and to start conversations about important topics.</div>
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The War on Drugs is such a compelling subject, and it has been ever since president Richard Nixon started the war in the US over 40 years ago. It’s a war that is still being waged, and it’s clear that a heavy handed prohibition approach hasn’t worked and in fact is causing many more problems than the drugs themselves. Drugs haven’t killed over 40,000 people in Mexico in the last few years… The war on drugs has!</div>
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What we highlighted in the film was that countries like Portugal are treating people with drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one and are succeeding hugely in curbing the violence and the suffering associated with the war on drugs.</div>
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The idea that billions of pounds every year is given to the hands of organised crime to spend on murder, extortion, prostitution, trafficking and all kinds of illicit activities that tear at the fabric of our society is unacceptable.</div>
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That sort of revenue needs to be taken away from criminals and put back into society – where the money can be used for good.</div>
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While other countries seem to be taking progressive and difference stances on how to look at drug use, Britain still seems stuck in its ways.</div>
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You can’t look at this problem in an idealistic way, otherwise we will just cause more and more harm. We have to take all the evidence in and be pragmatic about the issue. The wellbeing of people and society must be our main goal.</div>
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We are talking about people here. Only a humane approach will work. By prioritising health over handcuffs, we are putting not only people’s welfare first, but also the communities they live in. We must all have a voice on this incredibly important issue that affects all of us!</div>
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-63709206207826418432014-07-08T05:12:00.000-07:002014-07-08T05:12:29.884-07:00Why Adventure?<br />
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You could say the adventurous spirit runs strong in my family. Setting goals and taking risks, be it physically or mentally, is in my blood.</div>
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I have enjoyed and learnt much from the amazing adventures I have undertaken in my life – like spending three months in the Arctic, setting up my production company <a href="http://www.sundogpictures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sundog Pictures</a> and getting married to my beautiful wife Bellie.</div>
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But setting yourself a goal and working out how to achieve it can be the biggest adventure of all. By achieving your goals you keep yourself motivated and positive – as well as enjoying a sense of fulfilment and pride.</div>
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Knowing you have pushed yourself and refused to take no for answer to achieve something is such an important life skill. But it's one I believe sadly isn’t been taught enough at school. <a href="http://www.bigchangecharitabletrust.org/" target="_blank">Big Change</a>, a charity I co-founded with friends, is focusing on life skills and helping to develop programmes that will give young people around the UK opportunities to learn and develop the so called ‘soft skills’ they need to become healthy, happy and productive individuals.</div>
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Young people today are leaving school and having to navigate a complicated world of new challenges and new opportunities.</div>
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While they may have been taught academically, they haven't always had the chance to develop the communication skills, teamwork, confidence and resilience that they will need to rely on over the years ahead. These are the skills that help you overcome obstacles and get the best out of life.</div>
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This is why I wanted to come up with an idea that created a vehicle to talk about these skills and raise funds for projects around the UK that are enabling young people to grow them… and so the Virgin Strive Challenge was born!</div>
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<a href="https://www.strivechallenge.com/" target="_blank">Virgin STRIVE Challenge </a>is a mass participation ultra-endurance event that will see a core team, including myself, Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, Innocent Drinks co-founder Richard Reed and paralympian gold medalist Ade Adepitan, travel from London to the summit of the Matterhorn (the most iconic mountain in Switzerland), entirely under human power.</div>
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That means three back-to-back marathons from London to the coast, rowing the English Channel, cycling 900km to Verbier, hiking seven days over the iconic Haute Route to Zermatt and then climbing the Matterhorn, all of which will take just over a month (August 2014)... Phew!</div>
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By using these incredibly important life skills to help us tackle this challenge, I’m hoping that it will show people that you can achieve your goals, if you really set your mind to it and you can also learn a hell of a lot in the process.</div>
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All proceeds raised by the Virgin STRIVE Challenge will go to Big Change to support young people all over the UK.</div>
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Hundreds of others will be joining us along the way.We hope you join us too and become a part of our story!@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-38616535581101400682014-02-07T08:10:00.000-08:002014-02-07T08:10:10.401-08:00We must change drug laws if we want to save lives<div class="p1">
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There has been a lot of talk on drug laws this week, mainly due to the tragic passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman. </div>
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His death came as a shock, equalled by the cause of it. A middle aged and incredibly lauded actor at the top of his game is not the stereotypical image that we attach to heroin addicts. </div>
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Cue a shocked media and a frenzy to bring those who dealt to him to justice - a fast track way to make us all feel better again and gloss over the root of the real problems of the war on drugs.<br />
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<span class="s1">As Russell Brand says, in his recent<a href="http://bit.ly/1b7WGvz" target="_blank"> <b>opinion piece</b></a></span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s1">‘</span>There is a predominant voice in the mind of an addict that supersedes all reason and that voice wants you dead’.</div>
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If drug addiction is such a mental minefield for those that are in its grasp, why do we still treat them as criminals and not in a compassionate, humane way that we would expect if <i>we</i> were at our lowest and desperate for help?</div>
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The answer is simple - our drug laws make it impossible to treat drug addiction the way we should. We criminalise them and demonise them, but seem unable to care for them. In a way laws are in place just to help the conscience of those in power instead of getting right into the toxic subject and finding better solutions. </div>
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The reason I made my first feature documentary Breaking The Taboo was because I couldn’t believe that the War on Drugs was still going on. The more I learnt about the topic, the more I realised it is an issue affecting everyone on the planet, whether you realise it or not. It is a forty year plus battlefield of misery and despair, where the only winners are criminals, who are getting richer and richer and spending their profits on organised crime and tearing at the very fabric of civilisation. </div>
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The film paints a picture of international drugs policy and how the War on Drugs has failed in every possible way - how drugs are more prevalent than ever and that people are still dying. We looked at countries who treat drug addiction as a medical issue rather than a criminal one and how their progressive and tolerant drug laws have seen a positive impact in reducing drug related crime and deaths. </div>
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In any other walk of life, if things were going this badly one would adopt a different way to tackle the problem. We are not talking about 'addicts', we are talking about people. Fathers, sons, mothers, sisters etc. Real people. They are not a stat on a piece of paper. We must try to find better solutions to this huge problem and find a smarter fight. </div>
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Please sign this petition <a href="http://bit.ly/1gT6HiL" target="_blank">here</a> and help end the war on drugs</div>
@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-1617484441078832202014-02-03T23:56:00.001-08:002014-02-03T23:56:24.386-08:00Hard to Watch, Harder to Forget<br />
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It’s easy to get wrapped up in your problems, and while it’s something you should never apologise for, it’s always worth noting what other people are facing in the world. A popular hashtag is #firstworldproblems - making light of the things that we complain about compared to the other real problems in the world. </div>
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And there definitely are other real problems in the world. The Human Rights Channel made this unbelievable short film from real life footage filmed by real people living around horrific scenes in 2013. </div>
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It’s hard to watch, but it’s something we should never forget as we begin 2014. One of the great things about social media is that there is a voice to those who have been previously been unheard. We must continue to listen and make sure their voice is amplified by shouting alongside them. </div>
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Have a watch and let me know what you think </div>
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-37648791008690455322014-01-24T06:12:00.000-08:002014-01-24T06:12:25.805-08:00Why I Set Up Sundog Pictures<div class="p1">
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I <span class="s2">set</span> <span class="s2">up</span> <span class="s2">Sundog</span> <span class="s2">Pictures</span> because I believe that the medium of film is one of the most powerful tools in the modern era to create positive social change. It has the ability to take huge complex subjects and put them across in an easy to understand form. Changing peoples views and in turn changing the world itself. </div>
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We aim to tell stories that matter and start conversations around important subjects. Not in a worthy or preachy way, but in a way that engages, inspires and entertains, bringing new audiences to important subjects. The best stories are ones that create discussion and leave you feeling inspired or fired <span class="s2">up</span> to make a change.</div>
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Our first feature length documentary Breaking The Taboo focused on the failed War on Drugs and was watched by nearly a million people on YouTube within four weeks. It was an incredible success and it did what it <span class="s2">set</span> out to do - get people talking about a futile 40+ year war that has caused nothing but endless suffering around the globe and put pressure on governments to find better solutions.</div>
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In our critically acclaimed TV documentary Turtle Boy we looked at the amazing human spirit of a young boy in Columbia and upped Channel 4's slot average by 75%.</div>
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In our touching film 'Becoming Me' (a piece of branded content for a recruitment agency Randstad U.K.) we gave people who are looking for career fulfilment a voice and in 'Wind For Prosperity' we are telling the incredible story of Danish wind energy company Vesta’s, who are in a bid to end energy poverty around the globe.</div>
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That’s just some of the amazing projects we have made and are making here at <span class="s2">Sundog</span> <span class="s2">Pictures</span>. They are all different types of content on different types of media - be it TV, internet or on the big screen - but one thing connects them all. They all have the <span class="s2">Sundog</span> imprint, our DNA that runs through everything that we do. They are stories that matter. Inspiring, informing and entertaining. </div>
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Thanks for the support!</div>
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Sam :)</div>
@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-69410316145005516942014-01-22T06:40:00.001-08:002014-01-22T14:12:48.087-08:00Come see me at the Adventure Travel Show <div class="p2">
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I have a passion for adventure, which, I guess, means I ultimately have a passion for life. An adventure doesn’t have to be something extreme or death defying. Seeking a new job, trying out a new environment or learning a new skill in your free time - these are all new adventures and challenges in your life that you need to push yourself to achieve.</div>
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That is one of the key themes I will be talking about at the 2014 Adventure Travel Show on Sunday (26th January) at Olympia London.</div>
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I was very honoured to be asked to speak at the event, and to be on the same platform as the awesome Sir Ranulph Fiennes is such a buzz. It's been a great opportunity to look back on my life so far and reflect on the things i have done. </div>
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In my life I have always tried to push myself. I have been to the Arctic three times, attempted to break the Trans-Atlantic sailing speed record, which was the arguably the most dangerous trip of my life and have managed to break several records, including the fastest crossing of the English Channel by Kiteboard.</div>
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And this year I am going to undertake two of my biggest challenge yet - attempting to get from London to the top of the Matterhorn in Switzerland entirely under human power and being the youngest man in space flying on Virgin Galactic’s maiden voyage. Quite a surreal thought. </div>
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But, while I am passionate about pushing myself, I am equally, if not more so, passionate about showing the new perspective that adventures gives people. It inspires them to push themselves more in their lives, set new goals and generally refuse to be cowed by obstacles. By seeking a new adventure, you are already asking the best question in life. It’s not ‘Why?’, but ‘Why not?’.</div>
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I hope to see you guys on Sunday.</div>
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All the best,</div>
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<b><i>Get tickets to The Adventure Travel Show 2014 – Olympia for only £6 – saving £4 off the door </i></b></div>
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<b><i>price! Just quote ‘SAMBRANSON’ when booking online at </i></b><a href="http://www.adventureshow.com/"><span class="s1"><b><i>www.adventureshow.com</i></b></span></a><b><i> or when calling 0871 230 7159 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).</i></b><br />
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-49628900163251434952013-12-11T05:57:00.002-08:002013-12-11T05:57:57.788-08:00 A Year On And We’re Still Breaking The Taboo<br />
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A documentary is all about the story. It should be something that engages, inspires and creates discussion. I set up my production company Sundog Pictures because I wanted to tell the kind of stories that provoke thought, and for our first documentary I couldn’t have hoped for a better subject.<br />
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Breaking The Taboo tackled an issue that many not dared to touch. The drug prohibition issue around the world is something very few politicians would talk about in fear they might become labeled as being soft on drugs or soft on crime. In the words of Ruth Dreifuss (Former Prime Minister of Switzerland), ‘Who wants to campaign with a junkie by your side?’.<br />
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But I found The War on Drugs such a compelling subject. Ever since then president Richard Nixon infamously started the War on Drugs in America over 40 years ago, it has become the longest running war in history. That’s over four decades of the very thing that you can alway rely on in war - casualties. The human toll of this needless war is unbearably high and the laws have failed in every respect to do what they were set up to do. Forty five thousand deaths in Mexico in the last few years weren’t caused by drugs… but the war on drugs. That’s why I decided to make a film about the issue.<br />
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The film, which is an international adaptation of the Brazilian documentary Quebrando o Tabu, focuses on painting a picture of International Drugs Policy around the globe, the reasons why it has failed and looking at countries that have successfully experimented with other forms of tackling the issue. It calls for an educated debate on the issue and follows the members of The Global Commission On Drug Policy on its mission to tackle the taboo surrounding the United States-led War on Drugs.<br />
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Narrated by ‘The Voice of God’ Morgan Freeman, and featuring former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Breaking The Taboo looked with great detail on the human aspect of the the failed War On Drugs. It also shows how the countries who treat people with drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one are succeeding in curbing the dramatic violence and suffering associated with this war. They are realising that drug prohibition has only been worthwhile to the criminal underworld.<br />
<br />
Breaking The Taboo was released a year ago, and it’s astounding how much of a positive reaction and support it has received from those who have watched it.<br />
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It wasn’t just the subject that we took a risk on. Myself and others behind the movie didn’t just want to take it around the festival circuit, We wanted to share it with the wider world as soon as possible, so that people could watch it and demand change. A good documentary should not only fire up something inside of you and prompt you to look at the world differently, it should also inspire you to act.<br />
<br />
To get the subject as much exposure as possible, we decided to release it for free on YouTube for a month. Doing this was a huge risk, but we felt the film should be seen by as many people as possible, and we felt that releasing it online was such a perfect opportunity to make it as accessible as possible and start a much needed conversation on the issue.<br />
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There has been so much support from activists, celebrities, film fans and many others, that I couldn’t have hoped for a better response.<br />
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I was so close to the subject that it wasn’t something I could leave behind once we released it to the world. We still have regular screenings and panel discussions around the world, and I recently went to Hong Kong to show the film and engage in a Q and A afterwards. The film was just the first part in trying to change global drug policy, and we still encourage debate and conversation on several Breaking The Taboo social platforms.<br />
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While making the film I began to realise that there are so many organizations out there that are trying to make a change and urging governments to look at other solutions than outright prohibition. And it seems that we are slowly being heard. Behind closed doors many politicians agree with drugs policy reform but don’t feel the political confidence to stand up. We as the public must pave the way for this conversation to be had and for them to be heard.<br />
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I was encouraged to hear that in America, following Colorado and Washington State legalising marijuana last year, a recent poll suggested 58 per cent of Americans favoured ending the prohibition against the drug - a 10 per cent increase from the year before. Uruguay are also set to become the first county in the world to legalise Marijuana in a bid to reduce drug crime.<br />
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I’m sure we will all be keeping a close eye on how these situations develop. There are positive steps forwards. Many people who are uneducated on the issue think that drug regulation would create a free for all. Actually it is the opposite. A free for all is what we have now. Regulating the market will put more control into an area that has none. We obviously need to be careful in the way we change our drug policies, but without doubt, they need to change.<br />
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And while I hope that our film played a part in breaking the taboo on drugs and I’m delighted to be celebrating its one year anniversary, I’m not one to look in the past. It’s all about the future, and on the horizon there may just be another taboo that we are going to break!<br />
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Watch this space!<br />
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-61589971640447456942013-12-06T09:41:00.000-08:002013-12-06T09:43:12.640-08:00Rest In Peace Madiba<br />
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Like many of us, I was saddened to hear the news of Nelson Mandela's passing. He was a man who lived life knowing that the only way to heal and move forwards is to live a life of forgiveness. That was his biggest strength and should never be forgotten.<br />
<br />
Madiba has been an idol of mine for years. I’m not the only one, I know, but in a world that can be tainted by cynicism and apathy, here was a man that lived his life to make a difference and to show that harmony can be made between individuals, no matter how seemingly different. He knew that beyond our perceived differences, we all really value the same things in life and equality is the first step in gaining them.<br />
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He was an incredibly compassionate man, with a highly infectious personality and a yearning to always see the positives in the world. But make no mistake, underneath his joyous character was a will of iron and a steely determination to unite a torn nation that had been wounded by racial segregation.<br />
The fact he did so by preaching reconciliation and forgiveness is the measure of a man, and the reason why he touched billions of hearts and minds around the globe.<br />
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I had the unbelievable good fortune of meeting him in South Africa when I was a teenager. I remember being slightly nervous meeting such an impressive person, but he had this wonderful ability to put you at ease and soothe any nerves. His charm has been widely recognised and he certainly didn’t disappoint. He had a real humility when meeting us all and seemed to be naturally curious and amused by the charm of life.<br />
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He was a leader in the best possible sense. He used the power that he had for good, to heal and change things for the better. I will never forget my meeting with him, but my abiding memory of him won’t be that day, but what he achieved in his life and what he stood for. I can only dream of having a fraction of the positive impact he has had on this planet, but I’m going to give it one hell of a try and we can all play a part in making this world a better place to live in.<br />
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Nelson Mandela has had an extraordinary impact, and I hope that the world he has left continues to grow and flourish. I already see that there are fears that racial tensions will re-surface in South Africa following his death, but I believe the impact he had in life is so strong that the world will feel it forever.<br />
Because of Madiba, social peace and equality in South Africa became more than just a dream. His ideal of the Rainbow Nation will forever be a fitting legacy to a quite simply remarkable man.<br />
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R.I.P Madiba - the man who brought together a nation and inspired a world.@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-34685407815894174812013-11-27T08:50:00.000-08:002013-11-27T08:50:02.685-08:00Are we heading in the wrong direction?Like many people, I like to cycle. I do it several times a week, and it’s something I love - it keeps you fit and you're also helping the environment. But if you have ever cycled through London’s city streets then no doubt you have stories of near misses, what-could-have-beens and perhaps reminders on your body that highlight the danger of cycling in London. <br />
And you are still one of the lucky ones.<br />
<br />
As you are no doubt aware, in the capital this month six cyclists have been killed.<br />
It’s absolutely tragic, and highlights the needless danger that cyclists face. But their deaths should not go in vain. This should be a catalyst for change, for proper infrastructure to be put in place that gives cyclist peace of mind that when they are cycling in the city they are not accused of having a death wish. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.<br />
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Like many times when something tragic happens, rather than focus on the key root of the problem and plan a long term strategy that might not yield instant results, people of power look for the the short term and easy fix to the problem.<br />
And this particular plaster comes in the form of lorries. According to stats, more than half of cycling deaths involved heavy goods vehicles in the last four years.<br />
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Something obviously needs to be done, but all the talk seems to be about banning lorries in rush hour. Obviously, any change is good change, but I hope more is being planned. Heavy good vehicles would still be present for large bulks of the day, and in even greater numbers if the ban on rush hour is put in place. What needs to be done is to put proper structures in place - like more cycle routes and ones that suddenly don’t place you in dangerous situations. It’s an absolute no brainer for me.<br />
<br />
Safe roads for cyclists, Less congestion, a positive impact on the environment and people’s wellbeing. It's not just London, obviously. There are dangers whenever you cycle. Myself, Laurence and Freddie had many near misses when we cycled across Europe (see pic, top).<br />
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We just have to be safe, and cyclists also need to do their part as well.<br />
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I’ve invested in BLAZE, which is a bike light that heavily increases visibility for cyclists. With a clearer understanding of the dangers on the road and better infrastructures in place, we could see a road system that is safe, environmentally friendly and is befitting of a city like London.<br />
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-43923254484717272842013-03-15T12:00:00.000-07:002013-05-30T07:00:03.278-07:00Don't put yourself in a BoxI am in the beautiful country of Rwanda and it has thrown up lots of thoughts about our nature as a species. Having been observing the Mountain Gorillas on the Rwandan Congolese border the last few days, it has made me think a lot about human nature. The similarities we have with a species that shares 98.5% of our DNA is astounding. I could see the thought in their eyes and the intelligent nature of their being, constantly relating their behaviour with our own. Well i now realise that although we are very similar, that 1.5% they don't share, is a blessing for them.<br />
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It is hard to think that not long ago where I am sitting right now in Kigali (the capital of Rwanda), screams will have been heard and the stench of death will have filled the air. In a brutal Genocide between the Hutus and the Tsutsi's, this country was ravaged by what must only be called, mass hysteria and our species at its worst. These branded titles cast upon the people of Rwanda by the colonialists in an attempt to control them, later fuelled the divide that ripped apart a nation. Kids in school were made to stand up and they would be told that they were either a Hutu or a Tsutsi. This labelling was formed upon, economic background, facial features and all sorts of other unfounded reasons. They were given passes and a once whole nation was divided. 10,000 people were killed each day for 100 days and 1 Million men, woman and children were killed by their neighbours and even by their own families. This labelling for me is the foundation for any major conflict we have faced in our history. Divide…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuH5d8ZPW1xjYo5WQQroNRVbGfSBv_JkxVGreigcTtUzedV27zp1XsLw9R57NxjRBGCjUt3ymxY-tijr8YFKY-I6TuYoXm9ai_D-Pv79DzYXI0xBOagyF_565zxwFrzU2lEpTGbjYAho/s1600/B46B2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuH5d8ZPW1xjYo5WQQroNRVbGfSBv_JkxVGreigcTtUzedV27zp1XsLw9R57NxjRBGCjUt3ymxY-tijr8YFKY-I6TuYoXm9ai_D-Pv79DzYXI0xBOagyF_565zxwFrzU2lEpTGbjYAho/s320/B46B2759.JPG" width="320" /></a>I believe that registering differences between our species will do exactly what it says on the tin… create 'differences'. By doing this, we are paving the way for our own downfall. The exact box we put oneself in for security, ultimately drives the fear that kills us. Humans in our nature are social beings and it is understandable that we crave an identity. Whether it be right wing, left wing, Hutu, Tstsi, liberalist, socialist, communist or any other divide. We all have differing outlooks on the world but at the heart of it all, we are people. People who care about the same things. Health, happiness, security, family and the wellbeing of the people we love.<br />
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It is fear that drives us to act in a way that victimises our fellow man. A fear that those in power sometimes exploit. We must see ourselves as one global community all striving for the same goals in life and if we are ever faced with a divide, stand up for what we believe in to be right. Bad things happen when good people don't speak out. We all have a voice. Don't put yourself in a box. Be your own person and be accountable for your own actions. Embrace all people in the world with compassion and empathy and in doing that we will pave the way for the healthy and sustainable future.<br />
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Desmond Tutu, who was a cornerstone for court of reconciliation after Apartheid in South Africa, looked to the future and realised that forgiveness was the only way forward after all the atrocities committed. He says to the world UBUNTU - 'A person is a person through other persons'. We must embrace this idea and see ourselves in others, as it is them who make us who we are.<br />
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I am a big believer in the human spirit being able to adapt and although we are a young species, we are learning from our mistakes. I will strive in life never to be put into a box, as this stops us from being able to look objectively on life and therefore we are unable to make the best decisions.<br />
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I have used this quote from Albert Einstein before, but in this context it is a perfect summary of the point i am trying to get across:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFsNwK_TeFbQLsGCmML-q5Fta5BOE46mCahCG6klNl3pX637nNiLzauCdgtfPrcUdSn2SLPD7bUPOkZlcJzqq6clOhup3VBLkVY6fY_l2UynDrxbBrj5SpWNtbk2ne2APv7lUlV0gqWk/s1600/B46B2755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFsNwK_TeFbQLsGCmML-q5Fta5BOE46mCahCG6klNl3pX637nNiLzauCdgtfPrcUdSn2SLPD7bUPOkZlcJzqq6clOhup3VBLkVY6fY_l2UynDrxbBrj5SpWNtbk2ne2APv7lUlV0gqWk/s320/B46B2755.jpg" width="320" /></a>"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us the 'Universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.”<br />
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What I love about his words here is that the mere striving for such a perspective is in itself creating the foundation for a more peaceful world. Therefore we don’t need to put all the focus on 'how can little old me possibly make a difference', but on just trying to live a more compassionate, open minded life and in doing so you are being a part of the thing you are trying to create. Imagine if Gandhi had said 'how can I possibly make a difference?' I believe apathy is one of the most destructive things on the planet.<br />
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The media spreads fear and puts people in boxes on a daily basis and it affects the way we act and think. It has a profound influence on the behaviour of its audience. Fear is used to control people and it divides us. It is so important moving forward to not base your opinions of the world on the medias take. It is in their interest to sensationalise and in doing so this clouds the truth. We must be our own educators and drive towards creating a balanced global perspective.<br />
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The world is at a crossroads and I am very excited about the future. I believe that my generation is much more open minded then the last. Via the internet, access to information and education is much more accessible and finally it has connected the world back into a global community. The technology which drove us apart is now bringing us together.<br />
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Individuals are no longer in charge. The collective voice of the people are. Lets use this voice to bring all of us together and in doing so, pave the way for a more peaceful and sustainable planet. <br />
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com9Kigali, Rwanda-1.950106 30.058768999999984-2.0770615 29.897407499999982 -1.8231505 30.220130499999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-65273765865667060652012-11-27T01:54:00.003-08:002012-11-27T04:16:20.873-08:00The Big Climb for Big Change<style>
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</style><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Trekking across the Arctic for three months in life
threatening conditions, I really got to understand the human body and what it
is capable of. It has helped me in everything I have done since to keep a
positive mental attitude and keep things in perspective. It made me realize
that when you think you have nothing left to give, your tank is still half
full. In September, I attempted to summit Mont Blanc along with some of my
closest friends to launch our startup charity <a href="http://www.bigchangecharitabletrust.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Big
Change Charitable Trust</span></a>. The money raised from the event will be
used to improve the lives of young people in the UK and you can see details of
the projects we are supporting on the website. In the meantime, here is my
account of our final day on the mountain.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Friday
7<sup>th</sup> September, 2am</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">An overwhelming sense of adventure
filled the air. Heading off into the dark abyss not knowing what we were to
face was exciting. Were we to succumb to the altitude? Fall into a crevasse?
Would the legs give up? Not knowing how tough it would be excited me. What I
did know is that as long as you keep a positive mental attitude then you can
always achieve more. I didn’t just want to get to the top, I wanted to do it
with a huge smile on my face.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Crampons, head torch and ice axe at
the ready we set off under the night sky up the mountain. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">We made it over the first dome and
onto the next. Trudging through the snow, foot after foot in some sort of
sleepy meditative state. It was
peaceful.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">As we hit the brow of the Dome du
Goutêr I was suddenly hit with an overwhelming realisation of what we were
doing. It is so easy to get caught up in the details, the timing of things, kit
check, body management etc. But when I walked over that dome I was awestruck.
Above me towered the summit of Mont Blanc, standing like a timeless giant
silhouetted in the night sky. The dull grey surface of it, glowing in the
moonlight, a narrow snake like trail of headlamps slowly making its way up the
steep face like a stairway of stars to the sky. The dull glow of sun pink
rising on the mountains to our left, coating the frozen mountaintops in a warm
blanket. It was incredible and in moment I was totally alive, in the present
with not a care in the world. No leg ache or tiredness, just a full
appreciation for nature and the world we live in. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoYU6vXsIHh0S5TfgBL_hBS7jaJoHij8ReiQj0b4KuFbxKdkrmP6gRSe_AuZ1V5t9xa0PQFbJotaQMRrEqDVLs3UarBynn7bqJQzekM0qohYZbK-90kK3DF8vn0r6mje7H1VaqwbQGAg/s1600/171+of+238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoYU6vXsIHh0S5TfgBL_hBS7jaJoHij8ReiQj0b4KuFbxKdkrmP6gRSe_AuZ1V5t9xa0PQFbJotaQMRrEqDVLs3UarBynn7bqJQzekM0qohYZbK-90kK3DF8vn0r6mje7H1VaqwbQGAg/s400/171+of+238.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">It drove me on step after step all
the way to the summit and made me think of all the brave adventurers over time
who have risked their lives to push our understanding of the world. The
challenges people face in the world always come to mind when I am doing
something like this and it always makes me put things in perspective: ‘So what
if my legs hurt and I am exhausted? This pain will be short lived and soon
enough it will be over’. This is not a luxury for a lot of people and the idea
of that pushes me on to do my best. It is also what Big Change is really about:
helping people overcome challenges however big or small they might seem and
this climb really reminded me of that. Don't forget to check out the <a href="http://www.bigchangecharitabletrust.org/"><span style="color: blue;">website</span></a>
and there are more pics on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bigchangecharitabletrust"><span style="color: blue;">Big Change facebook page</span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Big thanks to our sponsor and suppliers because
without them this expedition would not have been possible:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/thebigclimb"><span style="color: blue;">www.virginmoneygiving.com/thebigclimb</span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Suppliers:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Clothing from Bergans
(www.bergans.com)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Accommodation from Hip Chalets (<a href="http://www.hipchalets.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.hipchalets.com</span></a>)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Equipment from Grivel
(www.grivel.com)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Boots from Scarpa (www.scarpa.com)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Sunglasses from Adidas Eyewear (<a href="http://www.adidas.com/eyewear"><span style="color: blue;">www.adidas.com/eyewear</span></a>)
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Chamonix Tourist Office (www.chamonix.com)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Photos from Martin Hartley
(www.martinhartley.com)</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com1Mont Blanc, 74400 Chamonix, France45.8336111 6.86545.8225476 6.845259 45.8446746 6.884741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-21417335048311187652012-09-10T04:13:00.000-07:002012-09-10T05:47:31.383-07:00Humans relationship with nature and a world in peace - PART: 1
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, human relationship with nature and a world in peace are inextricably linked. I am not claiming to be an expert any more than anyone else is, just a young man trying to understand the world and our place within it. As an animal on this planet like any other, our relationship with the natural world is what makes us who we are and brings us closer to contentment and an understanding of the bigger picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my life, I strive to have the biggest picture view of the world and life as I can. Building on this by (amongst other things) having new experiences, travelling to new places, learning about other cultures, having a thirst for knowledge, understanding the science of things and sharing thoughts with people. The better understanding we have of the world and the way it works, the more we can lead ourselves through life in the best way possible.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz0Ivo_B5bX1Em9UxBq5PCXPSeiKXXkxy5_egMCJm31ys8Ge1z-fFrdd8B6G_J1t_Akq9d9L09vRIkiG-N70ZK1zj88uL0Evh51cdGytFc4TqyXVPAaC4IWpNs9EMyJEYhLkEM5bZKs0/s1600/Earthrise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz0Ivo_B5bX1Em9UxBq5PCXPSeiKXXkxy5_egMCJm31ys8Ge1z-fFrdd8B6G_J1t_Akq9d9L09vRIkiG-N70ZK1zj88uL0Evh51cdGytFc4TqyXVPAaC4IWpNs9EMyJEYhLkEM5bZKs0/s320/Earthrise.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This big picture view allows you to keep life in perspective, make rational decisions and help you not get caught up in the little stuff. Imagine the earth from out of space. That glowing ball of life, floating in the midst of an endless black abyss. Then think of yourself within that image and next time something is bothering you, ask yourself the question: 'on the big scale of things, does this really matter? Should I allow this to ruin my day and put a negative on my mood?' Once you are able to tap into this perspective it will help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude' </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William James</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have come to this thought mainly by my time spent in nature. Being in the natural elements of this world is humbling and inspiring. Seeing life in all shapes and sizes existing harmoniously with each other. Every day I think how lucky I am. For me to be here today, every living creature (my ancestors) from the beginning of life on this planet has survived long enough to have reproduced. They have made it possible for me to be brought into the world and experience the magic of life for myself. As have you... Our family is not only that of blood but every living creature in this world. We are all brothers and sisters in this miracle of life and it is important that we respect this relationship. Albert Einstein once said:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us the 'Universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I love about his words here is that the mere striving for such a perspective is in itself creating the foundation for being a happier person. Therefore we don’t need to put all the focus on ‘what can I do’ but on trying to be the best you can be and the rest will come. The happier you are, then the more happiness you will spread to others and environments around you will benefit. We can make a better world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Part 2 of this Blog entry please click <a href="http://sams-cam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/humans-relationship-with-nature-and_10.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<br />@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-14050146178696389382012-09-10T04:12:00.000-07:002012-09-10T04:21:30.416-07:00Humans relationship with nature and a world in peace - PART: 2<b>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every time in nature I feel more connected to the heart of things. Vast oceans teeming with life, mountains shadowing valleys below, wind sweeping across deserts, carrying the sounds and smells of a million places with it, the warmth of the sun on your skin… the smell of crisp fresh air. It is important to take the time to be in nature, think about it all and appreciate the moment you are in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These things are all awe-inspiring and being in their presence affords you the time to be reflective on life and look objectively on the world. I remember this feeling most on a three month Arctic expedition I was on. That amount of time in nature’s harsh elements forces the clutter of daily life out of one’s head and gives one the chance to look in at the world as 'an outsider'. I remember thinking to myself how incredible our species is to have evolved to do the things we do, but also how lost we are within the way we live with the knowledge we have. The knowledge we have been passed on from a thousand other discoveries from generations before us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It made me understand where the human ego comes a little more. Think about it. If all of our memories were wiped tomorrow, we would not even be able to tie our shoelaces. Most human beings have this innate feeling that somehow we are better than other creatures on this planet and therefore have the right to abuse the intelligence we have to control and use them for our benefit, without a regard for their lives and wellbeing. But all our intelligence in essence is an accumulation of small discoveries over a long period of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main two things that leaped the human species forward in evolution are opposable thumbs and the potential to communicate with one another. This ability to communicate is what has allowed us to share information over time and build on what people before us have learned about the planet. As incredible as we seem, all we are doing is adding to this and building on experiences before us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can see how people can mistake our species for a godlike creature, better than the rest. One that has ‘the right’ to choose what can live and die, suffer or not. But this is not the way to live. Nor is it the way our species will live harmoniously with mother earth and survive in the years to come. We have to respect every element of life and view ourselves as equals to the rest and in striving for such a way of living the world will instantly be a better place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every day we find ourselves faced with injustices in this world and I don’t know about you but it makes me incredibly frustrated and saddened. Sometimes my love for life and peoples wellbeing makes my heart want to burst I feel so empathetic. It can really hurt. This empathy and passion is what is driving me to write this piece. I believe that empathy is going to be one of the most important feelings in the coming years of the planet. For one to be empathetic to another and feel compassionate to them is what is going to help us understand and care for our fellow man and creature and stop us causing injustices and fighting for futile goals and killing one another for them. The idea that countries spend billions with the pure aim of creating machinery that kills our fellow man is unfathomable. In the modern day and age and the knowledge we now have it is unacceptable to behave the way we do. I know we are an immature species and have not been around long, but that is no excuse to behave and continue to behave in the immature manner we do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our striving to have a better relationship with nature can help us all to have the ability to look at the bigger picture and not get caught up in small things in life. Enabling us to put aside meaningless differences. It will help us take away what I like to call the ‘confused human ego’ and allow us to live a more humble and peaceful existence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In that picture from out of space we are one. There are no borders, races, and nationalities. We are all people of one home. Let’s start acting that way and use the knowledge and intelligence we have to create a better world.</span></div>
@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-3493233855918875302012-07-17T00:13:00.000-07:002012-08-07T04:00:34.542-07:00Whale Sharks and a Planet in Peril<br />
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I recently returned home from an incredible trip to Mexico to visit the migration of Whale Sharks. </div>
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Off the coast of Mexico is a small island called Isla Mujeres, where once a year between June and September hundreds of Whale Sharks congregate to feed on the plankton rich waters. Covering an area of 7 miles they gorge themselves day after day. </div>
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Swimming with this beautiful, majestic species was one of the most humbling and incredible experiences of my life.<br />
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Early in the morning we hopped on a boat and headed out to the deep ocean for about an hour. Arriving at the location one could instantly see dozens of fins breaking the waters surface. Growing to up to 40ft in length they are a real sight to see. A mixture of excitement and anticipation fills the body and the thought of jumping in with them makes you a little anxious. Having now been through that experience, i now know all the nerves were completely unnecessary. </div>
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That creature couldn't have been more gentle. Their 20 tonne weight gracefully glides through the water effortlessly, gulping huge mouthfuls of water as they go, filtering out the plankton. Their species originated around 60 million years ago and are so heavy, they rival many of the large dinosaurs in weight. But i couldn't have felt more comfortable. Not at one point did i feel threatened of scared.<br />
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You can swim along next to them, under them and over them and they don't even bat an eye lid (if they've got one! ;) I swam deep down about 30 ft and rolled onto my back, looking up at the huge dark shadow above me. I spread my arms and swam underneath it's graceful presence, mirroring its form. It was so humbling and awe inspiring!</div>
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These experiences are wonderful but in a world filled with human immaturity, it saddens me to say these incredible beasts are being slaughtered for their fin. A Whale Shark fin will sell for around $50,000 and is used for shark fin soup. Shark fin in soup adds no flavour whatsoever. It is basically a thickening agent and a sign of stature on some parts of the world.<br />
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There are small villages in the world that kill one of these creatures every 6 months to feed an entire village and although this still seems brutal, it is easier to justify. The mass slaughter of this magnificent creature to supply roadside restaurants is one that has to change. 70 - 100 million Sharks a year are killed for their fin and the stability of the Oceans has already been effected. How can we justify this with all the knowledge the modern world affords us?<br />
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To think that species that have been around for millions of years can be wiped out in mere centuries is unfathomable. We must all help to get the message out that this is not something we will tolerate. If not for the Sharks sake, then for ours. The very fabric of the web of our planet is being weakened, one species at a time and it is up to individuals act if no one else will. My way of doing this is to share what i have learnt with you and hope in a way it will inspire you to make more of the world we live in.<br />
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I have been lucky enough to have had this experience and be humbled by it. I Hope that you have enjoyed me sharing it with you. If you ever get the chance, jump at the opportunity to see this magnificent creature up close and if not then i hope i have given you a small window into the life of an incredible creature!</div>@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-78232622190651584192012-06-07T07:10:00.000-07:002012-07-13T08:56:49.037-07:00Flying over Madagascar<br />
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Flying over the wide expanse of Madagascar, thought it a poignant time to write a blog.</div>
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There are scattered clouds below me creating freckle like shadows on the reddish rock. I find it much easier to reflect up here and in a way enables you to have a birds’ eye view of things, an opportunity to look at the bigger picture.</div>
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Learning about this incredible place has been inspiring. It’s a mixture between magical and tragic.</div>
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Madagascar is the most bio-diverse place on the planet. The areas left are teeming with life. The bush hums with the noise of thousands of little mouths, in all shapes and sizes. The hum just magnifies the chilling silence of the endless emptiness around it. 90% of Madagascar’s forests have been destroyed due to logging and slash and burn agriculture. In between the vein-like channels of trees below me are endless fields of crops. Like giant circuit boards feeding energy to the local inhabitants.</div>
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There are three types of people on the planet; thinkers, doers and those that do both. I myself have always been a thinker, but recently I have become a doer too and it is amazing what you can get done. Up here above scattered clouds below, I can see that with passion and a little dedication we can make this planet the success story of the universe, not a tragedy. Find whatever it is in life that inspires you, store it in a place in your heart and use it for energy. Madagascar is one of a million places in peril. But those million places are all one. We have one home.</div>
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It makes me think; how can we co-exist with our magnificent world and still survive? In fact we can only survive if we co-exist harmoniously with her. Seeing how invasive species of plants here take over everything with no regard for its fellow plant reminds me of another species! But we have a choice of how we act. Humans can be incredibly destructive but we also have the power to help things thrive. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to help - it is a wonderful experience learning about the planet in the process.</div>
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Someone once told me what comes from the heart goes to the heart and all the rest is funny noises. Well this is from my heart. I believe there is an incredible person in each and every one of us. Be the best you can be and make a positive difference.</div>
<br />@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com4Madagascar-18.766947 46.869107-26.447732499999997 36.761685 -11.0861615 56.976529tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222031273620550118.post-52734347859508401992010-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:002012-09-10T04:11:31.411-07:00Red Room Gig<br />
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I played lead guitar with my friends Jamie (lead singer), Mikki (base and harmonica) and Dom (on drums). Making up our mellow rock band Delilah.</div>
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It was an awesome rush to play on stage with close friends and we had a great response from the crowd. 350 people crowded the roof gardens to watch us play and there was an awesome buzz in the air. Music has always been a passion of mine but nerves about performing live have always held me back. It was awesome to confront my fears and as some people like to say, rocking it out by 'Slappin de Base!'</div>
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Hope all of you musicians out there are pushing yourselves out of your comfort zone. It's well worth it and a great feeling!</div>
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Rock and Roll :)<br />
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@sambransonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11003592450717564907noreply@blogger.com1London, UK51.5073346 -0.127683151.3492066 -0.4435401 51.6654626 0.1881739