The short version :

Scott Andrew Bird is a Heritage Photographer documenting Australia's rich colonial and engineering history. He's currently based in the beautiful city of Sydney.

The longer version :

Scott Andrew Bird is lucky enough to have been behind a camera for more than 30 years, having been given one by his father at age 10. His father - a professional motor sports photographer - also showed him exactly how to use it, and a lifelong passion was born.

From that point onward, nearly every major experience was documented on film (and, of course, memory cards). Celebrations, vacations, fireworks displays and a whole lot more.

In 2005/6, after using the incredibly powerful (and highly recommended) Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for a while, Scott decided to scan all of his film-based photographs. This simple decision (and the months of work which followed) led to quite an astonishing revelation :

in addition to the celebrations, vacations, fireworks displays; many of the photos he'd taken over the years were of early Australian sites and buildings. It was clear that a love for documenting Australian history had existed all along.

Now aware of the driving force, Scott began focussing on two key aspects of this incredibly rich history -

Australia's colonial heritage : the sites, and buildings which formed this
Australia's engineering heritage : the bridges, roads, culverts and so on which contributed enormously to the nation's growth

And in many cases, both. Projects such as the Great North Road and the numerous Convict-Built Bridges are examples of this.

These days, he's both documenting and researching both of the above areas. If you're also a fan of colonial and engineering heritage - or simply enjoy beautiful images of Australia - dive in. Enjoy.

Purchasing Downloads and Prints

All of the images on this site are available for purchase as downloads and prints. To buy any of them this way :

NB : if this is your first time purchasing prints online, you'll be blown away by the quality. To give you an idea, here are a few of my own images on display :

Contacting Scott Andrew Bird

If you'd like to get in touch - to ask a question, or to request photographs of a particular location - the simplest way is to use Google+ (details below). He'll get back to you as soon as possible.

The short version :

Scott Andrew Bird is a Heritage Photographer documenting Australia's rich colonial and engineering history. He's currently based in the beautiful city of Sydney.

The longer version :

Scott Andrew Bird is lucky enough to have been behind a camera for more than 30 years, having been given one by his father at age 10. His father - a professional motor sports photographer - also showed him exactly how to use it, and a lifelong passion was born.

From that point onward, nearly every major experience was documented on film (and, of course, memory cards). Celebrations, vacations, fireworks displays and a whole lot more.

In 2005/6, after using the incredibly powerful (and highly recommended) Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for a while, Scott decided to scan all of his film-based photographs. This simple decision (and the months of work which followed) led to quite an astonishing revelation :

in addition to the celebrations, vacations, fireworks displays; many of the photos he'd taken over the years were of early Australian sites and buildings. It was clear that a love for documenting Australian history had existed all along.

Now aware of the driving force, Scott began focussing on two key aspects of this incredibly rich history -

Australia's colonial heritage : the sites, and buildings which formed this
Australia's engineering heritage : the bridges, roads, culverts and so on which contributed enormously to the nation's growth

And in many cases, both. Projects such as the Great North Road and the numerous Convict-Built Bridges are examples of this.

These days, he's both documenting and researching both of the above areas. If you're also a fan of colonial and engineering heritage - or simply enjoy beautiful images of Australia - dive in. Enjoy.

Purchasing Downloads and Prints

All of the images on this site are available for purchase as downloads and prints. To buy any of them this way :

NB : if this is your first time purchasing prints online, you'll be blown away by the quality. To give you an idea, here are a few of my own images on display :

Contacting Scott Andrew Bird

If you'd like to get in touch - to ask a question, or to request photographs of a particular location - the simplest way is to use the form here. He'll get back to you as soon as possible.

There are certainly plenty of great Strongman competitors in this part of the world.

Here's one of the many on the 'one to watch' list - 'Western Australia's Strongest Man', Daniel Macri. And yes, he's only 23.

Over to you. Who's currently on your own 'one to watch' list?

I grew up in Sydney, and - after several years of travelling - find myself living here once again. It really is a beautiful place.

If you've never had the fortune to visit this wonderful city, here are a few things which will give you a glimpse into its charms :

Harbour

If you've never lived by the water, take it from me - a harbour can be a beautiful place. Sydney Harbour (or more formally - part of Port Jackson) is certainly no exception. It really is an amazing area.

No matter which form of transportation you favour, there are ways to get a glimpse of just some of what the harbour has to offer. Trains, buses, cars and bikes cross the harbour regularly (making journeys to work that much more interesting); ferries, yachts and water taxis take full advantage of the wet stuff; pedestrians can enjoy a quiet stroll or a lunchtime run by the water's edge through the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens.

Public Transport

As noted above, trains, buses, ferries and water taxis all operate around the harbour. Fortunately the trains and buses also cover the rest of the city; and the 2000 Olympic Games only added to their technology and efficiency.

This really is a good way to get around town.

Also available - at least in the centre of the city - is the Monorail, a privately-run rail service which operates on a loop from the heart of town to Darling Harbour.

Pedestrian areas

When it comes to cities that encourage exploration on foot, Sydney is definitely on the shortlist. In fact, unlike many cities, it is the pedestrian who is considered before the motorist.

This is evident when looking at areas such as the Pitt St Mall (formerly a main road which was closed to vehicular traffic a number of years ago), Opera Quays (the shopping precinct beside the Sydney Opera House) and the foreshore near The Rocks. One of the oldest and grandest areas of town.

Architecture

Looking around at the diversity of buildings, it's astonishing to think that the city is only a little more than 200 years old. A good way to explore some of this variety - on foot, bicycle or car - is to journey along Macquarie St; beginning at Hyde Park.

Here you'll see buildings constructed during the time of Lachlan Macquarie (who governed Sydney 1810 - 1821), a range of 19th century churches and synagogues, magnificent works by Harry Seidler, and of course, Jørn Utzon's magnificent Sydney Opera House.

It's a magnificent street.

Art galleries and museums

Wherever I travel, I also try to take a look at the local art galleries and museums. In Sydney they're not exactly difficult to find - in fact you may find it tricky to visit all of them in a reasonable timeframe.

Although I enjoy all of them at different times, here are a few favourites which are well worth a visit :

State Library of NSW
Art Gallery of NSW
Museum of Contemporary Art
Powerhouse Museum
Maritime Museum

And believe me, this is a short list. There is plenty to see.

Festivals and entertainment

If you're a hedonist at heart, the Festival of Sydney - held in January each year - is definitely one to watch. Of course, there are various festivals and forms of entertainment throughout the year, including :

Performances at the Opera House
Rock and Pop shows at the Sydney Entertainment Centre
A fantastic array of pub gigs
Festivals in Tumbalong Park (Darling Harbour)
Australia Day events (such as the annual Ferry Boat Race)

Bridge

I've always been fascinated by bridges - particularly the Sydney Harbour Bridge. To discover a little of the history of this icon, visit the SHB Museum in one of the bridge's eastern pylons. As part of the museum you'll be able to climb to the top of the pylon (warning : there are a lot of stairs involved) and see a magnificent 360 view of the city.

If the walk up the stairs there was nothing more than a brisk stroll, consider climbing the bridge itself. Regular tours are held by Bridgeclimb, and it's an experience you'll never forget. Incredible.

And if you're planning to travel here, these will certainly come in handy :

Currency

Australian currency uses dollars and cents (1 dollar = 100 cents) as per a number of other countries. However, there are a few things to be aware of :

• The lowest value coin in use is the 5c piece (the 1c and 2c coins are no longer in circulation). The other coins are the 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

• As with the coins, the lowest value notes are no longer used (there were formerly $1 and $2 notes in circulation). The notes now available are the $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

• These notes and coins all have different sizes and markings. This is both to increase security and to assist the visually impaired.

At the time of writing, the Australian dollar was similar in value to its US counterpart. To check the current exchange rates, take a look at "XE":http://www.xe.com/ucc/.

Timezone

For much of the year, Sydney is 10 hours in front of GMT (Greenich Mean Time). This puts it about 10 hours in front of London, or 15 hours in front of New York.

During DST (Daylight Savings Time), this is moved to GMT + 11hrs.

Rainfall

Although it doesn't rain that often here, it's usually fairly heavy when it does so. Sydney's average annual rainfall is around 1,175mm; with around a third of that falling between Dec-July. The chart here will give you an idea.

Final thoughts

Overall, I love it here. If you're visiting, let me know. It's a beautiful city.

During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.

The New York winter can be quite hard on the psyche (of course this doesn't hold for the esteemed australian readership). It isn't so much the cold as it is the length and darkness (even though a Super Bowl win can make a difference!).

Getting out of bed at 6 am when its pitch black and going to lift with several layers of clothing isn't a lot of fun. Also, it is easier to gravitate toward "comfort foods" than a bodybuilding menu. After all, there aren't many opportunities to show off your physique right now, so why bother? Is it really worth all the sacrifices?

In short: yes! Every meal, every rep sets me apart from those who cant do it. It makes me feel good about myself and life as such. Bodybuilding is more than a sport; it is therapy, almost a religion. It can better you as a person, since it forces you into a structure and gives a schedule. When my mother fell ill, the sport was the only thing that kept me sane. It is the element of control that you have in the weight room: no matter what happens in the outside world, 100lbs will always be 100lbs.

So keep on training and eating right! Besides, you won't be in shape for a July 4th bash when you start training on Memorial Day.

Maik

There are a number of ways to get your regular fix of Straight to the Bar, including the many feeds & newsletters listed below. Whether you're after a general overview or a detailed inspection of a particular area, we've got you covered :

Feeds

• Articles
  Don't miss a thing. This is the main feed - every article that appears on the site. Grab the RSS version, or get it delivered automatically via email.
• Comments
  All new comments received, on every article on the site. The perfect way to hear everyone's thoughts on things.
• Facebook Wall Updates
  Everything we post on Facebook. Warning : this one's for serious strength enthusiasts only - it tends to be a little on the high-volume side.
• Tweets
  Love twitter? Same here. This is a feed of everything I tweet.
• Youtube
  There are two main Youtube feeds for this site. Check out the videos I'm watching/sharing, and Josh Hewett's channel - filled with regular Gymchat goodness. Dive in.
• LinkedIn
  Fan of LinkedIn? Me too.
• Delicious Bookmarks
  Still using delicious? It's great for some things, as you'll see.
• Photos from the Flickr Group
  Every new photo added to the Flickr Group. And if you'd like to add a few of your own, just join the (free) group.

Newsletters

• The Strength & Fitness Newsletter
  This is the easiest way to keep up with the world of strength. It's a weekly newsletter (delivered each Monday), containing highlights from the blog, details of upcoming gymchats, exercises, tips and a whole lot more.
• The Straight to the Bar Daily
  A daily dose of the various things (generally fitness-related) we're talking about in the Straight to the Bar community. Grab it here.
• The Better Sleep Nightly
  I've been fascinated by sleep for as long as I can remember. Here's a daily dose of tips & research into this wonderful area.
• Leave it in the Ground
  On Straight to the Bar we talk a lot about air pollution, primarily from a gym-owner's perspective. This newsletter looks at the topic far more broadly - the gradual move away from the use of fossil fuels : Leave it in the Ground
• Electric Cars in Australia
  Diving in to the area of air pollution a little deeper, we take a look at a great way to help reduce it - with electric cars (in Australia in particular). If you're considering an EV or would just like to learn a little more about air pollution & health, swing by.

Twitter Lists

In addition to the various feeds & newsletters above, I use Twitter's 'List' functionality to sort and maintain information on a number of topics. In particular :

• https://twitter.com/scottbird/lists/exoskeletons
  Wearable Robots. As mobility aids and to augment strength.


• https://twitter.com/scottbird/lists/sttb-writers
  Many, many people write for Straight to the Bar (let me know if you'd like to join us). Love it.


• https://twitter.com/scottbird/lists/all-things-medical
  New medicines, procedures & equipment.


• https://twitter.com/scottbird/lists/cycling
  I want to ride my bicycle.


• https://twitter.com/scottbird/lists/Aging & Longevity
  Research into aging and longevity.


• https://twitter.com/scottbird/lists/twitterchats
  The twitter list you'll see in the sidebar - covering events, gym sessions, strength feats and a whole lot more. Everything training-related.

As well as the lists on various training-centric topics, I also use them to help keep an eye on other interests - electric cars, photography and so on. You'll find the full list here.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :

• 30 Day Challenge : Becoming a Morning Person
  Scott Andrew Bird
  After 40 years of being a night owl, I decided to see if it's possible to adjust your bodyclock and become a morning person.

  It is.



• Straight to the Bar Flickr Group
  Various authors
  There have been several great photos posted here recently (you'll see some of them in the sidebar), notably by Roy Scott, Zach Wheeler, Davie Easton and Wild Kiwi. If you haven't already, add some of yours. Love seeing where/how everyone trains and competes.

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

Video : Horseshoe Hearted in Phonebook Pages

If last week's discussion on Horseshoe Bending got you fired up and ready to give it a shot, check this out. Hearting a shoe in paper 'wraps'. Superb.

Gymchat 132 : How to Find a Personal Trainer

I love these discussions. They started back in February 2009 as a way to share, debate and learn a wealth of training-related information. In that time we've heard numerous ideas, tips and suggestions; and been pointed to some fascinating sites, apps, podcasts, books and equipment.

Thanks to everyone who's taken part - it really is appreciated.

Still, it always frustrated me a little that there's no easy way to point people to previous discussions. Unless you were there at the time, there wasn't a lot you could do.

Accordingly, we'll be moving these conversations to a platform that makes this sort of thing nice and painless : Google+.

Google+ (or just G+) offers a lot of advantages, both for the people who are there and those that can't make it at the time. Specifically :

• Each post on G+ has a permalink, so you can point people to previous discussions. This is just the same as any other URL, so you'll be able to share it in the usual ways.
• The questions/answers can be as long as you like - no more 140 character restriction. It's still a good idea to keep them reasonably brief (so people can read and absorb them in time), but you're not limited at all.
• Posts and comments can be edited if necessary. If you spot a glaring mistake somewhere (in one of your own points), you can go back and fix it.

And seeing as we're moving to Google, a new name is in order. I'll be running with 'Gymchats', as it isn't too much of a change and makes the subject matter pretty clear. The topics themselves will be exactly the same.

Incidentally, if you haven't used Google+ before and would like an invitation, I have a few left. Otherwise, swing by my profile and add me to one of your circles.

The discussion itself : How to Find a Personal Trainer

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Time to take your training up a notch.
No matter what your training goals are, chances are you've considered the possibilities of having your own Personal Trainer. Someone to help design a program and to keep you on track.

This week we're discussing exactly how to find one, the many benefits they bring and the types of things to consider. Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than Personal Trainer Kirk Fontaine (@fitnewbie). Fantastic.


Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : How to Find a Personal Trainer
When : Wed Aug 24, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Post a comment, question or reply

If you've never been to one of these discussions before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Horseshoe Bending. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's a brief summary. Was a great one.

Tip of the Week: Rope Climbing Technique - The Cinch and Pinch

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, facebook, the forums, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

This tip comes to us in the form of a video from CrossFit Oldtown, and shares one of the most popular techniques for climbing a rope.

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From the article Rope Climbing Technique : The Cinch and Pinch :

Good stuff.

Looking Forward To : Feats of Strength

Now this is my kind of training.

If you've ever considered learning some of the strength feats that performing Strongmen have long been known for, this is an ideal place to start. Bending steel, tearing phonebooks, breaking chains and so on. The good stuff.

Bud Jeffries and Logan Christopher both demonstrate each one, along with various tips and techniques that'll make this a serious part of your training. To get an idea, check out the video.

Whether you're planning to be a professional strongman (or woman) or not, learning these skills will help you to become insanely strong. Beautiful.



Quick update on the SEALFIT Training : A few weeks ago we noted this incredible training approach. Fantastic.

If you're keen to incorporate some military fitness into your own training, SEALFIT is a perfect place to start.

This Week on Straight to the Bar

I'm constantly amazed at just how much my training is influenced by the people on this site. Whether you're looking for a new piece of equipment, an unusual exercise variation or just an idea of how others approach things, you'll enjoy these :

• The Bulgarianization Experiment
  Al Heinemann
  This is a very interesting insight into how different trainers deal with their clients, and which approach is most effective. Definitely one to think about.




• Australian Strongman Don Athaldo
  Scott Andrew Bird
  Walter Joseph Lyons (better known as Don Athaldo) was an Australian Circus Strongman in the 1920s and 1930s. Although he published several books, it was his The Athalding System mail-order offering that helped give him lasting fame.

  Here's a brief biography of this incredible man.

Ready to add your own opinion, workout log or training article? Just head over to the Forums, Training Logs, or swing by the Article Submissions page. They're fantastic ways to share your ideas.

Video : Farmers Walk Variations and Alternatives

A brief overview of Farmers Walk technique and variations. If you're just beginning your Strongman career, this is definitely one to check out.

Great information Josh.

Twitterchat 131 - Horseshoe Bending

Ready to take your bending up a notch?
As strength feats go, a spot of horseshoe bending is downright impressive. This week we're discussing how to get started - and for the seasoned veterans, how to fine-tune things a little - in the world of Horseshoe Bending. Progressions, Wrapping, Techniques and much, much more.
Helping us explore this fascinating topic is none other than the Diesel Crew's Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson (@jeddjohnson). Fantastic.
Details -

Who : Strength-training fans
Topic : Horseshoe Bending
When : Wed Aug 17, 9pm EDT (1am UTC)
How : Include #sbgym in your tweets.

If you've never been to one of these twitterchats before, here's how to join in the fun. Simple, quick to set up and free.

And to see when it's on in your timezone, head over to the twitterchat calendar.

See you there.

Quick update on last week's twitterchat : Thanks once again to everyone who took part in the discussion on Supplements : Vit D. Some superb ideas in there.

For those who missed out on the conversation, here's a brief summary. Was a great one.

Tip of the Week: Maximising Your Workouts

Each week we publish a number of tips and techniques via twitter, facebook, the forums, the blog; and now the newsletter. Wherever you are, there's always a way to improve what you're doing.

This tip comes to us from Synergy Athletic's Joe Hashey, and shares some simple ways to ensure you get the most from your training sessions.

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From the article 5 Ways to Maximize Your Workout :

Whether your time is devoted to your family, a career or anything inbetween, chances are your schedule is pretty-well full. Wasting time in the gym simply isn't an option.

Here are a couple of tips to make the most out of that invaluable gym-time.

• Monitor Rest Periods.

  
  In order to achieve your goals, you should be aware of a proper rest period. Also, the rest period should vary according to your objectives. Not only will this save you time, but it will make your workout more effective.



• Be Creative With Conditioning

  
  Many people are looking "to get in better shape." This doesn't have to mean trotting away the hours on a treadmill. You can lift AND condition on the same days. Since we are focused on athlete training, strength development is important, however it won't go far if the person is always fatigued. During pre season preparation, we include things like 6 x 30 yard hills, DB circuits, rope battling, and sledgehammer conditioning. Often, these exercises only take 10-12 minutes to perform at a high intensity.

These are general principles that can be adapted to fit your training goals. For example, my rest periods on maximal effort lifts are longer than on repetition and supplemental exercises. That doesn't mean I shouldn't pay attention to time, it just means I need to adapt the rest period to meet my goals.

With everything on your plate, your training session should be well paced and planned to be efficient and maximize results! Remember, make corrections, not excuses.

Good stuff.

Reading : The Way to Live

I love this book.

Recently I've been reading a load of books on the history of Physical Culture, and George Hackenschmidt's The Way to Live is the one I'm currently working through. Absolutely superb.

First published in 1908, The Way to Live has been published numerous times since - in fact it's still one of the largest selling books on Physical Culture. My own copy is decidedly more recent, but just as full of incredible information. It's a great read.

Full review shortly, but just quickly, here are the main parts of the book :

• Dozens of very inventive exercises (both bodyweight and weighted), for people at any stage of their training
• Hackenschmidt's thoughts on training, nutrition and recovery
• A brief biography of Hackenschmidt, complete with numerous photos of the champion wrestler

As you can see, there's a lot in there. If you're at all interested in the history of this great man, The Way to Live is essential reading. Love it.


Quick update on the SEALFIT Training : A few weeks ago we noted this incredible training approach. Fantastic.

If you're keen to incorporate some military fitness into your own training, SEALFIT is a perfect place to start.

Walter Joseph Lyons (better known as Don Athaldo) was an Australian Circus Strongman in the 1920s and 1930s. Although he published several books, it was his The Athalding System mail-order offering that helped give him lasting fame.
Lyons was born to Queensland carpenter Frederick Horace George Lyons and his wife Elizabeth on 26 November 1894 at Condobolin, New South Wales [1, 7]. Named Walter Joseph, he was constantly ill, asthmatic [9] and could not walk well until aged 5. At Fitzgerald Bros' Circus he saw the strongman 'Dr Gordon', became inspired and began reading about ancient Greece and taking correspondence courses in physical culture to build himself up [1].
Apprenticed to a blacksmith for five years, in 1915-16 he served as a shoeing-smith corporal with the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force at Rabaul, New Britain. In 1916-17 he twice enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, only to be discharged both times as medically unfit. Rejoining the A.N. and M.E.F. in November 1917, he returned as a shoeing-smith corporal to Rabaul where, after briefly being discharged in 1919, he served until 1921. On 22 August that year he married Vera Elizabeth Stewart at the Warren Methodist Church, Marrickville (a Sydney suburb) [7]. He resumed blacksmithing at Leichhardt (also a Sydney suburb), as well as becoming involved in numerous sports (he boxed for a time as a light-welterweight).
Adopting the name 'Don Athaldo' (*), he won acclaim as a circus strongman; cementing his reputation through spectacular demonstrations of strength and a flair for showmanship. Among his best-known feats were the Human Link, Bending & Scrolling, and Horse-Lifting (involving a harness lift of sorts). Topping the list : pulling a touring car with six passengers an incredible 805m (more than half a mile) up the hill of William Street, Sydney. If you've ever run the Sydney City to Surf half marathon, you know this hill. Insanely steep.
In 1932 he authored Health, Strength & Muscular Power, a booklet detailing his Athalding System [3]. This was followed in the early 1940s by Meet Don Athaldo and Muscular Strength. In the early 1950s he wrote The Athalding Course, a 3-part series of lessons detailing his own approach to training and nutrition [3]. Heavily influenced by Charles Atlas' Dynamic Tension course [4], it was Athaldo's The Athalding Course that helped cement his long-term fame.

Athaldo's philosophy combined the idealized man of action with ideals of health, masculine beauty and virility. Rejecting the notion of 'abnormal development' fostered by weight-lifting, he stressed diet, fresh air and 'dynamic tension'. 'The Athalding System', he claimed, would overcome bad breath, bad habits, cancer, stammering, brain fag, virile weakness and pimples, while developing a pleasing personality and the Oriental secret of calmness [1].