Articles written by Mike Finlay

What is Helium

About me - Mike Finlay

Based in Worcestershire in the UK, I studied Fine Art at Newcastle University and am now a practicing artist.
Spending a lot of time traveling, I love skiing and surfing as well as my new found love for motorbiking.

This August I will be riding my motorbike

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Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Quick trip tips: Hilton Head, South Carolina for a 3-day getaway: 2 of 16
Hilton Hedonism The stunningly picturesque South Carolina coastline reminds me of those sunny travel agent window displays; the permanent sun, sand and scenery that you always dream of when you book a holiday but rarely find. Hilton Head island has to be the most awe inspiring natural beauties of the bunch that will leave a s... More..
Computers & Technology > Cell Phone Reviews Comparing Apple's iPhone, LG's Voyager and Blackberry's Curve: 2 of 10
More than just boys' toys?There was a time when everyone knew where they stood - iPods were for the young to listen to music, Blackberrys were for overweight businessmen to check e-mails on the train and mobile phones were for both. But now that Blackberry have brought out the new Curve and even LG have entered the arena, has... More..
Arts & Humanities > Making Art What makes something great art: 7 of 31
Before I begin, I will offer an early apology. I am a visual artist, using words, images, objects and sometimes simply ideas to create my works. I am therefore going to take full advantage of this title in a selfish bid to discuss something that fascinates and frustrates me on a day to day basis. The first question, to which ... More..
Travel > United States Winery tours and wine tastings in Hilton Head, South Carolina: 2 of 7
Hilton HedonismBragging 'more than 1000 different wines', the garishly titled Hilton Head 'WineFest' is to be avoided unless you are the kind of wine drinker that likes theirs from the bottle in a brown paper bag. That said, Hilton Head has much to offer for the avid follower of US wines.Started by Loren and Georgene Mortimer... More..
Sports & Recreation > Biking Mountain bike: Full suspension vs. front suspension: 2 of 6
With the vast improvement in bike materials and design, something that once covered a broad array of biking styles and needs has become specialised.With the introduction of front suspension (or 'hard-tail') bikes in the early 90's, many manufacturers for the masses saw the marketing potential of becoming the first to provide ... More..
Travel > Travel Diaries & Adventures (Other) Travel experiences: Road trip tales: 57 of 117
Prologue (keep checking for new chapters as they happen...!) One man and his matesSarah and I had spent from February until April 2007 in Morzine, the Alps, on a ski season. The weather had been sunny and the snow had been water (and then just mud, and then hot dust). Having found a new love for all things laid back - by whic... More..
Sports & Recreation > Biking The proper seat height for a mountain bike: 3 of 6
Whether you are looking to buy a new bike in the near future or want to get the most out of your current bike, seat height is one of the most important factors to get right from an early stage.For the purposes of this article, we will assume that you are looking into adjusting or sizing up a road bike, cross-country or all-mo... More..
Sports & Recreation > Biking Mountain biking: Advantages of tubeless tires: 1 of 1
The tubeless mountain bike tyre appears at first to be the best of everything. By this I mean they are:CheaperMore grippyLess frequently Punctured and fixableEasy to fit (most recommend using just fingers)Lighter than tyre and normal inner tubeLess resistant to rollingIn fact the only down side appears to be availability, alt... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Madness: 93 of 160
Gently staring at the streetOf people gliding past the shopsIn flip-flops, smiling as their feetSlip floppingly side to side 'flip-flop'."Flip-flop, flip-flop" sings in my mindOn long into the weekend's nightIt sings and sings, my eyes are blindNo more need to use my sight.The same cafe draws me in next dayBut this time somet... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Enemies: 89 of 115
Black crows open up the skyLook at all the master cars gleaming sultry and demeanorTwisted chromeOrange hazeUp-ending streets of your first houseGardens pass by undeterred and fadeSacred placesOrange hazeArtisan sculptures of remorseThe endless lines in eyes of angerFollowed so closely by fearThen nothing, butOrange haze More..