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Monday 1 September 2008

Terry Pratchett's New Book - Nation

Oh. My. (Small) God.

How could I have been so remiss? Terry Pratchett's next chapter in the Discworld series is only 11 days away and I've been completely unaware of it.

The book, Nation, looks to move away from any of the existing characters, such as Rincewind or recent hero Moist von Lipwig, and story arcs with a completely new storyline.

I'm always disappointed to see Terry leave behind the familiar characters and situations, but never for long as the new ones quickly take on their own life and find their own place in my vision of his fantastical universe.

My biggest problem now is how I finish my current book, 600 page epic Matter by Iain M. Banks, before Nation is released.

8:37 PM | Permalink & Comments (0) | Entertainment

Tuesday 26 August 2008

PicApp - Free pictures for your Blog

PicApp provides up to date editorial and creative pictures for use on blogs and other websites free of charge. The pictures are paid for through the inclusion of advertising. See the recent picture of Kelly Brook below for an example.

This provides a useful alternative for those blogger who wish to use pictures on their websites but don't wish to make unauthorised use of rights-restricted images.

11:56 PM | Permalink & Comments (0) | Fotos for fun , Weblogging , Website Design

Sunday 24 August 2008

Connor's Egg Cup

Connor made an egg cup at Play Scheme. He was ever so proud of it but realised it didn't quite do the job it was intended for.

1:42 AM | Permalink & Comments (0) |

Thursday 21 August 2008

The National Forest's Maize Maze in Burton, Staffordshire

Sharon & I took the boys today to the National Forest Maize Maze in Tatenhill near Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. We had a superb day but I'd make a few recommendations.

Try to go on a day when it's not going to rain or hasn't been raining recently.
If it's been raining recently, take some walking boots or wellys and a change of clothes - you will get muddy.
On a dry day, there's enough to do there to occupy the kids for a whole day.
Buy the £1 map on the way in. If you don't use it, great. If you do need it, in the middle of the maze is too late.
Don't go into the maze just before lunch. It'll take you a few hours.
Take photos

11:37 PM | Permalink & Comments (0) | Family

Tuesday 12 August 2008

2008 - The Counterfeit Olympics

There were many who thought the Bejing Olympics would become the Counterfeit Olympics when Chinese produced counterfeit Olympic merchandise flooded the city. However, it appears that the authorities have at least protected the intellectual property it stands to make some money from.

It would appear that the biggest fake is the Olympics itself. An indication that the authorities are more concerned with appearance than substance. It doesn't bode well for the appearance that China has moved toward a more open society with improved human rights.

9:33 PM | Permalink & Comments (0) | Stuff of Interest