Monday, June 16, 2008

Weekly Quote Double - W/E 14/06/08

"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair!"

- Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 07/06/08

"Outside in the distance a wild cat did growl, two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl." - Bob Dylan

Friday, June 06, 2008

More on reading







I just thought I'd plug a nifty little application on Facebook called Visual Bookshelf which is a handy resource for readers on Facebook. You obviously have to have Facebook to use it and the idea is to use it to show off what you're currently reading, what you have stacked away on your shelf and the books you really want to get a hold of to your friends on it. Since I've been doing the same on my blog I've found this a handy resource to share with friends the books I have an interest in.

On the blog I only tend to post once I've finished a number of books so as to make a decent length post. This obviously makes posts few and far between so in the meantime I find Visual Bookshelf a handy way to give up to the minute updates on what I've been reading. If you've found yourself having an unhelpful obsession with wanting people to know about things you're interested in (and you probably do - I mean you have a blog after all don't you?!!) this can be a nice neat way to share with your friends on Facebook.

I deplore most applications on Facebook, thye are generally complete wastes of time and I usually eagerly click ignore when offered a chance to compare what kind of pokemon I'd be with someone I met once on holiday in 2003 or something similar. But this one is neat, tidy and about something worth sharing with friends - great literature. The program uses amazon as a resource so it can find your book and cover quickly so you can visually display your reads on your page. It is of course restricted to what's on amazon, but the selection is pretty big so most books shouldn't dissapoint.

So if you're like me and like telling people about good books you've been reading then I'd check this one out if you're on Facebook.

Word of the post: Quibble –noun
1.an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Stuff I've forgotten recently (4.3)

Oh yeah - knew I'd left something out, oh well makes for another post doesn't it?!

Analog Magazine, June 2008 edition - Stanley Schmitd

A nice collection of short science fiction writing once again. I got this on import from America in Borders and thought it'd be nice to see what Sci-Fi is up to in modern times. There was also "Asimov's" magazine, but the presence of Sci-Fi big hitter Ben Bova prompted me to get Analog and give it a whirl. There was a very nice and diverse colection of stories from time travel to asteroid mining each one making good and interesting reading. The sciency editorials are a bit over my head, but still interesting to read. With the exception of an immature anti-God poem, the sentiment seems harboured in the magazine a little too often and detracts from the "science based" ethos it seeks to present.

Well there ya go, a bit more from my shelf - enjoy!

Word of the post: Sentient –adjective

1.having the power of perception by the senses; conscious.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Stuff I've read recently 4

Wow! It's been quite a bit of time since my last post, again thanks to slow reading distraction and the epic volume of my "main" book. I've noticed while reading that I tend to split books into three categories "Main" books - usually a classic or some dense work, often non science fiction, which makes it more of a challenge to read. Then there are Christian books which I read for my own benefit more than reading pleasure though I've managed to get into them a bit more recently. However I do sadly tend to view these as more of an obligation than an interest. Lastly there are "incidentals" - books which just get picked up along the way, often graphic novels or Star Wars books which are quick and easy to read alongside a wheightier volume. So so far I've only read one "main book" but I've picked up a few incidentals along the way. I've also got several nearly finished books which can carry on to the next post if I can get my next "main" read before I forget.

Anyway - here goes. I'll start with the Bible and Christian books.

The Bible, God et al

OK I actually lost my Bible so I can't remember where exactly I was up to. In the meantime I've jumped to the new testament and read through John which was encouraging. To read the story of Jesus again is very compelling to read and John's careful eyewitness account and carefully chosen events and miracles to reveal are good reading and thought provoking.

Finding God in Lord of the Rings - Kurt Bruner

A nice cheap little book which I decided to read and it has helped me ease my way into reading Christian material a bit more frequently. Thankfully the authors don't pretend to have some deep insight or knowledge of allegory in the books but rather acknowledged that Tolkien's Christian life influenced his writing and point to useful lessons reflected in the epic tale.

Battles Christians Face - Vaughan Roberts

A very helpful book about the struggles and temptations we can face while living the Christian life. It goes through a number of topics thoughtfully and sensitively providing encouragement while getting the reader to acknowledge the gravity of their own sin. But for each measure of guilt there is the greater reminder of God's grace provided by Jesus and testified to in his word.

OK, onto incidentals now I think...

Star Wars Legacy of the Force: Revelation - Karen Traviss

While not the best of the series this book was pretty good still and a good setup for the finale. The more in depth look at the Mandalorians was good as well as several other familiar faces turning up out of the shadows to join the war. Some nice fleet and Jedi battles in this one as Jacen's nature as Sith Lord is revealed and the rest of the galaxy has to decide once and for all which side they're on.

Watchmen - Alan Moore

Widely regarded as one of the greatest works of the medium of graphic novels this is a great read, dark and gritty as it is compelling. The story of failed superheroes is very poignant and tragic as they seek to find their place in a world that seems darker without them. The murder of one the "Minutemen" a group that went before and inspired the present group sets off a chain of events that challenges every character to face the depths of themselves and face up to what it might mean to truly be a hero.

Gear School - Adam Gallardo

A nice short graphic novel aimed at the younger market. I think it is a fantastic piece of work, not the least blighted by it's younger characters or audience. I think more science fiction for children should be written - it's not an easy task to condense advanced scientific theory to something a younger reader can cope with but this book has triumphed at it. The art, done by a studio in Spain, is incredible the design of buildings and "gears" are unique and excellently drawn.

I've a feeling there was more, and there probably was, but oh well onto the main course I guess.

Rainbow Six - Tom Clancy

A dense volume that explains my absence from posting on of these. I was intrigues by the video game series of the same name and thought I'd buy it just out of interest. It sat there waiting to be read for some time and didn't dissapoint when I finally picked it up. The book features one of Clancy's primary leads John Clark who is now getting on and has been put in charge of an international anti-terrorist organization. Keeping the group under wraps is a challenge but when a spate of terrorist incidents breaks out, and a former KGB agent and a coporation with a dark agenda are thrown into the mix this bunch of strangers may have to get on and quite literally save the world!

Well I'm being called away, hope you enjoyed my brief and cursory insight into the literature I've absorbed not too long ago.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 31/05/08

Some hollow philosophy for ya this week

"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being." - C.G.Jung - Memories, Dreams, Reflections.

Friday, May 30, 2008

The Future (未来)

I took another trip to Liverpool today thanks to having half term off. It was nice to once again be in the town and still feeling strangely at home in it.

Anyway, on the train there there were two girls of around GCSE age sitting next to me bemoaning the fact that they had to learn basic Chinese in school, which I found very intriguing. Learning Chinese was unthinkable in my day, my school couldn't (and probably still can't) offer Chinese even if you wanted to do it. In fact since we had compulsory Welsh doing another language such as French say was entirely optional unlike a lot of schools which have a choice of French or Spanish say. I'm glad to see that Welsh has become a bit of a bigger agenda in schools now, though I'm sad to see the additional pressure it puts on teachers who just don't seem to be getting the resources to do it.

Back to the topic, I found Chinese interesting as it reflects the fact that China is growing as an economic and political power and I guess people are preparing for the time when it may one day rival America. If that is the case my generation will be stumped if Chinese becomes more of a trade language. These factors were lost on the benefactors as they couldn't see any particular reason for them to go on holiday to China! I also find it amusing as I am a fan of the TV series Firefly in which the characters frequently switch to Chinese while talking, also in anticipation of China becoming a potential superpower.

Liverpool was nice and this time I got to see more of the shopping area and not just the bar scene as last time. We checked out the new shopping centre in Paradise street and it is, I have to say, awesome! It is a two level area stretching out with walkways crossing across the first floor and connecting to other buildings. The great thing about it was that the shops are all in close proximity like a shopping centre ought to be, but there's also sky above your head and a breeze blowing through so there's none of that nauseating feeling you get after being in a shopping centre too long. The design of the place is fantastic - one of the bridges has a twisting design, but is entirely smooth inside and the two layer concourse is a delight to see. Even the parking is awesome, with a gray floor and black rectangles denoting parking space instead of the boring old white lines. There's plenty more being built with multiple architectural designs around and it looks set to rival even the Trafford Centre. The in-city location is also very convenient. It unfortunately lacks many guy shops, but will hopefully get more accesible stores in sometime soon. In the meantime it's well worth going just to see it.

Word of the post: Transient –adjective

1.not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Half Term

I am, unlike most working stiffs, enjoying the glorious week's rest that is half term. Those of you in education will be enjoying this week, though most of you I know have it tainted by the proximity of exams, but a week to cram in those final revision sessions is just as valued as a week of rest if not quite as enjoyable. I myself have no such pressures and I guess I could feel a bit guilty about having a week without work or obligation - but heck life's too short for that!

Have I done much? No. I do tend to feel some need to do something great or cool with my holidays, but then again if I was busy doing stuff it wouldn't be much of a holiday would it?! I've met up with a few friends and plan to make another trip to Liverpool tomorrow. I've also managed to get a fair bit of writing done, and completed one of several first chapters of ideas that I've had. I hope I can keep it up and get onto the daunting chapter 2! I've had a nice day today reading and doing character and plot outlines for yet another idea I've head, this one is for a comic book something I've not attempted for a while.

Be aware that I've never had anything published and that most of what I write gets abandoned as I realise it can't live up to the delusions of grandeur I get when I start each piece. But I hope I've got better motivation than glory and can be satisfied with all the great things I've already got by God's good grace. anyway I do seem to have caught the bug again after a while of not doing anything and have continued writing. I tend to have an outlet for writing when I'm not doing anything and that's my Sci-Fi blog, which is slightly in danger of overtaking this one in post quantity and partyl the reason for this meandering unthoughtthrough post.

And also the reason for me ending it!

Word of the post: Snarl –verb (used without object)

1.to growl threateningly or viciously, esp. with a raised upper lip to bare the teeth, as a dog.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 24/05/08

Another quiet week

"At Hallowe'en the old ghosts come about us, and they speak to some; to others they are dumb." - Hallowe'en, Eleanor Farjean

Monday, May 19, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 17/05/08

"I am a brother to dragons,
and a companion to owls.
My skin is black upon me,
and my bones are burned with heat."
- Job 30 v 29-30

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Just when I couldn't think of anything to blog about!

Well I was just contemplating a Tim-style post about how I haven't done much posting and what I'd like to write when I stumbled across something quite magnificent which I will share with you now. It's an inovative animation done like none I've seen before - it's very abstract so don't try too hard to understand it just marvel at the artistry and skill which went to this.

And make sure you wait for the man with a briefcase - just when you think it couldn't be any more innovative it just gets better!



MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Hope you enjoy - thanks to Penny Arcade for the link by the way - the artist's name is Blu.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 10/05/08

"Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster,
and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
- Frederich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Here come the bugs!!

Once again the sun has started shining just before we were ready for it, leaving us unsure of what to wear each day as the weather could still turn to rain at any second. We are also determined to get out and enjoy the sun as much as we can in case it's an early 5 day summer. Glorious as it is, and as much as I do genuinely love having sunny days I am, of course, here to complain...I mean, this is a blog after all!

The sunshine has brought insects out of hiding and they are all swarming around like there's no tomorrow. I've already gotten into a habit of sweeping my hand in front of me as I walk around and I've delt with several wasp incursions already. So the sun may be lovely and bright, the grass seems that much more green, but the blue sky looks set to be blocked out by a deadly swarm ready to descend and bite anyone unfortunate enough to be outside at the time.

Be warned!

Word of the post: Dirigible –adjective

2.designed for or capable of being directed, controlled, or steered.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Capital of Culture







Recently I got a chance to revisit my university town of Liverpool. While I didn't stay there and couldn't uite call it a "second home" I still feel quite atached to the place and it was great to have an opportunity to be back, which I don't often get. And so I visited my old Uni building, trotted about familiar streets and sat back in the sun.

The city has been named European Capital of Culture 2008. I must admit to being a bit skeptical to their getting it at first, one would imagine only renaisance type places would get it, but having been there some time I do feel now that it is merited. While not particularly "classic" the city does, nonetheless, posess a unique culture of it's own, perhaps underappreciated by those of us in close proximity to it. This culture is exported worldwide through Beatle-mania and so is recognizable and viable to the award givers.

The city is also mutlicultural, I walked through the outskirts of China Town each day and it was fascinating to see a sub culture reflected in the architecture and faces on the streets - when I wasn't running to a lecture that is!! There is also a thriving arts and literature culture which I was part of when there to a degree. (Hey that's a joke!!)

But what did the award mean to me. Well it meant that for the three years I was there the city was one large building site and they're only just finishing now that I've left!!! One week all the traffic would be redirected, the next the pavement would be gone, replaced by a widened road. A lot of remodelling went on, and while the place does look more or less the same it has at least smartened up it's attire a little.

One little stop gap measure they've used is to plasture dilapidated buildings with Liverpool 08 posters. Not in the fly poster type way, but large colourful murals which turn eyesores into adverts for a great city. One of the best upgrades I'd seen, though I couldn't experience it fully unfortunately was to open up St Lukes cathedral which was heavily damaged by bombs. I was startled to hear operatic voices coming from withing - the only previous inhabitants being trees!!

So while it hasn't quite turned into Rome (though if you miss out the Colluseum, Rome's pretty overrated if you ask me!) it is still a worthy city and a place I'd love to revisit any time.

Word of the post: Intangible –adjective

1.not tangible; incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch, as incorporeal or immaterial things; impalpable.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 03/05/08

"Tyger, Tyger
burning bright,
In the forests
of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?"


- William Blake

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 26/04/08

Think I'll stope doing intros to these...

"The release of atom power has changed everything except our way of thinking...
The solution to this problem lies in the heart of manking. If only I had known I should have become a watchmaker."
- Albert Einstein.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Moonwalking Bird - need I say more?!!

With great thanks to QI and YouTube for this one



Dontcha jus' love animals?!

Word of the post: Moreish - doesn't show up in't dictionary (and with good reason I think!) generally used on adverts, most likely a type of food what makes you want to eat more of it like.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

X-box 360: Suitable for all















Well I recently invested in an X-box 360 because well, in gaming terms, I needed to - see more of my reasoning in THIS POST. It has worked out pretty well so far, I got a very good price on amazon which included a pad and a 20G hard drive. There were also sopme good deals with it, I got the Wireless entertainment pack, with another pad and two games for £25 down from about £100 or so and I also was able to purchase Halo 3 for £10 when getting the console so it worked out rather well for me on the whole. The other games were Forza 2 and Viva Pinata of you're interested.

I went out and grabbed some more games for it, chiefly the new Lost game, which has proved to be a good buy, especially as I got it a few pound cheaper than RRP from Tesco. I also bought the latest Splinter Cell as I had not been able to get it on PC and also "The Urbz" 'cause it looked fun and was exceedingly cheap. It was something of a joy being able to get these games without having to check for Hard Drive space or processor power and I managed to get the lot for a little over £40...about the price of one Playstation 3 game!

It's been great having it, but one thing really tickled me about it. On the box of the console which itself did not include any games, was printed one of these babies...












I had to laugh that they decided to state that a piece of hardware and the setup screen are safe viewing for people of all ages - what will they think of next?!

Word of the post: Unseemly - adjective

1.not seemly; not in keeping with established standards of taste or proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Weekly Quote W/E 19/04/08

Ok her's another yadda yadda yadda, more from Watchmen for ya

"Shall not the judge of all the Earth do right?" - Genesis chapter 18 verse 25

See ya

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Workin' 1 to 4, what a way to make a livin'!

Hi readers

I mention not having much to write about 'cause I'm settled in a routine, but it struck me that i hadn't really mentioned what that routine is so I'll very briefly set that out for you now.

I've finished University and now, after a brief, halfhearted jobsearch I am now working at my old part time job I started while in Uni. I work at a local special school, working with kids who have various learning difficulties. I don't feel particularly comfortable giving details on what I do in my work since it involves kids, and a lot of the data protection stuff is still fresh in my mind so I won't go into specifics, but rather talk about how it impacts my day to day routine.

Due to budget restraints and other factors I can only work in the afternoons, which I find a bit odd, but I'm used to now. I used to work mornings which, aside from getting out of bed, were ok 'cause I had the rest of the day free after. Afternoons is a bit more limiting and segments my day a little more than I'd like. Recently I've found that I can just about get around Chester so it's not too bad and I can look at the shops and get a few things done if I need to.

One of the oddest things is not having assignments or homework. I've just about shaken it off, but for a long while I kept going in feeling that there was something I should have done at home to prepare, then realising with some relief that there wasn't. This is good, but I guess it makes my free time a little more free than it should be.

This could be a problem as I intend to do teacher training next year, and by all accounts it's pretty intense and while I am used to schools and education I'm not too used to a heavy workload and it will no doubt take some getting used to once I get started, but hopefully it will be good all the same.

Well that's more or less it and I should probably leave the ol' keyboard alone once again so that's basically what I'm up to. Pretty much everyone who reads this will already know more or less all of what I said, but I felt like saying it all the same.

Tra

Word of the post: Provisional - adjective

1.providing or serving for the time being only; existing only until permanently or properly replaced