Saturday 31 January 2009

Red Dwarf: Series 1 -Episode 2

In the first episode we learned how a radiation leak wiped out the crew of Red Dwarf. Except for the main characters of course, it would be a bit pointless to carry on without them. This time the mystery deepens, their effort to get back to Earth leads to them breaking light-speed and seeing into the future.

Red Dwarf : Future Echoes 1 of 3

Continue below:


Red Dwarf : Future Echoes 2 of 3


Red Dwarf : Future Echoes 3 of 3
Grow into these trousers... >>

Here's a more rational view of Charles Darwin

You folks with tellys should be getting ready to tune in - 01 Feb 2009, 21:00 on BBC One.

Nature Video: David Attenborough on Darwin
----------------------
Via Pharyngula. Grow into these trousers... >>

They're at it again!

From the BBC via Pink Triangle:
A taxi driver has been convicted of cruelty for encouraging his 10-year-old son to whip himself during a Shia Muslim ceremony.
Yes son, whipping yourself with blades is a good thing.

After the judge sentenced the unnamed man to 2 years suspended, 180 hours of unpaid work and £500 in costs, Mozammel Hossain, defending, said:
"What he did, it is very clear, was out of devotion - religious - and his love for his son, in a very funny sort of way, and for his God...
He loves his son... his son loves him."
Love? Just run that by me again. LOVE?? Grow into these trousers... >>

Friday 30 January 2009

In memory of John Martyn OBE

John Martyn - Don't Want To Know
Grow into these trousers... >>

This is what we don't want

I've kept quiet during the rows about the atheist bus adverts. Mainly because I haven’t a clue what they should say. I suppose 'There's probably no God' is as good as anything though it's obviously a horse designed by a camel, or whatever the saying is. But the above billboard is out of order.

As an atheist with a life-long interest in evolutionary biology I do not 'Praise Darwin'. I admire and appreciate his insight and find it a useful tool to further my own understanding, and Darwin's voyage is interesting history, but I find nothing to venerate. Others, as we know, would have come to the same conclusions. If not Darwin then Wallace, or someone else. That is because observations about the real world can be substantiated by observation. Eventually the penny drops.

Nothing to praise, and what does "Evolve Beyond Belief" mean?
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Thanks to Sandwalk. Grow into these trousers... >>

Err, is this game for real?

Yes it is, bizarrely.

Crab Collection

Swing your crab around to pick up the food with the most points. I kid you not.

And leave the music playing too. Grow into these trousers... >>

A quick reminder

The 365 days of Astronomy podcast is now in full swing so if you aren't listening already give it a go. There's even an embedded player on the web page so you don't have to download anything, just click the play button. Recent episodes include Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Telescopes in Space.

Today it will be Using Astronomy to Teach Kids about Science. What could be better? Once they post the episode that is, c'mon guys we're itching to be listening! It's up. Grow into these trousers... >>

Thursday 29 January 2009

Red Dwarf: Series 1 - Episode 1

February 2009 sees the 21st anniversary of the first broadcast of sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf.

So here's a low quality episode 1.

Red Dwarf : The End (first episode) 1 of 3

See below the belt for the rest:

Red Dwarf : The End (first episode) 2 of 3


Red Dwarf : The End (first episode) 3 of 3
Grow into these trousers... >>

It's true - The legendary John Martyn is no more

Far too soon after receiving an OBE in the New Year's honours list, songwriter and musician extraordinaire John Martyn has passed away in hospital in Ireland. Though often called a Maverick he was held in high esteem by many musicians and was a formative influence in folk/blues fusion.

I've been lucky enough to see him live many times over the years. From Glastonbury Festival to a stool in a back street bar, John was music and expression to his core.

On the home page at JohnMartyn.com:
"With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning".
Farewell John, and thanks for all the good times. Grow into these trousers... >>

Oh No, we lost another great

Breaking news:

John Martyn has died 29th January 2009

More to follow as I find out. This is a sad day. Grow into these trousers... >>

Another loss to music

Billy Powell, keyboard player with rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died of a heart attack at the age of 56.

Powell, who survived the plane crash which decimated the band in 1977, was described by Howard Kramer, curatorial director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as "a phenomenal piano player. The band may be able to get another piano player, but they will never replace Billy Powell".

Here's an old recording of the prophetic Free Bird, Skynyrd at their best:

Lynyrd Skynyrd-Free Bird-BBC 1975
Grow into these trousers... >>

Wednesday 28 January 2009

We need one of these in our office

-----------------------
Via Joe Corkscrew.
Grow into these trousers... >>

Look Around You VIII

The final episode of our epic journey through scientific understanding, I'm looking around for more...

Look around you - Brain


For anyone who missed the previous episodes here's a full list in completely random order:
Look around You I
Look around You II
Look around You III
Look around You IV
Look around You V
Look around You VI
Look around You VII
Look around You VIII Grow into these trousers... >>

Tuesday 27 January 2009

Fun videos or 'making your day go somewhat quicker'

Head over to Richard Wiseman's Blog where he's posted a couple of fun Japanese videos.

The first is subtly clever and you won't see the point at first - stay with it: all becomes amusingly clear.

The second is so strangely similar to yesterday's Tom's Trap-O-Matic game that I think coincidence is called into play. Grow into these trousers... >>

Support Geert Wilders

As I commented the other day (see: Pat Condell - Shame on The Netherlands), Dutch MP and filmmaker Geert Wilders is to be prosecuted for "inciting hatred and discrimination" towards Muslims and their beliefs.
Now you can show your support for Wilders by visiting The International Free Press Society. There's a page about the campaign to defend Wilders, and please sign this Letter of Protest to the Dutch Government.

There are currently 24174 signatures +1, me.
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HT to Pink Triangle. Grow into these trousers... >>

A fascinatingly disturbing video

Some people wonder why fossils are rarely found intact. In reality, it's a wonder they are ever found at all!

This time-lapse video shows how a colony of [soldier?] ants can decimate a gecko carcass, in just 24 hours it's almost gone.

Unbelieveable!! Whole gecko rapidly eaten by ants!
Grow into these trousers... >>

Monday 26 January 2009

Another version of Sundance

Late last year I posted a three guitar version of Mediterranean Sundance. Here's the same tune again with two guitars.

Larry Coryell and Paco de Lucia
Grow into these trousers... >>

Tom's Trap-O-Matic

I just found this and it's quite fun. Tom's Trap-O-Matic

Build a zaney trap on the blueprint screen.

Then test it with very pretty animation.
There are only two rooms but the traps can be as complicated as you like. Just make sure Jerry doesn’t catch on too quickly.
------------------------
Note: At startup you may get popped to a new window, just close it to get to the game. Grow into these trousers... >>

Pat Condell - Shame on The Netherlands

Pat Condell's new video on YouTube lambasts the Dutch government for it's decision to allow the prosecution Geert Wilders, an elected Freedom Party MP and maker of the anti-Islamic film Fitna.

Fitna is not a pleasant film to watch but if you haven't seen it, here are the links to Part 1 and Part 2. Marvel at the scriptural quotations and the words of the religious 'scholars'. As Pat observes below, if similar threats were made against Moslems as the Koran makes against others, there would be immediate prosecutions under hate speech law. None of the hate speech in Fitna comes from Wilders.

Here's Pat:
Shame on The Netherlands

I too have read the Koran and am well aware of the intolerance and injustice therein. I will never 'submit'. Grow into these trousers... >>

Sunday 25 January 2009

The drifting continents

Collating millions of pieces of data, this simulation shows continental drift
from the ancient past to the present; and then predicts into the future.

650 Million Years in 1:20 Min.

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Via GrrlScientist. Grow into these trousers... >>

Have a great Burns Night

To those celebrating the birthday of Scotland greatest poet - you lucky bastards.

Nay, raise a tipple to the Bard and enjoy the Cock-a-Leekie.


The words are below the belt:

A Red, Red Rose
O my Luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June:
O my Luve's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!
And fare-thee-weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile!
------------------------
From Burns Country.
Grow into these trousers... >>

Class guitar from the able and the stupendous

Guitarist Jan Akkerman, founder member of the 1970s Dutch band Focus, and Flamenco player Paco de Lucia join forces for a monumental jam.

Grow into these trousers... >>

A thought for a Sunday

They all err - Moslems, Christians, Jews, and Magians:
Two make Humanity's universal sect:
One man intelligent without religion,
And, one religious without intellect.
Abu al-'Alā Ahmad al-Ma'arri (973 - 1057 CE)




Sometimes seen non-poetically as:
The world holds two classes of men - intelligent men without religion, and religious men without intelligence.*
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*101 Atheist Quotes Grow into these trousers... >>

Saturday 24 January 2009

I've got a comedy head on

Rowan Atkinson - The School Master
Grow into these trousers... >>

This made me laugh

From PartiallyClips:




















            Read on >>> Grow into these trousers... >>

Friday 23 January 2009

Here's an interesting observation


Windows 7 beta is out performing both Vista and XP.

See this ZDNet report for the test conditions and the results.


----------------
Cheers to Daniel's space for the link. Grow into these trousers... >>

Bloxorz

Hey, I'm not swearing, it's another good 'puzzle it out' game.
So Bloxors to you.

Remember to note the level passcodes so you can jump to where you left off. Grow into these trousers... >>

UK economy slides into recession

So say today's news headlines.

Slides? Slides! It's more like this:


We've been swindled by incompetent politicians and greedy businessmen for years, and now we have to pay for it. Come on, empty your pockets and dive below the belt to throw your money at Gordon Brown. Well someone threw their shoes at Bush so you may as well.

Bail Out Brown
----------------------
Update: Oops, almost forgot to thank The Libertarian Alliance for the game link.

Grow into these trousers... >>

President Obama to close Guantanamo

Another small step towards a future world where 'hope' and 'better' are not just words in a statement, but a reality for everyone.

THE JEEVAS-"ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA"
Grow into these trousers... >>

Thursday 22 January 2009

Never underestimate the young

As one of those rare people with no TV set this is the first time I have come across Outnumbered, a BBC sitcom from Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin. This clip is great. A group of children confront a vicar with some very tricky theology.

Awkward Questions about Jesus


Reminded me of Leaving home.
---------------------
Thanks to Atheist Media Blog. Grow into these trousers... >>

Very 1960's

New Scientist has another cool picture gallery, this time of ice crystals viewed by polarised light.

Now where are my oil wheels and kaftan? Grow into these trousers... >>

Wednesday 21 January 2009

Why do some people never think things through?

This video is popping up around the blogosphere. A group of anti-abortionists are challenged on camera with a question they clearly have never considered.
If abortion was illegal, what should be done with the women who have illegal abortions?
Round and round they go:

Asking Anti-Abortion Demonstrators an Important Question
Grow into these trousers... >>

Tuesday 20 January 2009

A magical song

The audio is from Fairport Convention's DVD of Cropredy festival 1998, a first class recording which I love. The festival is well worth a visit too, very laid back. The video is unfortunately not from the original DVD.

Fairport Convention - The Hiring Fair

written by Ralph McTell. Grow into these trousers... >>

Look around You VII

Back to the elements for the penultimate episode of Look Around You.

Iron
Grow into these trousers... >>

Monday 19 January 2009

Artist hailed as Egypt's Michelangelo


An unknown Egyptian artist has had his skill revealed during a long conservation project by the British Museum.

Painted for the tomb of Nebamun, who was an accountant around 1350 BC, the wall paintings are being hailed as masterpieces.

New Scientist has an article and a photo gallery. The restored fragments go on display this week at the British Museum. Grow into these trousers... >>

The girl done good - again

Over on YouTube, gogreen18 (aka Laci) has a new video which again hits the nail on the head.

Is Atheism a Religion?


Great thinking from someone still in their teens. She also comes over well in interview, visit American Freethought to get their podcast with Laci.

As I said before, Go! Go! gogreen18.

Grow into these trousers... >>

Sunday 18 January 2009

Is it just the time of year or does everybody feel lousy?

I've got a sore throat and aches and pains. In fact I've been feeling crap for a while now.

Please tell me this is The Cure?

The Lovecats

---------------
Update: Sniff, it's 9:40pm. Had enough, going to bed. Grow into these trousers... >>

Elven Mists


Elven Mists looks cute but it's another infuriating block game. Link up the magic flowers with the same coloured blocks to free the elves. Grow into these trousers... >>

A sad loss - Tony Hart


Today's news reports the death of Tony Hart at the age of 83. Tony was an artist and kid's TV presenter and was a familiar face to millions of viewers of all ages. In a career spanning 50 years Tony presented such iconic shows as Vision On, Take Hart, Hartbeat and much more. With his animated sidekick Morph he brought a gentleness to children's television which will be sadly missed. Grow into these trousers... >>

A thought for a Sunday



The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not Eureka! (I found it!) but rather, 'hmm.... that's funny...'.


Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992)


Via Firstmatter/Quotes Grow into these trousers... >>

Saturday 17 January 2009

Here comes the wind

Severe weather warnings are issued for the UK. Take care folks.

Grow into these trousers... >>

Slightly too long and twee

But interesting nonetheless. From the same stable as yesterday's Skewed views of science, this clip looks at the way we compartmentalise ourselves.

Instruction Manual for Life

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Link via PZ Myers. Grow into these trousers... >>

I'm a mild mannered rogue wanderer

...who gets shot!


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Thanks to The Incomer for the link. Grow into these trousers... >>

Friday 16 January 2009

Music time - James

This song can be taken in many different ways

James - One of the Three
Grow into these trousers... >>

Scientific awareness

Anyone with an open, free ranging mind should understand the points made in the following clip. As Richard Feynman said:
"Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself. The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool"
Watch this short video I found via Evolving Thoughts:

Skewed views of science


And if that's not enough to dispel your illusions, then some more Feynman is required.

Explore below the belt for 'The Pleasure of Finding Things Out'
(BBC Horizon - filmed in 1981)

THE PLEASURE OF FINDING THINGS OUT (part 1 of 5)


THE PLEASURE OF FINDING THINGS OUT (part 2 of 5)


THE PLEASURE OF FINDING THINGS OUT (part 3 of 5)


THE PLEASURE OF FINDING THINGS OUT (part 4 of 5)


The Pleasure Of Finding Things Out (Part 5-5)


Grow into these trousers... >>

Thursday 15 January 2009

Tricky game - glowstones


This gets hard very quickly.

Moving onto other stones turns them on or off. Turn them all off to move on.

With limited moves.

Glowstones. Grow into these trousers... >>

Astronomy software alert

Stellarium

If I went outside now and looked South East, there would be the constellation of Orion with the infamous star Betelgeuse.
This is a very nice piece of software for an armchair astronomer like me. It simulates the sky in real time (or enter a date/time), from any location (or select a city), you can zoom in/out pan round/up/down, it has masses of easy-to-set configuration options and it's free (GPL).

Many thanks to The Strawman for the link. Grow into these trousers... >>

Wednesday 14 January 2009

Look around You VI

We take an look at the arts this week with our continuing educational series.

Look Around You - Music
Grow into these trousers... >>

Cochineal

Cochineal is a scale insectThe insectophile blogger Bug Girl has been posting about the red food colourant cochineal and a move to ban it's use in the USA because yuck!, it's made from insects. She points out widespread misunderstanding about the issue and the insect itself, even among people who should know much better.

Bug Girl has asked others to help clear the air by pushing up her posts on the search engines with a link or two. Go read her posts.

Job done. Grow into these trousers... >>

Tuesday 13 January 2009

I'm indulging in some Incredible String Band

Just for my offline commenter, who wasn't phased by my selection for Deserted Island Discs.

Here's the last track on side one of U. I can't find anything else! Any ideas?

The Incredible String Band - The Queen of Love


If you've got this far there's a couple more gems below the belt.

Not from U, but:

October Song : Incredible String Band


And this unexpected piece I just found:

Incredible String Band - When you find out who you are

Grow into these trousers... >>

Monday 12 January 2009

Deserted Island Discs

I was sat at the bar earlier with my offline commenter when the question arose:
If you could just have one music album to listen to for the next eternity, what would you choose?
One or two of the obvious came out between us.
Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (coming soon to a blog near you) and Echoes.

The Beatles, Sgt Pepper's


And many others. But for me, in this battle, there can be only one. Explore my weird bits below the belt.

Before I get to my final choice I would like to mention a couple more LPs which have been friends for years. Again there are many others but ... here you go!

Grateful Dead - From The Mars Hotel.
Here's a taster, Scarlet Begonias:


James - Laid. Pure poetry.
James - Sometimes


But of course I have to choose The Incredible String Band's epic U. There's enough in there to keep a psychology department in work for years. I've posted this track before but it's worth a reprise, it's second on the compilation:
The Juggler's Song


Just to give a feel for the 'originality of the music', here's the opening track of the album:
El Wool Suite - Incredible String Band (1970)


OK! I'm odd. So what would be your choice?
Grow into these trousers... >>

Sunday 11 January 2009

A nice bit of guitar before suppertime

Paco de Lucia & John McLaughlin I - Live
Grow into these trousers... >>

A thought for a Sunday




"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away".


Philip K. Dick (1928 – 1982) Grow into these trousers... >>

Saturday 10 January 2009

A great new blog to visit

If you enjoyed the Amazing Colour-changing Card Trick you may be interested in a new blog by professor of psychology, magician and quirkologist Richard Wiseman. Though he's only been posting since the New Year, Wiseman's entertaining style is beginning to emerge as he writes on tricks, illusions and the unusual. This should a site to watch out for.

A word of warning though:
Tree Lobsters! - beware these posts. Grow into these trousers... >>

Friday 9 January 2009

An old song from John Martyn OBE

After his recent honours here's another song from John (sorry for the strange squashed video - it's on the original).

John Martyn - May You Never


Here's a different version with Danny Thompson and others (again sorry, can't embed this video). Grow into these trousers... >>

Gigging to the end - David Harman

Known since the mid '60s as Dave Dee, the vocalist with chart topping band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich died earlier today.

DDDBM&T had a string of hits and from '65 to '69 spent more weeks in the UK singles charts than any other band. Reforming in 1990 with the original line up, the band continued playing till late last year. Dave retires from this stage with gigs still in the diary.

Here's a memory jogger for the oldies:

Dave Dee,Dozy,Beaky,Mick & Tich - Legend Of Xanadu [totp2]
Grow into these trousers... >>

Thursday 8 January 2009

Windfarm struck by UFO?

According to recent news reports this is a possibility.

Like, Yeah, aliens pilot their craft across half the galaxy and then bump into a turbine blade.

No Shit! Grow into these trousers... >>

Pogues

This song has been in my mind recently - don't know why, but I do like it.

The Pogues - Dirty Old Town


The lyrics are below the belt.

I met my love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
I kissed my girl by the factory wall
Dirty old town, Dirty old Town...

Clouds are drifting across the moon
Cats are prowling on their beats
Springs a girl on the streets at night
Dirty old town, dirty old town

Heard a siren from the dock
Saw a train cut the night on fire
Smelled the breeze on the smokey wind
Dirty old town, dirty old town

I'm going to make me a big sharp axe
Shining steel tempered in the fire
I'll cut you down like an old dead tree
Dirty old town, dirty old town

Met my love, by the gas yard wall
Dreamed a dream, by the old canal
Kissed my girl, by the factory wall
Dirty old town, dirty old town
Ewan MacColl - Dirty Old Town
Grow into these trousers... >>

A very interesting idea

I have recently submitted my blog to AlphaInventions.com an innovative site where different blogs are showcased on a rotating page. You can make a payment for longer inclusion in the cycle or submit for free and get displayed till it's your turn to get 'bumped off' by someone else.

I'm just submitting for free at the moment but I'd like to say thanks to Cheru for a great idea. It does work.

To those who use Alpha Inventions, watch the cycle, there's some potentially good stuff in there. Also, when you submit, go visit the blog you bumped off. It's only fair and again you may find something interesting.

Finally, to all my new visitors I'd like to say hello and welcome. Have a dig around in my loose change and pocket fluff, you too may find something to enjoy. Grow into these trousers... >>

Wednesday 7 January 2009

A nice, laid back game



Linkaball

Once you get your head around what you have to do the game just about plays itself.

Cool. Grow into these trousers... >>

Look Around You V

Our educational tour of the cutting edge of modern science continues.

Sulphur
Grow into these trousers... >>

Tuesday 6 January 2009

I could be shocked, but maybe not

After the dubious medicine of yesterday, here comes the dubious medicine of yesteryear.

My mind boggles at the conversations Victorian gentlemen may have had about this utility belt:


"Go on, try it"
"Egads sir you first"
"Do you keep it on whilst...?"

Go to Cracked.com for The 10 Most Insane Medical Practices in History and don't miss page 2.

Note: there is no 'below the belt' link for this post. I value my family jewels too much! Grow into these trousers... >>

Monday 5 January 2009

And you think you need medical treatment

It's true that high quality medical treatments have developed over the years, but we all still need to be aware of quackery and pseudoscience. Thus I was transfixed to hear Ben Goldacre on the Today programme on Radio 4 this morning, and I had to sit half dressed on the edge of the bed and listen. The interview was about the benefits of ‘post holiday detoxification’ and could very easily have descended into bullshit, except for Dr Ben.

Go over to Bad Science where Ben has the audio of the interview. Listen first! Then read the rest of the post.

Ben nails them! Grow into these trousers... >>

Sunday 4 January 2009

Lots to do in 2009

Just a reminder that 2009 is The International Year of Astronomy, so pay them a visit and see what events might be in your area.

The daily podcast is up and running and well worth a listen. Just now I'm listening to Who Ordered the Dark Matter and Dark Energy? with Fraser Cain and Pamela Gay from Astronomy Cast.



In addition, 2009 will see the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin on February 12th and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species on November 24th. Watch out for lots evolution themed things this year like the current exhibition at The Natural History Museum.

Happy science year! Grow into these trousers... >>

A thought for a Sunday - Sun Tzu


If ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, divide them; if equal, be able to fight them; if fewer, be able to evade them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.


Sun Tzu - The Art of War - 6th century BCE Grow into these trousers... >>

Saturday 3 January 2009

Andrés Segovia jams some Mozart

Segovia - variations on Mozart's theme
Grow into these trousers... >>

Monuments of unageing intellect

That line comes from the first verse of a poem by W.B. Yeats:
That is no country for old men. The young
In one another’s arms, birds in the trees -
Those dying generations - at their song,
The salmon-falls, the mackerel-crowded seas,
Fish, flesh, or fowl, commend all summer long
Whatever is begotten, born, and dies.
Caught in that sensual music all neglect
Monuments of unageing intellect.

Sailing to Byzantium (1927)
I paraphrase - don't get so caught up in the immediate, in the satisfaction of desire, as to miss the true wonder of the world around you and the achievements of humanity.

Yeats' words, as true today as when first written, were used by Jacob Bronowski in the introduction to his awesome series on mankind's cultural evolution The Ascent Of Man (1973).

Although filmed long ago this still remains one of the best TV documentaries of all time. If you've never seen it, I urge you to set aside the time. If you have seen it you will know it is well worth seeing over and again.

PART ONE - Lower than the Angels [51:17]


Now head over to Online Documentaries 4 U for the next 12 episodes of this 'Monument of unageing intellect'. Grow into these trousers... >>

Friday 2 January 2009

Let's have another game


HDOS Databank request 01

Here's one of those infuriating, exasperating games which could drive you nuts.

Swap adjacent blocks to line them up in threes or more and they go 'puff'. Clear them all to unlock the next level...

With limited moves. Grow into these trousers... >>

Housekeeping

You can hardly notice but I have changed the page layout a bit. I've made the blog a bit wider to better fit YouTube's new wide-screen format (like John and Danny from yesterday). This may throw out the formatting of some earlier posts but hey it's a New Year, got to keep moving on.

Seriously though, if anyone spots anything really mangled, let me know. Grow into these trousers... >>

Thursday 1 January 2009

Happy New Year

I finally surfaced from the revelry to find some familiar names in this year's honours list.

Terry Pratchett gets a well deserved knighthood for his 'services to literature'. There's an example of Sir Terry's work below the belt.

Jazz musician Courtney Pine, receives a CBE (services to jazz music), actress Liz Smith becomes an MBE (services to drama) and, most surprisingly, guitarist Iain David McGeachy gets an OBE for services to music. So here is the lad at his best. AKA John Martyn:

John Martyn with Danny Thompson - Solid Air


Oh and someone called Plant gets a CBE too.

As promised, dive below for a Pratchett goodie.

Sky One's lavish production of The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic.


Grow into these trousers... >>