Blog Feed: The World According to Dave

Classic Screen Scene #37: Spirited Away

Published on 2012-05-18 12:24:30

It’s all change in 2012 with the classic film scenes. I’ll still be sharing my favourites with it’s going to be renamed to Classic Screen Scenes. This way both classic moments from films and TV can be shared in abundance. As always, it would be great to hear your feedback and indeed some of your [...] > read more

Book Review #28: The Lovely Bones

Published on 2012-05-17 04:48:41

The Lovely Bones (2002) – Alice Sebold I remember hearing a lot about The Lovely Bones when it was first published and became a bestseller. It was always my intention to read it but the opportunity didn’t arise until now. It’s been on Mrs B’s bookshelves for some time along with hundreds of our other [...] > read more

Book Review #28: The Lovely Bones

Published on 2012-05-17 04:48:41

The Lovely Bones (2002) – Alice Sebold I remember hearing a lot about The Lovely Bones when it was first published and became a bestseller. It was always my intention to read it but the opportunity didn’t arise until now. It’s been on Mrs B’s bookshelves for some time along with hundreds of our other [...] > read more

So, #indierocks? Absolutely!

Published on 2012-05-16 14:04:22

Today author Terri Giuliano Long has an article on Indie Reader and Huffington Post and she’s very kindly shared an excerpt.  The hashtag for the day is #indierocks. I’m sharing this because I believe that indie does rock.  All I ever wanted to be was a published author. Thanks to self-publishing, my dream came true [...] > read more

So, #indierocks? Absolutely!

Published on 2012-05-16 14:04:22

Today author Terri Giuliano Long has an article on Indie Reader and Huffington Post and she’s very kindly shared an excerpt.  The hashtag for the day is #indierocks. I’m sharing this because I believe that indie does rock.  All I ever wanted to be was a published author. Thanks to self-publishing, my dream came true [...] > read more

Book Review #27: Life on Air – David Attenborough

Published on 2012-05-16 05:35:50

Life on Air (2002) – David Attenborough Sir David Attenborough is one of the true British greats. His voice is known worldwide and his vast array of work, including many memorable wildlife documentaries, have long since cemented his place as one of the finest presenters. An amusing but modest man, Attenborough kindly shared an autobiography [...] > read more

Book Review #27: Life on Air – David Attenborough

Published on 2012-05-16 05:35:50

Life on Air (2002) – David Attenborough Sir David Attenborough is one of the true British greats. His voice is known worldwide and his vast array of work, including many memorable wildlife documentaries, have long since cemented his place as one of the finest presenters. An amusing but modest man, Attenborough kindly shared an autobiography [...] > read more

Game Review #43: F1 2009

Published on 2012-05-15 06:45:05

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Game Review #43: F1 2009

Published on 2012-05-15 06:45:05

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Book Review #26: The Quiet American – Graham Greene

Published on 2012-05-14 06:14:33

The Quiet American (1955) – Graham Greene I broke my rule when it came to The Quiet American, having seen the film from 2002, before reading the book. This isn’t a rule I break often but having enjoyed the film when I saw it a few years back I was naturally delighted to read Greene’s [...] > read more

Book Review #26: The Quiet American – Graham Greene

Published on 2012-05-14 06:14:33

The Quiet American (1955) – Graham Greene I broke my rule when it came to The Quiet American, having seen the film from 2002, before reading the book. This isn’t a rule I break often but having enjoyed the film when I saw it a few years back I was naturally delighted to read Greene’s [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #17: Wake Me Up When September Ends

Published on 2012-05-13 06:58:04

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I would put in my own personal jukebox, not necessarily to take to a desert island, [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #17: Wake Me Up When September Ends

Published on 2012-05-13 06:58:04

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I would put in my own personal jukebox, not necessarily to take to a desert island, [...] > read more

Guest post: The Biggest, Best and Most Awesome Epic Battles from the Big Screen

Published on 2012-05-12 20:05:41

We all love battle scenes, and here we talk about three of the most epic ever filmed.  Ran Ran is a Japanese/French production released in 1985. Directed by the legendary Akira Kurasawa, it was at the time the most expensive Japanese film of all time. Based on a Japanese legend, and having similarities to King [...] > read more

Guest post: The Biggest, Best and Most Awesome Epic Battles from the Big Screen

Published on 2012-05-12 20:05:41

We all love battle scenes, and here we talk about three of the most epic ever filmed.  Ran Ran is a Japanese/French production released in 1985. Directed by the legendary Akira Kurasawa, it was at the time the most expensive Japanese film of all time. Based on a Japanese legend, and having similarities to King [...] > read more

Game Review #42: Rainbow Islands

Published on 2012-05-12 05:58:26

One of my earliest memories of playing games back on the Amiga in the early nineties was Rainbow Islands. This sequel to Bubble Bobble was released as an arcade game in 1987 and found its way onto the Amiga in 1990. Looking back it had the same simplicity as it predecessor and was regarded as [...] > read more

Game Review #42: Rainbow Islands

Published on 2012-05-12 05:58:26

One of my earliest memories of playing games back on the Amiga in the early nineties was Rainbow Islands. This sequel to Bubble Bobble was released as an arcade game in 1987 and found its way onto the Amiga in 1990. Looking back it had the same simplicity as it predecessor and was regarded as [...] > read more

Film Review #167: Four Lions

Published on 2012-05-11 05:38:32

Four Lions (2010) When I first heard of Christopher Morris’ Four Lions and it being a comedy in relation to suicide bombers I was both curious and concerned. The War on Terror spearheaded by the U.S. and the UK has caused a lot of controversy on both sides of the Atlantic and there have been [...] > read more

Film Review #167: Four Lions

Published on 2012-05-11 05:38:32

Four Lions (2010) When I first heard of Christopher Morris’ Four Lions and it being a comedy in relation to suicide bombers I was both curious and concerned. The War on Terror spearheaded by the U.S. and the UK has caused a lot of controversy on both sides of the Atlantic and there have been [...] > read more

Book Review #25: Matter

Published on 2012-05-09 18:33:34

Matter (2008) – Iain M. Banks I’m still very new to the work of Iain Banks and Iain M. Banks having only read The Wasp Factory (1984) and Consider Phlebas (1987). The latter was my first affiliation with Banks’ sci-fi work and indeed with the Culture, the vast, technological society that thrives and endures, while [...] > read more

Book Review #25: Matter

Published on 2012-05-09 18:33:34

Matter (2008) – Iain M. Banks I’m still very new to the work of Iain Banks and Iain M. Banks having only read The Wasp Factory (1984) and Consider Phlebas (1987). The latter was my first affiliation with Banks’ sci-fi work and indeed with the Culture, the vast, technological society that thrives and endures, while [...] > read more

Classic Screen Scene #36: Father Ted

Published on 2012-05-08 06:39:16

It’s all change in 2012 with the classic film scenes. I’ll still be sharing my favourites with it’s going to be renamed to Classic Screen Scenes. This way both classic moments from films and TV can be shared in abundance. As always, it would be great to hear your feedback and indeed some of your [...] > read more

Classic Screen Scene #36: Father Ted

Published on 2012-05-08 06:39:16

It’s all change in 2012 with the classic film scenes. I’ll still be sharing my favourites with it’s going to be renamed to Classic Screen Scenes. This way both classic moments from films and TV can be shared in abundance. As always, it would be great to hear your feedback and indeed some of your [...] > read more

Film Review #165: Sarah’s Key

Published on 2012-05-07 04:15:03

Sarah’s Key (2010) Every few years it seems there is a new film or book that addresses the Holocaust. This dark chapter in world history is so cruel it’s hard to believe that it was real. One of the most recent takes on this painful subject is Gilles Paquet-Brenner’s Sarah’s Key which tells the story [...] > read more

Film Review #166: Sarah’s Key

Published on 2012-05-07 04:15:03

Sarah’s Key (2010) Every few years it seems there is a new film or book that addresses the Holocaust. This dark chapter in world history is so cruel it’s hard to believe that it was real. One of the most recent takes on this painful subject is Gilles Paquet-Brenner’s Sarah’s Key which tells the story [...] > read more

Film Review #164: Say Anything

Published on 2012-05-06 13:43:11

Say Anything (1989) The Brown household are big fans of John Cusack, Mrs B in particular, and I do worry that one day he will find her and they’ll run off together. In the meantime, we’re quite happy to watch Mr Cusack’s films of which there have been some brilliant ones. I’ve wanted to see [...] > read more

Film Review #165: Say Anything

Published on 2012-05-06 13:43:11

Say Anything (1989) The Brown household are big fans of John Cusack, Mrs B in particular, and I do worry that one day he will find her and they’ll run off together. In the meantime, we’re quite happy to watch Mr Cusack’s films of which there have been some brilliant ones. I’ve wanted to see [...] > read more

Game Review #41: Shadow of Memories/Shadow of Destiny

Published on 2012-05-05 10:08:46

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Game Review #41: Shadow of Memories/Shadow of Destiny

Published on 2012-05-05 10:08:46

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Film Review #163: Kenny

Published on 2012-05-04 03:15:27

Kenny (2006) “We’re number one with your number twos.” That’s quite a tagline and leaves you under no illusion about what you’re in for with this surprise Aussie hit from director Clayton Jacobson. You might be wondering how sustainable a film about the maintenance of portable toilets is. Well, I was curious why this film [...] > read more

Film Review #164: Kenny

Published on 2012-05-04 03:15:27

Kenny (2006) “We’re number one with your number twos.” That’s quite a tagline and leaves you under no illusion about what you’re in for with this surprise Aussie hit from director Clayton Jacobson. You might be wondering how sustainable a film about the maintenance of portable toilets is. Well, I was curious why this film [...] > read more

Film Review #163: Miller’s Crossing

Published on 2012-05-03 06:30:42

Miller’s Crossing (1990) I love the Coen brothers. I haven’t seen a bad film of theirs yet. Ironically, I felt their Oscar-winning No Country For Old Men (2007) was probably the weakest of the ones I have seen so far. I’m still early in my Coen brothers’ education program but the next lesson looked like [...] > read more

Film Review #161: Easy Rider

Published on 2012-05-02 15:08:29

Easy Rider (1969) One of the most famous road movies, Dennis Hopper directed and starred in Easy Rider along with Peter Fonda and the film has built up a great reputation ever since. I’ve wanted to see this one for years but, like many films on my list, it’s taken me a while to get [...] > read more

Film Review #161: Easy Rider

Published on 2012-05-02 15:08:29

Easy Rider (1969) One of the most famous road movies, Dennis Hopper directed and starred in Easy Rider along with Peter Fonda and the film has built up a great reputation ever since. I’ve wanted to see this one for years but, like many films on my list, it’s taken me a while to get [...] > read more

Film Review #160: The Resident

Published on 2012-04-30 18:36:20

The Resident (2011) Double-Oscar winner Hilary Swank is one of Hollywood’s best and it would be no surprise if she added to her tally later in her career, in my opinion. Antti Jokinen’s The Resident tackles a very serious problem affecting society today – stalking. Not often taken seriously, stalkers have sadly been allowed to [...] > read more

Film Review #160: The Resident

Published on 2012-04-30 18:36:20

The Resident (2011) Double-Oscar winner Hilary Swank is one of Hollywood’s best and it would be no surprise if she added to her tally later in her career, in my opinion. Antti Jokinen’s The Resident tackles a very serious problem affecting society today – stalking. Not often taken seriously, stalkers have sadly been allowed to [...] > read more

Z is for Ziggy Stardust (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-29 20:35:00

David Bowie is one of the UK’s proudest achievements, first appearing in the late sixties and really hitting the big time in the seventies. He still performs to this day and if, like me, you grew up in the eighties, one of your earliest memories of Bowie may have been his appearance as the wickedly [...] > read more

Z is for Ziggy Stardust (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-29 20:35:00

David Bowie is one of the UK’s proudest achievements, first appearing in the late sixties and really hitting the big time in the seventies. He still performs to this day and if, like me, you grew up in the eighties, one of your earliest memories of Bowie may have been his appearance as the wickedly [...] > read more

A Career as a Cartographer?

Published on 2012-04-28 18:02:56

When I published Fezariu’s Epiphany in May 2011 a lot of the feedback I received was united about one thing – where are the maps? It was a good question and one I felt needed to be addressed with my latest novel, A World Apart. Those who know about Elenchera will be aware that I [...] > read more

A Career as a Cartographer?

Published on 2012-04-28 18:02:56

When I published Fezariu’s Epiphany in May 2011 a lot of the feedback I received was united about one thing – where are the maps? It was a good question and one I felt needed to be addressed with my latest novel, A World Apart. Those who know about Elenchera will be aware that I [...] > read more

Y is for You’re My Best Friend (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-27 18:16:18

Queen were one of the great rock groups of the seventies and eighties. The four members – Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor were all brilliant musicians and songwriters. Their reign only ended with the tragic death of Freddie Mercury in 1991 after a long battle against AIDS. Mercury was one of [...] > read more

Y is for You’re My Best Friend (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-27 18:16:18

Queen were one of the great rock groups of the seventies and eighties. The four members – Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor were all brilliant musicians and songwriters. Their reign only ended with the tragic death of Freddie Mercury in 1991 after a long battle against AIDS. Mercury was one of [...] > read more

X is for The X-Files (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-26 18:16:33

Having to find a song title with “X” is certainly not easy. I could have gone for Xanadu by Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton John but instead I thought Mark Snow’s theme to a popular paranormal programme of the nineties would suffice. I can distinctly recall watching The X-Files and really enjoyed the show [...] > read more

X is for The X-Files (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-26 18:16:33

Having to find a song title with “X” is certainly not easy. I could have gone for Xanadu by Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton John but instead I thought Mark Snow’s theme to a popular paranormal programme of the nineties would suffice. I can distinctly recall watching The X-Files and really enjoyed the show [...] > read more

W is for Where Is My Mind? (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-25 19:03:24

Cited as a big influence on the likes of Nirvana, Pixies were formed in the late eighties but had disbanded by the early nineties. However, they did reform in 2004 and have been playing sell-out concerts ever since. Though their music wasn’t the most chart-friendly, Pixies are easily in my top five favourite groups. The [...] > read more

W is for Where Is My Mind? (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-25 19:03:24

Cited as a big influence on the likes of Nirvana, Pixies were formed in the late eighties but had disbanded by the early nineties. However, they did reform in 2004 and have been playing sell-out concerts ever since. Though their music wasn’t the most chart-friendly, Pixies are easily in my top five favourite groups. The [...] > read more

V is for Vertigo (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-24 17:56:11

Irish superstars U2 first formed in the late seventies and after hitting the big time in the late eighties they have continued to be a mainstay in the charts and their tours remain ever popular. Lead singer Bono never seems to age, while guitarist The Edge seems to have had the same trademark hat for [...] > read more

V is for Vertigo (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-24 17:56:11

Irish superstars U2 first formed in the late seventies and after hitting the big time in the late eighties they have continued to be a mainstay in the charts and their tours remain ever popular. Lead singer Bono never seems to age, while guitarist The Edge seems to have had the same trademark hat for [...] > read more

U is for Under the Bridge (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-23 18:07:29

About six years ago I read Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. It was a fascinating autobiography chronicling Kiedis’ rise to fame with the group and his difficult drug addictions that began in the late eighties and became worse following the death of his friend and former band member [...] > read more

U is for Under the Bridge (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-23 18:07:29

About six years ago I read Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. It was a fascinating autobiography chronicling Kiedis’ rise to fame with the group and his difficult drug addictions that began in the late eighties and became worse following the death of his friend and former band member [...] > read more

T is for Tell All the People (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-22 17:27:42

One of the emblems of the late sixties, The Doors were not together long before the tragic death of Jim Morrison in Paris in 1971 aged just 27. Talented and controversial are probably the best words to describe The Doors. They hit the big time with their debut album and the immortal sixties hit Light [...] > read more

T is for Tell All the People (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-22 17:27:42

One of the emblems of the late sixties, The Doors were not together long before the tragic death of Jim Morrison in Paris in 1971 aged just 27. Talented and controversial are probably the best words to describe The Doors. They hit the big time with their debut album and the immortal sixties hit Light [...] > read more

Film Review #159: Machete

Published on 2012-04-21 18:12:51

Machete (2010) A good action film needs lots of explosions and carnage but a decent storyline and acting are always welcome as well. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, Machete is violent, full of memorable faces, bouncing cars and gun toting femme fatales but is it any good? The film begins with Machete Cortez [...] > read more

Film Review #159: Machete

Published on 2012-04-21 18:12:51

Machete (2010) A good action film needs lots of explosions and carnage but a decent storyline and acting are always welcome as well. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, Machete is violent, full of memorable faces, bouncing cars and gun toting femme fatales but is it any good? The film begins with Machete Cortez [...] > read more

S is for So Young (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-21 04:10:40

Suede were among the forerunners of the Britpop movement in the early nineties along with Blur and were soon followed by the likes of Oasis. While Blur and Oasis tended to slug it out at the top of the charts, Suede were usually just behind, never topping the charts but climbing as high as no.3 [...] > read more

S is for So Young (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-21 04:10:40

Suede were among the forerunners of the Britpop movement in the early nineties along with Blur and were soon followed by the likes of Oasis. While Blur and Oasis tended to slug it out at the top of the charts, Suede were usually just behind, never topping the charts but climbing as high as no.3 [...] > read more

R is for Rocket Queen (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-19 20:29:53

Guns ‘N’ Roses are one of the great and tragic stories of music. They burst onto the scene in the late eighties and seemed unstoppable, but by the mid-nineties tensions within the group had led to the departure of all the original members, save lead singer Axl Rose. The last album from the original Guns [...] > read more

R is for Rocket Queen (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-19 20:29:53

Guns ‘N’ Roses are one of the great and tragic stories of music. They burst onto the scene in the late eighties and seemed unstoppable, but by the mid-nineties tensions within the group had led to the departure of all the original members, save lead singer Axl Rose. The last album from the original Guns [...] > read more

Q is for Queer (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-18 19:22:26

I won’t deny that I was scratching my head for a while when trying to think of a song that begins with “Q”. It’s one of those awkward letters and not just when you’re playing Scrabble! How many songs honestly come to mind beginning with “Q”? After much thought I remembered watching MTV back in [...] > read more

Q is for Queer (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-18 19:22:26

I won’t deny that I was scratching my head for a while when trying to think of a song that begins with “Q”. It’s one of those awkward letters and not just when you’re playing Scrabble! How many songs honestly come to mind beginning with “Q”? After much thought I remembered watching MTV back in [...] > read more

P is for Personal Jesus (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-17 20:35:32

Depeche Mode are a very special group to my wife, Donna, and I. We first got together when Just Can’t Get Enough was playing in the background and we chose this as one of the songs at our wedding. The group have come a long way since the early eighties, with one of them overcoming [...] > read more

P is for Personal Jesus (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-17 20:35:32

Depeche Mode are a very special group to my wife, Donna, and I. We first got together when Just Can’t Get Enough was playing in the background and we chose this as one of the songs at our wedding. The group have come a long way since the early eighties, with one of them overcoming [...] > read more

O is for Ordinary World (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-16 18:14:57

Duran Duran were one of the UK’s most popular acts during the eighties and they were even given the prestigious honour of singing a Bond theme – A View to a Kill which is one of the best ones in my opinion. Their popularity waned as the nineties dawned but they have enjoyed brief spells [...] > read more

O is for Ordinary World (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-16 18:14:57

Duran Duran were one of the UK’s most popular acts during the eighties and they were even given the prestigious honour of singing a Bond theme – A View to a Kill which is one of the best ones in my opinion. Their popularity waned as the nineties dawned but they have enjoyed brief spells [...] > read more

Film Review #158: Pretty In Pink

Published on 2012-04-15 08:27:15

Pretty in Pink (1986) The Eighties. It was a decade of bizarre hairstyles, weird, wonderful and cheesy music and, of course, Brat Pack films. I’m slowly ticking these off my list off must-see films and Howard Deutch’s Pretty In Pink is next in line. Would it be the best of the bunch I’ve seen so [...] > read more

Film Review #158: Pretty In Pink

Published on 2012-04-15 08:27:15

Pretty in Pink (1986) The Eighties. It was a decade of bizarre hairstyles, weird, wonderful and cheesy music and, of course, Brat Pack films. I’m slowly ticking these off my list off must-see films and Howard Deutch’s Pretty In Pink is next in line. Would it be the best of the bunch I’ve seen so [...] > read more

N is for Norwegian Wood (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-15 03:31:38

  It doesn’t feel right having an A-Z of songs without at least once including something by The Beatles. The Fab Four ruled the sixties and their music continues to touch young generations to this day. As popular as Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber are today, I sincerely doubt that they will be remembered in [...] > read more

N is for Norwegian Wood (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-15 03:31:38

  It doesn’t feel right having an A-Z of songs without at least once including something by The Beatles. The Fab Four ruled the sixties and their music continues to touch young generations to this day. As popular as Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber are today, I sincerely doubt that they will be remembered in [...] > read more

M is for Motorcycle Emptiness (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-14 03:53:57

The best group to emerge from Wales, Manic Street Preachers have had an eventful history beginning with their time as a quartet when guitarist and lyricist Richey James Edwards was with the group. Edwards was one of the Manics for their first three albums and although he was undoubtedly talented he had many unfortunate problems, [...] > read more

M is for Motorcycle Emptiness (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-14 03:53:57

The best group to emerge from Wales, Manic Street Preachers have had an eventful history beginning with their time as a quartet when guitarist and lyricist Richey James Edwards was with the group. Edwards was one of the Manics for their first three albums and although he was undoubtedly talented he had many unfortunate problems, [...] > read more

L is for Lovesong (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-13 12:57:09

Spidery hair, smudged lipstick and makeup. Doesn’t sound appealing does it? Well, if you’re Robert Smith of The Cure then such traits make you one of the gods of music. The Cure first appeared in the late seventies, their style distinctly gloomy with the likes of Charlotte Sometimes and A Forest winning the group many [...] > read more

L is for Lovesong (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-13 12:57:09

Spidery hair, smudged lipstick and makeup. Doesn’t sound appealing does it? Well, if you’re Robert Smith of The Cure then such traits make you one of the gods of music. The Cure first appeared in the late seventies, their style distinctly gloomy with the likes of Charlotte Sometimes and A Forest winning the group many [...] > read more

K is for Knowing Me Knowing You (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-12 15:08:58

Who would have thought that when Abba won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo that they would go on to score many more chart toppers before their break up in the early eighties. Certainly winners of Eurovision these days can expect a brief time in the spotlight before entering obscurity. Abba’s cause was helped [...] > read more

K is for Knowing Me Knowing You (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-12 15:08:58

Who would have thought that when Abba won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo that they would go on to score many more chart toppers before their break up in the early eighties. Certainly winners of Eurovision these days can expect a brief time in the spotlight before entering obscurity. Abba’s cause was helped [...] > read more

J is for Juxtaposed With U (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-11 16:54:58

There are many good things about Wales and Super Furry Animals are just one of them. Formed in Cardiff in 1993, Super Furry Animals have produced music that can be defined at times as psychedelic with a mixture of electronic and rock thrown in. Whatever the appropriate term is for that concoction I have no [...] > read more

J is for Juxtaposed With U (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-11 16:54:58

There are many good things about Wales and Super Furry Animals are just one of them. Formed in Cardiff in 1993, Super Furry Animals have produced music that can be defined at times as psychedelic with a mixture of electronic and rock thrown in. Whatever the appropriate term is for that concoction I have no [...] > read more

I is for It Ended on an Oily Stage (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-10 14:10:45

British Sea Power are one of my favourite British groups and I have had the pleasure of seeing them live on five occasions. One of those was in a social club where you could almost reach forward and touch the band and it remains one of the three best gigs I have ever seen. BSP [...] > read more

H is for Heart-Shaped Box (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-09 15:11:02

This month marks the eighteenth anniversary of the suicide of Nirvana’s lead guitarist and singer, Kurt Cobain. My brother and I embraced Nirvana’s music in the early nineties and I have personally been enthralled by their work ever since. Nevermind (1991) is unquestionably one of the finest albums ever recorded and though the group’s time [...] > read more

Film Review #157: Cyrus

Published on 2012-04-08 14:18:26

Cyrus (2010) Starting a relationship with someone who already has children is not always straightforward. If the children still see both parents they may resent the presence of a new man or woman in their home. In Jay and Mark Duplass’ Cyrus we have a similar scenario where a lonely man meets the woman of [...] > read more

G is for Girlfriend in a Coma (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-07 18:43:28

The Smiths are one of the UK’s enduring groups from the eighties, at least their material is. They were not together for long but still recorded some truly wonderful music. You could say they were somewhat maladjusted with their music being morose and very emotional in a decade where the charts were filled with weird [...] > read more

F is for Faultline (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-06 06:57:17

In 1995 an Australian trio named Silverchair released their debut album Frogstomp at the tender age of 15 and whilst they were still attending high school! Not bad, eh? Such was the young age of band members, Daniel Johns, Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou, that their parents had to attend their gigs with them! I [...] > read more

E is for Even Less (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-05 07:20:19

When asked what music I listen to I often mention Porcupine Tree and people give me a blank stare. I once saw Porcupine Tree described on YouTube very aptly as the “the greatest band you’ve never heard of.” They were first formed in 1987 by frontman Steve Wilson and Malcom Stocks as, to put it [...] > read more

E is for Even Less (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-05 07:20:19

When asked what music I listen to I often mention Porcupine Tree and people give me a blank stare. I once saw Porcupine Tree described on YouTube very aptly as the “the greatest band you’ve never heard of.” They were first formed in 1987 by frontman Steve Wilson and Malcom Stocks as, to put it [...] > read more

D is for Daydream Believer (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-04 11:01:41

Davy Jones, lead singer of The Monkees, sadly passed away in February this year aged just 66. Like many groups, The Monkees tried but failed to fully challenge The Beatles in the late sixties, but were still responsible for some memorable songs, including I’m a Believer and this, today’s entry under “D,” Daydream Believer. Taken [...] > read more

D is for Daydream Believer (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-04 11:01:41

Davy Jones, lead singer of The Monkees, sadly passed away in February this year aged just 66. Like many groups, The Monkees tried but failed to fully challenge The Beatles in the late sixties, but were still responsible for some memorable songs, including I’m a Believer and this, today’s entry under “D,” Daydream Believer. Taken [...] > read more

C is for Cwyin’ (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-03 12:00:49

Roy Orbison is widely regarded as being one of the best vocalists of all time with Elvis Presley hailing the man with the dark glasses as having the greatest voice he ever heard. On a personal level, I particularly love Orbison’s I Drove All Night, which has enjoyed covers from the likes of Cyndi Lauper [...] > read more

C is for Cwyin’ (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-03 12:00:49

Roy Orbison is widely regarded as being one of the best vocalists of all time with Elvis Presley hailing the man with the dark glasses as having the greatest voice he ever heard. On a personal level, I particularly love Orbison’s I Drove All Night, which has enjoyed covers from the likes of Cyndi Lauper [...] > read more

Film Review #157: Unforgiven

Published on 2012-04-03 10:00:49

Unforgiven (1992) Clint Eastwood has become better known behind the camera in recent years and remains one of Hollywood’s enduring legends. Back in the early nineties he directed this Oscar-winning Western, one I had heard heavily praised but shamefully one film I had never seen before. My favourite Western is Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a [...] > read more

Film Review #156: Unforgiven

Published on 2012-04-03 10:00:49

Unforgiven (1992) Clint Eastwood has become better known behind the camera in recent years and remains one of Hollywood’s enduring legends. Back in the early nineties he directed this Oscar-winning Western, one I had heard heavily praised but shamefully one film I had never seen before. My favourite Western is Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a [...] > read more

B is for The Bagman’s Gambit (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-02 16:40:31

This is my favourite song from my favourite group – Oregon’s finest, The Decemberists. The Bagman’s Gambit is the fifth track from the group’s third album, Picaresque, which is coincidentally my preferred album of theirs but not on the strength of this one song alone. The Decemberists have a plethora of wonderful songs, each one [...] > read more

B is for The Bagman’s Gambit (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-02 16:40:31

This is my favourite song from my favourite group – Oregon’s finest, The Decemberists. The Bagman’s Gambit is the fifth track from the group’s third album, Picaresque, which is coincidentally my preferred album of theirs but not on the strength of this one song alone. The Decemberists have a plethora of wonderful songs, each one [...] > read more

Film Review #156: Fahrenheit 451

Published on 2012-04-02 05:21:45

Fahrenheit 451 (1966) I’d be lost without books to read but sadly many people would disagree with that sentiment. Francois Truffaut’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic 1953 dystopian novel, Fahrenheit 451, offers a frightening future where books and reading are taboo and the firemen don’t fight fires, they start them! Bradbury’s novel is a stunningly [...] > read more

Film Review #155: Fahrenheit 451

Published on 2012-04-02 05:21:45

Fahrenheit 451 (1966) I’d be lost without books to read but sadly many people would disagree with that sentiment. Francois Truffaut’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic 1953 dystopian novel, Fahrenheit 451, offers a frightening future where books and reading are taboo and the firemen don’t fight fires, they start them! Bradbury’s novel is a stunningly [...] > read more

A is for Aeris’ Theme (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-01 13:52:17

A is for Aeris’ Theme Taken from the landmark RPG series, Final Fantasy, this moving piece of music was composed by Nobuo Uematsu and is the theme for the character, Aeris, who appeared in Final Fantasy VII. This was the first game in the series that I ever played and it would inspire me down [...] > read more

A is for Aeris’ Theme (Blogging from A-Z Challenge – April 2012)

Published on 2012-04-01 13:52:17

A is for Aeris’ Theme Taken from the landmark RPG series, Final Fantasy, this moving piece of music was composed by Nobuo Uematsu and is the theme for the character, Aeris, who appeared in Final Fantasy VII. This was the first game in the series that I ever played and it would inspire me down [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #16: Touch Me

Published on 2012-04-01 09:17:59

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I would put in my own personal jukebox, not necessarily to take to a desert island, [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #16: Touch Me

Published on 2012-04-01 09:17:59

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I would put in my own personal jukebox, not necessarily to take to a desert island, [...] > read more

Third Novel Anxiety

Published on 2012-03-31 06:54:28

I’m more than halfway through the editing of my second novel, A World Apart, and although there is still a lot of work to do, my mind can’t help but stray towards thoughts of novel no.3. I have many ideas for novels, I’d be pretty worried if I didn’t given ten years of world building, [...] > read more

Third Novel Anxiety

Published on 2012-03-31 06:54:28

I’m more than halfway through the editing of my second novel, A World Apart, and although there is still a lot of work to do, my mind can’t help but stray towards thoughts of novel no.3. I have many ideas for novels, I’d be pretty worried if I didn’t given ten years of world building, [...] > read more

Film Review #155: Eleanor’s Secret

Published on 2012-03-30 14:13:25

Eleanor’s Secret (2009) I can still recall the Ladybird books from my primary school days, mostly pictures and just a handful of sentences to negotiate, a far cry from the novels I love to read today, that’s for sure. In Dominique Monfery’s Eleanor’s Secret we are taken back to our childhoods and the love of [...] > read more

Film Review #154: Eleanor’s Secret

Published on 2012-03-30 14:13:25

Eleanor’s Secret (2009) I can still recall the Ladybird books from my primary school days, mostly pictures and just a handful of sentences to negotiate, a far cry from the novels I love to read today, that’s for sure. In Dominique Monfery’s Eleanor’s Secret we are taken back to our childhoods and the love of [...] > read more

Film Review #154: The Mummy

Published on 2012-03-29 13:31:40

The Mummy (1932) It’s a while ago now but I can still recall a time when I would have refused to watch a black and white film. I wrongly assumed all the films from Hollywood’s earliest decades would be vastly inferior to the modern flicks but I’m please to say time gives one new perspectives. [...] > read more

Film Review #153: Creature from the Black Lagoon

Published on 2012-03-28 13:31:38

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) I’m not sure how many times in my life I’ve made reference to the Creature from the Black Lagoon but it’s many. I’ve never seen the film until now but I approached it with an open mind. I’m writing in an age when glitzy effects are unsurprising when they [...] > read more

Film Review #152: Rapid Fire

Published on 2012-03-27 13:36:18

Rapid Fire (1992) Bruce and Brandon Lee are two of the tragedies from film history. The martial arts legend Bruce died in his early thirties just as he was about to take the world by storm with Enter the Dragon (1973). Twenty years later his son, Brandon, was tragically killed on the set of The [...] > read more

Guest post: Top 5 Cameos Of A Film Geek

Published on 2012-03-26 14:11:14

As a movie geek it is important to list things in top 5s. In fact it should be a law. Now it is important to remember with this list of awesome cameos that they are not present for being the greatest. You won’t find Judi Dench stealing scenes in Shakespeare In Love here. No, this [...] > read more

Game Review #40: Treasure Island Dizzy

Published on 2012-03-25 09:32:44

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Film Review #151: The Remains of the Day

Published on 2012-03-24 05:55:12

The Remains of the Day (1993) I enjoy the theme of unrequited love. It’s played a part in my writing and will continue to do so. Admitting one’s feelings for another is never an easy thing and in James Ivory’s The Remains of the Day, an adaptation of the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, we have [...] > read more

Film Review #150: Harold and Maude

Published on 2012-03-23 17:00:14

Harold and Maude (1971) A huge box office hit doesn’t always point to the best film of the year. Many audiences prefer glitzy effects to films made on modest budgets where a good script and acting make or break them. Many of these independent films have no success at the box office but gather cult [...] > read more

Film Review #149: Sanctum

Published on 2012-03-22 19:21:54

Sanctum (2011) Tales of survival are often engaging whether it’s in the desert or a struggle to overcome the cold in the Arctic. The human spirit is a powerful thing and has seen many people through some truly horrifying ordeals in the past. Sanctum embraces survival, putting a group of explorers in a subterranean network [...] > read more

Guest post: The Top 5 Greatest Movie Speeches

Published on 2012-03-21 14:14:12

Despite the success of silent movie The Artist this year, great films are made up of great words. Certain moments in films contain words that allow us to connect with characters and make the film more appealing to us. The best of these are done, not through dialogue, but often through speeches or monologues. Here [...] > read more

Film Review #148: Death Wish

Published on 2012-03-19 16:42:36

Death Wish (1974) Last time out I reviewed (2009) which included a spot of vigilantism and today I’ve located the first instalment of a series I’ve never seen, also about vigilantism, and starring Charles Bronson – the Death Wish films. I’ve heard the basic premise to these films in the past but why I’ve not [...] > read more

The World According to… Terri Giuliano Long: Guest post

Published on 2012-03-18 13:09:38

Today I’m delighted to welcome Terri Giuliano Long to the blog.  Terri is an inspiration to any indie author having sold over a hundred thousand (that’s right!) copies of her literary novel In Leah’s Wake.  Music plays a big part in my life and is regularly featured on The World According to Dave and I’m [...] > read more

The World According to Dave welcomes… William Knight: Review

Published on 2012-03-15 23:00:30

The facts behind the fiction In 2001 scientists isolated the gene for regenerating damaged organs from the DNA of a South American flatworm. Within five years it had been spliced into the chromosomes of a rhesus monkey, transported through the cell walls by a retro-virus denuded of its own genetic material. Attempting to regrow impaired or elderly tissues, a scientist will [...] > read more

Film Review #147: Harry Brown

Published on 2012-03-13 16:13:30

Harry Brown (2009) Let’s face it the streets are not a safe place to be for long, especially at night. I’m not yet 30 but in my time growing up in the UK I feel that things have got worse. The idea of seeing gangs of youths is enough to intimidate me if I am [...] > read more

Film Review #146: Paranormal Activity 2

Published on 2012-03-11 15:05:24

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) I reviewed the first Paranormal Activity film some months back and I thought it was dreadful. The shocking ending wasn’t bad but it couldn’t compensate for everything that had gone before. This sequel is partly a prequel but mostly runs simultaneously with the events of the first film. My only hope [...] > read more

Film Review #146: Paranormal Activity 2

Published on 2012-03-11 15:05:24

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) I reviewed the first Paranormal Activity film some months back and I thought it was dreadful. The shocking ending wasn’t bad but it couldn’t compensate for everything that had gone before. This sequel is partly a prequel but mostly runs simultaneously with the events of the first film. My only hope [...] > read more

Film Review #145: Dead Silence

Published on 2012-03-10 13:39:22

 Dead Silence (2007) I can remember a handful of ventriloquist acts when I was growing up in the eighties and nineties and was always impressed by them. Some people don’t share that sentiment, of course, and others find the ventriloquist dolls a tad spooky. James Wan’s Dead Silence may shatter your previous fondness for ventriloquism, [...] > read more

Film Review #145: Dead Silence

Published on 2012-03-10 13:39:22

 Dead Silence (2007) I can remember a handful of ventriloquist acts when I was growing up in the eighties and nineties and was always impressed by them. Some people don’t share that sentiment, of course, and others find the ventriloquist dolls a tad spooky. James Wan’s Dead Silence may shatter your previous fondness for ventriloquism, [...] > read more

The World According to… Brian Holers: Excerpt

Published on 2012-03-09 07:44:45

Please enjoy this excerpt from the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. Excerpt Sunday is Vernon’s wash day. And though he has enough money to [...] > read more

The World According to… Brian Holers: Excerpt

Published on 2012-03-09 07:44:45

Please enjoy this excerpt from the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. Excerpt Sunday is Vernon’s wash day. And though he has enough money to [...] > read more

The World According to… Brian Holers: Guest post

Published on 2012-03-08 08:32:31

Please enjoy this guest post by Brian Holers, author of the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. � Not just for Christians One of the [...] > read more

The World According to… Brian Holers: Guest post

Published on 2012-03-08 08:32:31

Please enjoy this guest post by Brian Holers, author of the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. � Not just for Christians One of the [...] > read more

The World According to… Brian Holers: Guest post

Published on 2012-03-08 08:32:31

Please enjoy this guest post by Brian Holers, author of the literary novel, Doxology. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. � Not just for Christians One of the [...] > read more

Film Review #144: Dread

Published on 2012-03-07 15:05:04

Dread (2009) I sincerely doubt there has ever been anyone in history that hasn’t been afraid of something. Anthony DiBlasi’s Dread, based on a story by horror master, Clive Barker, is a gritty exploration of fear, getting to the heart of what a group of people are truly afraid of and seeing if they can [...] > read more

Film Review #144: Dread

Published on 2012-03-07 15:05:04

Dread (2009) I sincerely doubt there has ever been anyone in history that hasn’t been afraid of something. Anthony DiBlasi’s Dread, based on a story by horror master, Clive Barker, is a gritty exploration of fear, getting to the heart of what a group of people are truly afraid of and seeing if they can [...] > read more

Film Review #144: Dread

Published on 2012-03-07 15:05:04

Dread (2009) I sincerely doubt there has ever been anyone in history that hasn’t been afraid of something. Anthony DiBlasi’s Dread, based on a story by horror master, Clive Barker, is a gritty exploration of fear, getting to the heart of what a group of people are truly afraid of and seeing if they can [...] > read more

Game Review #39: Blood Bowl

Published on 2012-03-06 15:27:50

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Game Review #39: Blood Bowl

Published on 2012-03-06 15:27:50

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Game Review #39: Blood Bowl

Published on 2012-03-06 15:27:50

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Book Review #22: The Sable City (The Norothian Cycle) – M. Edward McNally

Published on 2012-03-04 13:53:27

The Sable City (The Norothian Cycle) – M. Edward McNally I usually approach any series of novels with enthusiasm and anxiety. I know that if the opening instalment is good then the chances are I will be a dutiful servant to every sequel that follows. I wasn’t sure what to expect with McNally’s The Sable [...] > read more

Book Review #22: The Sable City (The Norothian Cycle) – M. Edward McNally

Published on 2012-03-04 13:53:27

The Sable City (The Norothian Cycle) – M. Edward McNally I usually approach any series of novels with enthusiasm and anxiety. I know that if the opening instalment is good then the chances are I will be a dutiful servant to every sequel that follows. I wasn’t sure what to expect with McNally’s The Sable [...] > read more

Book Review #22: The Sable City (The Norothian Cycle) – M. Edward McNally

Published on 2012-03-04 13:53:27

The Sable City (The Norothian Cycle) – M. Edward McNally I usually approach any series of novels with enthusiasm and anxiety. I know that if the opening instalment is good then the chances are I will be a dutiful servant to every sequel that follows. I wasn’t sure what to expect with McNally’s The Sable [...] > read more

Film Review #143: Mega Python Vs Gatoroid

Published on 2012-03-03 06:44:59

Mega Python Vs Gatoroid (2011) When Tiffany was topping the charts with I Think We’re Alone Now back in the eighties you would have been laughed at had you taken her to one side and suggested that nearly twenty-five years later she’d be starring in horror films with large monsters! After starring in Mega Piranha [...] > read more

Film Review #143: Mega Python Vs Gatoroid

Published on 2012-03-03 06:44:59

Mega Python Vs Gatoroid (2011) When Tiffany was topping the charts with I Think We’re Alone Now back in the eighties you would have been laughed at had you taken her to one side and suggested that nearly twenty-five years later she’d be starring in horror films with large monsters! After starring in Mega Piranha [...] > read more

Film Review #143: Mega Python Vs Gatoroid

Published on 2012-03-03 06:44:59

Mega Python Vs Gatoroid (2011) When Tiffany was topping the charts with I Think We’re Alone Now back in the eighties you would have been laughed at had you taken her to one side and suggested that nearly twenty-five years later she’d be starring in horror films with large monsters! After starring in Mega Piranha [...] > read more

Film Review #142: Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon

Published on 2012-03-02 14:50:28

Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon (2008) Remember when Luke Skywalker was captured by a Yeti in The Empire Strikes Back and a combination of the Force and some nifty work with a lightsaber saw him make a dramatic escape? I remember it well and it’s with that in mind that I turn my attention [...] > read more

Film Review #142: Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon

Published on 2012-03-02 14:50:28

Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon (2008) Remember when Luke Skywalker was captured by a Yeti in The Empire Strikes Back and a combination of the Force and some nifty work with a lightsaber saw him make a dramatic escape? I remember it well and it’s with that in mind that I turn my attention [...] > read more

Film Review #142: Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon

Published on 2012-03-02 14:50:28

Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon (2008) Remember when Luke Skywalker was captured by a Yeti in The Empire Strikes Back and a combination of the Force and some nifty work with a lightsaber saw him make a dramatic escape? I remember it well and it’s with that in mind that I turn my attention [...] > read more

Film Review #141: Sympathy for Mr Vengeance

Published on 2012-03-01 14:56:51

Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002) Chan-wook Park’s Vengeance trilogy is one I have been keen to finish for some time. Oldboy (2003) was superb and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005) was good but not up to the standards of its predecessor. Sympathy for Mr Vengeance was the first in this trilogy and I was understandably [...] > read more

Film Review #141: Sympathy for Mr Vengeance

Published on 2012-03-01 14:56:51

Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002) Chan-wook Park’s Vengeance trilogy is one I have been keen to finish for some time. Oldboy (2003) was superb and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005) was good but not up to the standards of its predecessor. Sympathy for Mr Vengeance was the first in this trilogy and I was understandably [...] > read more

Film Review #141: Sympathy for Mr Vengeance

Published on 2012-03-01 14:56:51

Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002) Chan-wook Park’s Vengeance trilogy is one I have been keen to finish for some time. Oldboy (2003) was superb and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005) was good but not up to the standards of its predecessor. Sympathy for Mr Vengeance was the first in this trilogy and I was understandably [...] > read more

Book Review #21: Heroes: History’s Greatest Men and Women (2009) – Simon Sebag Montefiore

Published on 2012-02-29 14:45:43

It felt right to begin with Montefiore’s Monsters before moving onto Heroes. For every monster in history there are always heroes, both men and women, that leave a significant mark. While Monsters was mostly restricted to rulers of nations and murderers, Heroes is a diverse celebration of men and women in history from all walks [...] > read more

Book Review #21: Heroes: History’s Greatest Men and Women (2009) – Simon Sebag Montefiore

Published on 2012-02-29 14:45:43

It felt right to begin with Montefiore’s Monsters before moving onto Heroes. For every monster in history there are always heroes, both men and women, that leave a significant mark. While Monsters was mostly restricted to rulers of nations and murderers, Heroes is a diverse celebration of men and women in history from all walks [...] > read more

The Value of Honesty

Published on 2012-02-28 14:26:56

Immersed in the indie community, you see and hear a lot. One burning issue that has resonated greatly with me of late is the matter of reviews. It’s not easy being an indie author, getting noticed, selling copies of our books, so bagging reviews is always a major stepping stone towards potential success. When browsing [...] > read more

The Value of Honesty

Published on 2012-02-28 14:26:56

Immersed in the indie community, you see and hear a lot. One burning issue that has resonated greatly with me of late is the matter of reviews. It’s not easy being an indie author, getting noticed, selling copies of our books, so bagging reviews is always a major stepping stone towards potential success. When browsing [...] > read more

Film Review #140: Solaris

Published on 2012-02-27 14:50:22

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #139: The Evil Dead

Published on 2012-02-26 08:52:27

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Game Review #38: Premiere

Published on 2012-02-25 15:12:03

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to review all the games, recent and not so recent, that I encounter. With [...] > read more

Book Review #20: Coraline

Published on 2012-02-25 05:15:53

Coraline (2000) – Neil Gaiman I committed a terrible sin with Coraline. I saw the film before reading the book. Shameful, eh? This is an approach I try not to take, preferring to build up my own image of a book’s setting and its characters rather than having to rely on what I’ve seen in [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #15: I’ll Stand By You

Published on 2012-02-24 15:20:00

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I would put in my own personal jukebox, not necessarily to take to a desert island, [...] > read more

Film Review #138: The Experiment

Published on 2012-02-23 17:50:32

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #137: Mirrors 2

Published on 2012-02-22 15:41:06

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #136: Knowing

Published on 2012-02-21 16:52:55

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

The World According to… Sheryl Steines

Published on 2012-02-21 09:44:20

I’m really pleased to welcome Sheryl Steines to the blog today.  Sheryl is the author of The Day of First Sun and is here today to share a fascinating guest post, which I loved and I’m sure you will too! The Fairy Truth It became a joke between me and a friend, whether or not [...] > read more

Film Review #135: Gentleman’s Agreement

Published on 2012-02-20 18:08:46

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #134: Burke and Hare

Published on 2012-02-19 11:22:29

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

An “awesome collection” of horror and “fantasy at its best” – you won’t even need your wallet!

Published on 2012-02-18 02:00:10

Fezariu’s Epiphany has been free over the last two days and you could probably call it a pretty successful period: it’s currently at #1 Fantasy>Series and #1 Fantasy>Historical and reached #102 in Free titles. As a result, the free period has been extended – so if you haven’t had the chance to grab a copy [...] > read more

An “awesome collection” of horror and “fantasy at its best” – you won’t even need your wallet!

Published on 2012-02-18 02:00:10

Fezariu’s Epiphany has been free over the last two days and you could probably call it a pretty successful period: it’s currently at #1 Fantasy>Series and #1 Fantasy>Historical and reached #102 in Free titles. As a result, the free period has been extended – so if you haven’t had the chance to grab a copy [...] > read more

Film Review #133: Requiem for a Dream

Published on 2012-02-16 14:29:12

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #133: Requiem for a Dream

Published on 2012-02-16 14:29:12

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #132: Fragments

Published on 2012-02-15 15:28:53

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #132: Fragments

Published on 2012-02-15 15:28:53

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #131: The Player

Published on 2012-02-14 13:46:36

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #131: The Player

Published on 2012-02-14 13:46:36

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #130: Norwegian Wood

Published on 2012-02-13 14:00:26

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #130: Norwegian Wood

Published on 2012-02-13 14:00:26

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Classic Screen Scene #34: Only Fools and Horses

Published on 2012-02-12 03:59:23

It’s all change in 2012 with the classic film scenes. I’ll still be sharing my favourites with it’s going to be renamed to Classic Screen Scenes. This way both classic moments from films and TV can be shared in abundance. As always, it would be great to hear your feedback and indeed some of your [...] > read more

Classic Screen Scene #34: Only Fools and Horses

Published on 2012-02-12 03:59:23

It’s all change in 2012 with the classic film scenes. I’ll still be sharing my favourites with it’s going to be renamed to Classic Screen Scenes. This way both classic moments from films and TV can be shared in abundance. As always, it would be great to hear your feedback and indeed some of your [...] > read more

What links a dollar, a Kindle Fire and 20 great books?

Published on 2012-02-12 03:23:34

For four days only (12-15 February), 20 authors are pricing their fiction at 99c in a huge event called Win With eBooks.  The 20 ebooks involved are below: Amazon.com Widgets These books are highly rated on Amazon with excellent reviews from some truly talented writers. Buy any of these books at 99c and you’ll [...] > read more

What links a dollar, a Kindle Fire and 20 great books?

Published on 2012-02-12 03:23:34

For four days only (12-15 February), 20 authors are pricing their fiction at 99c in a huge event called Win With eBooks.  The 20 ebooks involved are below: Amazon.com Widgets These books are highly rated on Amazon with excellent reviews from some truly talented writers. Buy any of these books at 99c and you’ll [...] > read more

Dancing On Ice (2008) – Jeremy Scott

Published on 2012-02-11 09:09:26

I love stories of survival, whether it’s the 16 remarkable young men that survived nearly three months in the Andes Mountains after a plane crash (1972), or Ernest Shackleton’s miraculous feat of survival after his ship was trapped in the Antarctic ice and lost (1914-7). These stories don’t always have a happy ending, of course, [...] > read more

Dancing On Ice (2008) – Jeremy Scott

Published on 2012-02-11 09:09:26

I love stories of survival, whether it’s the 16 remarkable young men that survived nearly three months in the Andes Mountains after a plane crash (1972), or Ernest Shackleton’s miraculous feat of survival after his ship was trapped in the Antarctic ice and lost (1914-7). These stories don’t always have a happy ending, of course, [...] > read more

Film Review #129: A Cock and Bull Story

Published on 2012-02-10 16:27:52

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #129: A Cock and Bull Story

Published on 2012-02-10 16:27:52

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #128: Rosemary’s Baby

Published on 2012-02-09 14:06:44

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may have slipped through my critical net and, believe me, there [...] > read more

Film Review #79: The Damned United

Published on 2011-07-02 19:18:44

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Film Review #79: The Damned United

Published on 2011-07-02 19:18:44

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Guest Post from Elaine Raco Chase

Published on 2011-07-01 06:48:26

Today’s guest post comes from Elaine Raco Chase, author of eighteen novels including the #1 bestseller DESIGNING WOMAN, which you can find on Amazon at http://amzn.com/B004X6MWOY Elaine has a wealth of experience and has very kindly offered t > read more

Guest Post from Elaine Raco Chase

Published on 2011-07-01 06:48:26

Today’s guest post comes from Elaine Raco Chase, author of eighteen novels including the #1 bestseller DESIGNING WOMAN, which you can find on Amazon at http://amzn.com/B004X6MWOY Elaine has a wealth of experience and has very kindly offered t > read more

Book Review #13: The People of the Mist

Published on 2011-06-29 17:56:41

As an aspiring author I try to write as often as possible but always remember to have a book on the bedside table. I read for many reasons, mostly the sheer joy of the pastime, but I am constantly trying [...] > read more

Book Review #13: The People of the Mist

Published on 2011-06-29 17:56:41

As an aspiring author I try to write as often as possible but always remember to have a book on the bedside table. I read for many reasons, mostly the sheer joy of the pastime, but I am constantly trying [...] > read more

Film Review #78: National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Published on 2011-06-26 20:01:17

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Film Review #78: National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Published on 2011-06-26 20:01:17

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

36 Lives #9

Published on 2011-06-25 05:30:42

Long ago, in a Yorkshire town far, far away… Four cats all living in the same house await the moment their two owners (who have their uses from time to time) leave for work so they can gather round and discuss [...] > read more

36 Lives #9

Published on 2011-06-25 05:30:42

Long ago, in a Yorkshire town far, far away… Four cats all living in the same house await the moment their two owners (who have their uses from time to time) leave for work so they can gather round and discuss [...] > read more

Guest Post: All we are saying – is give indies a chance by D Kai Wilson-Viola

Published on 2011-06-24 15:25:56

I know, I just wrecked a song title.  But the point remains the same. Hi there.  My name is Kai.  I’m 32, and I’ve been writing since I was 4.  I’ve been published all over the place, but in my latest [...] > read more

Guest Post: All we are saying – is give indies a chance by D Kai Wilson-Viola

Published on 2011-06-24 15:25:56

I know, I just wrecked a song title.  But the point remains the same. Hi there.  My name is Kai.  I’m 32, and I’ve been writing since I was 4.  I’ve been published all over the place, but in my latest [...] > read more

Film Review #77: Infestation

Published on 2011-06-20 21:33:51

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Film Review #77: Infestation

Published on 2011-06-20 21:33:51

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Memoirs of a Travelling Tolderian Salesman #5

Published on 2011-06-18 17:59:15

I’ve been exploring the world of Elenchera for more than a decade now. Over time I’ve been privileged to learn of some amazing events:- gods at war, voyages of discovery, near extinction of ancient races, the elevation of magic as [...] > read more

Memoirs of a Travelling Tolderian Salesman #5

Published on 2011-06-18 17:59:15

I’ve been exploring the world of Elenchera for more than a decade now. Over time I’ve been privileged to learn of some amazing events:- gods at war, voyages of discovery, near extinction of ancient races, the elevation of magic as [...] > read more

Special guest: Laura K. Watts, author of Secret Confessions of a Backpacker

Published on 2011-06-17 17:08:48

Something a little different today: I’d like to give a very warm welcome to Laura Watts, author of Secret Confessions of a Backpacker.  Laura has kindly agreed to guest post on the blog about her new book and even supplied [...] > read more

Special guest: Laura K. Watts, author of Secret Confessions of a Backpacker

Published on 2011-06-17 17:08:48

Something a little different today: I’d like to give a very warm welcome to Laura Watts, author of Secret Confessions of a Backpacker.  Laura has kindly agreed to guest post on the blog about her new book and even supplied [...] > read more

Excerpt: Secret Confessions of a Backpacker (Laura Watts)

Published on 2011-06-17 16:56:02

Something a little different today: I’d like to give a very warm welcome to Laura Watts, author of Secret Confessions of a Backpacker.  Laura has kindly agreed to supply an intriguing extract and also talk about her new book.  I’d [...] > read more

Excerpt: Secret Confessions of a Backpacker (Laura Watts)

Published on 2011-06-17 16:56:02

Something a little different today: I’d like to give a very warm welcome to Laura Watts, author of Secret Confessions of a Backpacker.  Laura has kindly agreed to supply an intriguing extract and also talk about her new book.  I’d [...] > read more

Film Review #76: Beowulf

Published on 2011-06-14 18:02:02

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #10: Cats in the Cradle

Published on 2011-06-11 19:09:47

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I [...] > read more

Dave’s Jukebox #10: Cats in the Cradle

Published on 2011-06-11 19:09:47

Many of us at some stage will have had that hypothetical question about if you were stuck on a desert island what would you take with you. In a similar vein I will be sharing all the songs that I [...] > read more

Film Review #75: Splinter

Published on 2011-06-10 09:43:06

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #75: Splinter

Published on 2011-06-10 09:43:06

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Game Review #28: Virtual Villagers: Double Pack

Published on 2011-06-06 18:58:17

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to re > read more

Game Review #28: Virtual Villagers: Double Pack

Published on 2011-06-06 18:58:17

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this blog to re > read more

Game Review #28: Virtual Villagers: Double Pack

Published on 2011-06-06 18:58:17

In 2009 I began working with Mrs B on her website www.femalegamers.co.uk reviewing the latest console games. Sadly, our other commitments meant the website couldn’t continue and we brought it to an end early in 2010. I’ll be using this [...] > read more

Film Review #74: Ocean’s Eleven

Published on 2011-06-03 18:11:27

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #74: Ocean’s Eleven

Published on 2011-06-03 18:11:27

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #74: Ocean’s Eleven

Published on 2011-06-03 18:11:27

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Introducing the Fezariu’s Epiphany Book Trailer

Published on 2011-06-01 13:17:08

It’s been a couple of weeks since Fezariu’s Epiphany was published and Mrs B has been hard at work making sure everyone in this universe, and any others out there, know all about it. The novel is now available on many sites and you can head for w > read more

Introducing the Fezariu’s Epiphany Book Trailer

Published on 2011-06-01 13:17:08

It’s been a couple of weeks since Fezariu’s Epiphany was published and Mrs B has been hard at work making sure everyone in this universe, and any others out there, know all about it. The novel is now available on many sites and you can head for w > read more

Introducing the Fezariu’s Epiphany Book Trailer

Published on 2011-06-01 13:17:08

It’s been a couple of weeks since Fezariu’s Epiphany was published and Mrs B has been hard at work making sure everyone in this universe, and any others out there, know all about it. The novel is now available on [...] > read more

All-Time Top Ten Blog Posts (May 2011)

Published on 2011-06-01 12:36:14

I do enjoy writing my blog posts but it’s always interesting to see which ones you are reading. Once a month I’ll reveal which of my blogs have proved the most popular. I expect you’ll be as stunned as me when you look through the list > read more

All-Time Top Ten Blog Posts (May 2011)

Published on 2011-06-01 12:36:14

I do enjoy writing my blog posts but it’s always interesting to see which ones you are reading. Once a month I’ll reveal which of my blogs have proved the most popular. I expect you’ll be as stunned as me when you look through the list > read more

All-Time Top Ten Blog Posts (May 2011)

Published on 2011-06-01 12:36:14

I do enjoy writing my blog posts but it’s always interesting to see which ones you are reading. Once a month I’ll reveal which of my blogs have proved the most popular. I expect you’ll be as stunned as me when [...] > read more

Film Review #73: Crocodile

Published on 2011-05-31 16:02:04

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #73: Crocodile

Published on 2011-05-31 16:02:04

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #73: Crocodile

Published on 2011-05-31 16:02:04

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

Book Review #12: The Pillars of the Earth

Published on 2011-05-30 14:29:56

As an aspiring author I try to write as often as possible but always remember to have a book on the bedside table. I read for many reasons, mostly the sheer joy of the pastime, but I am constantly trying to improve myself as a writer, finding worthwh > read more

Book Review #12: The Pillars of the Earth

Published on 2011-05-30 14:29:56

As an aspiring author I try to write as often as possible but always remember to have a book on the bedside table. I read for many reasons, mostly the sheer joy of the pastime, but I am constantly trying to improve myself as a writer, finding worthwh > read more

Book Review #12: The Pillars of the Earth

Published on 2011-05-30 14:29:56

As an aspiring author I try to write as often as possible but always remember to have a book on the bedside table. I read for many reasons, mostly the sheer joy of the pastime, but I am constantly trying [...] > read more

Cat Observations #10

Published on 2011-05-29 15:12:13

In 2009 Mrs B and I adopted two brothers, Razz and Kain, from the RSPCA. It was my first experience of cat ownership having grown up either with a dog or goldfish in the house, the latter in a tank, of course, and not just in some innocuous location > read more

Cat Observations #10

Published on 2011-05-29 15:12:13

In 2009 Mrs B and I adopted two brothers, Razz and Kain, from the RSPCA. It was my first experience of cat ownership having grown up either with a dog or goldfish in the house, the latter in a tank, of course, and not just in some innocuous location > read more

Cat Observations #10

Published on 2011-05-29 15:12:13

In 2009 Mrs B and I adopted two brothers, Razz and Kain, from the RSPCA. It was my first experience of cat ownership having grown up either with a dog or goldfish in the house, the latter in a tank, [...] > read more

Film Review #72: The Incredible Hulk

Published on 2011-05-28 12:19:52

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #72: The Incredible Hulk

Published on 2011-05-28 12:19:52

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a film on TV which may h > read more

Film Review #72: The Incredible Hulk

Published on 2011-05-28 12:19:52

With prices for cinema tickets now reaching ridiculous heights it’s not often I will treat myself to a new release unless it’s something I simply cannot wait for. Instead, I’m happy to content myself with a cheap DVD or a [...] > read more

In Search of Inspiration – The Journey of the Writing Pilgrim #5

Published on 2011-05-27 16:36:11

In January 2011 I sent the Writing Pilgrim out on a worldwide journey in search of ideas and inspiration for stories, novels and blogs. I would have liked to make the journey myself but I’m not a rich man and I have a wife and four cats that need m > read more

In Search of Inspiration – The Journey of the Writing Pilgrim #5

Published on 2011-05-27 16:36:11

In January 2011 I sent the Writing Pilgrim out on a worldwide journey in search of ideas and inspiration for stories, novels and blogs. I would have liked to make the journey myself but I’m not a rich man and I have a wife and four cats that need m > read more

The Road to Fezariu’s Epiphany

Published on 2011-05-27 16:27:53

In September 2009 I completed the first draft of Fezariu’s Epiphany and felt mighty chuffed with myself, anticipating the editing to take a few months before I could harbour any dreams of publication. Well, here I am more than eighteen months later > read more

The Road to Fezariu’s Epiphany

Published on 2011-05-27 16:27:53

In September 2009 I completed the first draft of Fezariu’s Epiphany and felt mighty chuffed with myself, anticipating the editing to take a few months before I could harbour any dreams of publication. Well, here I am more than eighteen months later > read more

Film Review #162: Miller’s Crossing

Published on 0000-00-00 00:00:00

> read more