I found this pack on the hanging display prong when I was rearranging things. I swear they were exactly like this when I found them. Would I lie to you? They are dancing in a conga line. Yup, that's what they're doing...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Very Happy Dinosaurs
I found this pack on the hanging display prong when I was rearranging things. I swear they were exactly like this when I found them. Would I lie to you? They are dancing in a conga line. Yup, that's what they're doing...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Haroun and the Sea of Stories - Reviewed
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
by Salman Rushdie
Illustrated by Paul Birkbeck
The hard back, large print edition I borrowed has intriguing, fantastic little pictures dotted over it, which is what initially caught my attention. The illustrations by Birkbeck throughout are beautiful and exquisitely detailed.
This well paced work needs no illustrations but they are a perfect accompaniment. They do enhance the reading experience - like a nice biscuit or three to dunk makes a well brewed cup of tea something morish! The story telling is so vivid that you may well imagine something to match Birbeck's art. He has certainly read the book since his art is true to it both overall and in detail. My only quibble with the illustrations is that a couple of the full colour, full page ones of plot events preceeded the text to accompany them - thus spoiling the surprise.
I have only heard of Salman Rushdie as a fugitive, a free speaker and an author of repute. I had not read a single one of his works until now. It is something I will definitely look into. I came to this book with fresh eyes and can see what all the fuss is about.
Finely written in the tradition of the Arabian Nights tales, this is classic, exotic, storytelling gold. A first class read, it's full of texture, magic and diversity of characters with a gentle peppering of humour for young and old. I appreciated it as a pure fantasy work separate from our world. However it does have relevant messages about freedom of speech, understanding, peace, imagination, the value of traditional culture, and the power of the people - all deftly woven with a subtle strength on a foundation established early in the book. As Haroun realises, that is the point of stories that aren't true: you are entertained and your thoughts are provoked.
Highly recommended!
by Salman Rushdie
Illustrated by Paul Birkbeck
The hard back, large print edition I borrowed has intriguing, fantastic little pictures dotted over it, which is what initially caught my attention. The illustrations by Birkbeck throughout are beautiful and exquisitely detailed.
This well paced work needs no illustrations but they are a perfect accompaniment. They do enhance the reading experience - like a nice biscuit or three to dunk makes a well brewed cup of tea something morish! The story telling is so vivid that you may well imagine something to match Birbeck's art. He has certainly read the book since his art is true to it both overall and in detail. My only quibble with the illustrations is that a couple of the full colour, full page ones of plot events preceeded the text to accompany them - thus spoiling the surprise.
I have only heard of Salman Rushdie as a fugitive, a free speaker and an author of repute. I had not read a single one of his works until now. It is something I will definitely look into. I came to this book with fresh eyes and can see what all the fuss is about.
Finely written in the tradition of the Arabian Nights tales, this is classic, exotic, storytelling gold. A first class read, it's full of texture, magic and diversity of characters with a gentle peppering of humour for young and old. I appreciated it as a pure fantasy work separate from our world. However it does have relevant messages about freedom of speech, understanding, peace, imagination, the value of traditional culture, and the power of the people - all deftly woven with a subtle strength on a foundation established early in the book. As Haroun realises, that is the point of stories that aren't true: you are entertained and your thoughts are provoked.
Highly recommended!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Knobbly fresh produce FTW!
'"At long last we are going to get crooked cucumbers in our shops. Hooray for Europe!".
British Labour MP Dennis McShane applauds the European Commission's plans to ease restrictions that prevent the sale of knobbly fruit and vegetables as 'class one' goods'
The Independent, London, 16 June, 2008'
Quoted in New Scientist, 21 June, 2008, page 12
British Labour MP Dennis McShane applauds the European Commission's plans to ease restrictions that prevent the sale of knobbly fruit and vegetables as 'class one' goods'
The Independent, London, 16 June, 2008'
Quoted in New Scientist, 21 June, 2008, page 12
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Beetle burger
Beetle burger
digital file
2008
Original image from : Chatterbox (1926, Children's Annual), published by Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., London 1926. Artist unknown
Ye olde flavours
Ye olde flavours
digital file
2008
Original image source unknown since I saved this one to make a LOL some time ago. If you can tell me where it's from I will credit it.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
BibliOdyssey
If you like art and history combined but you don't check out BibliOdyssey regularly - or [gasp] you have never heard of it - then here's something to whet your appetite. Phwoar! It doesn't get much better than this. You can tell the author loves to fossick out the beautiful, strange and unusual but there is also a history to discover behind every image. The fantastic is complemented by the scientific, with the artistic melding it all together.
The obligatory* book that this popular blog's (Australian) author has published is worth seeking out for more than its wonderfully macabre cover! It inspired me to rummage through my old books and share a few of my favourite vintage clippings here.
*I say this in a good way since many of my favourite sites have accompanying publications.
The obligatory* book that this popular blog's (Australian) author has published is worth seeking out for more than its wonderfully macabre cover! It inspired me to rummage through my old books and share a few of my favourite vintage clippings here.
*I say this in a good way since many of my favourite sites have accompanying publications.
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