Cover Story

SFX magazine. Not to be confused with other three letter words.




Who's that on the cover?















Loving the latest issue, which plopped through my door recently, and also the 18 or so pages devoted to the best television show on the planet. All rather good and (maybe) gives some hints about what to expect in the 50th anniversary episode, The Day of the Doctor.

While not covered in the above issue, I'm reasonably pleased that some nine previously missing second Doctor- Patrick Troughton- episodes have been recovered, am I the only one a bit curious over the timing? It's great the number of missing episodes is now below 100 and that the stories The Web of Fear and The Enemy of the World can now be seen again more or less intact, did the BBC hold back this news until just over a month before the big day? Seems a little too coincidental to me. Just a thought.

Clancy

One of my favourite authors died yesterday aged only 66.

I loved (and in fact still do love) the Jack Ryan series, which I used to read avidly as soon as they came out. Stories well told, with enough technical description to please me and good characterisation and observation. Who else would point out that in Britain a particular military rank is pronounced leftenant rather than the American lootenant?

The early Op-Centre books were also very enjoyable. Although it was when reading some of those that I realised Clancy had started co-authoring some with (often) uncredited writers and the later books in this series were simply ghost written. Needless to say I was saddened by this turn of events, that his previous high standards had slipped in my view. You could tell in the writing and Tom Clancy had to a degree become just a franchise.

One from later entries in the Jack Ryan series.
















There are still a couple of the Ryan books I am yet to buy, which the critics claim is a return to form. Although now I buy in ebook format not pulped trees. I even understand there is a new film scheduled in cinemas for this coming Christmas.

I can only hope his estate and publishers will realise this man's worth, he had an ability to tell a gripping tale, and they should leave it at that. I'm afraid that the current trend for posthumous novels written by other authors would only further tarnish what is on the whole an exceedingly good reputation.

Mutant Biscuit

Today I'm sharing this image of a recent home made ANZAC biscuit alongside the normal, standard size version.

Do you think someone got carried away LOL?












Of course the advantage of these mega biscuits is that when asked, you can always deny over eating and say you only had one...

Cakes And Coffee

We took part in a home made cake and coffee morning at work today in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. There were so many delicious looking cakes of many types on offer, all at £1 (about $1.60) per cupcake or slice.

Needless to say I had no trouble doing my bit for charity LOL.

Shine!

Just one example why the UK should never adopt the Euro. A real thing of beauty, don't you think?

Limited edition silver proof £5 coin.

Getting Better

31 August Yeovil 0 - 1 Reading
15 September Reading 0 - 0 Brighton
18 September Reading 1 - 0 Leeds
21 Derby 1 - 3 Reading

The Royals are 7th in the Championship on 15 points, equal to Watford and Nottingham Forest.

Lardy

Lardy Cake. Wonderful but not so good if you're on a diet.

Somehow I felt like treating myself today. Can't think why.












Anyone care to join me for a slice?

Stocking Up?

A little bird told me recently that in readiness for Remembrance Sunday in November, the supermarket Sainsbury's have been carrying my favourite branded Aussie biscuits. It would be rude not to buy some, won't it LOL?

Not On Holiday

One consolation of having to travel for work is visiting places like this...

It's a tough life sometimes...

Message To All Voters

Our colonial cousins the Aussies have just been to the polls in a national election and will soon have a new Prime Minister and Government.

Given that most politicians- of all persuasions- the world over are often viewed as being just a tad dodgy to say the least, I'm reminded of this quote:

"Don't vote for politicians, it only encourages them."

Wise words, don't you think?

Great Fire Of London

On this day in 1666- in a London Bakery- a fire got out of control and changed the Capital forever.

The Telegraph has put together a quite nice slide show of 10 of the buildings which survived. Take a look here. Of course Wikipedia also has a very good article on all things Pudding Lane, here.

Figs And Fennel

Just a quick posting of two images from my garden.

My Chilli Peppers aren't doing so well though LOL.