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Archives for August, 2014
How to make a Chinese Dragon Hat pt.1
As most kids do, Alexander got some homework over the school holidays. His new teacher asked the class to make a crazy hat and bring it in, with a note that they would need it all year. We decided to make a Chinese Dragon Hat (mainly because Alexander is in China Class for Year 4). What you need to make a Chinese Dragon Hat cardboard (old cereal boxes or similar) scissors (large ones capable of cutting cardboard) tape (micropore is best if you have it, gaffer tape is also handy in places) an egg box (12 or more eggs are best) newspaper PVA Glue & a half-inch paintbrush Assorted paints (green, red, yellow, black & white) and brushes (glitter optional) Coloured paper (green, red, yellow for making scales) Coloured pipe cleaners (red, orange & yellow for make some fire breath)…
Book Review – Romps, Tots and Boffins by Robert Hutton
Romps, Tots and Boffins: The Strange Language of News by Robert Hutton My rating: 4 of 5 stars A really interesting commentary/dictionary on the language used by journalists. Well worth reading. The chapters are themed, Politics, Sex, Death etc. and after a little introductory bit there are then a set of definitions for each of the terms. As well as being informative there is also a sense of humour to it and several of the entries made me chuckle out loud as I read them. Definitely worth a read if you have an interest in language. View all my reviews Related articles Romps, Tots and Boffins by Robert Hutton (@RobDotHutton) for £! @eandtbooks #Amazon UK Kindle Nonfiction Daily Deal! The Word on the Sheet Lauren Collins: A guide to the language of news. Boffin lifts the lid on journalese: A…
Scottish Independence – Staying Positive
I'm Scottish and I live in England. So I don't get a vote on Scotland becoming independent. I do get to express my opinion though. For most of my life I would describe myself as a proud Scot. The outcome on September 18th won't change that. What could is the negative campaigning, especially from the Yes camp. There is much to be proud of as a Scot and many reasons why Independence is right for Scotland. However being negative about the English or Westminster isn't the right way to do it. Scots should be looking at what they can have, what they will be, not painting themselves as victims. I watched the Scotland Decides debate the other night. Alex Salmond came across as a Tartan Tory, a little Scotlander using the Daily Mail's play book and sticking a kilt on it. Darling…
Ice Bucket Challenge
The Ice Bucket Challenge has been doing the rounds to raise awareness (and funding) for ALS, which is known as Motor Neurone Disease in the UK. My wife nominated me, and I did it. I also thought it was worth make a small regular donation to MND every month and did this through the Just Giving website. I posted the video on facebook, you ought to be able to see it without logging in as I made it public. Post by James Kemp. Related articles Macmillan Cancer accused of 'hijacking' the ice bucket challenge ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and Info McAvoy nominates Salmond for Ice Bucket Challenge For millions in donations, just add cold water Alex Salmond soaked after saying Yes to ice bucket challenge US man with motor neurone disease ALS takes Ice Bucket Challenge Alistair Darling proves we're…
Book Review – Zero Six Bravo by Damien Lewis
Zero Six Bravo: 60 Special Forces. 100,000 Enemy. The Explosive True Story by Damien Lewis My rating: 4 of 5 stars I make a point of reading first hand accounts of special forces operations. I started with world war two tales of the SAS and have worked up to the present time. Since the Bravo Two Zero fiasco I don't expect much from tales of recent events. This particular book tells the tale of a Special Boat Service mission in Iraq in 2003. It suffers a bit from excessive hypebole, presumably to garner sales. However it is actually very readable, and although much of the outcome is telepgrahed in advance the way it's done is through a good hook to keep you reading to find out the detail of how/what happens. Well before all the debates in Parliament in 2003…