"ANOTHER AUTHOR'S BLOG"
One of the blogs I follow is written by a fellow author called Carol Hedges. Whe you visit her site you'll see she like Citroen 2CVs and the colour pink. There's no accounting for taste! However she also owns a virtual (I hope it's only virtual!) pink sofa, and she invites people who might have something interesting to say to contribute to her blog by joining her on the Pink Sofa.
Her latest invite is Anne E. Johnson, an American writer, whose blog post topic is getting published in America. For those authors who either publish independently, or are lucky enough to have secured a contract with a UK publisher, the post will be an eye-opener. It may also prompt some people to do what I did and secure an American agent / publisher.
Carol's blog post link is http://carolhedges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-pink-sofa-welcomes-anne-e-johnson.html?spref=tw
Even if you don't like 2CVs, the colour pink, or even sofas, Carol's blog is always entertaining. Give it a go!
Blog on, Dudes!
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Friday, 26 October 2012
MASTERMIND!"
I'm watching Mastermind at the moment and never cease to be amazed at the knowledge these people have on the quiz.
For two minutes they have a number of questions fired at them by John Humphries, a man who turns seasoned politicians into quivering blancmange, on a specialist subject of their own choosing. As if that wasn't bad enough they then have to answer general knowledge questions for a further 3 minutes, with the person having the lowest score from the specialist rpound having to go first. The ignominy of it!
At least the specialist subject is a personal selection, but the trick is obviously to make the subject as precise as is allowed, rather than nominate something like "the history of the world". Even then there have been the odd times when contestants froze and scored 1 point where the average would be 10 and the best would be 17. The last placed person usually gets 8 odd points. Being asked to take the famous Black Seat under the pot light and being told you only have 1 point "and now let's see if you can double that score with your general knowledge" would make me want to pass and someone else have a go.
That's the ordinary Mastermind, but in round 2 and all subsequent ones up to the final the remaining contestants have to nominate a different specialist subject and that's where it gets really interesting. Would you choose your best subject for the 1st round, or save it for later in the hope that you'll win with your second best topic and need your best against the other bright sparks who make it through to the latest stages?
It's not like Eggheads, or University Challenge where teams can rely on their colleagues to take the blame, or supply a spontaneously correct answer and make you look clever by reflecting in the glory of their intelligence. In Mastermind each contestant is absolutely on their own.
Then there's the dreaded PASS. If a contestant answers a question wrongly John Humphries then tells them the correct answer. All that takes time and they only have 2 or 3 minutes in total, so they are allowed to say PASS and Humphries then goes straight on to the next question. However, at the end of the quiz the number of passes is tallied up and if there's a draw then the person with the fewest passes wins. Seeing the look of Homer Simpson "DOH!" on someone's face because they said PASS once too often and blew the quiz is a picture.
I've got great respect for anyone who goes on Mastermind and puts their knowledge or lack of it to the intense scrutiny of the nation. I really feel for them, but it doesn't stop me shouting at the TV if know the answer and they don't quicker than me.
Blog on, Dudes!
I'm watching Mastermind at the moment and never cease to be amazed at the knowledge these people have on the quiz.
For two minutes they have a number of questions fired at them by John Humphries, a man who turns seasoned politicians into quivering blancmange, on a specialist subject of their own choosing. As if that wasn't bad enough they then have to answer general knowledge questions for a further 3 minutes, with the person having the lowest score from the specialist rpound having to go first. The ignominy of it!
At least the specialist subject is a personal selection, but the trick is obviously to make the subject as precise as is allowed, rather than nominate something like "the history of the world". Even then there have been the odd times when contestants froze and scored 1 point where the average would be 10 and the best would be 17. The last placed person usually gets 8 odd points. Being asked to take the famous Black Seat under the pot light and being told you only have 1 point "and now let's see if you can double that score with your general knowledge" would make me want to pass and someone else have a go.
That's the ordinary Mastermind, but in round 2 and all subsequent ones up to the final the remaining contestants have to nominate a different specialist subject and that's where it gets really interesting. Would you choose your best subject for the 1st round, or save it for later in the hope that you'll win with your second best topic and need your best against the other bright sparks who make it through to the latest stages?
It's not like Eggheads, or University Challenge where teams can rely on their colleagues to take the blame, or supply a spontaneously correct answer and make you look clever by reflecting in the glory of their intelligence. In Mastermind each contestant is absolutely on their own.
Then there's the dreaded PASS. If a contestant answers a question wrongly John Humphries then tells them the correct answer. All that takes time and they only have 2 or 3 minutes in total, so they are allowed to say PASS and Humphries then goes straight on to the next question. However, at the end of the quiz the number of passes is tallied up and if there's a draw then the person with the fewest passes wins. Seeing the look of Homer Simpson "DOH!" on someone's face because they said PASS once too often and blew the quiz is a picture.
I've got great respect for anyone who goes on Mastermind and puts their knowledge or lack of it to the intense scrutiny of the nation. I really feel for them, but it doesn't stop me shouting at the TV if know the answer and they don't quicker than me.
Blog on, Dudes!
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
"DOGS I HAVE KNOWN"
As those of you who have looked at my photos on Facebook will know, I quite like dogs. More specifically I love Cocker Spaniels.
As I write this post I have a lovely black cocker with a white shirt front curled up on the sofa by me keeping me company and occasionally opening one eye to check on me, probably to see whether there's an opportunity for food, or a walkies. His name is Benji.
Twice a year Benji and I go to the Gower Peninsular in South Wales and walk along the most beautiful coastline in the UK without seeing more than 3 or 4 people each day. We walk for anything up to 10 miles regardless of the weather and if it's raining we know we have the whole place to ourselves. We may be soaked, or rather Benji may be (I'm in my wet weather gear) but we don't worry, and it adds to the anticipation of a good rub down (in Benji's case) and a warm chalet with a nice glass of wine. I always take a number of vacuum packed rump steaks; really thick and succulent from our local butcher and I cook one each night, which we share to some degree. The rest of the wine slowly disappears as we curl up together on the sofa and watch Welsh television. I usually manage to put in 2 to 3 hours work either writing, or editing, while Benji goes off to his bed in disgust. Come 10.30 we go to bed and ten minutes later Benji wanders into the bedroom and curls up on the bed next to me. We haven't managed to make it this year, but I'm determoned to take him down there next year, probably in March or April.
Man's best friend, and certainly mine. No matter how bad I feel, or grouchy I am, he's happy.
Benji is my 5th Cocker since I was a kid and my third as an adult. The previous two were not brothers, but we had them at the same time and they went to the great kennel in the sky within a year of each other which, considering they were inseparable, is understandable. One was golden and the other a light blue roan (a sort of mottled black and white). We had the golden about 3 months before the roan and he was always the top dog, which is the way the roan wanted it. They were beautiful chaps, but they had each other. Benji on the other hand is a single dog and he is a significant part of the family. He has Daddy-Man, Mummy-Lady, Girl-Lady and The Boy. That's his family and long may it remain so!
When I take him for a walk in our local recreational field there are always other dog walkers. The strange thing is we all know the names of each others' dogs, but not the owners' names. Bit by bit that's changed and even found that a couple of dog walkers are fellow authors with Facebook pages. It's a small doggy world!
It's time to put on my steak and tuck into a good meal (the wine is already well under way) then watch Man U play some sort of football match. Doubtless Benji will curl up next to me and bark encouragement!
Blog on, Dudes!
As those of you who have looked at my photos on Facebook will know, I quite like dogs. More specifically I love Cocker Spaniels.
As I write this post I have a lovely black cocker with a white shirt front curled up on the sofa by me keeping me company and occasionally opening one eye to check on me, probably to see whether there's an opportunity for food, or a walkies. His name is Benji.
Twice a year Benji and I go to the Gower Peninsular in South Wales and walk along the most beautiful coastline in the UK without seeing more than 3 or 4 people each day. We walk for anything up to 10 miles regardless of the weather and if it's raining we know we have the whole place to ourselves. We may be soaked, or rather Benji may be (I'm in my wet weather gear) but we don't worry, and it adds to the anticipation of a good rub down (in Benji's case) and a warm chalet with a nice glass of wine. I always take a number of vacuum packed rump steaks; really thick and succulent from our local butcher and I cook one each night, which we share to some degree. The rest of the wine slowly disappears as we curl up together on the sofa and watch Welsh television. I usually manage to put in 2 to 3 hours work either writing, or editing, while Benji goes off to his bed in disgust. Come 10.30 we go to bed and ten minutes later Benji wanders into the bedroom and curls up on the bed next to me. We haven't managed to make it this year, but I'm determoned to take him down there next year, probably in March or April.
Man's best friend, and certainly mine. No matter how bad I feel, or grouchy I am, he's happy.
Benji is my 5th Cocker since I was a kid and my third as an adult. The previous two were not brothers, but we had them at the same time and they went to the great kennel in the sky within a year of each other which, considering they were inseparable, is understandable. One was golden and the other a light blue roan (a sort of mottled black and white). We had the golden about 3 months before the roan and he was always the top dog, which is the way the roan wanted it. They were beautiful chaps, but they had each other. Benji on the other hand is a single dog and he is a significant part of the family. He has Daddy-Man, Mummy-Lady, Girl-Lady and The Boy. That's his family and long may it remain so!
When I take him for a walk in our local recreational field there are always other dog walkers. The strange thing is we all know the names of each others' dogs, but not the owners' names. Bit by bit that's changed and even found that a couple of dog walkers are fellow authors with Facebook pages. It's a small doggy world!
It's time to put on my steak and tuck into a good meal (the wine is already well under way) then watch Man U play some sort of football match. Doubtless Benji will curl up next to me and bark encouragement!
Blog on, Dudes!
Friday, 19 October 2012
EATING WITH GUSTO
For my American readers, and I suppose for anyone living outside the UK and for whom English is not their first language, GUSTO is not a type of vegetable, nor is it a sauce. It means "with relish". Oh dear, that doesn't help I suppose. especially if you're American. Okay, eating with GUSTO and eating with RELISH, both mean I bloody well enjoy it!
The 3rd Friday night of every month is always one to look forward because it's when 4 of my friends and I go to a particular location (can't tell you where, or you'd all want to come!) and have a superb meal and a few drinks.
Personally I always seem to have the same... a 10oz ribeye steak (medium rare), chips, mushrooms, a fried egg, onion rings, tomato and a pint of local ale. More chips are brought half way through as are more onion rings and mushrooms (to share with my friends). All that for £10 ($15)! I couldn't buy the ingredients for that! Not only that, but the same place sometimes offers specialities like kangaroo and ostrich steaks, and tonight is offering zebra steaks! I think I'll stick to my ribeye, though I could have the curry, a mixed grill, or a variety of fish dishes. Gosh, I'm hungry! Which brings me onto the point of the blog post.All last week and this I worked in the kitchens of two teaching establishments. The first was a 6th form college that has over a 1,000 students who eat like they were 6,000. The amount of food preparation is quite unbelievable and yet the quality was great and I ate there every day. I always promised myself I'd have a salad, but I inevitably ended up with fish / meat, chips and vegetables, plus a cup of home-made soup and a mousse to finish. Maybe not the most healthy mix, but incredibly tasty to a growing lad... and me!
Blog on, Dudes!
Sunday, 14 October 2012
"SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR....QUANDARY!"
OK, so it's only October, but it won't be long before we're asked to vote for the TV Sports Personality of 2012. Usually a highlight of the year. But in 2012....I wonder.
Today, Heather Watson was the first Brit to win a woman's major tournament for what seems like centuries and the first to reach a final since Jo Durie, many many years ago. Andy Murray won the first Grand Slam tournament by a Brit in centuries. Actually the first since Fred Perry and the days of playing in long trousers and a quick cigarette between sets. Then there's the Ryder Cup winning Brit (OK Brit and Europe) team who came home from the States with the cup when it looked as though the Americans were going to walk it.
Who gets what out of that lot?
Then there's the Olympians and Paralympians who exceeded all expectations in both performance and in gold medals. Could they win the team award, and if so, which team would win it.
Mr Wiggins, of course, could win everything. The team award with Team GB (I hate that phrase. It's so American. Sorry America!), the individual award for his gold in the Olympic Games, and then his ultimate triumph of winning the Tour de France without the aidany artificial siubstance. One in the eye for Lance Armstrong!.
Personally I wouldn't like to draw up even a shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year. So the challenge is...WHO WOULD YOU NOMINATE FOR EACH CATAGORY>
1. Personality winner
2. Runner up
3. Poor sod
4. Team award
5. Coach award
6. Overseas Personality award
7. Other award
Blog on, Dudes!
OK, so it's only October, but it won't be long before we're asked to vote for the TV Sports Personality of 2012. Usually a highlight of the year. But in 2012....I wonder.
Today, Heather Watson was the first Brit to win a woman's major tournament for what seems like centuries and the first to reach a final since Jo Durie, many many years ago. Andy Murray won the first Grand Slam tournament by a Brit in centuries. Actually the first since Fred Perry and the days of playing in long trousers and a quick cigarette between sets. Then there's the Ryder Cup winning Brit (OK Brit and Europe) team who came home from the States with the cup when it looked as though the Americans were going to walk it.
Who gets what out of that lot?
Then there's the Olympians and Paralympians who exceeded all expectations in both performance and in gold medals. Could they win the team award, and if so, which team would win it.
Mr Wiggins, of course, could win everything. The team award with Team GB (I hate that phrase. It's so American. Sorry America!), the individual award for his gold in the Olympic Games, and then his ultimate triumph of winning the Tour de France without the aidany artificial siubstance. One in the eye for Lance Armstrong!.
Personally I wouldn't like to draw up even a shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year. So the challenge is...WHO WOULD YOU NOMINATE FOR EACH CATAGORY>
1. Personality winner
2. Runner up
3. Poor sod
4. Team award
5. Coach award
6. Overseas Personality award
7. Other award
Blog on, Dudes!
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Proof that Christmas is round the corner!
As if anyone needed reminding, Christmas is only a couple of months away. Scary!
But just in case anyone has forgotten, here are a few heavy hints dropped by retailers and anyone who makes money out of the festive season.
1. Christmas cards in boxes and singally are on sale in shops and post offices.
2. Festive wrapping paper is available with matching sticky tape (I won't say Sellotape).
3. Seasonal charity shops are opening in empty retail outlets.
4. Toys are being advertised on TV.
5. Garden centers are selling fake Christmas trees, life size Santas, Pointsettias and glitter balls.
6. Theaters are advertising pantomimes. "Book now. Few seats remaining".
7. It's Sunday night and there's not a thing on TV, unless you love Reality ahows and Ballroom Dancing. I like neither.
What happened to the two hour detective programmes they used to put on every Sunday? Poirot, Miss Marple, Midsommer Murders, Inspector George Gently, Morse....there's not a single one to be seen anywhere. Tonight the only programme of any worth is Merlin and even that is becoming predictable, though it's still good fun.
At least the "post early for Christmas" signs aren't up yet!
Blog on, Dudes!
As if anyone needed reminding, Christmas is only a couple of months away. Scary!
But just in case anyone has forgotten, here are a few heavy hints dropped by retailers and anyone who makes money out of the festive season.
1. Christmas cards in boxes and singally are on sale in shops and post offices.
2. Festive wrapping paper is available with matching sticky tape (I won't say Sellotape).
3. Seasonal charity shops are opening in empty retail outlets.
4. Toys are being advertised on TV.
5. Garden centers are selling fake Christmas trees, life size Santas, Pointsettias and glitter balls.
6. Theaters are advertising pantomimes. "Book now. Few seats remaining".
7. It's Sunday night and there's not a thing on TV, unless you love Reality ahows and Ballroom Dancing. I like neither.
What happened to the two hour detective programmes they used to put on every Sunday? Poirot, Miss Marple, Midsommer Murders, Inspector George Gently, Morse....there's not a single one to be seen anywhere. Tonight the only programme of any worth is Merlin and even that is becoming predictable, though it's still good fun.
At least the "post early for Christmas" signs aren't up yet!
Blog on, Dudes!
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
See more news releases in: Computer Electronics, Multimedia & Internet, Books, Entertainment, Mobile Entertainment, Joint Ventures, Socially Responsible Investing, Trade Show, Corporate Social Responsibility
Publerati ebook Publisher Signs On With Worldreader
The publishing firm and the non-profit organization are working to promote global literacy via new e-reading technologies.
PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Publerati, the ebook publisher specializing in global fiction, announced at the Frankfurt Book Fair that its ebooks will be available through Worldreader (worldreader.org), a non-profit aiming to boost literacy by providing digital books to children and teachers throughout the developing world.
"The primary purpose of Publerati is to use ebooks as a better way for fiction writers to reach more readers around the world, and to do so in a way similar to museums where some people pay full admission and others get in free," says Caleb Mason, Founder and Publisher at Publerati. "Working with Worldreader will help us fulfill our mission of opening access, where those who pay will know that our free ebooks plus no less than 5% of net proceeds are being donated to support Worldreader's efforts."
Publerati ebooks will be available on e-readers provided to children and teachers across Sub-saharan Africa as well as on the new Worldreader Book App for mobile phones, allowing millions of people in the developing world to have free access to a selection of Publerati ebooks.
"Worldreader is about books and literacy. We use new digital platforms to deliver books to people in the developing world who previously had little to no access to reading material of any kind. We now have the technology to make it happen, but we need like-minded publishers like Publerati to supply the content. We are thrilled to have the support of Publerati and are humbled by their generosity to donate some proceeds to Worldreader's program," said Elizabeth Wood, Director of Digital Publishing for Worldreader.
Caleb Mason adds, "Publerati ebook fiction should have worldwide appeal, and I think in particular the stories of Lakshmi Raj Sharma will be very well-received in India as part of the Worldreader feature phone and free e-reader programs. And Richard Hardie's young adult time-travel series, which transports readers across historically fascinating time periods from Camelot to ancient Rome, will entertain and educate children in Africa and elsewhere."
About Publerati
Read ebooks. Spread literacy. Publerati is a new concept during the early years of digital change within book publishing, whose purpose is to widen access to high-quality fiction from around the world and to do so with a social purpose. Publerati authors come from India, the United States, and Great Britain with several new novels scheduled for 2012-13. Media Resources available within the News section of www.publerati.com
About Worldreader
Worldreader is a US- and European not-for-profit organization that aims to put a library of digital books within the hands of children across the planet. Founded in 2009, Worldreader works with device manufacturers, local and international publishers, governments, education officials, and local communities to bring books to all. The non-profit has since put more than 200,000 international and local e-books into the hands of 1,000 students in Africa and is committed to continue increasing access to digital books in developing nations. The Worldreader Book Application is currently on over four million mobile phones, primarily in India and sub-Saharan Africa. In July over 489,000 people read 25 million pages on the Worldreader Book App. www.worldreader.org
Media Contact:
Caleb Mason Publerati, 207-632-7007, calebmason55@gmail.com
News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com
SOURCE Publerati
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