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As 2009 fades away
Over the years, I have often been glad to see the end of difficult years and the start of a new year. This last year, however, has been so good in so many ways, I feel as though a few more days would not go amiss. I spent three hours this morning potting up tomatoes, peppers, cauliflowers, coriander and some algarve flowers. I am now wondering if they will survive the next few weeks. Although the temperature never drops to freezing here it can be very windy on our hill. I have covered them up and we will see what the morning brings. I spoke to my mother a couple of hours…
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The Canal – Daniel Morris
This is a well written book, with clever and inventive use of language. The author seems to have cornered the market on the description of dirt, filth and disease. In contrast to this is the constant reminder of cleanliness of a main character, to the point of obsession. There are some clever metaphors throughout the book especially linked to dirt and health. It reminds me of those short horror stories from the 60’s with opaque characters whose existence is intrinsic to the plot. It is not a light read, but the momentum is fast paced. I enjoyed the plot, but did so want the book to end. ( ) From…
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Drinkwater: A Sobering Tale About A Medieval Knight by Otto Scamfer
This is a well written engaging book.The author tries but I am not sure, wholly succeeds in writing in the language and style of the period within which the book is set. Love, comradeship, danger and alcohol abound as the hero discovers himeslf. The story however whilst being predictable is enjoyable and a quick read. ( ) Custom Books Publishing (2008), Edition: 1st, Paperback, 172 pages
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Masters of the Confluence by Nduka Ozegbe Onwuegbute
This is a fascinating book. The story develops over a couple of generations whilst exploring culture, history, colonialism, family and relationships. The author provides a warning at the beginning of the book suggesting that this is a book to be avoided if you are looking for a story. But its an unnecessary warning. The book holds your attention because it explores pain, death sadness and joy in a particular cultural context. It is written well, but I did feel sometimes an editor would have removed some minor niggles. I do hope there is a volume 2. ( ) Rivalpublishing.com (2010), Paperback, 302 pages Book desciption from Amazon In colonial Africa,…
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Books for Christmas?
The Guardian website has a list of books that various authors are recommending, from this year. Here is the list. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/nov/28/christmas-book-choice-review Hilary Mantel recommends MJ Hyland’s This Is How (Canongate). Mantel argues that “Maria Hyland is like no one else writing today; her work is spare, ungiving, a challenge. At the same time, it is deeply humane”. MJ Hyland was at the Segovia Hay Festival. She was on the same platform as Isabel Fonesca who was promoting her book Attachment. I have read both and prefer Attachment for its ability to explore emotion and relationship. This mention of MJ Hyland reminded me that I have some photos from the festival that I could share.
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Publish it yourself
Some technologies are allowing writers to publish their work at no cost. Authors can use Amazon’s Digital Text Platform and upload their work for Kindle download in seconds. Smashwords, is another publishing medium. that allows authors to upload their work for purchasing in multiple electronic formats. It’s easy. It’s quick and cuts out the middle layer of publishing. There is also Feedbooks where you can publish and download free public domain books. An added benefit to all this is that you can send an e-book to freelance reviewers which could mean it will get reviewed on Amazon, Digg it and Librarything for free. I wonder what publishing will look like in ten years?
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Rain where is it? Not here in Tavira
I read in The Resident this week that this area is 50% down on rain levels. Its bizzarre looking at the floods in the UK and wishing for rain here. http://www.algarveresident.com/story.asp?XID=33997
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Social Media – A Force for Good
I watched the Nesta event yesterday that was streamed live. Stephen Fry, Biz Stone, Founder and Chief Executive of Twitter; and Reid Hoffman, Founder and Chief Executive of LinkedIn discussed the phenomenon of social media and its future impact. It can be viewed here http://www.nesta.org.uk/assets/events/social_media__a_force_for_good
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It is lonely having a second life
I received an email via a community informatics list, this week. The author is C. Wagner. I mention this because the community use of technology is a passion, especially as virtual and engaged communities are surfacing. Being part of networks who are researching the intersections is broadening my understanding of the importance of open source and what it means to be part of a community of interest. BBC News Magazine just published an article about the fadinginterest in Second Life. It corroborates what many of us Second Lifeusers have experienced already, namely that it’s pretty lonely out therein Second Life. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8367957.stm I don’t think this diminishes the value of this…
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Wired for Success
In around 2006 I developed a learning programme for the Community Sector Coalition .The programme is for small community groups who want to start using computers and ICT. A report and two volumes can be downloaded for free. See below for links to PDF’s The key findings of the research into the ICT needs of the community sector are: 1. There is a direct correspondence between the size of organisations, and their state ofdevelopment in adoption and management of ICT. 2. There is evidence that technological developments become more widely adopted and better managednot only according to size and resources, but also with the passage of time. 3. There is…
