Wednesday, October 17, 2012

I'm A Winner, Seriously!

Remember me telling you all about Larry Correia's new book back in October 2010? Or, more recently, about Monster Hunter Legion - Limited Signed Edition last month?

Well, then you'll understand why I am over the moon to hear that I am the winner of the Monster Hunter International prize mega package. I'm just blown away.Signed books, a poster and hopefully - and this is priceless - my name in Larry Correia's next book.


And The Winners Are...



The weird thing is that I am a tad cash strapped at the moment, what with having a 3 year old, a 1 year old and a wife at home - and no chance of a promotion or pay raise any time in the near future. So when I read of Jay's plan of raising money for a prostate cancer charity I thought 'nice idea, but I gave at the (tax) office'.

JayG convincing people to sponsor him 

And then I remembered Jason Boas. A friend of mine from high school. We'd gone our separate ways after graduation but I'd been in touch with him here and there over the years and then in the last few months of his life he came to a hospice in my area for care. We were going to meet up but he was just too weak to even chat on the phone sometimes.Sadly, as I reported back then, Jason died in November 2008.

Its nearly November now, and I remember Jason at this time of year so I thought 'heck, I'll donate to this charity and even when I don't win, I'll feel happy about doing it'.

So I'm triply happy; to be able to give to a great charity, to win the mega prize and to be able to remember Jason and pass on to others the message of his charity - 'No Surrender'.

kthanxbai!

 http://jumblerant.blogspot.com
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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Weird and Wonderful

Image from 1904 Dictionary of Technology showi...
Image from 1904 Dictionary of Technology showing an 1880 bicycle on the left and an 1886 rover on the right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The bicycle has been around for a while now. Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number more than a billion worldwide, twice as many as automobiles.


They are the principal means of transportation in many regions. They also provide a popular form of recreation, and have been adapted for such uses as children's toys, adult fitness, military and police applications, courier services and bicycle racing.

The basic shape and configuration of a typical upright bicycle has changed little since the first chain-driven model was developed around 1885. However, many details have been improved, especially since the advent of modern materials and computer-aided design. These have allowed for a proliferation of specialized designs for diverse types of cycling.

And then this chap came along and had the gall to change it all! This Bicymple is a surprisingly interesting little thing and I wonder what applications can be found for it:





kthanxbai!

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

You Couldn't Make This Up! Prince Roy of Sealand

Prince Roy of Sealand. Never heard of him?

Or Sealand?
English: Royal Standard of the Prince of Sealand.
English: Royal Standard of the Prince of Sealand. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



Well neither had I until I read his obituary in the Daily Telegraph this week.


Prince Roy of Sealand, who has died aged 91, was plain Roy Bates until, on Christmas Eve 1966, he established his own micro-nation on an abandoned wartime sea fort off the Suffolk coast and declared himself head of state.   
The Telegraph continues;
 He claimed Sealand as the world’s smallest sovereign state, even though it was not recognised by the British government — which largely ignored it — or any foreign power. During the 1970s Bates created Sealand’s own constitution, flag (red and black with white diagonal stripe), passports, stamps, currency (the Sealand dollar, bearing his wife’s image), national anthem and motto: “E Mare Libertas” (“From the Sea, Freedom”)....
After being overthrown as Sealand's leader, Prince Roy, from 100ft above the sea,  rappelled down a rope to the tiny helipad below. His son, Michael, did likewise. The rebelling Germans later confessed to being taken aback on encountering, in combat gear, an Englishman they had only known to wear a natty Savile Row suit and bowler hat.  

I suggest you read Prince Roy's whole story over at The Telegraph, he sounds like an extraordinary character, even by British standards!




kthanxbai!

 http://jumblerant.blogspot.com
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