Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 28
June 10, 2017
Father's Day 2017 gift guide
In keeping with previous years and as part of my on-going campaign to eliminate socks from gift lists everywhere, I present to you today the 2017 Father's Day gift guide. Here’s your one-stop shop for inspiration and imagination. And I’m a dad. Take it from me. I know what he’ll like.
For a start, beer. Or at least, something handy to carry it on. Over on Born Gifted’s website they’ve got this rather special wooden beer trug which can be personalised (at no extra charge) to make it extra-special. Of course, you don’t have to use it to transport beer but if dad did, you could add this very special sign too, reminding him where the garden is…
There are dozens and dozens of delightful gift ideas over on the Born Gifted website. Orders are dispatched within three working days (so you’ve just about got time… but be quick!) and FREE on orders over £40.
But of course it’s not just gifts, it’s giving, too. If you made mum breakfast in bed on Mothering Sunday then why not… no, don’t do the same from dad. (He’ll make a mess!). Why not clean his pride and joy - the car - instead?
Smart Polish Pro waterless wash and wax formula will give dad’s car a showroom shine without you having to unreel the hose (or plug in the pressure washer). So you won’t disturb his lie-in, either! Find out more here: www.smartpolishpro.com
And to help the old boy see what a good job you've made of it... how about a pair of prescription specs delivered straight to your door? Whether its eyeglasses, glasses frames or prescription sunglasses, https://www.glassesshop.com is the place to shop for something stylish that won't break the bank. Use the offer code GSHOT50 and you can get 50% off all eyeglasses and sunglasses including lenses throughout the website (with the exception of sales frames). I've been sent this rather clever combo that integrates my prescription lenses with not just one but a whole range of shades and light filters.
Want to change your look? Need to shade that glare? Or maybe even get a better view in fading light? There's a clever clip-on cover for it, and the whole ensemble comes in a very sturdy zip case. These Jonesboro Rectangle sports goggles from Glassesshop.com are especially designed for golf, fishing and cycling and come with a flexible strap to keep them firmly in place. Dad'll be delighted!
Finally, a tiny plug of my own. You could get dad sorted for the next two years by buying him a gift-subscription to (*ahem*) my latest book. There are loads of pledge levels from £10 up, all subscribers get their name in the book and for a little bit more dad could even be a character in mine! It really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Whatever you’re getting, hope you (and dad) have a great day!
For a start, beer. Or at least, something handy to carry it on. Over on Born Gifted’s website they’ve got this rather special wooden beer trug which can be personalised (at no extra charge) to make it extra-special. Of course, you don’t have to use it to transport beer but if dad did, you could add this very special sign too, reminding him where the garden is…
There are dozens and dozens of delightful gift ideas over on the Born Gifted website. Orders are dispatched within three working days (so you’ve just about got time… but be quick!) and FREE on orders over £40.
But of course it’s not just gifts, it’s giving, too. If you made mum breakfast in bed on Mothering Sunday then why not… no, don’t do the same from dad. (He’ll make a mess!). Why not clean his pride and joy - the car - instead?
Smart Polish Pro waterless wash and wax formula will give dad’s car a showroom shine without you having to unreel the hose (or plug in the pressure washer). So you won’t disturb his lie-in, either! Find out more here: www.smartpolishpro.com
And to help the old boy see what a good job you've made of it... how about a pair of prescription specs delivered straight to your door? Whether its eyeglasses, glasses frames or prescription sunglasses, https://www.glassesshop.com is the place to shop for something stylish that won't break the bank. Use the offer code GSHOT50 and you can get 50% off all eyeglasses and sunglasses including lenses throughout the website (with the exception of sales frames). I've been sent this rather clever combo that integrates my prescription lenses with not just one but a whole range of shades and light filters.
Want to change your look? Need to shade that glare? Or maybe even get a better view in fading light? There's a clever clip-on cover for it, and the whole ensemble comes in a very sturdy zip case. These Jonesboro Rectangle sports goggles from Glassesshop.com are especially designed for golf, fishing and cycling and come with a flexible strap to keep them firmly in place. Dad'll be delighted!
Finally, a tiny plug of my own. You could get dad sorted for the next two years by buying him a gift-subscription to (*ahem*) my latest book. There are loads of pledge levels from £10 up, all subscribers get their name in the book and for a little bit more dad could even be a character in mine! It really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Whatever you’re getting, hope you (and dad) have a great day!
May 31, 2017
CozyPhones Review
Our children are pretty tech-savvy. Both have tablets and both use them, especially on long car journeys.
We're careful about what they do, and which games they play. But with a little light parental monitoring the hours they spend can be both fun AND educational.
What's not to like?
Well, the noise for a start. Especially the cacophony that ensues if one is playing one game and the other one, another.
Headphones, of course, are the answer. And Charlie happily wears his whenever we ask. Getting Eloise to do the same has been something of a problem, which is where these wonderful CozyPhones come in.
Cozyphones are soft, fleece headband headphones for kids made in fun animal a character designs. They're worn like soft headbands. They're comfortable, convenient... and quiet!
And the back-story is an interesting one as well. Take a look at this!
We're careful about what they do, and which games they play. But with a little light parental monitoring the hours they spend can be both fun AND educational.
What's not to like?
Well, the noise for a start. Especially the cacophony that ensues if one is playing one game and the other one, another.
Headphones, of course, are the answer. And Charlie happily wears his whenever we ask. Getting Eloise to do the same has been something of a problem, which is where these wonderful CozyPhones come in.
Cozyphones are soft, fleece headband headphones for kids made in fun animal a character designs. They're worn like soft headbands. They're comfortable, convenient... and quiet!
And the back-story is an interesting one as well. Take a look at this!
May 26, 2017
Get 15% Discount on Unbound Fiction AND free books!
This Bank Holiday weekend why not take a look at Unbound? You can order any fiction title from now until the end of the month and get a whopping 15% off (use the code 'MayDay').
And with all pledges during that period Unbound is giving away not one but TWO free eBooks. There's never been a better time to pledge! https://unbound.com/books/the-glorious-dead
And with all pledges during that period Unbound is giving away not one but TWO free eBooks. There's never been a better time to pledge! https://unbound.com/books/the-glorious-dead
May 21, 2017
Welcome to London Marcus Farina
It's Sunday, which means it's book giveaway day. And today I've not just one, but THREE copies of a wonderful new picture book from Marcus Farina to give away.
Welcome to London is a brand-new title from Button Books. This fabulous new travel picture book combines a lovely retro style of classic British design with all the excitement of discovery packed into this fabulous capital city.
Bound in hardback with a stylish cloth jacket and printed in gorgeous warm colours this is a book to be treasured as well as a book full of treasures.
To win one of the three copies of Welcome to London by Marcus Farina simply choose an option on the Rafflecopter entry form below.
Good luck!
Meanwhile, in other book news, these three stunning new titles have arrived and are already being avidly consumed by the resident bookworms.
Where’s Wally? The Colouring Collection is a transportable Where's Wally? colouring book filled with page after page of busy black and white pictures with a small splash of colour to give you inspiration! With a sturdy notebook binding and an elastic close, your creativity can journey with you wherever you wander to. There's even an extra-large fold-out dinosaur poster to colour in with friends. Wow! Have YOU found Wally yet?
King of the Sky is the latest book by children's author Nicola Davies, illustrated by Laura Carlin, - winner of the Bratislava Illustration Biennale and the Bologna Ragazzi Prize for Illustration. Starting a new life in a new country, a young boy feels lost and alone – until he meets an old man who keeps racing pigeons. Together they pin their hopes on a race across Europe and the special bird they believe can win it: King of the Sky. Nicola Davies’ beautiful story – an immigrant’s tale with a powerful resonance in our troubled times – is illustrated by an artist who makes the world anew with every picture.
Finally, from Alice Tait (illustrator of the iconic London Range) comes No, Nancy, No! a stylish, action-packed lift-the-flap book – the perfect introduction to the capital city for first-time sightseers! Blending her joyful London landscapes with the story of a mischievous little girl, Nancy, and her long-suffering dachshund, Roger, Alice creates a wild and calamitous chase by boat, bus and bike across all of London's most famous and best sights – from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London… With over fifteen flaps throughout, an incredible pop-up Nelson's column and a fold-out map, young readers will delight in this interactive adventure, and will love joining in with Roger's catchy refrain: “NO, NANCY, NO!”
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome to London is a brand-new title from Button Books. This fabulous new travel picture book combines a lovely retro style of classic British design with all the excitement of discovery packed into this fabulous capital city.
Bound in hardback with a stylish cloth jacket and printed in gorgeous warm colours this is a book to be treasured as well as a book full of treasures.
To win one of the three copies of Welcome to London by Marcus Farina simply choose an option on the Rafflecopter entry form below.
Good luck!
Meanwhile, in other book news, these three stunning new titles have arrived and are already being avidly consumed by the resident bookworms.
Where’s Wally? The Colouring Collection is a transportable Where's Wally? colouring book filled with page after page of busy black and white pictures with a small splash of colour to give you inspiration! With a sturdy notebook binding and an elastic close, your creativity can journey with you wherever you wander to. There's even an extra-large fold-out dinosaur poster to colour in with friends. Wow! Have YOU found Wally yet?
King of the Sky is the latest book by children's author Nicola Davies, illustrated by Laura Carlin, - winner of the Bratislava Illustration Biennale and the Bologna Ragazzi Prize for Illustration. Starting a new life in a new country, a young boy feels lost and alone – until he meets an old man who keeps racing pigeons. Together they pin their hopes on a race across Europe and the special bird they believe can win it: King of the Sky. Nicola Davies’ beautiful story – an immigrant’s tale with a powerful resonance in our troubled times – is illustrated by an artist who makes the world anew with every picture.
Finally, from Alice Tait (illustrator of the iconic London Range) comes No, Nancy, No! a stylish, action-packed lift-the-flap book – the perfect introduction to the capital city for first-time sightseers! Blending her joyful London landscapes with the story of a mischievous little girl, Nancy, and her long-suffering dachshund, Roger, Alice creates a wild and calamitous chase by boat, bus and bike across all of London's most famous and best sights – from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London… With over fifteen flaps throughout, an incredible pop-up Nelson's column and a fold-out map, young readers will delight in this interactive adventure, and will love joining in with Roger's catchy refrain: “NO, NANCY, NO!”
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 19, 2017
Print the legend
The story of Lawrence of Arabia is one of the Great War's most enduring legends. It's Indiana Jones but for real - shy archaeologist excavating crusader castles in Arabia turns guerrilla leader (on behalf of the British Empire) inspiring Arab rebels to overthrow their evil Turkish masters.
And in doing so, of course, helping to knock Germany's chief ally out of the war...
The Arab revolt (which began on June 5th 1916) was a long, bitter campaign fought under a variety of commands. Lawrence himself was just one of many British and French military personnel sent to assist the revolt.
His appeal seems to stem from his decision to 'go native'. Often pictured not only wearing a keffiyeh (headdress) but also an ornate besht (gown) given to him by Prince Faisal, Lawrence - who spoke fluent Arabic - became convinced that he was genuinely advancing the cause of Arab freedom.
After the war he attended the Paris Peace Conference still clinging to the belief that what he'd done would lead to Arab self-rule. But it was not to be. The Sykes-Picot agreement had already divided the spoils of the Ottoman Empire between the British and the French.
Lawrence ended the war holding the rank of Lt. Colonel. But, disillusioned with the outcome at Versailles, and in an effort to withdraw from public life he re-enlisted - twice - under an assumed name, serving as either a private soldier in the army or a humble aircraftsman in the recently-formed RAF. He retired to his cottage - Clouds Hill, in Dorset - in 1935 but was killed while riding his Brough Superior motorbike a few months later, on 19th May. He was just 46.
If your image of T.E.Lawrence is Peter O'Toole in dazzling white headdress, blue eyes burning, hands blood-soaked from another mass slaughter then the facts of Lawrence's troubled post-war life and early death might be something of a disappointment. But when the legend becomes fact, print the legend as it says in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. And the Lawrence legend certainly lives on.
Lawrence's retirement home - a simple Dorset woodsman's cottage - is owned by the National Trust and open to the public. Here are some photos from our visit last year:
You can find out more about Clouds Hill here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill
And in doing so, of course, helping to knock Germany's chief ally out of the war...
The Arab revolt (which began on June 5th 1916) was a long, bitter campaign fought under a variety of commands. Lawrence himself was just one of many British and French military personnel sent to assist the revolt.
His appeal seems to stem from his decision to 'go native'. Often pictured not only wearing a keffiyeh (headdress) but also an ornate besht (gown) given to him by Prince Faisal, Lawrence - who spoke fluent Arabic - became convinced that he was genuinely advancing the cause of Arab freedom.
After the war he attended the Paris Peace Conference still clinging to the belief that what he'd done would lead to Arab self-rule. But it was not to be. The Sykes-Picot agreement had already divided the spoils of the Ottoman Empire between the British and the French.
Lawrence ended the war holding the rank of Lt. Colonel. But, disillusioned with the outcome at Versailles, and in an effort to withdraw from public life he re-enlisted - twice - under an assumed name, serving as either a private soldier in the army or a humble aircraftsman in the recently-formed RAF. He retired to his cottage - Clouds Hill, in Dorset - in 1935 but was killed while riding his Brough Superior motorbike a few months later, on 19th May. He was just 46.
If your image of T.E.Lawrence is Peter O'Toole in dazzling white headdress, blue eyes burning, hands blood-soaked from another mass slaughter then the facts of Lawrence's troubled post-war life and early death might be something of a disappointment. But when the legend becomes fact, print the legend as it says in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. And the Lawrence legend certainly lives on.
Lawrence's retirement home - a simple Dorset woodsman's cottage - is owned by the National Trust and open to the public. Here are some photos from our visit last year:
You can find out more about Clouds Hill here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill
May 14, 2017
Super Geek Heroes
As a teacher I sometimes despair of the way learning becomes more and more like 'fun' - how can I compete? And when it's also as soundly educational as the new Super Geek Heroes Animated Series I sometimes fear I'll soon be out of a job!
The Super Geek Heroes are an animated group of super-kids... with the tagline having fun in turn with a mission to learn! Their seven friendly ‘super-powers’ derive from the three prime and four specific development areas of the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ resulting in the following super characters:
· Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Suzi Smiles
· Understanding the World - Peter Planet
· Communication & Language - Vicky Voice
· Literacy - Jake Jotter
· Numeracy - Mille Maths
· Physical Development - Ant Active
· Creative Arts & Design - Ronnie Rock
I've just had a look with Charlie - and he's impressed. And if he's impressed, I'm impressed. You can have a look at the playlist on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/supergeekheroes as well as finding out more about the concept on their website - visit http://www.supergeekheroes.com (where there's also a special page explaining the concept for parents http://www.supergeekheroes.com/parents.html).
And that's not all!
If you'd like to win a free 6 month subscription to KidsCast APP where you can download and view Super Geek Heroes on the go or cast to your TV, then simply watch the following clip and answer this question:
Which continent is number 7 in Peter Planets lesson?
Leave a comment with your answer between now and midnight Wednesday (17th May 2017). Good luck!
The Super Geek Heroes are an animated group of super-kids... with the tagline having fun in turn with a mission to learn! Their seven friendly ‘super-powers’ derive from the three prime and four specific development areas of the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ resulting in the following super characters:
· Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Suzi Smiles
· Understanding the World - Peter Planet
· Communication & Language - Vicky Voice
· Literacy - Jake Jotter
· Numeracy - Mille Maths
· Physical Development - Ant Active
· Creative Arts & Design - Ronnie Rock
I've just had a look with Charlie - and he's impressed. And if he's impressed, I'm impressed. You can have a look at the playlist on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/supergeekheroes as well as finding out more about the concept on their website - visit http://www.supergeekheroes.com (where there's also a special page explaining the concept for parents http://www.supergeekheroes.com/parents.html).
And that's not all!
If you'd like to win a free 6 month subscription to KidsCast APP where you can download and view Super Geek Heroes on the go or cast to your TV, then simply watch the following clip and answer this question:
Which continent is number 7 in Peter Planets lesson?
Leave a comment with your answer between now and midnight Wednesday (17th May 2017). Good luck!
May 4, 2017
[INSERT NAME HERE]
Dear Sir/Madam:
Thank you for your complimentary comments on my blog [INSERT SITE HERE].
I'm delighted to know you read it regularly and particularly enjoyed my post on [INSERT POST HERE].
In answer to your question, yes, we do accept guest posts. But then, as such an avid reader and admirer you already know that. It's not difficult to find out on [INSERT SITE HERE].
I'm delighted that your post will be 100% unique and tailored specifically to my website audience. I'd expect nothing less of someone who clearly spends so long researching suitable sites to place their content.
As for our fee... oh wait, you don't mention a fee. That obviously means you think I'm perfectly happy to host your stuff - no doubt with links - for free. While you - or someone you write for - makes some money.
No matter. Pledge for my book and I'll consider the article anyway.
What? You didn't know I'd written one? Or that it was currently crowdfunding with Unbound?
Of course not. After all, you don't even seem to know my [INSERT NAME HERE].
And it's not too difficult to find.
On that blog you read so avidly, so regularly...
Thank you for your complimentary comments on my blog [INSERT SITE HERE].
I'm delighted to know you read it regularly and particularly enjoyed my post on [INSERT POST HERE].
In answer to your question, yes, we do accept guest posts. But then, as such an avid reader and admirer you already know that. It's not difficult to find out on [INSERT SITE HERE].
I'm delighted that your post will be 100% unique and tailored specifically to my website audience. I'd expect nothing less of someone who clearly spends so long researching suitable sites to place their content.
As for our fee... oh wait, you don't mention a fee. That obviously means you think I'm perfectly happy to host your stuff - no doubt with links - for free. While you - or someone you write for - makes some money.
No matter. Pledge for my book and I'll consider the article anyway.
What? You didn't know I'd written one? Or that it was currently crowdfunding with Unbound?
Of course not. After all, you don't even seem to know my [INSERT NAME HERE].
And it's not too difficult to find.
On that blog you read so avidly, so regularly...
May 1, 2017
We're going on a bridge walk...
We're going on a bear hunt bridge walk.
(Listening to a 'soundscape' as part of Hull City of Culture 2017)
We're going to catch cross a BIG one.
(once, the longest single-span suspension bridge in the WORLD! Still the largest you can cross on foot)
What a beautiful day!
(it wasn't bad, for late April, actually. The sun even made a few briefs appearances)
We're not scared...
(Well, maybe just a little... it is very high!)
But we were certainly inspired, amazed, awe-struck and astonished in pretty-much equal measure. The Height of the Reeds is a Hull City of Culture 2017 project run in association with Opera North (among others). The idea is you walk the mile-and-a-bit across the bridge wearing headphones, and listening to sonic adventure that incorporates the sounds of the bridge itself as well as poetry and music evoking Hull's long maritime history.
The bridge itself is awesome enough; the location has its special magic ('where sky and Lincolnshire and water meet' as Larkin had it). Add the aural soundscape and it makes for a memorable (and free) artistic adventure, one well worth the effort.
Even little legs can make it!
(Listening to a 'soundscape' as part of Hull City of Culture 2017)
We're going to catch cross a BIG one.
(once, the longest single-span suspension bridge in the WORLD! Still the largest you can cross on foot)
What a beautiful day!
(it wasn't bad, for late April, actually. The sun even made a few briefs appearances)
We're not scared...
(Well, maybe just a little... it is very high!)
But we were certainly inspired, amazed, awe-struck and astonished in pretty-much equal measure. The Height of the Reeds is a Hull City of Culture 2017 project run in association with Opera North (among others). The idea is you walk the mile-and-a-bit across the bridge wearing headphones, and listening to sonic adventure that incorporates the sounds of the bridge itself as well as poetry and music evoking Hull's long maritime history.
The bridge itself is awesome enough; the location has its special magic ('where sky and Lincolnshire and water meet' as Larkin had it). Add the aural soundscape and it makes for a memorable (and free) artistic adventure, one well worth the effort.
Even little legs can make it!
April 25, 2017
Things they say, episode 9
Scene: the hall, morning. Shoes and coats are being put on...
E: But WHY do we have to go to school? All we do all day is learn and learn and learn and learn...
Me: That's why you go every day. There's so much to learn. I'm (insert age here) and every day I learn something new. Even if you went to school for the rest of your life you'd never learn everything!
E: Exactly! So there's no point in going, then. (Takes off shoes)
Exit, pursued by a stare
E: But WHY do we have to go to school? All we do all day is learn and learn and learn and learn...
Me: That's why you go every day. There's so much to learn. I'm (insert age here) and every day I learn something new. Even if you went to school for the rest of your life you'd never learn everything!
E: Exactly! So there's no point in going, then. (Takes off shoes)
Exit, pursued by a stare
April 18, 2017
But is it art?
Keeping up with the historical (and artistic) theme, here's a short film I made while out-and-about this Easter.
It's of the 'Rudston Venus' - a Roman mosaic from a villa situated at Rudston, East Yorkshire, depicting (rather crudely) the Roman goddess Venus (Greek Aphrodite).
She's holding the apple awarded to her by Paris in the beauty contest between her and the goddesses Athena and Hera - the one that started all the fighting over Helen and led to the siege of Troy (see last post!). She is also attended by a 'merman' (one of the traditional companions of Aphrodite).
So although she might not be your ideal of beauty, this voluptious figure is the goddess of just that.
The mosaic is now in the care of Hull Museums; there's nothing left of the villa itself but a field.
Some think the depiction is naive, almost childish. But I think it's remarkable - not only as an example of the vibrancy of Roman culture in one of the remoter parts of the Empire, but also the style - a blend of classical and Celtic influences that creates something unique and fascinating.
But is it art?
It's of the 'Rudston Venus' - a Roman mosaic from a villa situated at Rudston, East Yorkshire, depicting (rather crudely) the Roman goddess Venus (Greek Aphrodite).
She's holding the apple awarded to her by Paris in the beauty contest between her and the goddesses Athena and Hera - the one that started all the fighting over Helen and led to the siege of Troy (see last post!). She is also attended by a 'merman' (one of the traditional companions of Aphrodite).
So although she might not be your ideal of beauty, this voluptious figure is the goddess of just that.
The mosaic is now in the care of Hull Museums; there's nothing left of the villa itself but a field.
Some think the depiction is naive, almost childish. But I think it's remarkable - not only as an example of the vibrancy of Roman culture in one of the remoter parts of the Empire, but also the style - a blend of classical and Celtic influences that creates something unique and fascinating.
But is it art?
