Unabridged Opinions

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to go to a physics’ work party (not my work party…but hey, scientists generally throw good ones) that was held on the 43rd floor of the Hilton, the tallest building in Manchester (by a “wide margin” according to Wikipedia). The views were excellent; pizza was consumed in copious amounts, and the beer was cold. It was also fun to get a look into what is definitely one of the premier addresses in Manchester. The views are amazing, but we’ll probably stick with our quieter, cheaper, flat for the time being. Although being able to see the (now under renovation) Central Library (it’s that circular building on the left of the photo) from above was seriously cool. I still can’t believe that that was my public library. The new one isn’t as impressive on the outside, but it’s equally gorgeous on the inside. So cool.

The second highlight of the weekend was a new book, a new series, and a new author. (Colin) Bateman’s Mystery Man is one of the funniest books I’ve ever run across. The combination of random references to classic detective novels, what must be one of the few laugh-out-loud grammar jokes in literary fiction, and an unnamed, totally wacky, detective made it the highlight of my month, if only for quotes like this one (prompted by our not-so-intrepid detective trying to deny both that his store is named “No Alibis” and that its motto is “Murder is our business”.)

Noahbylies–yes, indeed. It’s an….Elvish word. Elvish for bookshop. We specialise in science fiction and fantasy novels. You know, Lord of the Rings. Mordor is our business.

Hee. Continue reading

First of all, yes, that is Mark Todd. And, yes, I took the picture. I was right there at the corners at Badminton and got to take a picture of Mark Todd (and learn a lot about the difference between the greats and the out-of-this-worlds when it comes to riding). Eep. We were at these fences (two corners on a line, with an alternate set of fences if the corners weren’t going to work out) for about twenty minutes–and during that time most of the riders made it over in various versions of the classic eventing “get it done”–they made it over, but the lines were wobbly, or the jumps a bit awkward. And then came Mark Todd, who, it was obvious, picked a line, stuck to it, and made the fences look so easy (on one of the greener horses at Badminton!). It was absoutely amazing to be close enough to watch–and tons of fun to listen to the commentary swirling around. Most of which was along the lines of “well, of course it was great, he’s “Mark Todd“. Said in exactly that tone of voice.

The rest of the day was equally excellent. It would have been great if only because it started with what must have been the cutest/most hysterical “event” ever: The Shetland Pony Grand National.
I am proud to say that my pick, number 15, excelled! (They may have even won the entire thing, ahem). When asked for my secret later, I had to admit that I picked the pony because she had stomped on her handler and then tried to bite her rider. Definitely a winner. The riders were great as well. There were only two “mishaps” that resulted in a jockey hitting the dirt (one happened before the poor kid even got to start the race!), and everyone had a great time cheering for the ponies as they raced around the track and over the jumps.  The whole weekend was just unbelievable. Even if it was freezing cold, wet, and pouring down rain for bits–which ended up being an excuse to buy a pair of Dubarry boots–my new favourite pair of shoes. We also hit up the rest of the trade fair, and, since we walked the cross-country “backwards”-ish (mostly from last to first…) we didn’t really have to deal with the crowds too much–although the mud that everyone had churned up by the end of the day was fairly incredible.  Next up, Burghley!

So, I was recently lucky enough to read Scott Westerfield’s Leviathan. It’s amazing. The world-building, the characters, the flying whales (nope, not a typo, flying whales), all combine together to make one of those books that always ends too soon–and makes a reader grateful for the promise of entire series. Especially when the story also has mechanized war-machines, steadfast companions, and worthwhile causes.

Westerfield has placed his steampunk environment into the familiar history of WW1, and he has a deft touch with the history that makes the political shenanigans accessible to the audience without overwhelming them with the portents of what is to come. Alongside the wonderful prose are gorgeous illustrations, perfectly capturing the movement and ferocity of the world that Westerfield has designed. So, yes, go read this book, it is wonderful. At some point, there will be a much longer review of the book up on Bookgeeks, but I didn’t think any should wait to buy it.

I’ve also found another place to ride! It’s a bit farther out into Cheshire, but they have a lot more land, and it seems to be a bit livelier… Two lessons so far (with two different instructors), but I assume it will take a few weeks to make a decision. The have a ton of arenas, a cross country course, and a farm ride–and there’s just a lot more room (and a lot more horses…). The drive up there is gorgeous–although I did run into a ton of traffic the second time I went up–it’s just nice to find that there are more places to ride around here.

And the weather, well, it’s been gorgeous for two days. And supposed to be nice tomorrow. And then rain this weekend.  So, not so much new weather I guess as improved weather for a bit.  Plus, even when it’s gloomy outside, it’s still a lot warmer.  Finally. In June.