Why am I holding a dog full of angels?

James & The Giant Peach By Roald Dahl. Read by Andrew Sachs

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:24:03 GMT

James and The Giant Peach By Roald Dahl. Read by Andrew Sachs

Zipped files on MegaUpload

Disc One (67.93 mb)
Disc Two (71.34 mb)

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Read by James Bolam.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:39:33 GMT

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Read by James Bolam.

On Megaupload.

Disc One (48.76 mb)
Disc Two (44.59 mb)
Disc Three (50.30 mb)

I have a whole bunch more Roald Dahl read by Hugh Laurie & Stephen Fry & Miriam Margoyles - if anyone is interested let me know & I'll put it up.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:07:39 GMT

jak_quill I missed your birthday - I am covered in shame!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & BIG KISSES FROM YOUR BABY SISTER!

Writer's Block: Where your memories began.

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:51:59 GMT

What is your earliest memory of your life?

View other answers

I remember standing at the window, on a chair I think. Someone was supporting me from behind and I was crying for Mum, who was getting into a car. She was going to the hospital to have my brother Andrew.

I was two.

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:38:22 GMT

More Dr Who spoilers and speculations:

When she's sitting on the stairs and her heartbeat starts echoing - did it remind anyone else of The Sound of Drums?

You don't think Donna is The Master, do you?

Naaaaah.

Pay TV

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:45:46 GMT

Australian friends - I just saw an ad for SUPERNATURAL on Fox8!!!!

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:09:08 GMT

This weeks Dr Who:

BAD BBC! BAD! No Russell, you don't get to take DT away from us!

Well, that was a well kept secret - losing DT as the Doctor? I haven't heard a rumour about him leaving since his first season.

Mind you, I did hear there's no series next year, just 4 movie length specials.

And looks like we're going to lose Donna as well, although I don't think she's going to die, I think her fate is going to be some saving-the-world-by-doing-something-scary-and-being-in-limbo-or-something.

I wonder about the red eyed chick from the Shadow Proclaimation saying that Donna is something new? What's that about? What is she? Something sent from somewhere else to stop this universal catastrophe? Put in the right time and place to join up with the Doctor, twice, and save everything?

(Maybe something to do with that disk? Hmmm.)

THERE IS NO OTHER NEWS! THIS HAS FUCKED UP MY WHOLE SUNDAY!

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:29:49 GMT

Companion to yesterdays art... Thanks to lunamazes for the link.

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:30:33 GMT

Favourite art of the day:

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:13:54 GMT

This is the tattoo I want:

It's from the cover of a book. Cute, ne?

Supernatural songs

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:16:10 GMT

There are some talented, talented people out there! A wonderful singer/songwriter named esbeani has posted a couple of songs in supernaturalfic.

The first one is called Fight Them Hellhounds, Dean. It's wonderful and heart breaking. It's about Dean and how he's facing his last year and that after all the things he's done and the lives he's saved - he can't just disapear.

Got a pair of beat up boots
and they have always served you well
the heels they pound
the graveyard ground
like sonolence of chapel bells

The second is called Lullabies Don't Work No More and it's from Dean's point of view, thinking about how when Sam was little he could comfort him and tell him that he was just having a nightmare. It's gorgeous!!

I locked the windows
blessed the walls
the doors are sealed with lines of salt
the only thing that could break in's
the harsh light from the parking lot.
Another shitty motel room
another body to exhume
another nightmare shaking you
another vision waking you.

Go listen to them both! Spread the links around! This girl deserves so much praise! :-)

This is fun!

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:27:06 GMT

Supernatural Theory.

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:01:21 GMT

Okay, so, in Supernatural - you had The Children, right? All the ones like Sam, who the demon 'infected' by feeding them his blood.

Two groups:

1. The ones whose mothers died in nursery fires on the kids six month birthdays - Sam, Andy, Max Miller & Scott, (the electicity guy that Gordon stabbed in 'Hunted').

2. Eva and Jake and Andy's twin and... all the rest.

Of the first group - Sammy resisted evil, Andy never turned bad, Scott tells his shrink that the yellow eyed man tried to get him to do awful things and he wouldn't. And Max, well, I know Max killed his whole family, but, considering the way they treated him - I can't really blame the dude. He was fucked up, but I never saw him as evil.

Of the second group - Andy's twin was a psycho killer, Eva turned bad pretty quickly, Jake gave into the dark-side and killed Sam.

Conclusion - The ones whose mother died = not so bad. The ones whose mothers didn't = evil.

What does this mean? Well - here's my theory.

At one time or another, the mothers of all The Children made a deal with the demon. Maybe they didn't know what they were getting into, maybe they did. But they all made the deal. Their child's soul - in return for something.

BUT - some mothers, Mary Winchester being one of them - changed their minds or tried to renege on the deal. They're the ones who died. So their kids didn't completely lose their souls. Just had them tainted or something. (Maybe it was a Harry Potter thing - maybe their Mums dying for them saved them?)

...

If I was writing the story I'd have young John & Mary at the hospital after Dean's birth. Doctors tell the young couple their baby is dying, nothing can be done for him. Mary is praying in the hospital chapel when a mysterious man with yellow eyes offers her a deal. He'll save her first-born, in return for her second born's soul.

Mary, exhausted and grief stricken, agrees. She makes the deal, then awakes with a start in the chapel - alone. Was it all a delusion? Is she going mad? She rushes to her son's bedisde - and Baby Dean has made a complete, miraculous recovery.

Mary tells herself the deal she made was just a dream - but she resists having another child for years - until she accidentally falls pregnant. Sam is born - everything seems fine - untilt the night of Sam's six month birthday...

Just my opinion.

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:09:42 GMT

You know, I really like the axiom: 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all', if only here on LJ where so many of my Friends have such diverse interests.

But, with everything going on in SPN fandom right now, I have to say this.

Writing fiction about Real People is a very bad thing.

Playing with characters on a TV show is one thing, but imagining for a second that a fan has the right to construct these elaborate scenarios about actual, living people, is just appalling.

And while I'm am sure there are people who just play around with it and have fun, like regular fandom, there are also those who are batshit crazy insane, I mean, stalker-like insane, who take it all too seriously.

And writing about real people leads directly to the kind of crap going down now.

Oddly I don't count RPS AU's in this blanket condemnation. To me it's like creating an original story and then casting it with actors you love. (Although it would make more sense just to say that than try to pass it off as Real Person Fanfic.)

I'm sorry if this annoys people who love Real Person Fandom - as I know many people do. But this is my opinion and I feel as if I have been suppressing it for too long.

Animals are victims too

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:53:55 GMT

A while back iibnf told me about a terrific charity, AnimalsAsia Foundation. They rescue bears from terrible conditions in Asia, and they run programs designed to stop people eating dog & cat meat.

Most recently they are working in Earthquake ravaged China - and the stories would just break your heart. Did you know that the authorities in the city of Dujiangyiang - one of the worst-hit areas, have ordered a cull of all dogs and cats, even if they have owners, adding to the misery of survivors who are clinging to their pets for comfort.

AnimalsAsia have set up a hotline and a receiving station at a local vet clinic for earthquake victims to surrender their dogs to them for safe-keeping until they are back on their feet and can take them back. Many people, terrified that their much-loved dogs would be killed in front of them have been hiding them in the ruins of their homes and risking their lives to go and feed them.

So far, they have rescued around 100 dogs and brought them to Chengdu’s Qi Ming Pet Rescue Centre, which can take about 100 more. They have also rescued some cats and a few starving dogs that have been found wandering around looking for food. They are giving each a health check and vaccination and will build a quarantine facility for the dogs at the shelter and provide them with food. All this too, of course, will cost money - and we’re not sure how long we’ll have to provide for these dogs.

Donation made to the earthquake appeal will go directly to work rescuing dogs and cats from the earthquake zone, vaccinating against rabies, building quarantine kennels at the Qi Ming shelter and supplying other local shelters with food and medical help.

Given the enormity of the Sichuan tragedy, donors are understandably channelling their donations to the human victims of the earthquake. But please, if you are considering donating to the earthquake relief effort, remember that animals are victims too - and by giving to AnimalsAsia, you may be helping to save the only family member a survivor has left.

This info is available from the AnimalsAsia blog. To donate, please go the AnimalsAsia Website.

For myself, I have been lavishing toys and things on my beloved new puppy, Sammy - so I figured I could spare $20 towards this worthy cause.

Hope some of you guys out there can afford to donate a few bucks as well.

*loves & kisses youall*

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:14:35 GMT

Hey, Friends!

Please indulge my curiousity and let me know which country you are blogging from?

Some of you I know, but some of my newer Friends take me by surprise when they mention festivals or shows etc in their own countries.

Thanks for participating!

View Poll: Where in the world are you?

Sun, 25 May 2008 02:55:13 GMT

I love anteka's Plastic Winchester Theatre - as do all good-hearted people. So today when I was bored-cruising on ebay and I spotted these Ken dolls for sale, all I could think was that they looked like a very very bad impression of our favourite Plastic heroes.

Fake!Plastic!Sam's feet are so little!

*UPDATE* - not Winchester related, but more eBay dolls - MOST DISTURBING DOLLS EVER!

Book recs

Wed, 21 May 2008 07:22:24 GMT

I highly recommend the Brother Cadfael Mysteries by the late, great Ellis Peters. Cadfael is a Benedictine monk who came to the life quite late, having been a soldier and crusader in his youth. He's an absolutely brilliant character and Ellis Peters wonderfully written stories are, in my opinion, the finest historical mysteries ever penned.

Steven Saylor is the author of Roma Sub Rosa, a series of books set in Ancient Rome about Gordianus the Finder. I adored the first six, not so much the later ones.

Elizabeth Peters is the author of the Amelia Peabody mysteries. Funny, clever, well written stories with terrific characters. I think the series went on the little too long though, again I adore the first six or seven, then they kind of get a little repetiitve. I do highly recommend the early one though.

Aimed at the teengae reader, I really enjoyed the Pagan Series, by Catherine Jinks, about Pagan, a street-wise orphan in Jerusalem who ends up as a squire to a knight Templar named Lord Roland. Cathernine Jinks has an amazingly refreshing style of writing, these are great books, although they get a bit heavy and deep in places.

Enjoy!

Tue, 20 May 2008 02:37:27 GMT

Had a lovely dinner with angstslashhopeon Sunday night - I had a great time, but I was pretty sure I was coming down with something, so I was tired and yawny a lot.

I was right about that, by the way, by late Sunday night I was sick as a dog and I have been off work for two days. Now I'm just all stuffed up and watery-eyed, still bloody exhausted as well.

Still, it was wonderful to meet another fan - I really don't meet other folks in fandom much these days.

Now I need a nap...

*snores*

Supernatural Season 3

Fri, 16 May 2008 02:45:04 GMT

Supernatural Season 3 Box Set price in Australia.

I have to agree with everyone in the US commenting on the high price - that's quite a lot considering there are only 16 episodes this season. I never pre-order anyway unless they're offering some cool gift for pre-order, the actual price in Big W or K Mart will probably be closer to $54.99.

Also - it's released a week later here, which is a drag.

Thank you for registering your interest in the upcoming release of Supernatural - The Complete 3rd Season (Slimline Set) at EzyDVD!

We’re happy to announce that Warner Bros. have confirmed a release date of Wednesday, 08 October for this title, and it can be preordered now at EzyDVD for just $79.83!

This item qualifies for the usual free delivery on Australian preorders, so for more information or to place your order, simply follow this link:

http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/798898

I must be nuts!!

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:51:30 GMT

Craziest thing I've ever done? You decide!

I bought a puppy! It was love at first sight, then regret for a few hours, then terror at the responsibility I've taken on. And now we all just love him to bits and dote on him like mad.

He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Blenheim, which means he has rich chestnut colouring on a white background. He's super super smart and just a love-sponge. He'd all about the cuddles and the snuggling.

Sorry about the crappy picture quality, the only time I managed to get him to stand still was when I had my camera-phone.

I've wanted a pet for Dad for a while, he can't walk as much as he used to and he gets bored staying at home so much. Well, he's not bored now! I have to work so much (partly to pay for this little guy) that Mum & Dad take care of him most of the time. Dad has really brightened up with this new interest in his life, and even Mum (firm & unbendable Mum) has fallen for him hard.

Now, the bad news is that I bought him from a petshop, which is a big no-no. (But it's not his fault he was a pet-shop slave!) The upshot of buying from a petshop means his vet check is worth crap and he's probably closer to 4 months old than the 3 I was told.

He also has blocked tear ducts ($$), a hernia (hopefully won't be a problem), only one descended testicle (could be expensive if it doesn't descend by the time he has to be spayed). He also had fleas, which he sure didn't pick up here.

Good news is his heart is fine, which is always a concern with Cavvy's. Here he is again:

Love Sponge! Money-Pit! My little guy!

Tue, 06 May 2008 03:22:27 GMT

Thanks thanks thanks so much lillian78 !! 12 months paid LJ time for my birthday - I am overwhelmed!

*loves on you*

And a sweet thank you to aerianya, jellicle, shelley6441 & lallybroch for the lovely virtual gifts. :-)

Myspace Thank You Graphics

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:12:08 GMT

My Morning Routine, as suggested by angstslashhope

4.55 AM - Alarm goes off, I groan & get up.

5.00 AM - I'm dressed and Dad has brekky on the table. I take my fibre, vitamins and medicine.

5.28 AM - I walk across the road to work, Dad walks me so he can get his paper. It's dark and cold at this time of the year.

5.30 AM - 9.00 AM - I do my first shift.

9.00 AM - I come home and have my mid morning snack, a piece of fruit. Then I'm on the computer or reading until it's time to go back to work for my next shift. (Except for Friday when I work in the office between 10.00 AM and Noon.)

Boring, ne?

Speaking of angstslashhope, she's coming to Brisbane on Sunday 18th May & Monday 19th for a conference and we're talking about getting together for dinner on Sunday night.

Any Brissy fans want to get together, have a nice dinner and a bit of a chat with fans? Could be fun!!

ANZAC Day 2008

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:48:30 GMT

They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We shall remember them.

LEST WE FORGET 1915-2008.

Poll

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:50:58 GMT

This whole 'Can I Touch Your Boobs' thing has me thinking.

Say that a women who participated in this grope-fest got gang-raped that night in some quiet stairwell.

Say that the guys all claimed it was consensual and it boiled down to her word against theirs.

Say that they could honestly state that just hours earlier she approached them, in public, and invited them to fondle her breasts.

What do you think would happen?

View Poll: The 'She Asked For It' Poll