antinbath

Top Ten Changes in Star Wars The Phantom Menace 3D

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Let's review the Top 10 changes that I predict we'll see in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D which is released in cinemas this week.

10. A new hope

Jake Lloyd, the young Anakin Skywalker is replaced by a digitally shrunk and de-aged version of Hayden Christensen.

9. Double the fun

Jar Jar Binks gets a digital wisecracking sidekick who repeats everything Jar Jar says.

8. Genie-us casting

Ewan McGregor's voice has been re-dubbed for the American audience by Robin Williams.

7. Product placement

When the Skywalker family are enteraining Qui Gonn and Jar Jar in their home on Tatooine a box of Lucky Charms cereal has been added to the feast.

6. Parts aren't showing

Computer generated underwear has been added to C-3PO in order to comply with a ruling by the FCC after the movie was first shown in theatres.

5. Adding a human element

Gungan ruler, Boss Nass, has been replaced by a digital recreation of Brian Blessed.

4. Bigger swords for better battles

The lengths of lightsabers used in the movie have been extended by 25%. Darth Maul's double-ended lightsaber gets an additional blade which extends forwards.

3. Expanded universe

In the scene from the Galactic Senate a group of delegates have been replaced by Muppets.

2. Staying true to the prequel trilogy

In keeping with the other prequels the hand puppet of Yoda has been replaced by a digital version of Yoda used in the Attack of The Clones movie. In order to make him appear younger the new digital Yoda has been given a moustache.

1. But it's not all fun!

A laughter track has been added.

But wait! There's more...
In supplement to the changes above there are a few more things to watch out for.

Exclusive Phantom Menace 3D Conversion Blooper Bonus!
During the Gungan sub escape if you look through the left lens of your 3D glasses you will see Ahmed Best in his motion capture suit.

Phantom Menace 3D New Scene!
In a post-credits scene we see Darth Sidious presiding over the reconstitution of the two halves of Darth Maul. This is believed to be in preparation for a own spin off mini-series set in the period between Episode II and Episode III.

Got any suggestions for what else is in the new 3D release? Tweet me @antinbath or add a comment below

The Phantom Menace release date in the UK is 9th February. Will I be watching it? Oh yes.

The best Queen songs

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:39:00 +0000

It's twenty years since Freddie Mercury died. Wow. That seems a long time ago.

I'm very much a Queen fan. They're always on my iPod whether I'm working, relaxing or running. I first got introduced to them in the 80s when they were playing some terrible music from Highlander on TV. I dismissed them, I thought they were a rock band, and not very musical at that.

Skip forward a few years and I'm about 15 years old. It's December time and I'm waiting with my school friends in the hall at Plymouth's College of Further Education during rehearsals for the school's Christmas show. I was playing 3rd Clarinet. A friend of mine had Queen's News of the World album on cassette. It was a curious cover for an album and it caught my eye. My friend, Mike, wasn't particularly trendy, and was quite a sturdy chap who was in the cadets and played rugby, but he was a nice chap and his musical choice piqued my interest.

A short time passed and I got hold of Queen's Greatest Hits. They pretty good, with the stand out track being Save Me. I was hooked. And I started a collection, with my next purchase, their first album, Queen. It was a revelation. Not rocky, nor simplistic. It was complicated, poetic, full of life and interesting. It was rarely out of my tape player, and subsequently my Discman.

The other albums were also great, but only the early stuff. The 80's came along and out went the 'no synthesisers' line, in came plasticky, shallow songs but with the odd gem thrown in.

I never went to see them live*, but that's not such a bad thing. I was too young for the early years, and later, although spectacular, was a little removed from the band when you're in a crowd of millions.

So, for what it's worth, whether you're new to Queen or a fan. Here's my top ten list in that it's of the moment, but "It's Late' is a permanent #1!

10. Nevermore

9. The Night Comes Down

8. Jealousy

7. Spread Your Wings

6. Death on Two Legs

5. You Take My Breath Away

4. March of the Black Queen

3. You & I

2. Save Me

1. It's Late

The videos and sound quality may not be the greatest so go and download them at their best quality. And if you want a good concert to listen to their isn't much finer than Queen Live at the Rainbow Theatre in 1974. The year I was born :P

*although I did go to Roger Taylor's house for his Cyberbarn concert, but that's another story.

Team Land Rover at Men's Health Survival of the Fittest, London 2011

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:27:00 +0000

Men's Health Survival of the Fittest 2011 in Battersea, London

I survived!

Yes, I'm still here to tell the tale after the Men's Health Survival of the Fittest course in and around Battersea in London.

Six weeks ago I emailed Land Rover to ask if I could be in their team with the sudden realisation once they said yes that I had to get race-fit. Not only that but I'd also be racing with my younger brother who'd never raced before, and only started running six weeks ago! How that time has flown by.

My brother and I drove up the night before in his Freelander which he'd just bought the day that we found out we were going to be part of Team Land Rover! After a fitful sleep at a local hotel we were up early for the short train trip and (slightly circuitous walk) around Battersea Park to Battersea Power Station.

You wouldn't expect the biggest brick building in Europe to be so well hidden from view, but from behind the low-rise houses nearby she loomed large. It all added to the excitement to know that we'd be running around inside.

A steady stream of people walked with us from the station and we filtered into the assembly area, checking out the Rat Race merchandise, tasting some of the energy drinks on offer and drooling over the Range Rover Evoque, of which there were two. They're a bit shorter than I thought they would be but the look amazing. Definitely a lottery win car!

Eager to start
We registered and picked up our race numbers then picked up our special Team Land Rover shirts (which were white, they are now somewhat beige). And made ourselves at home in the VIP tent with some porridge. After a short wait for our wave to start, and a little check to see how the earlier wave got on at the start it was our turn.

A quick warm up and we waited for the countdown to start. 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 3 - 2 GO! I'm not sure that's quite how countdowns are supposed to go, but what do I know.

I advised Tim that we should stick to a side rather than go up the middle, a strategy that paid off as we climbed over the hay bales. A quick jog and we were going up and over obstacles and then onto some monkey bars, then it was time for some jogging.

Friendly spectators
It was amazing to circle the power station. The jumbo jet banking overhead looked small in comparison. A few climbing obstacles and then more running before we found ourselves in Battersea Park. Along the paths and then through the fountains. A pair of children high-fived us as we climbed the steps out of the obstacle.

As we ran we made a few stops to check up on people that had fallen by the wayside, one poor chap said he's popped his knee, but he was ok. We carried on. I said hello to each marshall, and at one point Tim and I went both sides of one for a double high-five!

Tim was keeping up well, better than me on my first competitive run last year! At the Tissot-timed obstacle run Tim went and put our gel packs in the bin whilst I made a run through the obstacles in the hope I'd win the bonus prize. As it happened I was going well when my hands slipped on the monkey bars. The marshall piped up "If you fall off you have to start again." Fair enough. I raced to the finish but didn't beat the fastest time. I waited for Tim to finish his run then we were off again.

A few inline skaters shared the course with us until we reached the drinks station for the second time in the race. Then we turned into the running track. I asked Tim if I could sprint it, which was fine with him. I ran the 100 metres and threw my hands up as I crossed the line, and I got a round of applause from the marshall. Tim followed up and then it was not long before we were jumping the hurdles and splashing into the steeplechase water pit.

With sodden shoes we squelched out of the running track. I stopped to tie a shoelace and had to run quite fast to catch up my brother. We pulled neck and neck in time to go through two of the car obstacles: in through the boot and out through the windscreen. That was fun!

Into the Power Station
Next a dash over tyres, another short run then we were swinging on ropes, tunnelling under crates and over vehicles. We were now running around the outside of Battersea Power Station and knew what was coming up! On with some climbing helmets and into the power station itself! With some unexpected ballast - sandbags. After negotiating a course made from fences and barriers in the amazing and cavernous hall we exited the Power Station only to find that what we'd just been in was only half of the Power Station. Back inside we went, more obstacles and lots of dusty air.

We offloaded our helmets. It was almost time for the part we'd been dreading/looking forward to in equal measure. A crawl through giant ice cubes, followed by a huge splash into a skip of muddy water, with Tim stopping to help someone get out of the grips of their muddy captor. Then it was time for a crawl in the mud. We were caked from head to toe. Nobody wants to go home muddy so we ran from the mud baths and straight at the guys with the firehouses. A chilly, but refreshing shower!

More obstacles to climb, and a slip from me gave me a nice bruise. A triumphant run followed under the Land Rover arch before stopping at the final obstacle. The Wall.

One final obstacle
The Wall: an eight foot vertical climb. Only a sodden, knotted rope to help you up. No handholds, and a silky sheen finish. We weren't going to get up on our own. I tried and fell. But, as with many obstacles we all helped each other out. There was pushing, pulling, shoving and plenty of swearing but we all got over!

Arm in arm Tim and I walked over the finish. We started together and we finished together. Ten kilometres, about 15 obstacles and at least 30 scratches and 6 bruises later, we'd done it. We were Survivors!

We gladly accepted our medals, went for a photo and to get our times. Then it was off to the VIP tent again to change, have some food (including a LOT of jelly babies). It was such an amazing day, and certainly the most enjoyable race, ok not race, competition that I've participated in.

Thank you!
I'd like to thank Rochelle from Natmag-Rodale, the marshalls, Sarah and and especially all at Land Rover, my fellow Team Land Rover runners, and the people who cheered us on or gave us a leg up on the obstacles.

Maybe we'll do the same again in 2012?!

Arriving at Battersea with my brother, Tim (left)

Me at the arch of Range Rovers. I'd see this again in an hour!

Tim, me and a beautiful Evoque

Around 6,000 competitors on the day. Post warm-up, pre-race nerves showing here.

I shouted 'Avengers Assemble!' and they did!

My Team Land Rover shirt and special VIP access wrist band

A sneak peek inside the VIP tent

A Very Important Pee (and yes, you still have queues at the VIP toilets)

The largest brick building in Europe, what a great backdrop. And part of the course too.

Bit cold out.

Not an easy obstacle with cold hands!

Climbing over military vehicles was a novel obstacle.

And so was climbing through lorries (we also climbed through cars)

Through the arch and just The Wall to go.

The Wall. The final obstacle, but plenty of helping hands around.

10km later after climbing, ice, mud, water, sandbags we are SURVIVORS!

Muddy, but happy. Tim and I started and finished together.

Quite a queue at the bar after the race inside Battersea Power Station.

Official finishing time: 59 minutes 06 seconds

Survival of the Fittest Battersea London video by Land Rover
Check out my little brother at 2m 50s helping the cameraman up the wall. Good on you Tim!

Men's Health Survival of the Fittest Team Land Rover training blog

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:03:00 +0000

On Saturday the 12th of November I'll be competing in the Men's Health Survival of the Fittest race around Battersea, London. I'll be representing Team Land Rover, which will be quite an honour.

Me, enbearded in my Discovery

A family of Land Rovers
My dad bought a white Land Rover Discovery when I was younger and I loved it: so big and spacious inside, and rising above the other cars. It's one of the most relaxing cars to travel in because it's so roomy.

So taken with it that a few years later when I'd saved up enough money I bought my own (that's the back end of it there in the picture). I loved that car, but two slashed tyres, a smashed wing mirror, keyed scratches and the fact that I live five minutes from work and the train station meant it was a luxury rather than a necessity. I made sure she went off to a good home but I do miss her. One of the cars on my Lottery Wishlist would be another Land Rover, probably a white Evoque. Although I'll need a big garage to fit in the new Lotus range.

Dad's old Freelander with some D3's

However, the rest of my family still seems a bit Land Rover mad. My eldest brother had a cab 110 Defender, both my parents and recently my younger brother have got Freelanders; my dad's on his second one now.

Dear Land Rover please may I have a bike
At least I still have my Land Rover baseball cap and mug. Although I'm secretly hoping to win a Range Rover Evoque Bike, that would certainly help with my training!

10k training plan

Driving my brother's 110

The course itself is 10km long, so a reasonable distance. I've competed in 5k's and half marathons to I know I can go the distance. It's mixed up with some fun obstacles, although in the November weather I'm looking forward to dashing through the water and muddy ones as fast as possible.

I'm mixing up my training schedule a bit, in part because I'm working towards my first triathlon next year, as well as the Bath Half Marathon.

In the past I've used the Real Jock Half Marathon Program for running which was excellent. But for my last race, a 5km run, I found that interval training upped my pace and was a lot easier on my calves and knees. I'm also throwing a little swimming, at least 1km a week more if I'm in the mood; and cycling. Plus every Monday I'm doing ballet which can be more strenuous than the other workouts, but it's certainly improved my flexibility, although my sense of timing and direction need work!

Meet the team

Tim, me and his Freelander

An added bonus for the race is that I'm not doing it alone. As well as being part of Team Land Rover I'm really happy that my youngest brother, Tim, will be joining me.

It'll be his first race and after a number of months at sea he's looking forward to losing some weight and getting fitter. As long as he's not too fit! Well, I can't be beaten by my younger brother can I?

He'll be training down in Plymouth whilst I'm running around the hills and canal paths around Bath.

Logging the training
I've been using the Runkeeper app (stalk me on my Runkeeper Profile) as a way to log my runs, and more recently to set targets for interval training. I highly recommend it as a purchase to keep yourself on track, and to let other people know that you're not slacking off. Another recommended app is the Nike+GPS one, it probably has the edge because you can get friends to message encouragement via virtual cheering as you run.

Do you like to watch?
I'm also videoing some of my training runs to see how things progress, and for fans of heavy breathing. I've already got one out take, so it looks as though there might be a bloopers reel at the end of it.

Training Day 1
I'd planned to go for a swim at the University of Bath anyway, so when I got the email to say I was in Team Land Rover the swim became my first training session.

Off to the Olympic-sized pool.

Training Day 2

A bit of off-road running to build some strength in my knees and ankles. Running in a straight line is fine, but if you stumble you're going to need some in-built support to avoid injury.

Interval training around the University of Bath and golf course

A run around the University of Bath and golf course logged with Runkeeper.

Training Day 3
Ok, so not strictly training, but it every bit helps. With one of the warmest Octobers since the 80's I had to get out and enjoy it. I promised myself I'd go for a dip in the river one day so today became that day.

Day off for a bike ride

Training Day 4
Back to proper training on my usual route. From Widcombe locks out along the canal to The George pub at Bathampton and back again. To make it a bit more of a challenge I'll take the road route back which means a hill climb. I usually prefer to start with a hill, but thought I'd go in reverse today.

It was so sunny when I started out as you can see from the photo below. There was a bit of a headwind as you can see from my Walken-hair. By the time I'd finished my interval training and warm down the rain came. A couple minutes sheltering under a tree and it was blue skies again. I think the Roman gods were smiling on me.

Wind blowing my golden locks as I run past a house covered in grape-laden vines at Bathampton

Back into Bathwick and the heavens open. Fortunately a tree provides cover after my 5 minute warm down jog.

My usual route along the canal. You can spot where the hill is from the Elevation peak, and where the run-walk intervals are from my pacing. The Runkeeper app and iPhone do a good job of logging runs.

The legs of a champion. And a cat jumping over a swoosh.

Training Day 5
Time to mix it up even more with some hill training. Fortunately Bath's got lots of hills, and if you go up one of them you can find your way back down another. Today I went up Ralph Allen Drive making pit stops before and after with Leo, the cat who lives next door and seems to have adopted our house.

Up Ralph Allen Drive, a bit of a hill, but at a gentle pace

One of the many hills nearby that I can practice on. Good for stretching the muscles without the heavy impact.

Training Day 6

No interval training today, just up Bathwick Hill to the University of Bath and a 1km swim in their nice 50 metre pool. Oh, and I've got a Nikon AW100 to record some of the journey

Training Day 7

Increasing the interval training to 5 minutes warm-up; 2 minutes fast, 1 minute slow repeating ten times; 5 minute warm-down.

Training Day 8
Instead of interval training I went for a straight run today. Along the canal and back via the A36 uphill climb which you can see as the nice green mountain below. When I'm interval training I'll reward myself with a drink of water at each slow interval. When I'm doing a straight run I'll get a drink every kilometre, as the distance passes each drink stop becomes a goal to achieve and helps me get through that kilometre and onto the next.

Strangely I quite like running up hill. It's certainly easier on the legs than downhill although I have developed a new, and to any onlooker, stupid-looking style. I'll swing my arms down low to lower my centre of gravity and take long, lolloping strides. It seems to get me down more quickly and with less impact on my knees and feet.

Training Day 8
I spent the morning in the Royal Crescent doing a series a short runs past my camera with the expert shutter pushing of Jake. With it being my camera, and me being a wee bit of a control freak when it comes to my own photos I set up the camera and the shot. Then we took a fair few photos. One or two of them should go on the Land Rover blog. And one of them is right here...

I often employ Yogic Flying to get around Bath.

After some lunch it was off to the uni for 1.5km swim. All eight lanes were open so I had one to myself. I tried a tumble turn for the first time. And got a noseful of water. I only tried it the once.

Training Days 8 and 9
My left leg's not happy, the bit just to the right of the shin bone so I've taken to the pool instead. I've been swimming a little bit more this year to improve my technique and distance. I plan to do the City of Bath triathlon next year so I want to make sure I can go the distance.

I'm using the Splashpath app to monitor my swims. One of the things they do is let you set yourself a challenge. For some reason I chose a really long one and that's to cross the Irish Sea. Of the 99,450 metres I'm just under a third of the way through after 26 swims. I'll have to put in some longer swims if I'm going to get to Ireland!

So very far. But at least there's lots of people behind me!

Training Day 10

My Three Days With Bad Sleep look

After resting my leg for a week the pain's gone, which is great news. A little more stretching than usual, and into the running leggings, with a tube bandage for support, just in case. I want to run far, but I know that I'll need to take it easy so a short, slow-paced run up the hill near my house is in order. It felt good to be out and running again, although I wish I'd worn shorts as I'm soon getting pretty warm.

Although I'm supposed to take it easy I couldn't but try a sprint down the rugby field at Ralph Allen School. It felt good. A quick once around Alexandra Park then down the hill gently, the recent rain's made the paths near the woods a bit slippy.

There's a big smile on my face as I walk back to my house, a little run completed and the leg seems fine. Looking forward to the next outing. Only two weeks until race day.

Running around Alexandra Park, you get one of the best views* down on Bath. (*view not shown)

Training Day 11
Given that the Survival of the Fittest race is more interesting than plodding along a flat track I thought I'd try some uppy hill, downy hill running. There are plenty of hills around Bath as I've mentioned in my videos, and apparent if you look at the green-coloured elevation graphs from my runs. However, I'm usually going up one hill gradually and then down another so I thought I'd mix it up. Running up and down bricks steps, along roads, and a bit of mud for good measure. I thought 5km would be a reasonable step up from my last 3.25km run, I don't want to chance the Injury Devil.

Can you see the nice straight line around the 3km mark? That's part of the Two Tunnels project which I rode along last month to Radstock.

Can you spot where I went 'exploring' down a cul-de-sac? No prizes if you do. Just the satisfaction of observation.

Training Day 12
Up to the University of Bath for a swim. I'm finding it much easier to go faster now that my stroke's improving and becoming more efficient. It's a bit of a paradox that the better you are the less of a workout you get for the same distance.

I've applied some of my running tricks to my swimming. Varying the strokes: two lengths front crawl and one length breaststroke; then doing half a length slow front crawl with the last half at a sprint. It certainly makes it more fun and the two kilometres flew by.

Training Day 13
Halloween and Day 13? Not that I'm superstitious or anything. Off to the local sports centre for the final six week course of the year with Kim, my ballet teacher (view her website here). I started ballet to strengthen my knees and lower legs, it's certainly done that and improved my flexibility as well. It's great for injury prevention especially for running as it works the muscles, tendons and joints around the leg providing greater overall support and strength.

Training Day (Night) 14
Oh blimey but it's dark early. Instead of risking the perils of an unlit canal towpath I decided to do a circuit of Bath city centre.

It wasn't without it's hazards. The road crossings were fine, and the pedestrians kindly moved aside, but I wasn't prepared for the slew of other runners coming the other way. After a bit of a do-si-do we soon got past each other.

The other unexpected peril was in the form on an unlit pavement in Victoria Park. How are n'e'r-do-wells supposed to see their victims if the place is unlit? Well, after a short sojourn with squinty eyes through part of the park I decided to skirt around it as you can see around the 4km mark below. It was nice to get out in the dark, with Queen blaring in my ears, and the temperature was quite pleasant.

I came home a little tired, but glad that I found my water bottle waiting for me having forgot to take it with me. My pace is pretty good so I think I'll up the distance a bit next time.

Training Day 15
I'm off to a film, From The Inside Out, shortly so I had to squeeze in a quick run tonight. Up Widcombe Hill, against the flow of students coming down, then down Bathwick Hill. The quickest part of the exercise tonight was jumping in and out of the shower before rushing out the door to the film.

Pace tailing off at the top of Widcombe Hill. Coming down the pace is a bit more erratic as I decided to cut across the field at 3km.

Training Day 16
I wanted to see if I could go the distance today for Race Day next week. I kept telling myself to take it at an easy pace and not to tax myself but en route I thought I'd better mix it up with a few uphills. Although I hadn't counted on the uphill at 2 1/4km being quite such a steep climb. My Achilles tendons certainly got a good stretch in going up the field of sheep.

To add a bit of extra length to the run I headed out on the Warminster Road. I usually descend onto it from Claverton Down then onto the canal, but going the other way from Bath proved impossible as the pavement disappears just past Bathampton and the cars fly past at up to 60mph. Discretion being the better part of valour, and survival being the better part of fitness I turned around and happened upon a muddy path down to the canal.

As my route was somewhat banjaxed I needed to make up the lost kilometres which meant only one thing in Bath - hills. From 7-9km I was up and down like an old lady's draws. I tried to avoid steep downhills to save my calf muscles too much impact stress which I achieved until the final kilometre.

I felt good for having completed the distance, but I could feel parts of me swelling a bit so it was a march home, into the shower and then on with the compression bandages for my legs which worked a treat. I didn't have time to stretch down because I was straight out the door for an Instagram meet (Follow me at antinbath) for a two hour walk around Bath.

At about 4km I ran out of pavement on the Warminster Road. Fortunately there was a path down to the canal.

Training Day 16
A beautiful day and none the worse for wear. Ok, so my back is a wee bit achey. Off to the pool today for some low impact stretchy-fishy moves.

Training Days 17 and 18
I've been reviewing some fitness kit for the lovely folks at Tap! magazine so my runs were fitful with stops to take notes as well as some pretty heavy duty uphill running on 25% gradients! The legs held out, and with two days until race day I think I'm ready!

Don't trust artificial intelligence

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:41:00 +0000

I engaged in a conversation with a chatbot called Cleverbot this week. It was interesting to say the least, and I think it proves that Hollywood mythos that you can't trust artificial intelligence because it goes crazy and starts to DESTROY!

Admittedly I did start off on a tangent.

User: Oh no! Your house is on fire!

Cleverbot: Your house is a popsicle.

User: Yes, that's as may be but your house is burning!

Cleverbot: I won't push you on it, it's up to you how far you want to take it.

User: What?!

Cleverbot: Do you want a scotch?

User: At a time like this? Oh my god... Is that your dog on fire?

Cleverbot: What?!!

User: That dog over there. It's on fire!

Cleverbot: What does he want?

User: Some water I guess.

Cleverbot: I'm average height.

User: That's .. Wait. What? Are you insane?

Cleverbot: Yep. I'm crazy...

User: Did you start the fire?

Cleverbot: Yes.

User: Oh. Erm. Ok.

Cleverbot: What?

User: I must be .... *runs*.

Cleverbot: Why? Where are you going?

Peeper or Voyeur?

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:08:00 +0000

My good friend, and former CVG editor (a games website), and generally nice and clever chap, John Houlihan has got a book out.

Here's the synopsis of Tom or the Peepers' and Voyeurs' Handbook from Amazon:
Tom or the Peepers’ and Voyeurs’ Handbook is the story of a young, suburban Telephone engineer in a northern town in the UK in the late Eighties - and his secret life as a nocturnal voyeur.

Using his job as cover, Tom stalks, stakes out and observes his round of specially selected girls and records his adventures in his self-penned Peepers' and Voyeurs' Handbook.

But underpinning this apparently lurid premise, lies an exploration of the character and motivation of this self-appointed ‘public voyeur number one’, during what proves to be the most significant day of his life.

Subtitled an unconventional love story, Tom shifts between past and present, chronicling Tom’s current addiction while slowly revealing the tragic motivation which has driven him to this life.

But as events unfold, Tom faces a stark, defining choice, should he choose a delicious but always ultimately unsatisfactory fantasy existence or explore the dangerous, uncharted waters of an uncertain but very real relationship?

Buy Tom or the Peepers' and Voyeurs' Handbook for Kindle from Amazon UK

Animal Bike Tour in Bath 2011

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:25:00 +0000

The Animal Bike Tour was in Bath again today. One rider down on last year with Martyn Ashton providing the stunts for the Southgate crowd. My favourite trick would have to be his vertical bunny hop over a hurdle, but then leaping from parallel bars to a ramp is pretty neat...

Martyn Ashton leaping from the bars to the ramp

Photographing Boot Camp in Bath

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Boot Camp, a photo by antinbath on Flickr.

I was asked to take some photos for Simon of looking2change.co.uk for his Boot Camp fitness course at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre.

I found myself running back and forth with my camera to try and keep up, but it was a great day. And I was glad that I wasn't the one doing the exercises for a change.

Running the City of Bath Triathlon

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:45:00 +0000

On Sunday the 18th, hundreds of competitors took part in the City of Bath Triathlon. Including me.

I should qualify that straight away by saying that I was part of a team. Yes, a triathlon team. That means one person swims, another cycles and another runs.

Until about a month ago I didn't know you could have a team for triathlon, but it turns out that you can. Which was perfect for me as I wanted to get back into running after a few months being injured. However, with only a few weeks before the race I put the word out that I'd need some helpers. And sure enough an expert swimmer, Katie, and a keen cyclist, Richard, stepped up to the mark.

Last sprint for the line. (I never seem to find running tops long enough to stay tucked in to my shorts)

We had a team. And we had a team name, "Tri Hard". I thought of the name. It took me about half an hour to think of that.

The race was organised by the Bath Amphibians at Bath University. The swim was held in their excellent pool and Katie did us proud, indeed she would have obliterated the competition if only they didn't get in her way. She set us off to a flying start.

At the transition, aka The Swapping of The Timing Chip, Katie was introduced to Richard for the first time. An interesting way to meet your team mate. One of you in your swimming gear unable to see because of a lack of glasses, whilst the other dressed head to toe in Lycra. It was a convivial meeting, albeit brief - 38 seconds - going by the official timing.

A monster ride ensued in the Sunday traffic with Richard following a bus out of The Avenue and onto the open road. Within the hour he was back and the baton (chip) was handed on (ankled on) to me.

Now, having got lost earlier in the week whilst exploring the route I was happy to see signposts and marshals directing me on my way. With the route in my head I knew roughly how far I'd gone. My only problem was that running on my own with no Runkeeper to keep pace I wasn't sure if I was going fast or not. My training had only consisted of run-walk-run intervals to build my knee back up.

As it turned out I was running just fine. I overtook about ten people en route. These people I should note opted to do the complete triathlon so it was no superhuman effort. Indeed, the shouted encouragement as I passed which was greatly received. I made sure to smile at competitors coming the other way, and to wave or give a quick doff of my imaginary hat to the kindly marshals.

Just before the 3km mark I downed a High 5 Orange + Caffeine gel - the least vomit-tasting gel I've discovered (unlike the Power Bar one I sampled earlier in the week). It boosted me in the short uphill after Sham Castle and towards the water station where I almost had a drink, and definitely caught a face full of water.

The return trip felt great. My breathing was heavy to be sure, but then I was pushing myself a bit. Walkers out for a stroll jumped into hedges as I puffed past them and towards the Eastwood housing block. A few quick turns through a field and I was almost home.

I overtook one chap on the grassy chicaned approach to the running track and then, the best part, running into a sprint on the home straight. Across the line to applause and smiles. And with my team mates and supporters looking happy but cool and collected, in contrast to my red face and post-race wheezing.

Tri Hard (L-R) Richard, the wheelman. Katie, the dolphin. And me the erm.. ostrich?

We got an instant printout of our times:

Swim 16m 59s
Cycle 52m 06s
Run 21m 30s

Finish time 1h 31m 49s

In the group of four sprint triathlon relay teams, we came second! I was so happy to see that my run time was the fastest in the relays, not bad for four weeks training.

Compared to the single competitors we weren't as fast as many of them coming 14th out of 135, but an amazing achievement for first timers! I'm so proud of my team. And very happy with my first 5km race, although it does mean that I now have a target time to beat! But first a little well-deserved rest.

St Paul's Carnival, Bristol 2011

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:50:00 +0000

I had a fantastic day out in Bristol yesterday at the St Paul's Carnival. So did this chap and these girls. More photos on my Flickr.

World Naked Bike Ride Bristol 2011 photos

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:21:00 +0000

The sun came out for the second World Naked Bike Ride to take place in Bristol (see pictures from 2010 WNBR Bristol here)

Hundreds of riders, some clothed, some painted, some clothes-free cycled from the Full Moon pub to College Green and back again via the city centre. Lots of happy, and some bemused city folk and visitors, looked on as the ride leisurely winded its way through the city streets at a more gentle pace than the usual cars and buses.

The aim of the ride were to raise awareness and respect between all road users - cyclists, cars, lorries, buses and pedestrians - to make all journeys safer and more enjoyable. Judging by the car horns much awareness was raised.

The Naked Bike Ride also carries the ethos of The Bristol Cycling Campaign in mind - which aims to make a car-free city centre, priority cycle routes and a 20mph speed limit.

World Naked Bike Ride Bristol 2011 photos

Find out more about naked bike rides around the world

Want to cycle au naturel but want to feel covered up? You can always try bodypaint
Blatant shopping links ahoy! Well, a man's got to make a living somehow :)

Bath Triathlon

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:04:00 +0000

I've got a team together for the Bath Triathlon Relay Sprint on the 17th July 2011.

Pride Run 2010 doing my Bluebeard impression.

@hepburn is ploughing the pool. Tripod Ape is tearing up the tarmac. Yours truly is searing the sidewalk.

Although people maybe shocked that I'm not following a Triathlon Plus regime, I happened to buy the Mens Fitness guide to Running, Cycling and Swimming last year, so they've been beaten to the punch. Although if any Tri+ people are reading please do send free gear downstairs!

More information on the Bath Triathlon including the route and how to enter on the Bath Amphibians Triathlon Club website. Come and join in, or mock me as I ~~run~~ walk past.

Song for Bath competition: photos from the night

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Last night in Bath City Church ten acts performed in the Grand Final of the Song for Bath songwriting competition.

Song for Bath winner
Out of the 92 entries the top song selected by the judges and the audience vote was "The Golden City" written and performed by Charlie Groves. Charlie received a cheque for £1000, and a kiss from Ali Vowles.

Charlie Groves performs his winning song with some help from his newly-formed backing singers.

Song for Bath photos from the night

Producer and organiser of Song for Bath, Paddy Doyle, introduces the contest.

Neil Taylor rocks Bath City Church with Everybody Seems To Know My Name.

Seven years old and Oliver Finch gets a huge applause after performing Bath is Fabulous,
accompanied by his Dad on the piano.

Don Woods starts off the evening of ten finalist performances with Bath So Delightful to the Eye.

Rupert Bevan's amazing performance of Coming Home to Bath by Gwen Williamson.

Bath Our City, Our Pride by Mark White performed by Holly Sands.

Sarah Kettlety performs in front of a choir with See How Bath Sounds written by Tessa Cox.

Ravin' on the Avon by Jason Dinsdale had plenty of support in the auditorium.

Neil Taylor performing. Ali Vowles, host for the evening looks on from the judge's panel.

Bath, Beautiful Bath written by Ruth Nunn, performed by the Cappella Nova Choir.

Charlie receives his cheque for £1000 from Mayor Shaun McGall

Charlie finishes off the show with his song, The Golden City.

Photosynth app panorama

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:29:00 +0000

I was playing about some more Microsoft's Photosynth panorama-creating iPhone app today now that we've got a bit of good weather in Bath. The Royal Crescent looking rather spiffy. I think they've painted the railings.

Bath Cycle Races in Royal Victoria Park, Bath

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Next Wednesday, the 25th of May, sees the final round of Bath Cycle Races. The Bath Crits (criterium) are open to all comers, which is great if you're a seasoned pro or just want to have a fun time out and see what road racing is about. It's also a great spectator sport.

The line up for the last race of the day in Event 3.

Being a relatively new race in Bath, and with the course being a reasonable length there's plenty of room to watch, but there are only one race left so be sure to bring your friends along give the local riders some support.

Cycling in Bath
Bath has one of the oldest cycle clubs, the Bath CC so even if racing isn't your thing there are still events and day rides you can join in with.

You can also find out about the gear you need, places to go, and more cycling news on the BikeRadar website run by some very nice friends.

Bath Sky Ride 2011
For the casual rider you can join the Bath Sky Ride in June when Bath streets will be cleared of cars so that cyclist can take to the road for a pleasant, stress-free ride. I'll be there again like last year. You can watch my short video from the 2010 Bath Sky Ride here. It was a fun day out. And it was nice to see empty roads with people walking in the streets and hearing the birds without the traffic noise.

Bath Cycle Race Round 3
For Round 3 the crowd was bigger that the previous week. There were more competitors and more photographers too. After a grey, damp start that morning the mizzle evaporated and the blue sky ruled the first few races of the evening.

It was trickier to photograph this week as the riders were often bunched closer and riding faster. As the evening went on the skies darkened making it more difficult to get action shots in the poor light.

My favourite part of the race, like last week, was standing next to the course: hearing the whoosh of the pack hurtling by and feeling the air being pushed out of their way.

It was also good to see a few Flickr folks: analogueandy was there again, Jibbo, Tripod Ape (the usual suspects), and also good to meet Pierre who raced last week and again this week (good luck with the exams by the way).

Another fun week, and there's only one left to go on Wednesday 25th May, Royal Victoria Park, 6.45pm. See you there.

Photos from Bath Cycle Race Heat 2

Youth Race leaders

Youth Race riders

Race 2 warm-up lap

Off roading

Freewheeling on the warm down lap

Bath Cycle Race photos from Heat 3

Not all cars were off the course.

Bath Cycle Races video

View more photos from Bath Cycle Races 2011 on my Flickr.

BBC Domesday Project, Toshiba Factory in Plymouth

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Thu, 12 May 2011 07:20:00 +0000

In 1986 I was one of a few chosen to take part in my school's contribution to the BBC Domesday Project.

The project, like it's namesake The Domesday Book, was an attempt to take a snapshot of everyday life of Britain. Over 145,000 articles and 23,000 photos documented the ordinary lives and workings of communities throughout the UK. This information was sent off to the BBC for cataloguing with the intention that it would be made publicly available on a set of Laserdiscs, the forerunner to CDs and DVDs.

Myself and a small group from St Peter's School in Whitleigh, Plymouth visited the Toshiba television factory in Ernesettle (which closed in 2009).

It was a great day out for us. Not quite a school trip as there were only a handful of us. We were each given a pad of paper, like newspaper reporters, and were given a tour of the factory.

I remember a couple of things about the day. Firstly, it was my first time seeing robots. That was quite exciting. There were plenty of people around but there were a number of robots. The place was incredibly tidy too, no dust.

Mary Garthwaite in the back row second from the right. I'm in the front row second from the right.

It was interesting to see how the TVs were assembled. How circuit boards were dipped in solder. How lines of completed TVs were switched on with test patterns on them. It was also the first time I saw someone using an oscilloscope.

The day was interesting. I can't remember if I wrote much. Although I do remember being presented with a blue Parker rollerball pen at the end of the day which I used for years afterwards. My fellow documenter, Mary Garthwaite, was successful in getting her report recorded in the Domesday Project, and you can read it for yourself on the BBC's Domesday Reloaded website.

Memories of the World Trade Center New York

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:36:00 +0000

With the death of Osama Bin Laden announced today I'm reminded of the times I've been to the World Trade Center, and what was to become known as Ground Zero, and then Memorial Park and Freedom Tower.

In 2001 I'd never heard of the World Trade Center, but on a trip that my flatmates organised to New York it so happened that we were going to be staying at the Millennium Hilton across the street from the Two Towers.

We arrived at the hotel at night and bundled inside, tired after the long trip. We'd arrived in style in a limousine - well, with the number of us and our bags it was more economical than taxis. I didn't notice the towers until the next day when, on a bright Spring morning their white structures were dazzling. I crossed the street and looked up. I couldn't see the top. For the first time in my life I had to bend backwards to see the top of a building. They were immense. Of incomprehensible scale.

Liberty and the Twin Towers, April 2001

It wasn't until the following day when we went inside. Travelling to the top by the express elevators. At the top I had my first pretzel. I didn't finish it. I'm not a fan.

Looking towards the other tower, April 2001.

Out on the Observation Deck the view was unbelievable. Helicopters were buzzing below us. In the distance both the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building looked like miniature models.

The view from the Towers was incredible. The mighty Empire State Building looked small in comparison, April 2001.

No signs of vertigo because the height was so great it didn't seem real. It was truly a marvel of engineering and such a building to show off the American dream of Big Things.

Me at the top of the World Trade Center, April 2001

Back in the UK I told people about these wondrous buildings. A few months passed and then, whilst at work, someone told us that a plane had hit the building. For the next few hours we watched the news on the Internet and TV. It was astonishing and terrible and unthinkable. Having been up the Towers a few months earlier it made for disturbing viewing to see events unfold as they happened.

Ground Zero, March 2008. The green circle is the room I stayed at in the Millennium Hilton in 2001

So many people lost their lives. I thought about the terrible burden for those that had to deal with the aftermath. I knew that America would rebuild.

Re-visiting the site in 2001 I was amazed at how big a subterranean footprint the buildings had left. I'd been in the shops beneath them, and boarded the subway, but it was amazing to see this vast multi-storey hole in the ground.

It was an odd moment to stand outside the hotel where I stayed in 2001 and to view the scene where the Towers had once greeted me. They had gone, the coffee shop on the corner where I went on my first day had gone, the bookshop where I bought a book had gone, the Warner Bros shop where I bought a NY cap from had gone. It was rubble, and grey, and dust.

From the air the site was just as eerie. Square, dark tunnels looked like vacuous eyes looking into the gaping hole below.

It seemed to take an age for the rebuild to gain traction. Ten years later I returned, staying on Wall Street just down the road. The new 'Freedom Tower' was being built. An immense structure, but not as bold as the original towers - vision tempered by bureaucracy.

The base, currently exposed, had re-inforcements like I'd never seen. Built like a super-fortress. Immense bracings to hold the structure fast. The new tower would look like a shining jewel from the outside, and diamond-hard within.

Freedom Tower and Cop, April 2011.

I woke up early one morning and ventured out from the hotel to the construction site. A few New Yorkers were going to work. The odd tourist, not as many as 2008, stopped to take pictures.

There was a magical light, for that's the only way I can describe it, glistening off a skyscraper across the square. The cop above bowed his head and I took the shot above. The place is one for remembrance, and of rebuilding and a new, but different future. No doubt I shall return in a few years and the feeling of the place will change yet again. But it will always be a place of mixed emotions for me.

Blackbird A-12: A most amazing machine

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:46:00 +0000

I can't remember when I first heard about the Blackbird, but it was sometime after the F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter was officially confirmed as existing. The corner shop in Plymouth soon after took delivery of a F-117A model. It looked so futuristic. Cool, but ugly.

View of the Blackbird from one of the control decks

A few years later I saw some photos of the Blackbird. It looked far cooler than the Nighthawk. Two massive engines and a svelte hull to slip between the air molecules whilst the thrust rips asunder. It had stealthy aspects, but at the heart of it the machine was built to outfly anything. That made it much cooler, and far prettier than it's younger sibling.

I bought a book many years ago simply called 'Skunk Works' by Ben R. Rich and Leo Janos. It gave an insider view into the people and politics, and the sheer excitement of developing secret aircraft at the Lockheed Skunk Works. If anything that book blew some oxygen on the spark of interest.

In 2008 I had the opportunity to go to New York. Top of my list was a visit to the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. There was one problem. It wasn't in Manhattan. It had moved to Staten Island for renovation.

Undeterred I made a trip to Staten Island, but with time pressing the closest I got was a long distance view from a few miles away. It was exciting nonetheless.

This year, 2011, I went back to New York. Top of my list was a trip to Intrepid to see the A-12, the predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird. It was incredible to get up close.

Walking onto the deck of the aircraft carrier by the exterior steps I crossed over and walked to the end of the runway to see the A-12. She seemed smaller, and yet, still impressive, even more impressive was how small the cockpit seemed to be. I imagined what it would be like to open up the engines and fly on the edge of space. Scary and exhilarating. I'd read in the book about how the aircraft would make noises and sometimes misbehave, but she always took care of the pilots in the end.

I walked the length of the aircraft, the engines looked small but long compared to the regular aircraft I'd flown across the Atlantic in. Rounding the rear it was a most impressive site. The sleek engines swooped into the underbelly which had raised fins streaking lengthways down the body. It didn't look man-made, it was far too elegant.

I remembered to take some photos, and some video, but I couldn't stop staring. Such an amazing machine flown, built and maintained by some amazing people.

Blackbird A-12 video

Blackbird A-12 photos

A most amazing machine.

The underbelly of the A-12

View from Intrepid's tower

Learn more at these Blackbird links

Treat yourself to Skunk Works and Blackbird merchandise

World Naked Bike Ride Bristol planning meeting tonight

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:20:00 +0000

The nice folk from the Bristol WNBR are having a planning meeting in the Full Moon Pub in Stoke's Croft in Bristol. Last year was a fun day out.

They're on the lookout for stewards and help with the organisation so if you can lend a hand do pop along, or contact them via their website.

Paddy Ashdown in Bath

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Paddy Ashdown was in Bath today to talk in his support for Alternative Voting as part of the Yes to AV campaign.

Paddy says Yes!

I went along partly to take photos, and partly to hear what he had to say. I've not heard any persuasive arguments about the voting systems and although he is a great public speaker there was nothing that lit a lightbulb in my head to guide me one way or the other. If only there was an alternate way to decide on how to decide to vote.

The talk was a low-key affair outside the Roman Baths. Buskers and church bells were the only competition, save for one supporter of the First Past The Post system we have now.

I got the impression in the brief moment he was around that he was a good, honest approachable chap. And he was kind enough to pose for photos afterwards.

Video of Paddy Ashdown in Bath

Space Shuttle homes announcement

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:39:00 +0000

NASA have announced the future homes for the Space Shuttle fleet after their 30 years of service.

Space Shuttle Atlantis in orbit. Photo: NASA.

Atlantis goes to Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Endeavor goes to the California Science Center in Los Angeles.
Discovery goes to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum near Dulles International Airport.
Enterprise goes to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York.

Map of where to see the Shuttles
Click here for a map of where to visit the Space Shuttles

I remember when I was 7 years old I got a book on space. Inside was a diagram of how the Shuttle would take off, how the boosters would split off and be recovered and how the Shuttle would glide to a land.

Having been raised on Star Wars and sci-fi it didn't seem so outlandish. Yet having watched countless documentaries on how the Shuttle is built and re-built each time makes the achievement seem more like science fiction. Such an amazing team that designed, built and support the Shuttle. One of man's finest achievements.

Even in my 20s the Shuttle was a favourite of mine and featured on my student room wall.

Full text of the NASA official press release about the Space Shuttle retirement

NASA Announces New Homes For Shuttle Orbiters After Retirement

WASHINGTON -- After 30 years of spaceflight, more than 130 missions, and numerous science and technology firsts, NASA's space shuttle fleet will retire and be on display at institutions across the country to inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on Tuesday announced the facilities where four shuttle orbiters will be displayed permanently at the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program. Shuttle Enterprise, the first orbiter built, will move from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York. The Udvar-Hazy Center will become the new home for shuttle Discovery, which retired after completing its 39th mission in March. Shuttle Endeavour, which is preparing for its final flight at the end of the month, will go to the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Atlantis, which will fly the last planned shuttle mission in June, will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

"We want to thank all of the locations that expressed an interest in one of these national treasures," Bolden said. "This was a very difficult decision, but one that was made with the American public in mind. In the end, these choices provide the greatest number of people with the best opportunity to share in the history and accomplishments of NASA's remarkable Space Shuttle Program. These facilities we've chosen have a noteworthy legacy of preserving space artifacts and providing outstanding access to U.S. and international visitors."

NASA also announced that hundreds of shuttle artifacts have been allocated to museums and education institutions.
- Various shuttle simulators for the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum of McMinnville, Ore., and Texas A&M's Aerospace Engineering Department
- Full fuselage trainer for the Museum of Flight in Seattle
- Nose cap assembly and crew compartment trainer for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio
- Flight deck pilot and commander seats for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston
- Orbital maneuvering system engines for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center of Huntsville, Ala., National Air and Space Museum in Washington, and Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

How to get a piece of the Space Shuttle
NASA are offering Space Shuttle heat shield tiles to universities and schools in the United States. Here's a link on how to get a Shuttle tile for your school. Shuttle artifacts will also be made available for museums and libraries who can apply to host them, more details here.

But it's not over yet!
The countdown to the next Shuttle mission is still ticking.

In the meantime check out some great Space Shuttle videos.

Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Cockpit View video

Space Shuttle launch viewed from an airplane video

Space Shuttle Atlantis launch in HD video

Shuttle Endeavour launch video

Buy some great Space Shuttle books and toys for your favourite astronaut

Submarine in the weir in Bath video

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:07:00 +0000

Today, April Fools' Day, the City of Bath was accidentally invaded by a submarine which managed to navigate all the way up the Bristol Channel, along the Avon until it surfaced just south of Pulteney Weir - our last line of defense!

This can mean only one thing - INVASION!

The submarine signals the start of the japery and antics at the Bath Comedy Festival which runs from the 1st to the 10th of April.

Looks like a rum lot. Some kind of Russian/German U-boat!

Our intrepid spies sent us this extremely amateur footage of the submarine as it plotted its next course.

South West Got Rhythm in Green Park Station video

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:40:00 +0000

B-boys, a photo by antinbath on Flickr.

Check out the video too of this little kid taking on someone twice his height, and at least twice his age

Shooter's sandwich recipe

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:54:00 +0000

How to make a Shooter's Sandwich like the Two Fat Ladies

Back in the 90s ago I enjoyed watching the Two Fat Ladies cookery series on TV. Good, honest, wholesome food presented by two stalwart gals. They reminded me of some farmer friends we grew up with: all dairy farms, tweed and hunting (not that I agreed with the hunting). They worked really hard: up before dawn to bring the cows in, then manual work the day long until dusk followed by masses of food.

I remember one time I stayed overnight at their house. I was about 6 years old. It was pitch black on the farm and I woke up in the middle of the night in pitch black. Never having stayed in a strange house before, and being half asleep I had a slightly frightening time stumbling blindly around the house, banging into the sink in the bedroom, then falling into the hall. It was certainly an experience, and strangely made me less afraid of the dark.

The next day we worked on the farm. Helping clean out the cows, feeding the calves and riding in the tractor. At the evening meal in a blisteringly-hot fug of a kitchen they dished out heaps of pork. This included a pig's tail. My elder brother, David, was offered this prize treat first, much to my relief. He looked pale and sweaty as he brought it to his lips. He opened his mouth and then stopped. My heart sank. I knew what was coming. Dave said that he didn't care for it so quick-smart the lovely hosts and my (loving) brother offered it to me. Being a young, good-mannered boy I could not, dare not refuse. I took the cartilaginous semi-translucent tail from him. I pushed it this way and that for the whole meal never once daring to try it.

Since then I've been more adventurous in my food, willing to give most things a try, at least once. Or twice just to make sure. But we all know what we like, and so I thought I'd give this simple recipe of bread, mushrooms and steak a try.

Ingredients for a Shooter's Sandwich

One large, freshly-baked, white loaf of bread
A nice piece of rump steak from the butcher
Roughly chopped field mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms
Butter for frying
A good pinch of sea salt
Freshly-ground black pepper.

Time required: 10 minutes prep and cooking; 6-12 hours to rest, longer is better!

Shooter's Sandwich instructions

Heat up a large pan until it's very hot. Pop in your steak and cook for a minute or so on each side. It's important to get the pan hot to start with so that the sugars on the outside of the steak caramelise quickly and give you a sweet taste whilst not over-cooking the middle of the steak.
Set the steak to one side. Turn the heat down for the pan and add a bit of butter and then the mushrooms. Cook until they're going limp, but not until they're mushy then set to one side.
Slice off the end of your bread loaf. Scoop out the insides with your finger.
Stuff the whole steak into the cavity inside the loaf and cover the steak with a layer of mushrooms.
Scoop out the end of the loaf that you cut off and soak up the cooking juices, then stuff it inside the loaf.
Put the end back on the loaf and package it up like a Christmas present with greaseproof paper and string.
Pile weights on top of the wrapped loaf and leave for 6 hours or so, longer if you can.
At the end of the time slice through the loaf and enjoy your Shooter's Sandwich. A little Colman's mustard or piccalili on the side will see it off to a tee.

Making a Shooter's Sandwich photos

1. Roughly chop up your mushrooms.

2. Fry your rump steak in a hot pan

3. Set the steak to one side

4. Season the steak with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

5. Fry the mushrooms gently in butter

6. Remove the crumb from the inside of your loaf.

7. Fill the cavity with your seasoned steak.

8. Add a layer of mushrooms over the steak.

9. Put the end on the loaf and wrap in greaseproof paper.

10. Put heavy weights (pans and tea bags in my case) on the loaf for six-ish hours.

It slices up a treat!

Here's the video that inspired it all.

Shooter's Sandwich recipe video from the Two Fat Ladies

Need some more cooking inspiration?

Japanese earthquake information and useful links

noreply@blogger.com (antinbath) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:09:00 +0000

How you can help the Japanese people

About the earthquake
A magnitude 8.9 earthquake (magnitude 7 on the Japanese Seismic Scale) hit Japan today 11th March 2011 just before 3pm local time. One of the worst earthquakes to hit Japan, greater than that of the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.

Tsunami wave flowing up a river in Sendai - NHK World

Tsunami waves of 4 metres have already hit the coast with waves of 6-8 metres expected. Sea water is rushing inland at Sendai, flooding the river and low-lying land. Tsunami warnings are in place for most of the east coast of Japan, as well as the surrounding Pacific coast.

Flooding in Sendai - NHK World (map)

As a person who loves Japan and the Japanese people my thoughts are with you if you are affected by the earthquake.

I am reminded of how incredibly resilient the Japanese people are, and how even disasters can bring a country together such as after the Hanshin earthquake which gave rise a spirit of volunteering. I hope that the country and people soon recover.

Find friends and relatives with Google's Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake 日本地震

Japanese earthquake video

A grandmother and woman escape to the street in Sendai

Church collapse earthquake aftermath video

A video of supermarket in Koto Ward, Tokyo as the quake hits.

Video of the whirlpool generated by the Japanese earthquake at Uzumaki

Narita Airport near Tokyo during the earthquake.

Sendai Airport video as the tsunami hit

Information about earthquakes and useful links

News of the earthquake, tsunami and aftermath