Random Articles - RAW 160226

This week seemed to be a bit of a slow in terms of book news, I may have to check my feedly news feed to see if something's gone wrong. However there are other articles of interest like the news of a Star Trek-like toy maker, a theory as to why a fierce Viking was indestructible and Vexillology.  So sit back with your favourite beverage and enjoy a good read this weekend.

Sci-fi Book Covers Stripped Back to the Essentials

Some of our favourite book covers of all time have come from the sci-fi and fantasy genre. And graphic designer Nicolas Beaujoua clearly shares our enthusiasm, as he's created this series of minimalist book covers titled the 'Ultimate Geek Selection'.  Read more...

Bookstore Bans Tablets, Helps Demonstrate That 'Information Overload' Is All Relative

There’s a new bookstore in London that’s touting itself as a haven for those who want to get away from information overload. Libreria has no wi-fi, and all tablets and phones are banned. But, without realizing it, this bookstore is demonstrating how the term “information overload” is all relative. Read more...

Vancouver Public Libraries Most Checked Out Books of 2015

The Vancouver Public Library has just announced the most checked out books of 2015. It gives people a sense on what people are reading in one of the worlds most cosmopolitan cities One of the most interesting aspects about this list is that there is a lot of mysteries and thriller books. I think this is chiefly because authors tend to write these books in a series, and once a reader checks out one, they feel compelled to read the others. Read more...

New Release: Haraken (The Silver Ships Book 4)

If you read my post Two Space Operas Worth Reading you'll know I enjoyed The Silver Ships books. Book fouyr in the series is being released 1st March, 2016.  Follow the links to get your copy.  In the near future, a second series will be launched and tell the story of a third Earth colony ship, whose people carve out a landing on a rocky (make that volcanic) new home world.
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Screw Barbie, Mattel's released a 3D printer so kids can now make their own toys

Toy maker Mattel announced at the New York Toy Fair last week that it's about to release an affordable 3D printer to the market, which will allow kids to design and print their own toys at home - no more having to make do with stock-standard G.I. Joes and Barbies. Read more...

Widespread Flaw Could Allow Hackers To Hijack Your Wireless Mouse Or Keyboard

It can surely be convenient to plug a dongle into your computer’s USB port and use a mouse or keyboard without the hassle of wires everywhere, but according to a new report from an Internet of Things security company, many wireless keyboards and mice are vulnerable to hackers. And once an attacker has access to those peripherals, they could easily download malware or steal information from your devices. Read more...

Design in Flags: The Beauty Found in Japan’s Flags

Japan consists of 47 prefectures, which are further divided into cities, towns, and villages. Each of these prefectures, cities, towns and villages have their own flag. The flags take their inspiration from nature, the seasons, animals, and more, simplifying these elements to produce a minimal and strong symbol, making many of the flags especially interesting from a designer’s perspective. Read more...

Egil's Bones (fasinating read - WMc)

An Icelandic saga tells of a Viking who had unusual, menacing features, including a skull that could resist blows from an ax. He probably suffered from an ailment called Paget's disease. Read more...

I Feel I Think I Believe

Have you noticed how everyone today seems to tell us what and how they feel? “I feel like we should pray about that before we do it.” “I feel like Hillary Clinton would make a terrible (or wonderful) president.” “I feel like that’s an unfair statement.” I could be wrong here, but aren’t these “I feel” statements more common than they used to be? It may be a matter of mere semantics or a matter of the evolution of the English language. But it may just be more than that. It may just point us to something we ought to consider. Read more...