I’ve just discovered this great site that tells you how stuff works. It’s called HowStuffWorks.

In just three minutes I’ve found the following gems:

Can flour explode?
The true story behind The Amityville Horror
What causes an ice cream headache?


This is an essential resource when you’ve got a five year-old.

I’ve always been a fan of Ray Harryhausen’s stop motion effects, and Billy has become a fan too. We’ve started watching all of the old films again, and here’s what we think of the ones we’ve watched so far (in chronological order).

Earth vs The Flying Saucers (1956)
This is a real B-Movie. That’s not always a problem, but the story is pretty diabolical. Effects are good for their day, but there aren’t really enough of them, and the actors in rubber alien costumes are terrible. It’s a shame Ray wasn’t allowed to animate the aliens. The movie tagline was “Warning! Take Cover! Flying Saucers Invade Our Planet! Washington, London, Paris, Moscow Fight Back!”. 5/10

The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
I like this film. The difference in the effects in this one compared to ‘Earth vs The Flying Saucers’ is amazing, and the story is great too. Animated monsters include: Cyclops, a sword-wielding skeleton, a two-headed Roc and a dragon. Brilliant. 7/10

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Definitely my favourite Harryhausen film. Talos is still as scary today as he was when I was 7. We’ve watched this film over and over. As a kid I remember watching open mouthed as Poseidon appeared in the sea holding open the ‘Clashing Rocks’. 9/10

Last week was highly eventful.
Annie did her first poo in her potty, and Billy’s got his first couple of wobbly teeth.

Fancy taking the mick out of Mr Acorah. Then get yourself a Kreed Kafer = Derek Faker TShirt. They ship in from the US, but with the current exchange rate that’s quite cheap. Oh and before you ask, yes they are available in medium.

We are currently watching Most Haunted and it’s the adverts. Derek Acorah has just mentioned Highwayman Rik Eedles. Myself and Paula instantly thought this must be another anagram. Is it a coincidence that “Rik Eedles” is an anagram of “Derek Lies”? Is this Kreed Kafer all over again?

Derren Brown’s own website has also undergone some changes, so check it out for news on the tour and new series.
You can also buy limited edition original Derren Brown artwork like the one above and he also has a post showing how his picture of Cate Blanchett came together. 50 quid for a signed piece seems like pretty good value to me.

Check out Derren Brown’s new series Trick of the Mind starting tonight on Channel 4.

An Irish bookmaker is taking bets on who the next Pope should be. The favourite is Cardinal Francis Arinze with odds of 3-1. Odds are also 3-1 that the new Pope will be known as Pope Benedict.
I think there should be a new reality tv show allowing us all to phone vote for our favourite with the winner becoming Pope. The name of this show? Why Pope Idol of course!

Put the bottle in a bucket with ice, water and a large handful of salt. The salt reduces the freezing point of water and will allow it to become superchilled, which will in turn chill the bottle of wine in six minutes flat.
[Lifehacker]

Some guy in Japan has written some Excel macros that allow you to play pacman and space invaders in your spreadsheet presumably whilst filling out your tax return. Why do I find this so disturbing?