Game: Iter Vehemens ad Necem
Iter Vehemens ad Necem (or IVAN, for short) is a graphical rogue-like that is simple enough for the casual gamer to play, but has even more depth than most of the others. Don't let the confusing name fool you, this is a game that rivals that of Nethack in the sheer joy of playing it.
Within the world of IVAN, you play a lowly banana picker. One day, you are on your break when you are called to the castle. The viceroy of this colony tells you that another colony close by may be plotting against him, and you are givin the mission to take a letter to this place. You are not told what this letter says (you can't even read it), why you should do it, or what you are going to get out of it. You are just ordered to do it. Yes, the story is pretty lame, but the gameplay easily makes up for it. (Synopsis stolen from www.GameHippo.com)
Book: England, Their England by A. G. Macdonell
Unforunately, I can't find a ready-made synopsis for this one, and even more unfortunately, I haven't read it yet, so I can't really write a decent one myself. The best thing for you to do would be to get on Amazon and read some of the full-length reviews on there. I discovered the book last night while listening to James H. Reeve. A racist caller (called Roy) started talking about a book called England, My England and James was reminded of a hilarious episode in England, Their England concerning two pages worth of description of the last ball in a game of cricket. He was chuckling away and I can't wait to get the book to share in the joke.
Website: www.googlefight.com
It's not a shop, it's not a reference site, it's a bit of fun. You key in two keywords (or phrases), click 'Make a fight' and the two battle it out for the most hits on Google. Try out names, places, jobs, sports-people, etc. Anything you fancy. I haven't spent that much time on it, but I thought I'd let you know about it. Incidentally, I was recommended this last week while listening to a guy called Mark Keen when he was filling in for Stannage, before James H. arrived.
And if you're interested: I'm currently listening to a recording of the best band in the world, Slint, playing a concert in France on the 3rd of March (the day after I saw them with my mate, Ad, in London) on their recent reunion tour. Those guys are just too good. Go and discover them if you haven't already!
