TempestTwins Bloghttp://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/index.htmlTempestTwins Blogenmice@mindless.comCopyright 2007 Ship's Mouse2008-09-24T02:36:35+01:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:10:17 +0100International Talk Like A Pirate Daymice@mindless.comPirates2008-08-19T06:28:41+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-127http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-127jolly rogerDon't Forget next month on September 19th is international talk like a pirate day.
]]>Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer part 3mice@mindless.comSide Tracked2008-08-17T01:15:07+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-133http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-133kegsThis is the third part of this Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer.

After the grains have sat for an hour and a half, drain off a minimum of a couple of pints and pour it over the grains. (If the fermenting bin does not have a tap at the bottom, I recommend using a second bin, a very large sieve and a muslin.) Now drain off all the liquid and place it in a saucepan.

Now pour boiling water through the grains, twice and then drain off this liquid too and place in the saucepan. Repeat this until the specific gravity (SGs) are below 1010SGs at 20ºC or there is no more space in several saucepans (remember this liquid will be expected to boil so not all the way up to the top).

Bring all this liquid to the boil and add the first or main batch of hops. Boil for three quarters of an hour, before adding the next batch of hops. Boil for a quarter of an hour, before adding any sugar required. Boil for another quarter of an hour, before adding a tea spoon of irish moss. This is used to reduce the amount of loose sediment in the brew and so taint the flavor of the beer. Boil for another quarter of an hour, before straining into a fermentation vessel.

Add water to make up the difference between the boiled liquid and the required amount to brew, usually five gallons or forty pints. If the fermentation vessel is designed to take a bubbler, it is highly recommended to use one as it again reduces the chances of contaminateion. Add any hops required for a dry hop and when the temperature has dropped below 25ºC add the yeast. The yeast usually takes about a day to show any real evidence of working.
]]>Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer part 2mice@mindless.comSide Tracked2008-08-13T04:16:33+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/10-august-2008#unique-entry-id-129http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/10-august-2008#unique-entry-id-129kegsThis is the second part of this Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer. Please note this is the general recipe, it does not include quantities of grains, malt or hops.

Three days before beer is going to be brewed a yeast starter needs to be made unless a packet of dried brewers yeast is being used. Sterilize all equipment that is going to be used either by boiling or using sterilizing solution. This is to stop contamination of the beer, as unclean or unsterilized items will allow beer to go moldy rather than ferment.

Heat two to three gallons of water to 75ºC. There are eight pints in one gallon, so between sixteen and twenty-four milk bottles of water. Pour this water into a fermentation vessel and check the waters temperature has fallen to 72º. The basic fermentation vessel looks like a large open bin.

Mix into the water the ingredients, starting with the darkest grains, stirring constantly to prevent dry lumps appearing. If malt extract syrup is being used, a pound (or two parts) is equivalent to one and a half pounds (or three parts) crushed pale malt. Once the pale malt touches the hot water it releases a smell like Horlicks Malt drink. When all the ingredients have been added check the temperature is 66º. Add more hot or cold water till 66ºC is reached and all the grains are covered. Now place a lid on and wrap the fermentation bin up in a bin liner and then a thick duvet (to keep it warm) for an hour and a half.

(Please note they recommend that when cleaning cloths, to remove germs, high temperatures are used at least 60°C. Cooking food thoroughly also reduces the number of germs. Therefore the grains are soaked in water over his temperature.)
]]>Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer part 1mice@mindless.comSide Tracked2008-08-07T08:16:00+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/03-august-2008#unique-entry-id-128http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/03-august-2008#unique-entry-id-128kegsThis is the first part of this Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer.
Three days before beer is made, a yeast starter is started. This is created from live, bottle conditioned beer or the last batch of beer brewed and spray malt.

First bring a milk bottle to the boil in a large saucepan. All the glass needs to be under the surface of the boiling water as this reduces the germs. In another saucepan bring half a pint of water to the boil and add three tables spoons of spray malt (sugar can be used instead). Allow to boil for a couple of minutes after it has all dissolved. Pour the mixture into the milk bottle and add a cork and bubbler (this reduces the chances of unwanted bacteria growing). When the temperature has dropped below 25º add the yeast part of the bottle of live or bottle conditioned beer. Then store in a warm spot till ready to brew the beer. (This used to be the airing cupboard till we got a combi boiler and the airing cupboard became a shower!)
]]>Smugglingmice@mindless.comPirates2008-07-29T10:07:15+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/27-july-2008#unique-entry-id-132http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/27-july-2008#unique-entry-id-132kegsSmuggling in England started about 13th century. Edward I placed a customs duty on the export of wool because it was in great demand in Europe. This was the first permanent customs system established in England. The initial duties started quite small, but as the Hundred Years War progressed, so the tax went up. The usual image of smuggling in England comes from about the 18th and 19th century, when the high taxes led to a dramatic increase in illegal imports.

When I was a kid my Mother used to tell us that we were descended from the vicar of Appledore on the Devon, Cornwall border, near Bideford. Occasionally when he went to collect his horses in the morning he would discover they were tired as if they had been out all night. On those occasions if he searched the stable carefully he would find a bottle of brandy.
]]>Fu Lu Shoumice@mindless.comSide Tracked2008-07-23T08:12:07+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/20-july-2008#unique-entry-id-130http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/20-july-2008#unique-entry-id-130Fu Lu Shou CharactersAs Cheng Li is based on a Chinese pirate in the early 19th century called Cheng I Sao, I thought you might be interested in knowing more about China's traditions. So I chatted to my Hubbie's Dad and Nai Nai (Nanny in mandarin) and they explained about Fū Lu Shou.

Fu Lu Shou (Three Stars of Blessings, Auspicious Trinity or the Three Gods) are much respected and revered in China. Almost every shop or household has at least one collection and they are usually displayed in the doorways. They represent wealth, wisdom and long life or blessings, prosperity and longevity. They enhance all the good things in life. Xing means star, which explains stars of blessings.

Fu Lu Shou
Fu Xing represents fortune and wealth. Nai Nai described him as the classic western version of the Mandarin, a very wealthy character. This character is associated with luck, good fortune and opportunity, 'may a lifetime of fortune stars watch over you'.

Lu Xing represents wisdom. Nai Nai described him as the scholar, as he is almost always carrying books which denote his wisdom. "This word originates from feudal China to symbolize 'success in government', where the highest post in life was considered an appointment as a government official. Learned men would study for ten years just to qualify for the post - the honour and sense of ffulfilment' that followed was considered the ultimate success. Although the literal translation of this character is 'government official', over the years it has come to represent satisfaction and happiness through achievement. Lu Xing will bring 'ultimate success and fulfilment'
'."

Shou Xing represents longevity or a long life. Nai Nai described him as the old gentleman which shows his long life. "According to Chinese folklore, Longevity is described as wise, knowledgeable and capable of ruling the world. During festivals, a Chinese family normally worships the symbols or pictures of Longevity to express gratitude for granting the elders in the family a long life. Shou Xing will bring you a 'long and fruitful life'." "Shou Xing is perhaps the most popular of the three stars, and is often portrayed alone. Legend says that Shou Xing spent nine years in the womb, and born with an extraordinarily large forehead. His mother saw the star of the South Pole the night he was conceived; this star is said to determine the time of a person's death, so Shou Xing is often called 'The Old Deity of the South Pole.' Shou Xing is usually seen holding the Peach of Immortality, and carrying a peach wood staff. Legend says that the celestial peach was the Queen of Heaven’s favourite fruit, which blossomed once ever 3,000 years with it taking another 3,000 year for the peach tree to bear fruit. Thus a bite of the celestial peach could gain longevity. In typical illustrations of Shou Xing, a crane, a bat, a deer, or some combination of these may be near him, though they are sometimes associated with the other two stars ("deer" is a homophone of the character for Lu's name)."

Long Life wealth and happiness
The little dish is another way of attracting the blessings. It is read top to bottom then left to right. Chāng (long), mìng (life), gui (wealth) and fù (happiness).

Below is a picture of my Mothers nine (three times three) Shou Xing. She was diagnosed with kidney failure before I was born, and was expected to die when I was five but received a transplant just in time, which lasted an incredible sixteen years. I remember these nine characters being important to her and her explaining about them before my sister was born. Nai Nai showed me that several had peaches (long life) either on their clothes or in their hands. One is holding a crane (fertility), another holding a bat and two have wooden staffs.

For more information see www.phillychinatown.com/chinese_topic/fuloshou/fu_lu_shou.htm and www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2005-08/19/content_72038.htm

Shou Xing

]]>Bath Festivalmice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-07-19T23:47:13+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-july-2008#unique-entry-id-131http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-july-2008#unique-entry-id-131vampiratesSorry, I have just discovered the Beano will be in at the Bath festival in September, but no Vampirates ........
]]>Vampirate Stories by Fansmice@mindless.comBooks2008-07-14T06:33:51+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-july-2008#unique-entry-id-106http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-july-2008#unique-entry-id-106bubblesOn the Vampirate forum there is a links section and one by Sailor Bubblemoon66 was listed, so I thought you might like to read it.
See www.fanfiction.net/s/3993138/1/Good_Night_Sleep_Tight
]]>Ma Kettle's Tavernmice@mindless.comPirates2008-07-13T20:08:04+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-july-2008#unique-entry-id-126http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-july-2008#unique-entry-id-126kegsI am assuming here, that Ma Kettle's Tavern being part of the pirating world, the spirits would get smuggled in and the beers brewed on the premises. Foaming beer can be achieved from both kegs of beer and bottles of beer. But if large amounts are being consumed beer will probably be stored in kegs. We put some beer on about two months ago and tried it last night. I had forgotten how hop-y Caroline beer tasted. Although the fermentation process takes just over a week till it is ready to bottle, home brewed beer/live beer tastes better after all the sediment has fallen out, which takes a minimum of three weeks, but two months after brewing started is better.
]]>Spanish and Argentinian Fansmice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-07-11T11:47:29+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-july-2008#unique-entry-id-125http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-july-2008#unique-entry-id-125vampiratesJustin Somper's blog has some answers to questions that might interest you. Check out www.vampirates.co.uk for more information.
"hola. BLACK HEART is scheduled for Spanish publication in June 2009. I’ve just heard that the Spanish edition of DEMONS is in its 7th printing. Carumba!"
"have asked Montena about Argentinian publication dates. Will let you know once I hear back from them."

Also under the stop press section there is a piece about their success in spain. See www.vampirates.co.uk
]]>Vip Pagemice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-07-11T11:29:20+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-july-2008#unique-entry-id-124http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-july-2008#unique-entry-id-124vampiratesJustin Somper's blog is back (under the Vip Section) and he is also answering everyone's questions again. Yippee ... Check out www.vampirates.co.uk
]]>Vampirate Fansmice@mindless.comTempestTwins2008-07-08T10:11:02+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-july-2008#unique-entry-id-123http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-july-2008#unique-entry-id-123earthEvery so often I do an entry with a list of the countries that have visited this site. Welcome to those of you from Yugoslavia, South Africa, Estonia, Malaysia, Finland, Greece, Indonesia, Morocco and the Russian Federation.

Also our old friends from: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu (Polynesian Island), Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay and of course the United States (Commercial, Educational and at home).
]]>Wampiraci Gamemice@mindless.comBooks2008-07-05T07:58:37+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/29-june-2008#unique-entry-id-122http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/29-june-2008#unique-entry-id-122wampiraciI don't know how many of you have looked at the other vampirate websites. I was on www.wampiraci.pl and at the bottom of the multimedia page there is a game of vampirate pelmanism (pairs).
]]>Windsor Festival.mice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-06-28T19:01:58+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/22-june-2008#unique-entry-id-121http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/22-june-2008#unique-entry-id-121vampiratesSorry folks I have been through the Windsor Festival (14 to 28 September) brochure and there is no sign of fictional books like Vampirates.
]]>Edinburgh International Book Festivalmice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-06-14T07:08:23+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/08-june-2008#unique-entry-id-120http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/08-june-2008#unique-entry-id-120vampiratesFor those close to Edinburgh, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is back in August with Justin Somper visiting. See www.edbookfest.co.uk
Curse of the Vampirates with Justin Somper
AGE 8 – 12, Saturday 23 August at 3.00pm, RBS Corner Theatre, £3.50
Ahoy Vampirates! Batten down the hatches and prepare for a hurricane of fun in this swashbuckling adventure at sea. Learn the hidden secrets of your favourite nightwalking pirates with Justin Somper, who gives you a top secret sneak preview of Black Heart – not out until 2009!

Others of interest

Eoin Colfer
AGE 10 – 14, Saturday 9th August at 11.30am, RBS Main Theatre, £3.50
The teenage criminal mastermind is back. The latest book in the Artemis Fowl series (described as ‘Die Hard with fairies’ by its creator) sees our hero come face to face with his worst opponent yet – his younger, more evil self! Join the outstanding, energetic Eoin Colfer for this thrilling, time-travelling event.

Terry Pratchett
Families & 8+, Saturday 16th August at 1.30pm, RBS Main Theatre, £9.00 £7.00
The inimitable Terry Pratchett takes us on an enlightening tour of his most famous creation, Discworld, in the year of its 25th anniversary. For fans from eight to eighty, this is a pleasure not to be missed at any cost.

Terry Pratchett
Adults , Saturday 16th August 1.30pm, RBS Main Theatre, £9.00 £7.00
The inimitable Terry Pratchett takes us on an enlightening tour of his most famous creation, Discworld, in the year of its 25th anniversary. For fans from eight to eighty, this is a pleasure not to be missed at any cost.

The Beano’s Barrie Appleby - seeing as it is based in Scotland and my son is a fan.
FAMILIES & 6+, Monday 25th August at 6.30pm, RBS Corner Theatre, £3.50
Barrie Appleby’s comic illustrations have been enjoyed by generations of children. For young fans and nostalgic readers, this is a treat not to be missed as The Beano celebrates its 70th birthday. Meet the artist behind Dennis the Menace and Roger the Dodger and watch as your favourite characters come to life right before your eyes!
]]>Katanasmice@mindless.comBooks2008-06-09T07:56:15+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/08-june-2008#unique-entry-id-119http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/08-june-2008#unique-entry-id-119rapierIf you ever wondered what Cheng Li's Katanas looked like, a set of three Japanese Katanas have appeared on ebay.
]]>Norfolk's Monster Festival of Children's Booksmice@mindless.comBooks2008-06-06T10:46:57+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/01-june-2008#unique-entry-id-118http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/01-june-2008#unique-entry-id-118vampiratesAs part of Norfolk's Monster Festival of Children's Books, Justin Somper will be at Waterstones in Castle Street on Tuesday 10 June at 4.30-5pm. For more information see the official Website, The Nocturn or our news section.
]]>Found Itmice@mindless.comBooks2008-05-30T19:42:16+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/25-may-2008#unique-entry-id-117http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/25-may-2008#unique-entry-id-117vampiratesI have just spotted the official website as it has just been updated. Check it out, it looks good.
]]>The Big Non Arrival.mice@mindless.comBooks2008-05-29T08:06:07+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/25-may-2008#unique-entry-id-116http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/25-may-2008#unique-entry-id-116chestFirst we had a comment on a letter sent to Sailor Quarxphonix in March,
"By the way, vampirates.co.uk is being relaunched next month so do keep your eyes peeled. There's going to be lots more going on on the site, from in-depth character profiles to a regular blog."
Then we has a comment on a letter sent to The Nocturn,
ship
"we shall be announcing that officially via the website on the 26th May – this is also the date the new look website will launch. Do let us know what you think of it. We’ve completely redesigned it so that we can update the content much more easily and Justin will be launching his new blog on the site at the same time."

I don't know how many hits the www.vampirates.co.uk website received, but I am sure some crew members checked half a dozen times on Monday and no one has spotted any massage change to the website yet. For your comment try the Nocturn Forum nocturn1.proboards56.com
]]>The Three Buccaneersmice@mindless.comTempestTwins2008-05-25T22:34:51+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/25-may-2008#unique-entry-id-115http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/25-may-2008#unique-entry-id-1153buccaneersI
3swords
hope you like my efforts for the three buccaneers' tattoo. The first, I realised was wrong after rereading the end of Dead Deep. All three Buccaneers have a tattoo on the inside of their forearm "a picture of three cutlasses, their hilts intertwined."
]]>Bartholomew (Bart) Robertsmice@mindless.comPirates2008-05-19T22:01:27+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/18-may-2008#unique-entry-id-114http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/18-may-2008#unique-entry-id-114black bart During the Richmond Lending Library talk I asked Justin Somper about Bartholomew (Bart) Pearce and apparently he is based on Bartholomew (Bart) Roberts was a Welsh pirate who raided shipping off the Americas and West Africa. He was the most successful pirate of the golden age of piracy, capturing far more ships than some of the best-known pirates of this era.
]]>News Updatemice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-05-16T17:19:46+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/11-may-2008#unique-entry-id-113http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/11-may-2008#unique-entry-id-113shipPart of the letter to The Nocturn, a full copy can be found on http://www.freewebs.com/thenocturn/news.htm.

"He is doing an event in Norwich on 10th June –there will be a public stock signing at the Waterstones Castle Street c. 4.30pm but will confirm that exact timing via the Vampirates & Waterstones websites shortly..
 
The new book is going to be called Black Heart and will be out early 2009– we shall be announcing that officially via the website on the 26th May – this is also the date the new look website will launch. Do let us know what you think of it. We’ve completely redesigned it so that we can update the content much more easily and Justin will be launching his new blog on the site at the same time."]]>Signing Session in Norwichmice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-05-13T19:30:37+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/11-may-2008#unique-entry-id-112http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/11-may-2008#unique-entry-id-112ship
From The Nocturn

"Justin will be in Waterstones on Castle Street in Norwich (Norfolk, UK) on Tuesday 10th June from 4.30pm for a signing session. If you live near by pop along."]]>Richmond Lending Librarymice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-05-07T11:55:29+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/04-may-2008#unique-entry-id-108http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/04-may-2008#unique-entry-id-108vampiratesThe Richmond Lending Library Talk
I made it only 15 minutes late owing to my family were willing to give me a lift. I walked in and Justin Somper made a comment about picking just the right moment to walk in!
At the end he very kindly answered the questions I printed out, so here they are:
chest
From Sailor Quarxphonix
Q: Does he ever go on the forums?
A: Yes, sometimes!
Q: Lorcan + Grace = Love?
A: What do you think? look out for Book 4
bud
From Sailor Anna Valerious
Q: When is justin gunna come over here?! (US)
A: 2009 hopefully.
ducks foot
Boatswain Duck's Foot Darcy
Q: Would you tell him that im doing my best to get vampirates nominated for the southern schools book award 2009 please ^_^
A: Go for it
Q: Can you ask what his favourite books were when he was a kid?
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
  • The Secret Garden (see Blood Captain)
  • The boy next door by Enid Blyton

vampirates
From The Captain
Q: Have you seen http://www.vampirateship.com/? it is the american publishers website?
]]>Black Heart Synopsismice@mindless.comBooks2008-05-07T11:26:32+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/04-may-2008#unique-entry-id-110http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/04-may-2008#unique-entry-id-110vampiratesFrom Amazon.co.uk
Black Heart Synopsis
There's a new ship of vampirates roaming the seas, leaving a trail of fear and devastation in its wake. When a high-profile pirate is slain, the Pirate Federation takes decisive action and begins training up a ship of dedicated vampire hunters. The team will be led by newly appointed Captain, Cheng Li. Amongst her dynamic crew is young pirate prodigy Connor Tempest. Meanwhile, Connor's twin sister Grace enjoys a bittersweet reunion with their mother. Sally Tempest has some important and shocking news for Grace - the twins' real father is not the man who brought them up. When Sally disappears, Grace is left to pursue the mystery of her true parenthood alone. As she finally uncovers the shocking truth, she knows that both she and Connor are facing a very uncertain future.
]]>An email from Justinmice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-05-02T16:52:26+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/27-april-2008#unique-entry-id-109http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/27-april-2008#unique-entry-id-109vampirates"Hi Freya,

Thanks for your e-mail and for coming to the event in Richmond on Tuesday night. It was nice to see you again.

In terms of publishing a list of my events, yes that is fine. Once vampirates.co.uk is relaunched, we'll have a much stronger NEWS section in which to mention such events in advance. Bear in mind that the Richmond Library one was primarily intended for their invitees plus a sprinkling of other locals, but I do take your general point about this.

Any queries about foreign publication dates are best referred to me at the e-mail (see vampirates.co.uk) as I can check these out with the relevant rights people. This is not a service you need to offer!

Re: DEMONS, what makes you think that Jamie is a vampire?! We'll be revisiting the kitchen setting in the new book, BLACK HEART.

Re: DARCY, there's a fan online using her identity in a role-playing game, illustrated with a picture of silent-movie actress Clara Bow. I think that she would look like Clara Bow, or Louise Brooks or Zelda Fitzgerald, very much out of that flapper era.

Re: LADY LOCKWOOD, yes in part she is inspired by "The Wicked Lady". Indeed the fact that she is called Lockwood is in part a tribute to Margaret Lockwood who plays the part of the highwaywoman in the movie.

Best wishes,
Justin Somper]]>Richmond Lending Library.mice@mindless.comJustin Somper2008-04-28T16:20:31+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/27-april-2008#unique-entry-id-107http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/27-april-2008#unique-entry-id-107vampiratesThe notice board at my son's (Powder Monkey Black William Flint) school had a notice on it that I think you may be interested in.

"Richmond Upon Thames Libraries and The Lion & Unicorn Bookshop invite you to launch the National Year of Reading with Justin Somper author of the vampirate series.

Kick off the National Year of Reading in style with Justin Somper, celebrated author of the Vampirates series. There will be a talk, followed by Q&A and book signing. Tuesday 29th April, 7pm. Richmond Lending Library, Little Green (next to Richmond Theatre), Richmond, TW9 1QL. Tel 020 8940 0981

This free event is open to all - no booking required." Please see http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/leisure_and_culture/libraries/ypls_home/news_events.htm for more information.]]>Speed In Knotsmice@mindless.comPirates2008-04-22T11:27:58+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/20-april-2008#unique-entry-id-104http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/20-april-2008#unique-entry-id-104wheelTo work out speed, sailors could throw a piece of wood with knotted piece of rope attached overboard. Then time how many knots passed by in a set amount to time, and therefore work out how many knots and hour they were going.
]]>Privateersmice@mindless.comPirates2008-04-19T11:21:19+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-april-2008#unique-entry-id-103http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-april-2008#unique-entry-id-103treasurePrivateers were employed by governments and merchants to plunder the opponents treasure. They owned a document called a Letter of Marque to prove it.
]]>Magie The Vampiratemice@mindless.comTempestTwins2008-04-17T22:00:54+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-april-2008#unique-entry-id-105http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/13-april-2008#unique-entry-id-105vampirekissTake a look at Magie The Vampirate's new square. "Ok this is one of my drawings !!the drawing with the pretty
vampire "the vampire kiss" is the pic that i want to replace the treasure chest with". "thank u very much! i hope everybody likes it unfortunately i cannot send my other drawings cos i need them for my portfolio that's why I'm afraid to send them..."
]]>Drawings mice@mindless.comTempestTwins2008-04-12T09:50:21+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-april-2008#unique-entry-id-101http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-april-2008#unique-entry-id-101treasureMagie the Vampirate asked
"I just want to ask another thing if it isn't too bold how can I change my pic i mean the treasure chest into something more characteristic? and oh I made some drawings of vampirates and I thought that you would be interested in seing them but i have no idea how to send them"

Answer:
I just pick a random picture, if I can link it to your name or job I do. Just tell me what you would like or send me a picture and I will make it black and white and a square. As for pictures, all electronic artwork (and your photos) can go under the lookalikes pages. So far I have Tempest Twins, Lorcan, Sidorio, Others Characters and Crew. Unless you just want to do a range of black and white squares, then I can use them for crew pictures and comments. To send them, just used the email address I answer your messages with.]]>You Tubemice@mindless.comTempestTwins2008-04-10T09:55:14+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-april-2008#unique-entry-id-102http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/06-april-2008#unique-entry-id-102vampiratesThe You Tube entries have now got their own page under the film and TV page. I have also found three more. I hope you enjoy them.]]>Updatesmice@mindless.comTempestTwins2008-04-03T05:58:24+01:00http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/30-march-2008#unique-entry-id-100http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/blog/files/30-march-2008#unique-entry-id-100mopI have been doing some cleaning up of my code, so if anything is not working properly, tell me as I may not be aware of it.
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