TempestTwins Blog

Merry Chrismas

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-25T03:39:11-06:00

What do you get if you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Frost Bite.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year
from The Tempest Twins Fan site.

Fan Fiction

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-22T09:38:35-06:00

If you are looking for something to read over Christmas try http://www.fanfiction.net/book/Vampirates_series/

Big Picture Interactive

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-14T22:04:23-06:00

If anyone is interested in who created the new vampirates website, I found this piece.

"Launch of Vampirates, 1st November 2008
BPI’s first project for publishers Simon & Schuster – Vampirates is an adventure series written by author Justin Somper. BPI were chosen to design and create a new site to support the books online. Amber CMS was used to create the backbone for the site and allow Justin to update his blog and the client’s marketing team to upload new features and content on a regular basis.
Watch out for a new book in March 2009.

First Page of Black Heart

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-11T22:31:53-06:00

If any of you wondered what the first page of Black Heart looks link (thanks to the nocturn) here is a link to it.
http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=65&pid=633937&agid=4

Anthony Horowitz

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-11T21:52:49-06:00

For those interested in Anthony Horowitz here is something I have just found.
"Meet Anthony Horowitz at Waterstone's, Piccadilly . Anthony will be signing books at Waterstone's in Piccadilly Circus, London, on Saturday 13 December. For the full details of how to book click here:
http://www.powerof5.co.uk/necropolis/news/"

New Competition

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-11T19:57:12-06:00

From the official website - Do you want to be one of the first Vampirates fans to get your hands on a copy of Black Heart? They are looking for 5 Vampirate VIPs to review the new book ahead of publication. All you’ve got to do is tell them why you should be one of the first people to review the book. As usual it is only open to UK, Channel Islands and Eire residents, aged 16 years and below on 20 January 2009.

Go4it at Ham House

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-07T21:11:07-06:00

Did you hear Go4It with Justin Somper today. If not here are some temporary links.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/gfi/bestbits/ for a written account with photos,
and http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/radioplayer/go4it.shtml to listen.

"Wine bottles of blood"!

Bob Lea's Pictures

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-05T10:21:02-06:00

Boatswain Duck's Foot Darcy is a member of the deviantart community. She asked Bob Lea about the whole cover thing and he is not allowed to say anything about the new covers, but "since bob isn't doing the covers anymore, he uploaded his own view of lorcan. this is how bob lea really visualised lorcan furey..." I am going to miss his drawings in the front of the books, I was hoping to see Darcy, Bart and Cate (oh and Ma Kettle but that is just cause I dress up as her).

http://boblea.deviantart.com/art/Lorcan-Looking-All-Sexy-Like-103186500
http://boblea.deviantart.com/art/Lorcan-s-Gonna-Get-You-103136649

See also http://boblea.deviantart.com/gallery/#3D-Vampirates

Don't forget Sunday

mice@mindless.com — 2008-12-05T10:19:48-06:00

Don't forget on Sunday (7th December 2008) at 19:15 on Radio 4 is Go4It with Justin Somper on it.

Black Heart tour

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-30T22:38:17-06:00

If you ever wondered why the Black Heart tour is going to the UK from 2nd to 13th of March 2009 and the USA in April 2009. Check out where most of our pins are in the Tempest Twins map.
See http://www.tempesttwins.co.uk/ourcrew/where/where.html

GO4IT at Ham House

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-26T21:00:13-06:00

Sunday 7th December 2008 at 19:15 on Radio 4 is Go4It
This episode has "Kirsten O'Brien learns about tales of ghostly hauntings at Ham House in London, said to be haunted by both man and beast, and gets a lesson in writing a horror story from Vampirates author Justin Somper."

For Justin's comments please see his blog on http://www.vampirates.co.uk/vip-page/blog/bloggo4it/. Just a note the year 6 children is the fourth picture down are from St Richard's With St Andrew's school in Ham.

Radio 4 is found on DAB Digital Radio, digital tv, online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/ and press listen live.
Also 198 LW across the UK and for FM See http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/waystolisten/analogue/
In some countries close to the UK (such as Ireland, France, Denmark, Belgium and Holland) it is possible to receive Radio 4 on 198 kHz long wave (Although Canada and the US may be a little far away).
The schedule is found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/schedule/2008/12/07/day/

The Last Saskatchewan Pirate

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-18T06:25:03-06:00

On a lighter note, some of you know I have moved, so how about this one.
The Last Saskatchewan Pirate - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHAl1tWvvPA

The Largest Saudi Oil Tanker Seized By Pirates

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-17T21:50:51-06:00

If you thought pirates were just based in history books and folk law and it was glamours like disney, my be these news articles of recent pirate activity will show you the real world. Actually I guess life as a pirate has not really changed. There have always been war ships after them.
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7734733.stm and http://indepth.news.sky.com/InDepth/topic/Somali%20Pirates.

Covers and Bob Lea

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-15T22:03:38-06:00

According to Justin Somper on the official website "Firstly, I don't have a whole lot of say in the jacket look - as those of you who read this blog regularly will know. Secondly, the fact that the books are getting rejacketed is in no way a thumbs down for the marvelous Bob Lea or his work. All popular book sequences get freshened up from time to time. When BLACK HEART comes out in 2009, it will have been a full four years since DEMONS first swam into view. So I think everyone felt it was a good time to run with something a bit different."

Black Heart in Production

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-14T00:43:43-06:00

According to the official website there were "a few tweaks to the manuscript of BLACK HEART before it went off to production". That was on Thursday see http://www.vampirates.co.uk/vip-page/blog/blogskytvand/

UK Two-Week Tour

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-13T12:14:48-06:00

According to the official website "Justin will be embarking on a two-week tour from the 2nd to 13th of March 2009."
See www.vampirates.co.uk/stop-press/stop-press-black-heart-uk-tour for more details

Authors must be vetted before they can visit schools

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-10T09:57:56-06:00

According to the www.telegraph.co.uk on friday 7th November 2008. 'Authors and MPs must be vetted before they can visit schools. Children's authors and politicians who visit schools regularly will have to be registered with England's comprehensive new vetting authority, raising fears such visits would decline because of the bureaucracy and cost.

Justin Somper, the author of the popular Vampirates series, said he would be happy to register with the ISA but added: "It would be very sad if schools were put off having authors coming in. Teachers have so many forms to fill in so I hope one more wouldn't push them over the edge."'

Black Heart US Cover

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-07T06:30:07-06:00

The US cover design for Black Heart has been released and "Justin on a whistle-stop five-city tour of the USA to launch Black Heart (alongside the paperback edition of Blood Captain) in April 2009."
See www.vampirates.co.uk/stop-press/stop-press-usa-tour for more details.

It Be Talk Like A Pirate Day on You Tube

mice@mindless.com — 2008-11-05T22:27:26-06:00

Some of you may know that I recently moved. Well we have been looking at schools for my young pirates. We have now picked on and signed the older one up.
He looked on you tube to discover more about them and found this for Talk Like A Pirate Day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qtX2qy4wug

All Vampirates Books Getting Graphic Revamp

mice@mindless.com — 2008-10-29T00:22:22-06:00

According to thebookseller.com the Vampirates series of books is getting a graphic revamp with a new graphic novel style cover. These are being produced by comic book artist Kev Walker of Judge Dredd and the Young Bond fame.

Black Heart Cover Released

mice@mindless.com — 2008-10-25T22:54:47-06:00

The cover design for Black Heart has been released. It has not been produced by Bob Lea like the other united kingdom ones up to not. See the book section for the new cover.

Justin visiting Winchester

mice@mindless.com — 2008-10-20T18:19:15+01:00

According to the official website Justin visiting Winchester soon.
"After a brilliant visit to the Beverley Festival, Justin is out on the road again this week. This time he's heading to Hampshire for events at Henry Beaufort School and Toynbee School - all organizd by Winchester Waterstone's event supremo John. Check out the blog next week to find out how it went."

Website Hits

mice@mindless.com — 2008-10-17T11:37:41+01:00

Every so often I do an entry with a list of the countries that have visited this site. Welcome to those of you from Malta, Iceland and Hong Kong.

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, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu (Polynesian Island), Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay Yugoslavia, and of course the United States (Commercial, Educational and at home).

Molucco Wrathe

mice@mindless.com — 2008-10-05T23:14:40+01:00

Today we cleared the loft. down came the wedding clothes. My hubbie still fits his wedding jacket (blue black crushed velvet). So maybe a Molucco Wrathe look alike later.

Dirty Dolphin

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-29T18:17:44+01:00

A friend of mine sent me some more ideas for the dirty dolphin Jukebox. I bought a couple of albums and for Captain Morgan's Revenge by Alestorm, I cannot pick which songs would be good for the A collection of Metal songs and so I have listed the whole album.

Date Change

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-25T18:45:30+01:00

From the Nocturn
"BLACK HEART, the fourth book in the VAMPIRATE series by Justin Somper has had its publication post-poned by two months. The book which was scheduled for publication on 5th January will now have it's general release on 2nd March 2009. Here is what Justin had to say on the matter when I asked him to confirm or deny the publication date change:
"Yes, BLACK HEART has moved to March. It's hard telling my loyal readers that they have to wait a bit longer - especially as there's been a bit of a gap since BLOOD CAPTAIN - but I hope they'll understand that it's all in order to deliver a better book to them, which is really the most important thing to me."

By the time BLACK HEART is released, fans will have been waiting a year and a half to get their hands on this next installment, but I personally feel that if Justin needs more time to deliver a book he is proud of then it doesn't matter. BLOOD CAPTAIN was amazing and this series keeps going from strength to strength.

This date change will most likely mean that all foreign dates mentioned so far are going to change. Most likely, just by two months, but it is not yet known."

Beverley Festival

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-23T11:37:41+01:00

Its official - as found on Vampirates.co.uk - "Justin is visitng the Beverley Festival on the 9th October. After a visit to St Mary's school, Justin will be doing a late afternoon event at the Education Room in The Treasure House, Beverley. This is a rare opportunity to see Justin talk about his swashbuckling adventures in an a small and personal setting. The event is limited to 40 people so book early for this unique experience."

Ahoy Ye Pirate Fans

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-19T22:59:15+01:00

Ahoy there me fellow scurvy Pirate fans.

I got dressed up for me squibs party today, and me hubbie dressed up for his last day at work. As a leaving gift he got a parrot, hook, dagger and eye patch. Well shiver me timbers, we even took some photos of the two of us in our outfits.

It Be Talk Like A Pirate Day Today

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-19T10:41:46+01:00

Ahoy there gentlemen o' fortune and fellow lasses, it be talk like a pirate day today. Arrr and it be hard.

Arrr, I did find one of me sword earrings going to work in me Hubbie's ear, me had to remove off a certain young pirate a hat and dagger before going into class (his teacher eyed his jolly roger socks suspiciously) and a young wench is getting very confused asking for balloons with pumpkins on to be blown up and going to nursery with her black cat hat on. Me have promised to cook a bat cake for her before changing into my dress. - me be off to the phrases page to make this sound better. I hope me hearties ye are doing better.

Beverley Literature Festival

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-18T23:06:43+01:00

Beverley Literature Festival is from the 2nd to the 23rd October 2008. On Thursday 9 October at 4.30pm Justin Somper will be at the Education Room, Treasure House, Champney Road, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 8HE. His show is aimed at 10 to 14 year olds and will cost £2. For more information please see http://www.beverley-literature-festival.org/diary.php.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-18T10:56:16+01:00

Tomorrow is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Please see www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.htm, http://www.wikihow.com/Talk-Like-a-Pirate and www.yarr.org.uk/talk for more information. I have listed out some phrases that might help under our pirates section. You are welcome to write a post for this blog in pirate talk, just send it via the squeak page.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-17T10:37:04+01:00

Friday is 19th September which is also known as International Talk Like A Pirate Day.
For help with phrases try www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.htm, http://www.wikihow.com/Talk-Like-a-Pirate and www.yarr.org.uk/talk

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-12T07:59:59+01:00

Don't Forget next week on September 19th is international talk like a pirate day.

Edinburgh And Big News

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-10T23:15:54+01:00

Check out the new blog on the official vampirates website. He talks about his experience in Edinburgh and getting part of his birthday gift from Quarxphonix and the draft of Black Heart.

"At the end of the event, I had a wonderful surprise. Eileen, who many of you know as Quarx, emerged from the crowd and presented me with a glass tankard, engraved with the words, "From the Vampirate Forum Fans and Fan Sites". It's really cool. I'm drinking (water) out of it as I write this. "

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-05T13:21:11+01:00

Don't Forget two weeks time on September 19th is international talk like a pirate day.

DeviantART Website

mice@mindless.com — 2008-09-01T22:01:41+01:00

For those of you who like the artwork in the vampirates books check out the deviantART website. The illustrator Bob Lea can also be found on the deviantART website.

Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer part 4

mice@mindless.com — 2008-08-24T02:36:35+01:00

This is the fouth part of this Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer.

After the brew has fermented for about a week the level of carbon dioxide given off would have reduced considerably. As carbon dioxide is a heavy gas it also creates a kind of seal above the brew so reducing contamination provided it has not been disturbed. If a bubbler has been used it is safe to leave the brew a couple of days to confirm fermentation has finished but it is not recommended if a bubbler has not been used or the brew has been disturbed.

If a keg is being used this needs to be sterilized or forty pint bottles and crowns along with a tube to decant the beer with. The keg or bottles then need to be primed, this is usually a tea spoon of spray malt (or half a tea spoon of sugar) per pint bottle. Now the fermentation vessel is placed up high, in our case a stool on the dining room table, this allows gravity to help fill the bottles. When placing the tube in the liquid next, do not push it all the way to the bottom, as the layer of sediment tastes terrible.

Fill the keg or bottles and seal them by either the air tight top or crown before leaving them for a minimum of six weeks, although I find two months form initial brewing is easier to work out. This time allows the beer to become conditioned and a majority of the sediment to fall to the bottom. Some darker beers can take up to six months before the full rich flavour comes through so please do not rush into drinking it.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

mice@mindless.com — 2008-08-19T06:28:41+01:00

Don't Forget next month on September 19th is international talk like a pirate day.

Ma Kettle's version of brewing beer part 3

mice@mindless.com — 2008-08-17T01:15:07+01:00

This 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 2

mice@mindless.com — 2008-08-13T04:16:33+01:00

This 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 1

mice@mindless.com — 2008-08-07T08:16:00+01:00

This 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!)

Smuggling

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-29T10:07:15+01:00

Smuggling 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 Shou

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-23T08:12:07+01:00

As 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 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)."

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

Bath Festival

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-19T23:47:13+01:00

Sorry, I have just discovered the Beano will be in at the Bath festival in September,
but no Vampirates ........

Vampirate Stories by Fans

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-14T06:33:51+01:00

On 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 Tavern

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-13T20:08:04+01:00

I 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 Fans

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-11T11:47:29+01:00

Justin 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 Page

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-11T04:29:23-06:00

Justin 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 Fans

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-08T03:11:28-06:00

Every 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 Game

mice@mindless.com — 2008-07-05T12:58:34-06:00

I 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).