So I've made a short Stranger Things mash-up with 11's greatest moments... 

Stranger Things is a science fiction/horror television series on Netflix set in the 1980s in a small Indiana town. The plot revolves around a group of friends who encounter supernatural phenomena, including a parallel dimension known as the "Upside Down," a mysterious government organization, and a girl with psychic abilities. The group, with the help of a police chief and a local science teacher, work to uncover the truth behind these strange occurrences and protect their town from the otherworldly forces at work. The show has gained a cult following for its nostalgic nods to 80s pop culture, compelling storytelling, and strong performances from its young cast.

 I am like a kid in a sweetshop with Midjourney! I love it! Your imagination is your only limit, and it seems my imagination is unlimited... this time it's a grasshopper in a 2000AD style illustration.. 

Grasshoppers are insects that typically live for several months to a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions. They begin life as eggs, which are laid in the soil or on plant material. After hatching, they go through several stages of development as nymphs, shedding their skin several times before reaching adulthood.

As adults, grasshoppers are active during the day and feed on plant material, using their powerful hind legs to jump up to 20 times their body length. They play an important role in many ecosystems as a food source for other animals, and can be both beneficial and harmful to crops depending on the situation.

In colder regions, grasshoppers may die off in the winter, while in warmer areas some species may survive year-round. Overall, the life of a grasshopper is characterized by a relatively short but active and important role in the ecosystem.

 

Life in feudal Japan (1185-1868) was characterized by a hierarchical social order with the emperor at the top, followed by the shogun, daimyos, samurai, and finally the peasants. The samurai, who made up the warrior class, were privileged and held political and military power. Peasants, who made up the majority of the population, were often poor and worked the land. Society was highly structured and regulated, with strict codes of conduct and behavior. However, there was also a rich cultural heritage, with flourishing arts, literature, and religion. Despite its strict social order, feudal Japan was a time of great change and growth, marked by significant political and cultural developments.

 So, I've been tinkering. Ever wondered what the blueprint for a Beagle might look like? well, wonder no more! The Beagle is a wonderful hound, here's what I learned:

The Beagle breed is a type of hound that has a history that dates back several centuries. The exact origins of the breed are unclear, but it is believed to have descended from various types of small hounds that were used for hunting in England. The modern Beagle as we know it today was developed in the 19th century and was primarily used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and hares.

The Beagle was recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and has since become a popular companion animal and show dog. They are known for their cheerful, friendly, and curious nature, and are often used as sniffer dogs in various roles, such as in customs and border control and in search and rescue operations.

Today, the Beagle remains a popular breed and is appreciated for its versatility and its affectionate and playful temperament.

The samurai code, also known as Bushido, was a moral code that governed the behavior of Japan's samurai class from the medieval period to the Meiji era (1185-1868). It emphasized loyalty, honor, and personal sacrifice in the service of one's lord or master. The code was based on Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shintoism and evolved over time to become a complex set of moral and ethical guidelines that were deeply ingrained in samurai culture.
Key components of the samurai code included:
Loyalty: A samurai was expected to be fiercely loyal to their lord and to their family, and to be willing to lay down their life in their service. Courage: Courage was considered the most important virtue of a samurai, and they were expected to be fearless in battle. Honor: A samurai's reputation was everything, and they were expected to maintain a strict code of behavior that upheld their family's honor and the honor of the samurai class. Discipline: A samurai was expected to be disciplined and to control their emotions and desires. Respect: A samurai was expected to show respect to their elders and superiors and to treat others with kindness and compassion. The samurai code was an important part of Japanese culture for centuries, and its influence can still be felt in modern Japan today. The concept of loyalty, honor, and personal sacrifice continues to be a central theme in Japanese society, and the samurai code remains a source of pride and inspiration for many Japanese people.

I've been playing around with themes that I find amusing, and generating images using AI and then making short video clips. I've been using Davinci Resolve for about 7 years, since version 12, and it's developed into a tremendous video editing and grading platform, with equally good audio-post production abilities.

DaVinci Resolve is a professional-level video editing and color correction software developed by Blackmagic Design. It is used for post-production work in the film and television industry, as well as for professional video editing and color grading in other fields.The software features a wide range of tools for editing and refining video, including cut, trim, and splice tools, as well as audio editing capabilities. In addition, DaVinci Resolve is known for its powerful color correction and grading tools, which allow users to adjust the color and tone of their video footage to achieve a specific look or mood.
The software is available in several versions, including a free version (DaVinci Resolve Lite) and a paid version (DaVinci Resolve Studio), which includes additional features and tools. The software is widely used by professionals in the film and television industry, and has been used on numerous feature films, television shows, and commercial projects.

 

A victorian Gent reading

Have a look at this! I've been tinkering with creating a video comic that is tictok friendly! Tell me what you think!

Graphic novels are books that use sequential art and text to tell a story. They are a hybrid of comic books and traditional novels, and often use the visual language of comics to convey both narrative and emotional elements. Graphic novels can cover a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and more. They can be aimed at children, young adults, or adults, and can tackle complex themes and subject matter.

Graphic novels are often published in bound volumes and are distinct from comic books, which are typically serialized and released on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Graphic novels allow for longer, more in-depth storytelling and are often considered a legitimate form of literary expression. They have gained widespread recognition and popularity in recent years, and many graphic novels have been adapted into movies, television shows, and video games. My very favourite graphic novel, and also my favourite big-screen movie adaptation of a comic, is Watchmen. 

 "Watchmen" is a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. It was first published in 1986 and is widely considered one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. The story takes place in an alternate history version of the United States, where masked vigilantes were once used to fight crime, but have since been outlawed. The plot revolves around a group of retired superheroes who are brought back into action when one of their own is murdered.

"Watchmen" is known for its dark, complex narrative and mature themes, which address political, social, and philosophical issues such as the morality of power, the nature of justice, and the impact of vigilantism. The art style and use of visual elements, such as the iconic "clock" symbol, also add to the book's impact.

The graphic novel has had a significant impact on popular culture and is often cited as a major influence on the superhero genre. It has been adapted into a film, a video game, and a television series, and has inspired countless other works in comics, movies, and television. Overall, "Watchmen" is a seminal work that continues to be widely read and celebrated for its innovative storytelling, mature themes, and iconic art.

 

Bayberry Books logo, with Headphones and a wreath of bayberries and leaves

So, I've got myself a new logo for Bayberry Audiobooks. I love it, simple, clean, and yes those are bayberries.

Why have I chosen the name Bayberry? Well, to be honest, it was the name of my local pub!! I spent some time trying to concoct a clever name, and in the end I tied myself in knots. 

Bayberries were historically used to make bayberry candles, as the wax from the berries is fragrant and burns cleanly.

Bayberry bushes are a popular choice for landscaping, as they are tough, low-maintenance plants that can tolerate salt spray and grow in a variety of soils. They can grow up to 15 feet tall and produce fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring. The leaves are glossy and dark green, and the plant provides year-round interest with its showy fruit and attractive bark.

Bayberries are also valuable to wildlife, providing food and shelter for a variety of species including birds, small mammals, and insects. Bayberries are a good choice for gardeners who want to create a wildlife-friendly habitat in their yard.

 

What's not to like about an origami Samurai? Beautiful and complex, I love this image

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of origami is to transform a flat sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques, without cutting, gluing, taping or marking the paper. Origami has a rich history and is a popular hobby around the world. It can range from simple models such as cranes, boats and flowers to complex designs that can be quite intricate and beautiful. Origami has also inspired many modern forms of paper art and engineering, including the design of deployable structures for space exploration and medical devices.