Happy New Year!

I've just returned from an extended Christmas break and life is good. Looking forward in particular to the final taught piece of the course prior to the dissertation phase. Thoughts of the impending dissertation phase do not fill me with joy however (probably best to put that out of my mind for the time being). I am hoping that this next module will be as interesting as it appears on first inspection. Some of it looks to be familiar ground so that might help reduce any pressure somewhat.

During the break I have mainly been doing family stuff. My boys turned 4 and 2 respectively during the last 8 weeks and they're amazing. I don't know where they get it from but they seem to have an answer for everything!

I've also been doing a bit of recreational reading during the last month:

Wellum, Geoffrey (2002), First Light
Brown, Dan (2004), The Da Vinci Code
Cussler, Clive (2006), Black Wind

Geoffrey Wellum's First Light is his true account of his days as a Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot. This is one of the most inspirational books that I have read in some time. Very highly recommended. It is no wonder that, to this day, the RAF continue to dine out on their BoB performance (however, that's nothing compared with the RN and Trafalgar of course). Pick up this book. I challenge anyone to regret doing so.

Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code is also excellent and deserves its popular status. I picked it up about a week ago and have been reading it in bed. As a result I have not been sleeping much as it is so difficult to put down.

You always know what you're goping to get with Cussler and Black Wind is no exception as a continuation of his adventures of 'Dirk Pitt' series. Standard fayre from the master of adventure thrillers.