George Bellows Anne in WhiteCaravaggio The Crowning with ThornsCaravaggio St. John the BaptistCaravaggio Martha and Mary MagdaleneAndrea Mantegna Virgin and child with the Magdalen and St John the Baptist
whatever. This isn’t your kind of magic.’
The Librarian nodded, and then stopped listening. He had other things to do.
The Thing was almost level with the Tower of Art, and would soon turn to head for the Library. Things always homed in on the nearest source of magic. They needed it.
The Librarian had found a long iron pike in one of the University’s mouldering storerooms. He held it carefully inrope in the other, and leapt.
The most graphic way of describing the Librarian’s swing across the buildings of Unseen University is to simply transcribe the noises made during the flight.
First: ‘AaaAAAaaaAAAaaa.’ This is self‑explanatory, and refers to the early part of the swing, when everything looked as if it was going well. .
Then: ‘Aaarghhhh.’ This was the noise made as he missed the lurching one foot while he unfastened the rope he’d tied to the weathercock. It stretched all the way up to the top of the Tower; it had taken him all night to fix it up.He surveyed the city below, and then pounded his chest and roared:‘AaaaAAAaaaAAA ‑ hngh, hngh.’Maybe the pounding wasn’t entirely necessary, he thought, while he waited for the buzzing noises and little flashing lights to go away.He gripped the pike in one hand, the
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Monday 30 March 2009
Claude Monet Monet's Garden at argenteuil
Claude Monet Monet's Garden at argenteuilPaul Gauguin Woman with a FlowerPaul Gauguin The Seed of AreoiPaul Gauguin The Moon and the EarthPaul Gauguin The Loss of Virginity
Just in front of it, almost underneath the silver screen, a smaller flight of steps led him down into a circular pit half filled with debris. By climbing on to it he could see behind the screen, to where the light was.
It was Ginger. She was standing with one hand held above her head. The torch in it burned like phosphorus.
She was staring up at a body on a slab. It was a giant. Or, at least, something like a giant. It might just have been a suit of on us!’
‘Ginger!’ Victor hissed. ‘It’s me!’
She turned and looked at him, or through him, or into him.
‘Victor,’ she said sweetly. ‘Go away. Far away. Go away now or great harm armour with a sword laid on top of it, half buried in dust and sand.‘It’s the thing from the book!’ he hissed. ‘Ye gods, what does she think she’s doing?’‘I don’t think she’s thinkin’ anythin’,’ said Gaspode.Ginger half turned and Victor saw her face. She was smiling.Behind the slab Victor could make out some kind of big, corroded disc. At least it was hanging from the ceiling by proper chains, and not defying gravity in such a disconcerting way.‘Right,’ he said, ‘I’m going to put a stop to this right now. Ginger!’His voice boomed back at him from the distant walls. He could hear it bouncing away along caverns and corridors er, er, er. There was a thud of falling rock somewhere far behind him.‘Keep it quiet!’ said Gaspode. ‘You’ll have the whole place down
Just in front of it, almost underneath the silver screen, a smaller flight of steps led him down into a circular pit half filled with debris. By climbing on to it he could see behind the screen, to where the light was.
It was Ginger. She was standing with one hand held above her head. The torch in it burned like phosphorus.
She was staring up at a body on a slab. It was a giant. Or, at least, something like a giant. It might just have been a suit of on us!’
‘Ginger!’ Victor hissed. ‘It’s me!’
She turned and looked at him, or through him, or into him.
‘Victor,’ she said sweetly. ‘Go away. Far away. Go away now or great harm armour with a sword laid on top of it, half buried in dust and sand.‘It’s the thing from the book!’ he hissed. ‘Ye gods, what does she think she’s doing?’‘I don’t think she’s thinkin’ anythin’,’ said Gaspode.Ginger half turned and Victor saw her face. She was smiling.Behind the slab Victor could make out some kind of big, corroded disc. At least it was hanging from the ceiling by proper chains, and not defying gravity in such a disconcerting way.‘Right,’ he said, ‘I’m going to put a stop to this right now. Ginger!’His voice boomed back at him from the distant walls. He could hear it bouncing away along caverns and corridors er, er, er. There was a thud of falling rock somewhere far behind him.‘Keep it quiet!’ said Gaspode. ‘You’ll have the whole place down
Friday 27 March 2009
Gustav Klimt The Bride
Gustav Klimt The BrideGustav Klimt Schubert at the PianoGustav Klimt Malcesine on Lake GardaDaniel Ridgway Knight WaitingClaude Monet Vase Of Flowers
you straight into the heart of a star, the flaming sword that burns all the way down to the pommel. Sooner juggle torches in a tar pit than mess with real magic. Sooner lie down in front of a thousand elephants.
At least, The orang-utan stopped in front of an arched doorway that was blocked with a door made not of wood but of stone, balanced so that it could easily be opened from outside but could withstand massive pressure from within.
He paused for a moment, and then reached into a little alcove and removed a mask of iron and smoked glass, which he put on, and a pair of heavy leather gloves reinforced that’s what wizards say, which is why they charge such swingeingly huge fees for getting involved with the bloody stuff. But down here, in the dark tunnels, there was no hiding behind amulets and starry robes and pointy hats. Down here, you either had it or you didn’t. And if you hadn’t got it, you’d had it. There were sounds from behind the heavily barred doors as the Librarian shuffled along. Once or twice something heavy threw itself against a door, making the hinges rattle. There were noises.
you straight into the heart of a star, the flaming sword that burns all the way down to the pommel. Sooner juggle torches in a tar pit than mess with real magic. Sooner lie down in front of a thousand elephants.
At least, The orang-utan stopped in front of an arched doorway that was blocked with a door made not of wood but of stone, balanced so that it could easily be opened from outside but could withstand massive pressure from within.
He paused for a moment, and then reached into a little alcove and removed a mask of iron and smoked glass, which he put on, and a pair of heavy leather gloves reinforced that’s what wizards say, which is why they charge such swingeingly huge fees for getting involved with the bloody stuff. But down here, in the dark tunnels, there was no hiding behind amulets and starry robes and pointy hats. Down here, you either had it or you didn’t. And if you hadn’t got it, you’d had it. There were sounds from behind the heavily barred doors as the Librarian shuffled along. Once or twice something heavy threw itself against a door, making the hinges rattle. There were noises.
Thursday 26 March 2009
Salvador Dali The Land of Milk and Honey
Salvador Dali The Land of Milk and HoneyCaravaggio Sick BacchusUnknown Artist Wave RiderJohannes Vermeer Young Woman with a Water JugJohannes Vermeer The Procuress
On the other before. He surfaced, half-drowned, treading water furiously. The beach was only a few yards away.
He relaxed, gave himself time to get his breath back, and swam a leisurely crawl out beyond the breakers. The water was crystal clear. He could see the bottom shelving away sharply to - he surfaced for a quick breath - a dim blueness in which it was just possible, through the teeming side of the room, his brandy decanter shattered. Ridcully the Brown took a deep breath. ‘Bursaar!’ Victor was woken up by sandflies. The air was already warm. It was going to be another fine day. He waded out into the shallows to wash and clear his head. Let’s see . . . he still had his two dollars from yesterday, plus a handful of pennies. He could afford to stay a while, especially if he slept on the beach. And Borgle’s stoo, while only food in the technical sense, was cheap enough – although, come to think of it, eating there might involve embarrassing encounters with Ginger. He took another step, and sank. Victor hadn’t swum in the sea
On the other before. He surfaced, half-drowned, treading water furiously. The beach was only a few yards away.
He relaxed, gave himself time to get his breath back, and swam a leisurely crawl out beyond the breakers. The water was crystal clear. He could see the bottom shelving away sharply to - he surfaced for a quick breath - a dim blueness in which it was just possible, through the teeming side of the room, his brandy decanter shattered. Ridcully the Brown took a deep breath. ‘Bursaar!’ Victor was woken up by sandflies. The air was already warm. It was going to be another fine day. He waded out into the shallows to wash and clear his head. Let’s see . . . he still had his two dollars from yesterday, plus a handful of pennies. He could afford to stay a while, especially if he slept on the beach. And Borgle’s stoo, while only food in the technical sense, was cheap enough – although, come to think of it, eating there might involve embarrassing encounters with Ginger. He took another step, and sank. Victor hadn’t swum in the sea
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Joseph Mallord William Turner The Burning of the Houses of Parliament
Joseph Mallord William Turner The Burning of the Houses of ParliamentJoseph Mallord William Turner RainbowJoseph Mallord William Turner Moonlight A Study at MillbankJohn Singer Sargent The Daughters of Edward Darley BoitJohn Singer Sargent Paul Helleu Sketching with his Wife
acutely thirsty. His pockets had yielded a total of seven pence. That wouldn’t buy a bowl of soup, let alone a good meal.
He needed a good meal. Things would look a lot clearer after a good meal.
He pushed through the crowds. Most of them seemed to be carpenters, but there were others, carrying carboys or? Miss?’
She stopped, and waited impatiently as he caught up.
‘Well?’ she said.
She was a foot shorter than him and her shape was doubtful since most of her was covered in a ridiculously frilly dress, although the dress wasn’t as ludicrous as the big blond mysterious boxes. And everyone was moving very quickly and resolutely, bent on some powerful purpose of their own. Except him. He trailed up the impromptu street, gawping at the houses, feeling like a stray grasshopper in an ant hill. Arid there didn’t seem to– ‘Why don’t you look where you’re going!’ He rebounded off a wall. When he got his balance the other party in the collision had already whirred off into the crowd. He stared for a moment and then ran desperately after her. ‘Hey!’ he said, ‘Sorry! Excuse me
acutely thirsty. His pockets had yielded a total of seven pence. That wouldn’t buy a bowl of soup, let alone a good meal.
He needed a good meal. Things would look a lot clearer after a good meal.
He pushed through the crowds. Most of them seemed to be carpenters, but there were others, carrying carboys or? Miss?’
She stopped, and waited impatiently as he caught up.
‘Well?’ she said.
She was a foot shorter than him and her shape was doubtful since most of her was covered in a ridiculously frilly dress, although the dress wasn’t as ludicrous as the big blond mysterious boxes. And everyone was moving very quickly and resolutely, bent on some powerful purpose of their own. Except him. He trailed up the impromptu street, gawping at the houses, feeling like a stray grasshopper in an ant hill. Arid there didn’t seem to– ‘Why don’t you look where you’re going!’ He rebounded off a wall. When he got his balance the other party in the collision had already whirred off into the crowd. He stared for a moment and then ran desperately after her. ‘Hey!’ he said, ‘Sorry! Excuse me
Monday 23 March 2009
Caravaggio St Jerome
Caravaggio St JeromeCaravaggio NarcissusCaravaggio Madonna di LoretoThomas Moran Grand CanyonJean Francois Millet The sower
may be possible, yes.'
'Do you think we could persuade him to stroll back a few months and tell us not to build that bloody pyramid?'
'He can't communicate, dad.'
'Not . IIa drifted sideways, a flat cut-out on the landscape.
'Can't we do anything?' he said. 'Roll him up neatly, or something?'
IIb shrugged. 'We could put something in the way. That might be a good idea. It would stop anything worse happening to him because it, er, wouldn't have time to happen in. I think.'
They pushed the bent statue of Hat the Vulture-Headed God into the flat one's path. After a minute or two his gentle sideways drift brought him up against it. There was a fat blue spark that melted part of the statue, but the movement stopped.
'Why the sparks?' said Ptaclusp.much change there, then.' Ptaclusp sat down on the rubble, his head in his hands. It had come to this. One son normal and stupid, one flat as a shadow. And what sort of life could the poor flat kid have? He'd go through life being used to open locks, clean the ice off windscreens, and sleeping cheaply in trouser-presses in hotel bedrooms*. (* This is of course a loose translation, since Ptaclusp did not know the words for 'ice', 'windscreens' or 'hotel bedrooms'; interestingly, however, Squiggle Eagle Eagle Vase Wavyline Duck translates directly as 'a press for barbarian leg coverings'.) Being able to get under doors and read books without opening them would not be much of a compensation
may be possible, yes.'
'Do you think we could persuade him to stroll back a few months and tell us not to build that bloody pyramid?'
'He can't communicate, dad.'
'Not . IIa drifted sideways, a flat cut-out on the landscape.
'Can't we do anything?' he said. 'Roll him up neatly, or something?'
IIb shrugged. 'We could put something in the way. That might be a good idea. It would stop anything worse happening to him because it, er, wouldn't have time to happen in. I think.'
They pushed the bent statue of Hat the Vulture-Headed God into the flat one's path. After a minute or two his gentle sideways drift brought him up against it. There was a fat blue spark that melted part of the statue, but the movement stopped.
'Why the sparks?' said Ptaclusp.much change there, then.' Ptaclusp sat down on the rubble, his head in his hands. It had come to this. One son normal and stupid, one flat as a shadow. And what sort of life could the poor flat kid have? He'd go through life being used to open locks, clean the ice off windscreens, and sleeping cheaply in trouser-presses in hotel bedrooms*. (* This is of course a loose translation, since Ptaclusp did not know the words for 'ice', 'windscreens' or 'hotel bedrooms'; interestingly, however, Squiggle Eagle Eagle Vase Wavyline Duck translates directly as 'a press for barbarian leg coverings'.) Being able to get under doors and read books without opening them would not be much of a compensation
Friday 20 March 2009
Jack Vettriano A Terrible Beauty
Jack Vettriano A Terrible BeautyJack Vettriano A Mutual UnderstandingJack Vettriano a letter of ConsequenceJack Vettriano A Kind of Loving IIJack Vettriano a Fille a la motoJack Vettriano 301.129
involved, along with the business premises, the building, and a large part of the surrounding neighbourhood, so that everyone ,' said Chidder, shaking his head. 'You know. Clean. That's why my father said I should join the Guild. I mean, you've got to get on with the business these days, you can't spend your whole time on public relations.'
The end of the crossbow trembled.
He liked everything else about the school, the climbing, the music studies, the broad education. It was the fact that you ended up killing people that had been preying on his mind. He'd never killed anyone.involved would know that the man had been unwise enough to make the kind of enemies who could get very angry and indiscriminate. 'Gosh,' said Arthur. 'Oh, that's nothing,' said Chidder, 'one Hogswatchnight my grandad and his accounts department went and had a high-level business conference with the Hubside people and fifteen bodies were never found. Very bad, that sort of thing. Upsets the business community.' 'All the business community, or just that part of it floating face down in the river?' said Teppic. 'That's the point. Better it should be like this
involved, along with the business premises, the building, and a large part of the surrounding neighbourhood, so that everyone ,' said Chidder, shaking his head. 'You know. Clean. That's why my father said I should join the Guild. I mean, you've got to get on with the business these days, you can't spend your whole time on public relations.'
The end of the crossbow trembled.
He liked everything else about the school, the climbing, the music studies, the broad education. It was the fact that you ended up killing people that had been preying on his mind. He'd never killed anyone.involved would know that the man had been unwise enough to make the kind of enemies who could get very angry and indiscriminate. 'Gosh,' said Arthur. 'Oh, that's nothing,' said Chidder, 'one Hogswatchnight my grandad and his accounts department went and had a high-level business conference with the Hubside people and fifteen bodies were never found. Very bad, that sort of thing. Upsets the business community.' 'All the business community, or just that part of it floating face down in the river?' said Teppic. 'That's the point. Better it should be like this
Jack Vettriano Blades
Jack Vettriano BladesJack Vettriano Blades IIJack Vettriano Birth Of A DreamJack Vettriano BirdyJack Vettriano Bird on the Wire
'Now it may well be that, as you travel across the city on your lawful occasions, you will find yourselves in opposition to fellow members, even one of the gentlemen with whom you are currently sharing a bench. And this is quite in the dormitories about what Mericet had done to slovenly pupils in the past, which. were always vague but horrifying. The class relaxed. Mericet usually concentrated on one victim at a time, so all they had to do now was look keen and enjoy the show. Crimson to his ears, Cheesewright got to his feet and trooped down the aisle between the desks.
The master inspected him thoughtfully.right and /what are you doing Mr Chidder no don 't tell me I'm sure I wouldn't want to know see me afterwards/ proper. It is open to everyone to defend themselves as best they may. There are, however, other enemies who will dog your steps and against whom you are all ill-prepared /who are they Mr Cheesewright?'/ Mericet spun round from his blackboard like a vulture who has just heard a death-rattle and pointed the chalk at Cheesewright, who gulped. 'Thieves' Guild, sir?' he managed. 'Step out here, boy.' There were whispered rumours
'Now it may well be that, as you travel across the city on your lawful occasions, you will find yourselves in opposition to fellow members, even one of the gentlemen with whom you are currently sharing a bench. And this is quite in the dormitories about what Mericet had done to slovenly pupils in the past, which. were always vague but horrifying. The class relaxed. Mericet usually concentrated on one victim at a time, so all they had to do now was look keen and enjoy the show. Crimson to his ears, Cheesewright got to his feet and trooped down the aisle between the desks.
The master inspected him thoughtfully.right and /what are you doing Mr Chidder no don 't tell me I'm sure I wouldn't want to know see me afterwards/ proper. It is open to everyone to defend themselves as best they may. There are, however, other enemies who will dog your steps and against whom you are all ill-prepared /who are they Mr Cheesewright?'/ Mericet spun round from his blackboard like a vulture who has just heard a death-rattle and pointed the chalk at Cheesewright, who gulped. 'Thieves' Guild, sir?' he managed. 'Step out here, boy.' There were whispered rumours
Thursday 19 March 2009
George Inness The Delaware Water Gap
George Inness The Delaware Water GapGeorge Inness SpringGeorge Inness Spring Blossoms New JerseyGeorge Inness RomeGeorge Inness Pond at Milton on the Hudson
do it, as well you know,' said Granny disapprovingly. 'People don't go and find witchcraft, it comes and finds them.'
'Yes, yes,' said Magrat. 'Sorry.'
'Right,' said Granny, slightly mollified. She'd never mastered the talent for apologising, but she appreciated it in other people.
'What about this new duke, thenGranny Weatherwax conceded. 'But it was only if they'd done something bad. He said they enjoyed it really. And he used to let them go if they gave him a good run,'
'And then there was that great hairy thing of his,' said Nanny Ogg.
There was a perceptible Thargum,' said Nanny Ogg. 'Had a big red beard, I recall. He was very gracious too, you know.'
'Only now no-one must say Felmet killed the king,' said Magrat.
'What?' said Granny.
'He had some people executed 'He was hanging about in my raspberry bushes,' said Granny. 'Only, when I went out to see what he wanted, he ran away.'
'Actually, I gave him tuppence,' said Magrat. 'He said he was going to be tortured, you see, if he didn't get witches to pay their taxes . . .'
Lord Felmet looked carefully at the two coins in his lap.
Then he looked at his tax gatherer.
do it, as well you know,' said Granny disapprovingly. 'People don't go and find witchcraft, it comes and finds them.'
'Yes, yes,' said Magrat. 'Sorry.'
'Right,' said Granny, slightly mollified. She'd never mastered the talent for apologising, but she appreciated it in other people.
'What about this new duke, thenGranny Weatherwax conceded. 'But it was only if they'd done something bad. He said they enjoyed it really. And he used to let them go if they gave him a good run,'
'And then there was that great hairy thing of his,' said Nanny Ogg.
There was a perceptible Thargum,' said Nanny Ogg. 'Had a big red beard, I recall. He was very gracious too, you know.'
'Only now no-one must say Felmet killed the king,' said Magrat.
'What?' said Granny.
'He had some people executed 'He was hanging about in my raspberry bushes,' said Granny. 'Only, when I went out to see what he wanted, he ran away.'
'Actually, I gave him tuppence,' said Magrat. 'He said he was going to be tortured, you see, if he didn't get witches to pay their taxes . . .'
Lord Felmet looked carefully at the two coins in his lap.
Then he looked at his tax gatherer.
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Rene Magritte Donna
Rene Magritte DonnaArthur Hughes The Long EngagementArthur Hughes The King's OrchardGeorge Inness OctoberAlbert Bierstadt Valley of the Yosemite
swords, what the hell can we do with them? And it's so embarrassing when they start crying.
It was at this moment that the world around him took a green tint and he thought he could make out, right on the cusp of hearing, other voices.
'There's men with swords, Granny!'
'—rend with glowing blades the marvel of the world—' Tomjon said, and the voices at the edge of imagination said. 'No king of mine is going to beg anything off anyone. Give me that milk jug, Magrat.'
'—the heart of compassion, the kiss—'
His sword came up until it was level with Tomjon's throat.
'And all the rest of you shouldn't be standing there like idiots,' he added. 'Come on. Or the boy gets it.'
Wimsloe the apprentice raised a cautious hand.
'What?' said the bandit.
'A-are you s-sure you listened carefully, sir?''That was a present from my aunt.''—this jewel of jewels, this crown of crowns.'There was silence. One or two of the bandits were weeping silently into their hands.Their chief said, 'Is that it?'For the first time in his life Tomjon looked nonplussed.'Well, yes,' he said. 'Er. Would you like me to repeat it?''It was a good speech,' the bandit conceded. 'But I don't see what it's got to do with me. I'm a practical man. Hand over your valuables.'
'I won't tell you again! Either I hear the clink of coins, or you hear a
swords, what the hell can we do with them? And it's so embarrassing when they start crying.
It was at this moment that the world around him took a green tint and he thought he could make out, right on the cusp of hearing, other voices.
'There's men with swords, Granny!'
'—rend with glowing blades the marvel of the world—' Tomjon said, and the voices at the edge of imagination said. 'No king of mine is going to beg anything off anyone. Give me that milk jug, Magrat.'
'—the heart of compassion, the kiss—'
His sword came up until it was level with Tomjon's throat.
'And all the rest of you shouldn't be standing there like idiots,' he added. 'Come on. Or the boy gets it.'
Wimsloe the apprentice raised a cautious hand.
'What?' said the bandit.
'A-are you s-sure you listened carefully, sir?''That was a present from my aunt.''—this jewel of jewels, this crown of crowns.'There was silence. One or two of the bandits were weeping silently into their hands.Their chief said, 'Is that it?'For the first time in his life Tomjon looked nonplussed.'Well, yes,' he said. 'Er. Would you like me to repeat it?''It was a good speech,' the bandit conceded. 'But I don't see what it's got to do with me. I'm a practical man. Hand over your valuables.'
'I won't tell you again! Either I hear the clink of coins, or you hear a
Monday 16 March 2009
Claude Monet Camille Monet in the Garden
Claude Monet Camille Monet in the GardenClaude Monet Blue Water LiliesClaude Monet Banks of the SeineClaude Monet Bank of the Seine VetheuilClaude Monet Autumn at Argenteuil
stretched and yawned to hide his embarrassment. Being called a good cat in the middle of one of his favourite stalking grounds wasn't going to do anything for his prowl-credibility. He disappeared into the undergrowth.
The Fool peered into the gloom. It dawned on him that while he liked forests, he liked them at one remove, as it were; it was nice to trunks indicated that, in defiance of all normal geography, the Hub lay everywhere.
Greebo had vanished.
The Fool sighed, removed his chain mail protection, and tinkled gently through the night in search of high ground. High ground seemed a good idea. The ground he was on at the moment appeared to be trembling. He was sure it shouldn't do that.
know that they were there, but the forests of the mind were not quite the same as real forests that, for example, you got lost in. They had more mighty oaks and fewer brambles. They also tended to be viewed in daylight, and the trees didn't have malevolent faces and long scratchy branches. The trees of the imagination were proud giants of the forest. Most of the trees here appeared to be vegetable gnomes, mere trellises for fungi and ivy.The Fool was vaguely aware that you could tell which direction the Hub lay by seeing which side of the trees the moss grew on. A quick inspection of the nearby
stretched and yawned to hide his embarrassment. Being called a good cat in the middle of one of his favourite stalking grounds wasn't going to do anything for his prowl-credibility. He disappeared into the undergrowth.
The Fool peered into the gloom. It dawned on him that while he liked forests, he liked them at one remove, as it were; it was nice to trunks indicated that, in defiance of all normal geography, the Hub lay everywhere.
Greebo had vanished.
The Fool sighed, removed his chain mail protection, and tinkled gently through the night in search of high ground. High ground seemed a good idea. The ground he was on at the moment appeared to be trembling. He was sure it shouldn't do that.
know that they were there, but the forests of the mind were not quite the same as real forests that, for example, you got lost in. They had more mighty oaks and fewer brambles. They also tended to be viewed in daylight, and the trees didn't have malevolent faces and long scratchy branches. The trees of the imagination were proud giants of the forest. Most of the trees here appeared to be vegetable gnomes, mere trellises for fungi and ivy.The Fool was vaguely aware that you could tell which direction the Hub lay by seeing which side of the trees the moss grew on. A quick inspection of the nearby
Friday 13 March 2009
Camille Pissarro Jardin Mirbeau aux Damps
Camille Pissarro Jardin Mirbeau aux DampsJoaquin Sorolla y Bastida UNA INVESTIGACIoNWilliam Etty Hero and Leander
all in your head,' she said, bracing herself against the force that wanted to drag them towards that flickering doorway. , circles drawn on the floor with eight different colours of chalk and a few cauldrons around the place then it simply wasn't worth contemplating.
The eight wizards at their stations on the points of the great ceremonial octogram swayed and chanted, their arms held out sideways so they were just touching the fingertips of the mages on either side.
But something was going wrong. True, a mist had formed in the very centre of the living octogram, but it was writhing and turning in on itself, refusing to focus.
'More power!' shouted Albert. 'Give it more power!''You're not Death. You're just Mort. You're whatever I think you are.'In the centre of the blurred blueness of his eyes were two tiny brown dots, rising at the speed of sight.The storm around them rose and wailed. Mort screamed. The Rite of AshkEnte, quite simply, summons and binds Death. Students of the occult will be aware that it can be performed with a simple incantation, three small bits of wood and 4cc of mouse blood, but no wizard worth his pointy hat would dream of doing anything so unimpressive; they knew in their hearts that if a spell didn't involve big yellow candles, lots of rare incense
all in your head,' she said, bracing herself against the force that wanted to drag them towards that flickering doorway. , circles drawn on the floor with eight different colours of chalk and a few cauldrons around the place then it simply wasn't worth contemplating.
The eight wizards at their stations on the points of the great ceremonial octogram swayed and chanted, their arms held out sideways so they were just touching the fingertips of the mages on either side.
But something was going wrong. True, a mist had formed in the very centre of the living octogram, but it was writhing and turning in on itself, refusing to focus.
'More power!' shouted Albert. 'Give it more power!''You're not Death. You're just Mort. You're whatever I think you are.'In the centre of the blurred blueness of his eyes were two tiny brown dots, rising at the speed of sight.The storm around them rose and wailed. Mort screamed. The Rite of AshkEnte, quite simply, summons and binds Death. Students of the occult will be aware that it can be performed with a simple incantation, three small bits of wood and 4cc of mouse blood, but no wizard worth his pointy hat would dream of doing anything so unimpressive; they knew in their hearts that if a spell didn't involve big yellow candles, lots of rare incense
Thursday 12 March 2009
Venice Grand Canal
Venice Grand CanalUnknown Artist Grand Canal sceneCarl Fredrik Aagard Lodge on Lake Como
withdrew his hand.
'What am I supposed to do then?' she said. 'Not eat, because the food wasn't destined to be eaten by me? Go and live in a crypt somewhere?'
'Bit of a poser, isn't it?' agreed Cutwell. 'That's fate for you, I'm afraid. If the world can't sense you, you don't exist. I'm a wizard. We know —'
'Don't say it.'
Keli 'No. No, I'm not going to accept it. I'm not going to dwindle into some sort of ghost. You're going to help me, wizard.'
Cutwell's subconscious recognised that tone. It had harmonics in it that made even the woodworm in the floorboards stop what they were doing and stand to attention. stood up.Five generations ago one of her ancestor had halted his band of nomadic cutthroats a few miles from the mound of Sto Lat and had regarded the sleeping city with a peculiarly determined expression that said: This'll do. Just because you're born in the saddle doesn't mean you have to die in the bloody thing.Strangely enough, many of his distinctive features had, by a trick of heredity, been bequeathed to his for her rather . They were never more apparent than now. Even Cutwell was impressed. When it came to determination, you could have cracked rocks on her jaw.In exactly the same tone of voice that her ancestor had used when he addressed his weary, sweaty followers before the she said:
withdrew his hand.
'What am I supposed to do then?' she said. 'Not eat, because the food wasn't destined to be eaten by me? Go and live in a crypt somewhere?'
'Bit of a poser, isn't it?' agreed Cutwell. 'That's fate for you, I'm afraid. If the world can't sense you, you don't exist. I'm a wizard. We know —'
'Don't say it.'
Keli 'No. No, I'm not going to accept it. I'm not going to dwindle into some sort of ghost. You're going to help me, wizard.'
Cutwell's subconscious recognised that tone. It had harmonics in it that made even the woodworm in the floorboards stop what they were doing and stand to attention. stood up.Five generations ago one of her ancestor had halted his band of nomadic cutthroats a few miles from the mound of Sto Lat and had regarded the sleeping city with a peculiarly determined expression that said: This'll do. Just because you're born in the saddle doesn't mean you have to die in the bloody thing.Strangely enough, many of his distinctive features had, by a trick of heredity, been bequeathed to his for her rather . They were never more apparent than now. Even Cutwell was impressed. When it came to determination, you could have cracked rocks on her jaw.In exactly the same tone of voice that her ancestor had used when he addressed his weary, sweaty followers before the she said:
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Thomas Kinkade Lakeside Manor
Thomas Kinkade Lakeside ManorThomas Kinkade cottage by the seaThomas Kinkade almost heavenThomas Kinkade A New Day Dawning
represented by a little sun symbol with up and down icons. To use it, just hold down the correct function key and then choose up or down.
2. Change saver from the list. The Windows Mobility Center has more methods for saving include settings for powering off the monitor and kicking into sleep mode more quickly.3. Switch off Wi-Fi
One of the biggest battery sappers is the wireless networking capabilities built into most laptops. Wi-Fi drains the battery by constantly drawing power from the battery and, when not connected, looking for networks. When you're using your laptop away from the grid, the likelihood is you're away from wireless networkspower settingsWindows Vista comes with some great power features, which enable you to eke out the best performance when you're plugged into the mains, and optimise battery life when on the move. Type power options into the Start Search box and choose Power
represented by a little sun symbol with up and down icons. To use it, just hold down the correct function key and then choose up or down.
2. Change saver from the list. The Windows Mobility Center has more methods for saving include settings for powering off the monitor and kicking into sleep mode more quickly.3. Switch off Wi-Fi
One of the biggest battery sappers is the wireless networking capabilities built into most laptops. Wi-Fi drains the battery by constantly drawing power from the battery and, when not connected, looking for networks. When you're using your laptop away from the grid, the likelihood is you're away from wireless networkspower settingsWindows Vista comes with some great power features, which enable you to eke out the best performance when you're plugged into the mains, and optimise battery life when on the move. Type power options into the Start Search box and choose Power
Monday 9 March 2009
George Bellows Dempsey and Firpo
George Bellows Dempsey and FirpoCaravaggio The Sacrifice of IsaacCaravaggio The Musicians
were for the first time.
"Oh, those. They only exist inside our heads. If we didn't believe in them, they wouldn't exist at all."
Simon looked around at them.
"I can't honestly say I believe you," he said.
"I think Esk. "People will be worrying. "
She moved her hands together and the staff vanished, although for a moment her hands glowed as though they were cupped around a candle.
The Things howled. A few of them fell over.
"The important "It just becomes an idea of itself, I think."
He reached out his hand again and closed his fingers around the shining wood.
"Right," he said, and raised it in the classical revengeful wizard's pose. "I'll show them!"
"No, wrong." thing about magic is how you don't use it," said Esk, taking Simon's arm. He stared at the crumbling figures around him, and grinned foolishly. "You don't use it?" he queried. "Oh, yes," said Esk, as they walked towards the Things. "Try it yourself." She extended her hands, brought the staff out of the air, and offered it to him. He went to take it, then drew back his hand. "Uh, no," he said, "I don't think it likes me much." "I think it's all right if I give it to you. It can't really argue with that," said Esk. "Where does it go?"
"What do you mean, wrong? I've got the power!"
were for the first time.
"Oh, those. They only exist inside our heads. If we didn't believe in them, they wouldn't exist at all."
Simon looked around at them.
"I can't honestly say I believe you," he said.
"I think Esk. "People will be worrying. "
She moved her hands together and the staff vanished, although for a moment her hands glowed as though they were cupped around a candle.
The Things howled. A few of them fell over.
"The important "It just becomes an idea of itself, I think."
He reached out his hand again and closed his fingers around the shining wood.
"Right," he said, and raised it in the classical revengeful wizard's pose. "I'll show them!"
"No, wrong." thing about magic is how you don't use it," said Esk, taking Simon's arm. He stared at the crumbling figures around him, and grinned foolishly. "You don't use it?" he queried. "Oh, yes," said Esk, as they walked towards the Things. "Try it yourself." She extended her hands, brought the staff out of the air, and offered it to him. He went to take it, then drew back his hand. "Uh, no," he said, "I don't think it likes me much." "I think it's all right if I give it to you. It can't really argue with that," said Esk. "Where does it go?"
"What do you mean, wrong? I've got the power!"
Leonardo da Vinci Madonna Litta
Leonardo da Vinci Madonna LittaLeonardo da Vinci Female HeadLeonardo da Vinci Annunciation
course. I'm so sorry."
"For the look of the thing, you see," said Cutangle apologetically. He pushed the door open.
The Library was full of wizards, who care about their books in the same way that ants care about their eggs and in time of difficulty carry them around in much the same way. The water was getting in even here, and turning up in "Ook," it explained, "ooook."
"I expect so," said Cutangle shortly, and grabbed the nearest wizard, who was tottering under the weight of a dozen grimoires. The man stared at him as if he was a ghost, looked sideways at Granny, and dropped the books on the floor. The librarian winced.
"Archchancellor?" gasped the wizard, "you're alive? I mean -we heard you'd been rather odd places because of the Library's strange gravitational effects. All the lower shelves had been cleared and relays of wizards and students were piling the volumes on every available table and dry shelf. The air was full of the sound of angry rustling pages, which almost drowned out the distant fury of the storm. This was obviously upsetting the librarian, who was scurrying from wizard to wizard, tugging ineffectually at their robes and shouting "ook". He spotted Cutangle and knuckled rapidly towards him. Granny had never seen an orang-outan before, but wasn't about to admit it, and remained quite calm in the face of a small potbellied man with extremely long arms and a size IZ skin on a size 8 body.
course. I'm so sorry."
"For the look of the thing, you see," said Cutangle apologetically. He pushed the door open.
The Library was full of wizards, who care about their books in the same way that ants care about their eggs and in time of difficulty carry them around in much the same way. The water was getting in even here, and turning up in "Ook," it explained, "ooook."
"I expect so," said Cutangle shortly, and grabbed the nearest wizard, who was tottering under the weight of a dozen grimoires. The man stared at him as if he was a ghost, looked sideways at Granny, and dropped the books on the floor. The librarian winced.
"Archchancellor?" gasped the wizard, "you're alive? I mean -we heard you'd been rather odd places because of the Library's strange gravitational effects. All the lower shelves had been cleared and relays of wizards and students were piling the volumes on every available table and dry shelf. The air was full of the sound of angry rustling pages, which almost drowned out the distant fury of the storm. This was obviously upsetting the librarian, who was scurrying from wizard to wizard, tugging ineffectually at their robes and shouting "ook". He spotted Cutangle and knuckled rapidly towards him. Granny had never seen an orang-outan before, but wasn't about to admit it, and remained quite calm in the face of a small potbellied man with extremely long arms and a size IZ skin on a size 8 body.
Henri Matisse The Green Line
Henri Matisse The Green LineHenri Matisse Red FishHenri Matisse Pink Nude
on to a stack of old barrels, a quick scramble down the slippery wood, and she was trotting easily across the inn yard.
As she kicked up the street mists she could hear the sounds of argument coming from the Riddle.
Skiller rushed past his wife and laid a hand on the tap of the nearest barrel. He paused, and then wrenched it open.
The smell "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," said Mrs Skiller briskly.
"No, I suppose not."
He followed her reluctantly out of the darkened bar-room. It seemed to him that perhaps wizards didn't have such a bad life, at that.of peach brandy filled the room, sharp as knives. He shut off the flow and relaxed. "Afraid it would turn into something nasty?" asked his wife. He nodded. "If you hadn't been so clumsy -"she began. "I tell you it bit me!" "You could have been a wizard and we wouldn't have to bother with all this. Have you got no ambition?" Skiller shook his head. "I reckon it takes more than a staff to make a wizard," he said. "Anyway, I heard where it said wizards aren't allowed to get married, they're not even allowed to -" He hesitated. "To what? Allowed to what?" Skiller writhed. "Well. You know. Thing."
on to a stack of old barrels, a quick scramble down the slippery wood, and she was trotting easily across the inn yard.
As she kicked up the street mists she could hear the sounds of argument coming from the Riddle.
Skiller rushed past his wife and laid a hand on the tap of the nearest barrel. He paused, and then wrenched it open.
The smell "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," said Mrs Skiller briskly.
"No, I suppose not."
He followed her reluctantly out of the darkened bar-room. It seemed to him that perhaps wizards didn't have such a bad life, at that.of peach brandy filled the room, sharp as knives. He shut off the flow and relaxed. "Afraid it would turn into something nasty?" asked his wife. He nodded. "If you hadn't been so clumsy -"she began. "I tell you it bit me!" "You could have been a wizard and we wouldn't have to bother with all this. Have you got no ambition?" Skiller shook his head. "I reckon it takes more than a staff to make a wizard," he said. "Anyway, I heard where it said wizards aren't allowed to get married, they're not even allowed to -" He hesitated. "To what? Allowed to what?" Skiller writhed. "Well. You know. Thing."
Thursday 5 March 2009
Edward Hopper Hotel Room
Edward Hopper Hotel RoomEdward Hopper Hotel LobbyEdward Hopper Girlie Show
that it?' said Cohen. There was a general muttering from the crowd, and several of the star people were looking angrily at Rincewind.
The wizard stared Wearily at Cohen.
'I suppose so,' he said.
'But nothing's happened.'
Rincewind looked blankly at the Octavo.
'Maybe it has a It hadn't rushed to Twoflower's aid. It was standing in front of Rincewind, who was clutching the Octavo to his chest like a hot-water bottle and looking frantic.
A star man lunged at him. The Luggage raised its lid threateningly.subtle effect?' he said hopefully. 'After all, we don't know exactly what is supposed to happen.''We knew it!' shouted one of the star people. 'Magic doesn't work! It's all illusion!'A stone looped over the roof and hit Rincewind on the shoulder.'Yeah,' said another star person. 'Let's get him!''Let's throw him off the tower!''Yeah, let's get him and throw him off the tower!'The crowd surged forward. Twoflower held up his hands.'I'm sure there's just been a slight mistake—' he began, before his legs were kicked from underneath him.'Oh bugger,' said Cohen, dropping his dogend and grinding it under a sandalled foot. He drew his sword and looked around for the Luggage.
that it?' said Cohen. There was a general muttering from the crowd, and several of the star people were looking angrily at Rincewind.
The wizard stared Wearily at Cohen.
'I suppose so,' he said.
'But nothing's happened.'
Rincewind looked blankly at the Octavo.
'Maybe it has a It hadn't rushed to Twoflower's aid. It was standing in front of Rincewind, who was clutching the Octavo to his chest like a hot-water bottle and looking frantic.
A star man lunged at him. The Luggage raised its lid threateningly.subtle effect?' he said hopefully. 'After all, we don't know exactly what is supposed to happen.''We knew it!' shouted one of the star people. 'Magic doesn't work! It's all illusion!'A stone looped over the roof and hit Rincewind on the shoulder.'Yeah,' said another star person. 'Let's get him!''Let's throw him off the tower!''Yeah, let's get him and throw him off the tower!'The crowd surged forward. Twoflower held up his hands.'I'm sure there's just been a slight mistake—' he began, before his legs were kicked from underneath him.'Oh bugger,' said Cohen, dropping his dogend and grinding it under a sandalled foot. He drew his sword and looked around for the Luggage.
Juan Gris Portrait of Josette Gris
Juan Gris Portrait of Josette GrisJuan Gris Pears and Grapes on a TableJuan Gris Guitar with ClarinetJuan Gris Guitar on a Table
' he said. 'I've been looking forward to something like this ever since I came here. I mean, this is an adventure, isn't it? Alone against the gods, that sort of thing?'
Rincewind opened and shut his mouth for a few seconds before the right words managed to come out.
'Can you use a sword?' he said weakly.
'I don't know. I've never tried.'
'You're mad!'
Twoflower looked at him with his head on one side. 'You're a fine one to talk,' he said. 'I'm here because I don't know The light flared and went out. The terrible noises died as if strangled.
Silence filled the tower; one of those heavy, pressing silences.
'It's stopped,' said Twoflower.
Something moved, high up against the circle of red sky. It fell slowly
' he said. 'I've been looking forward to something like this ever since I came here. I mean, this is an adventure, isn't it? Alone against the gods, that sort of thing?'
Rincewind opened and shut his mouth for a few seconds before the right words managed to come out.
'Can you use a sword?' he said weakly.
'I don't know. I've never tried.'
'You're mad!'
Twoflower looked at him with his head on one side. 'You're a fine one to talk,' he said. 'I'm here because I don't know The light flared and went out. The terrible noises died as if strangled.
Silence filled the tower; one of those heavy, pressing silences.
'It's stopped,' said Twoflower.
Something moved, high up against the circle of red sky. It fell slowly
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Jack Vettriano Picnic Party
Jack Vettriano Picnic PartyJack Vettriano Only the deepest Red IIJack Vettriano on ParadeJack Vettriano Night Geometry
only other female profession generally available.
So she'd become a swordswoman and had been a good one, amassing a modest fortune that she was carefully husbanding for a future that she hadn't quite worked out yet but which would certainly include a bidet if she had anything to say about it.
There was a distant sound of splintering timber. Trolls had never seen the point of walking around trees.
She looked up at the hill again. Two arms of high ground swept away to right and left, and up ahead was a large outcrop ,' she said. Trolls don't like fire.'
He gave her a look which suggested he had his own ideas about who should be giving the orders, but his lips said, 'You're the boss.'
'Right.'
Herrena looked back at the three captives. That was the box all right – Trymon's description with – she squinted – some caves in it?Troll caves. But maybe a better option than blundering around at night. And come sunup, there'd be no problem.She leaned across to Gancia, leader of the gang of Morpork mercenaries. She wasn't very happy about him. It was true that he had the muscles of an ox and the tamina of an ox, the trouble was that he seemed to have the brains of an ox. And the viciousness of a ferret. Like most of the lads in downtown Morpork he'd have cheerfully sold his granny for glue, and probably had.'We'll head for the caves and light a big fire in the entrance
only other female profession generally available.
So she'd become a swordswoman and had been a good one, amassing a modest fortune that she was carefully husbanding for a future that she hadn't quite worked out yet but which would certainly include a bidet if she had anything to say about it.
There was a distant sound of splintering timber. Trolls had never seen the point of walking around trees.
She looked up at the hill again. Two arms of high ground swept away to right and left, and up ahead was a large outcrop ,' she said. Trolls don't like fire.'
He gave her a look which suggested he had his own ideas about who should be giving the orders, but his lips said, 'You're the boss.'
'Right.'
Herrena looked back at the three captives. That was the box all right – Trymon's description with – she squinted – some caves in it?Troll caves. But maybe a better option than blundering around at night. And come sunup, there'd be no problem.She leaned across to Gancia, leader of the gang of Morpork mercenaries. She wasn't very happy about him. It was true that he had the muscles of an ox and the tamina of an ox, the trouble was that he seemed to have the brains of an ox. And the viciousness of a ferret. Like most of the lads in downtown Morpork he'd have cheerfully sold his granny for glue, and probably had.'We'll head for the caves and light a big fire in the entrance
Monday 2 March 2009
Edward Hopper Railroad Crossing
Edward Hopper Railroad CrossingEdward Hopper Portrait of OrleansEdward Hopper Pont du Carrousel in the FogEdward Hopper Painter and Model
first snowstorms of winter were raging, and in fact there was a suspiciously heavy covering of cloud over most of the Disc. And yet, from far above and by the silver light of the discworld's tiny moon, it presented one of the most beautiful sights in the multiverse.
Great streamers of cloud, hundreds of miles along, swirled from the waterfall at the Rim to the mountains of the Hub. In the cold crystal silence the huge white spiral glittered frostily under the stars, imperceptibly turning, very much as though God had poured the cream in.
Nothing became the first two people on the Disc to see what the future held.
A thousand miles behind them the Hub mountain of Cori Celesti stabbed the sky and cast a knife-bright shadow across the broiling clouds, so that Gods ought to have noticed too – but the Gods don't normally look at the sky and in any case were engaged in litigation with the Ice disturbed the glowing scene, which —Something small and distant broke through the cloud layer, trailing shreds of vapour. In the stratospheric calm the sounds of bickering came sharp and clear.'You said you could fly one of these things!''No I didn't; I just said you couldn't!''But I've never been on one before!''What a coincidence!''Anyway, you said— look at the sky!''No I didn't!''What's happened to the stars?'And so it was that Rincewind and Twoflower
first snowstorms of winter were raging, and in fact there was a suspiciously heavy covering of cloud over most of the Disc. And yet, from far above and by the silver light of the discworld's tiny moon, it presented one of the most beautiful sights in the multiverse.
Great streamers of cloud, hundreds of miles along, swirled from the waterfall at the Rim to the mountains of the Hub. In the cold crystal silence the huge white spiral glittered frostily under the stars, imperceptibly turning, very much as though God had poured the cream in.
Nothing became the first two people on the Disc to see what the future held.
A thousand miles behind them the Hub mountain of Cori Celesti stabbed the sky and cast a knife-bright shadow across the broiling clouds, so that Gods ought to have noticed too – but the Gods don't normally look at the sky and in any case were engaged in litigation with the Ice disturbed the glowing scene, which —Something small and distant broke through the cloud layer, trailing shreds of vapour. In the stratospheric calm the sounds of bickering came sharp and clear.'You said you could fly one of these things!''No I didn't; I just said you couldn't!''But I've never been on one before!''What a coincidence!''Anyway, you said— look at the sky!''No I didn't!''What's happened to the stars?'And so it was that Rincewind and Twoflower
Sunday 1 March 2009
George Bellows Polo Crowd
George Bellows Polo CrowdGeorge Bellows Gull Rock and WhiteheadGeorge Bellows Fog RainbowGeorge Bellows Both Members of This Club
There will be a short period of mourning, as befits a master craftsman," he said. He watched a bluebottle alight on one golden eye and fly away puzzled... "That would seem to be long enough," said the Arch-astronomer, and beckoned a couple of slaves to carry the corpse away.
"Are the chelonauts ready?" he asked.
The master launchcontroller hustled forward.
"Indeed, your prominence," he said.
"The correct prayers are being intoned?
"Quite so, ," concluded the Arch-astronomer, "is to find the appropriate sacrifice."
The master launchcontroller bowed.
"The ocean shall provide," he said.
The old man smiled. it always does," he said.
"If only you could navigate"
"If only you could steer-"your prominence.""How long to the doorway?""The launch window," corrected the master launchcontroller carefully. "Three days, your prominence. Great A'Tuin's tail will be in an unmatched position.""Then all that remains
There will be a short period of mourning, as befits a master craftsman," he said. He watched a bluebottle alight on one golden eye and fly away puzzled... "That would seem to be long enough," said the Arch-astronomer, and beckoned a couple of slaves to carry the corpse away.
"Are the chelonauts ready?" he asked.
The master launchcontroller hustled forward.
"Indeed, your prominence," he said.
"The correct prayers are being intoned?
"Quite so, ," concluded the Arch-astronomer, "is to find the appropriate sacrifice."
The master launchcontroller bowed.
"The ocean shall provide," he said.
The old man smiled. it always does," he said.
"If only you could navigate"
"If only you could steer-"your prominence.""How long to the doorway?""The launch window," corrected the master launchcontroller carefully. "Three days, your prominence. Great A'Tuin's tail will be in an unmatched position.""Then all that remains
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