Saturday 19 December 2015

Children's Christmas book as last minute gift

Tired of the lack of tradition Christmas stories for children?

I know I am.

That is the reason that I have written and published my own book.

'Fluffy Hugs' follows the tale of a magical baby penguin.
His parents are removed the zoo where they all lived and returned to the wild, causing Fluffy to leave the zoo and use his powers to help people and animals around the world.
He hugs those in need and fixes their problems. But something is missing from his own life which he cannot fix.
Then, Fluffy encounters a very special person who says that he can help.

This is a tradition story and very Christmassy!

It is on sale on Amazon now with guaranteed delivery before Christmas. It will make a perfect present for a child between 2 and 12.

Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluffy-Hugs-Mr-Richard-Dodd/dp/1519517726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450519075&sr=8-1&keywords=richard+dodd+fluffy


It has a beautiful cover, painted by my good friend, Christopher Norman.

The original Fluffy is available here:

http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/chris_norman


Fluffy is also on sale in Christmas card format:

http://www.rochestercards.co.uk






Thursday 19 November 2015

Religion - Terrorism - Mental Health

Is anybody else really, extremely fed up of these ridiculous notions that all Muslims are terrorists?

Stupid pictures are circulating on social media proclaiming that we are English, proud to be British and we don’t mind if we offend Muslims because ‘our women are treated equally’. This latter claim is one I find extremely laughable. Equal, really?

This is taken from www.equalpayportal.co.uk:

“The gender pay gap for full-time employees in the private sector decreased from 17.6 per cent in 2014 to 17.2 per cent in 2015, the lowest since the series began in 1997 and continuing the long-term downward trend. However, the gender pay gap in the public sector increased for the second consecutive year from 11.0 per cent to 11.4 per cent.”


Hardly equal then, regarding pay at least. However, that is merely a side topic.

The key issue here is the insane notion that all Muslims are terrorists.

Newsflash, morons of England, they are not.

England is a multi-cultural society, we have embraced many different races, hobbies, foods and materials from around the globe. Personally, I believe that those professing a love of their country and wanting everyone who isn’t pure British to leave – should themselves leave. Now.
Do these people really believe that they are genuinely British? And do they forget that at some point Britain has invaded and owned most of the world? I think it is flattering that many different people wish to make our country their home. I certainly feel lucky to have been born here, where there is poverty and hardship but also chance and opportunity.

If only more people were educated and not ignorant.

If only they would not hide behind their social media, ‘liking’ stupid pictures that any 8 year old could have put together in 2 and a half mins on Microsoft paint.

If only people would read something other than a tabloid article which probably was put together by an 8 year old in under 2 minutes.

Those who rant and rave about wanting a ‘better’ England, a ‘pure’ England, what have you done to make it better? Charity work? Donations? Research? Campaigning?

NO. They have sat at home watching X Factor, playing Angry Birds and writing absolute rubbish on Facebook/Twitter. You profess to care? Prove it.

Time to stop blaming religion for these awful attacks. The suicide retards are not doing this in the name of a God, they are mentally ill. Pause to think about it, one second. Who in their right mind wants to die and take lots of innocent people out in doing so? No-one. They are sick. Corrupted by evil people who want to watch the world burn. They too sit behind a computer. They prey on the weak-willed and convert them into killers. Sure they may offer an after-life as a reward. But this is under no religion, written in no religious text, taught at no religious venues. This is all the work of sick people. Mentally challenged. I am not saying they need therapy or medication or rehabilitation. No, they should be killed before they convert more vulnerable people. France has declared war on terrorism. I am completely behind them.

Just remember that this is war on terrorism. Not religion. And definitely not Muslims.

England v France friendly shows football is NOT a matter of life or death

Some things are far more important than sport

The friendly match between England and France went ahead on Wednesday despite the attacks in France just days before. In a tremendous showing of bravery and defiance, the game not only went ahead, but the English Prime Minister and the Duke of Cambridge were in attendance. Such a showing of defiance in the face of terrorism is indeed admiral.

Let us pause to think about those who were so barbarically slaughtered in Paris on 13 November 2015. The latest attack of terrorism in the world. Our world. The world in which we set ourselves apart at the very top of the food chain. Man is the king of the beasts. This is how we behave?
As if war is not bad enough. This was organised terrorism at its worst. It is all too easy to blame religion for influencing such people and warping their minds. However, people are beginning to realise that no religion is to blame. These radicals are acting under the name of a God, but do not be mistaken, no religion endorses these terrible acts. These men are clearly suffering from mental illness. After all, what sane person would want to undertake in such deeds before committing suicide?

As news of the attacks was being reported and the death toll rose and rose; things were really put into perspective. Suddenly things that were important before do not matter. Sport is one of them. All sport is entertainment – a hobby – a pastime. We understand that, but we forget it. When our club is playing, nothing else in the world matters except winning. The opposing team becomes the enemy, especially if the two are rivals. Fans believe they ‘hate’ each other. Sometimes there is violence, sometimes death. Over a game! Things like the awful events in France serve as a reminder, a wake-up call, and a lesson. Do not let those innocent people die in vain. The least we can do, as sports fans is to get along with each other and encourage our fellow supporters, friends and family to do the same.

Everyone is human. No matter their football team, skin colour, race, gender, sexuality or religion. People are born equal with the same basic needs. Let us remember the fallen by honouring the living.

Let us use sport as a way of showing our solidarity. The minute silences, the black armbands. Let us stand up and show we are not afraid. We shall not be bullied. These sick individuals and their insane beliefs will not affect the way we live - except for the better.

Thank God, Jesus, the Heavens, fate or damn luck that you are alive today and live each day to serve your fellow man. Peace is the best weapon against terrorism.

Sunday 1 November 2015

Christopher Norman - Artist

Christopher Norman was born in Medway, Kent very close to Christmas 1985.
He is approaching his thirtieth Birthday, as the Mathematicians among you probably figured out already!

This blog is my early Birthday present to my best friend. I first met Chris in 1997 when we both started at the same Secondary School. We have remained firm friends ever since and in 2012 he was Best Man at my wedding.

This article is not to talk about how wonderful Christopher Norman the person is though. It is about how wonderful his artwork is. Now, I understand I am biased. I do. But that does not mean I am wrong. Have a scroll down and check out some of his paintings and greetings cards, go on.

Welcome back!
See, I told you, he is very talented. His art speaks for itself but it doesn’t speak loud enough for everyone to hear. Everyone needs to hear. He has something for everyone and they are exquisite paintings which he has spent hours and hours meticulously perfecting with his expert eye. I grew up watching him develop his natural talent with a pencil and become this extraordinary artist who can paint anything he sets his mind to.
Chris has had his art showcased in exhibitions, he has paintings on display in Nucleus art cafes and he has a regular stall at Rochester’s Dickens festival where he sells his greetings cards.

He has a profile on artgallery.co.uk - http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/chris_norman

A Facebook profile for his art - https://www.facebook.com/ArtworkbyChrisNormanMedway/timeline

A website for his Christmas cards - http://www.rochestercards.co.uk/

Christopher has been extremely busy and he has over 100 paintings and card designs in the last three years. It is so difficult to choose a favourite, people generally pick out HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Fluffy the penguin or one of the spectacular landscapes. Mine, however, is the one which hangs in my dining room, painted especially as a wedding present.

In a world dominated by media, technology and gadgets; it is so refreshing to sit and look at Chris’s paintings. (Even if you are looking on a computer!) Art is truly timeless and this is some of the best you will find from someone who is exactly like you and me.

His gift is something special and deserves to be celebrated. As does his thirtieth birthday.

So, Happy Birthday Chris!

If you like his art, or know someone who might; all I ask is that you ‘like’ his page, ‘share’ your favourite pictures or simply buy a few!
His Christmas cards are truly amazing, your family and friends will be over the moon when they receive one!