I've started work on a port of the classic Repton 3 for the BBC Micro - a game that took up far too much of my time when I was younger - to the .NET platform.

Considering the amount of time I've had to get the project underway (not a lot) and my unfamiliarity with the .NET framework (there's just so much in there...) I'm quite impressed with how far things have progressed.

I started by having a look at the KRepton port, and I've quite unashamedly nicked all the maps and graphics that were supplied with that version! The only difference is that I've converted all the sprite files to PNG as opposed to BMP. As the .NET framework can handle .PNG files natively, and also as I'm injecting all the images and maps into the final executable, it makes sense. At present, with all 21 map sets and related image files, the whole thing is weighing in at 300k.

At the moment, I've got the basics of the game in working order. Rocks fall correctly, keys open strongboxes, blips fly around the maze following the left hand wall switching cages into diamonds (albeit far too fast at the moment) and the main character is fully animated.

However, there's quite a lot left to do: as yet there's no scoring mechanism, there's no way to complete a level (crowns, bombs and timers don't work at present), monsters are not implemented, eggs don't crack and falling rocks don't kill you. Phew.

Anyway, as soon as there is a slightly more complete version, I'll post it to this site. You've been warned!

There are times when I truly despair about people, and although my wife accuses me of being a "Bah! Humbug!" when it comes to Christmas decorations, it has to be said that there are some people who take things just a little too far. Couple that with the knowledge that Yeovil has never been known for its elegance or taste, and you have a recipe for disaster; in one case, absolutely literally.

So, armed with my digital camera, I took a couple of pictures of two of the worst offenders

The awful truth behind this atrocity is that we're not talking about just one house here. Oh no, that'd be too easy. What you're looking at here is actually the left hand side of two houses. Not only are they physically joined, but they're joined by an appalling dedication to tacky Christmas decoration.

And here's the right hand side. Oh dear...

Most people would reckon that that's about as bad as you can get. Unfortunately, this is Yeovil we're talking about here, and no it isn't... Check this one out for an example...

Notice here the subtle use of 'Santa' motifs, and the glowing snowmen on the front lawn. Hmmm, I think that someone at this house wants us to remember that it's the Yuletide, and as such needs to light up the front of his house in such a way as to completely distract motorists who have the audacity to drive past. It would be funny if it wasn't true; I didn't have time to take a picture, but I assure you that there is a car currently sitting outside this property, that has been completely written off as a direct result of this house.

India's Christening was today, and of course, several pictures were taken of the event. This one of India with her Great Grandmother though is my favourite.

What's the point of having your own website if you don't put pictures of your (nearly) six month old daughter on it? There isn't. So here's a couple.

Now, don't get excited. Yeovil isn't exactly, erm, Rio... Anyhoo, Bec found a picture of us on the YDR FM website. There's a link if you're interested. I don't blame you if you're not. If you are interested, Bec is in the center of the picture holding India, and I'm behind them. And no, I wasn't drunk. Honest...