Sun 2008-08-24 
A black-tailed skimmer dragonfly (Orthetrum cancellatum). The name is apparently a bit misleading as the females and the younger males are mainly yellowish, even on their tails. Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-23.
Sat 2008-08-23 
A tachinid fly of the species Tachina fera on a water mint flower (Mentha aquatica). Gonia divisa, another tachinid fly, is very similar, but has black legs instead of red ones. Tachina fera larvae parasitise various caterpillars. Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-23.
A couple of years ago I took the following photo of another tachinid fly, probably of species Eriothrix rufomaculata.
Tue 2008-08-19 I think I'd like to do some Smalltalk (or Squeak) development sometime. Just for myself. It would be good for me -- like an artist going to a retreat and setting aside all notions of practicality. I know I'll never work in Squeak professionally. That's why it would be like saying to yourself, "In this now, purity of expression is all that matters. Tomorrow, I will worry about making something I can sell. Tomorrow I will design so the mediocre masses that follow me cannot corrupt it. Today, I will work for the joy I find in the work."
The burdens of responsibility leave no room for such indulgence. So I turn back to Java and C#. I'll write another Address class and deal with another session manager, and more cookies. Always with the cookies.
Sun 2008-08-17 
Earlier this year, Reading Buses switched over to using bio-ethanol on its No. 17 route, and now, whenever one of these buses passes, you get a distinct whiff of vinegar in the air. Presumably this a result of incomplete combustion of the ethanol to acetic acid. Or maybe the ethanol they use is already partly oxidized by bacterial action? (Photo by Arriva436.)
Sat 2008-08-16 
Market Place, Reading, UK. Photo taken this morning (2008-08-16). The dark clouds were threatening rain, but none fell. The building on the right really is that irregular shape.
