Derek McMillan's weblog
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Advice for writers in ‘All Your Stories’
“All Your Stories." was kind enough to ask for my advice to writers and here it is. You can enlarge it with CTRL and + if it is too small to read.
Monday, March 02, 2026
Resources on the TES Website
This is a link to the resources:
https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?authorId=23034873
https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?authorId=23034873
The TES is not connected with Rupert Murdoch and provides free resources for teachers.
I don't use AI for writing or resources.
Sunday, March 01, 2026
What Wikipedia said about the Shah
The Imperial State of Iran, the government of Iran during the Pahlavi
dynasty, lasted from 1925 to 1979. During that time two monarchs — Reza
Shah Pahlavi and his son Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi — employed secret
police, torture, and executions to stifle political dissent. The Pahlavi
dynasty has sometimes been described as a "royal dictatorship", or
"one-man rule". According to one history of the use of torture by the
state in Iran, abuse of prisoners varied at times during the Pahlavi reign.
Makes a nonsense of saying what a wonderful thing it would be to go back to the good old days in Iran.
Friday, February 27, 2026
The Frozen People
I like Sci-Fi and detective stories. So this book is just up my street. You will have gathered that it is about the problem of solving crimes when none of the protagonists are still alive and a solution in the form of time travel.
When I first heard about the idea, I didn't think it would work but it does. The result is an excellent book which provides a window into the past as well as a classic "whodunnit" with the unexpected twist which readers have come to expect.
Read it.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Christian Heritage
It is so nice of Zia Yusuf to defend our Christian heritage for us. I assume that includes treating others as we would be treated ourselves. That would be a new departure for Reform UK. Perhaps we should forgive their trespasses?
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Lent
There was a man in America who lived to 100. The local radio station sent a young whippersnapper to interview him. He asked for the secret of his longevity. "I never argue," he replied.
"Come on, Grandad, there must me more to it than that, ."
"I guess you're right."
----
So I've given up arguing for Lent. I've already given up booze and cigarettes.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Ashes of London
The political background to the fire is fascinating. In particular, the book references the "Fifth Monarchists". The name comes from the idea that the Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman monarchies would be succeeded by the reign of "the great beast" (a term which might apply to numerous other royals in history) and then the fifth monarchy, the kingdom of Jesus. You can see why people living in poverty and dire oppression might find it attractive.
There is also a reference to the significance of 1666 as a number but you will have to read it to find that out.
This is a good read.
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