Dip into the ‘Pool of Life’

LIVERPOOL Central Library is about to welcome an all-star cast through its doors; from King John to John Lennon…  Acclaimed illustrator John Minnion launched his ‘Pool of Life’ tour at the library on Thursday, 6 November 2008, bringing with him a flood of famous figures who have helped make the city great.

Part of the library’s Capital of Culture programme, the tour will provide an entertaining and informative version of the history of Liverpool, through Minnion’s stunning caricatures of the city’s most famous personalities. 

Based on his new book ‘Pool of Life’, Minnion’s ‘multi-media’ presentation and talk will weave a fascinating tale of the city’s past, with his unique caricatures capturing the city’s pioneering figures as they’ve never been seen before – from The Beatles, Ken Dodd and William Roscoe, to Doctor Duncan, Dixie Dean and Bessie Braddock.

John Minnion said:- “Liverpool is a city that has always been buzzing with the activities of its people, and the individuals whose personalities and achievements have carried the city’s story forward.  The Pool of Life re-tells the story of Liverpool in a very different way. Through my caricatures, I aim to provide a different take on Liverpool’s fascinating history, capturing the essence of the remarkable personalities which have made this city famous all over the world.  I’m really looking forward to bringing this tour to the city’s libraries, giving everyone the chance to take a paddle in the Pool of Life!”

John Minnion worked for many years in London as an illustrator of newspapers and magazines. Since moving to Liverpool in 2002, he has formed a publishing company, Checkmate Books, to produce books which use caricatures to tell stories from history. Pool of Life is his fourth book.

The Pool of Life tour will see Minnion revealing his work to guests, and what inspires him – all accompanied by music. Admission is free, and copies of the book will be available at a discount price.  Following the launch event on 6 November, Minnion will take his Pool of Life tour to 5 community libraries throughout the city, visiting Norris Green, Wavertree, Sefton Park, Childwall and Breck Road.

The city council’s executive member for libraries, Councillor Keith Turner, said:- “The release of this fascinating book, telling the story of the figures who have helped shape our city, is really timely during our Capital of Culture celebrations.  I’m sure John will wow audiences across the city with his caricatures, which provide a new take on the Liverpool story and the city’s wonderful cast of characters.”

‘Logjamnesia’ is the new web virus

FORGETFUL Britons swamped with passwords and PIN numbers are suffering from a new condition called Logjamnesia, according to a computer software expert.  The word Logjamnesia (log jam nee zia) n. means partial or total inability to recall computer and internet passwords and PINs due to memory overload.   Common symptoms are failing to remember security passwords and credit and debit card PINs.

Michael Hawthornthwaite, managing director of Manchester based software developer Acid, believes the condition is being exacerbated by recent introductions of numbers and symbols into internet related passwords.  He explains:- “Millions of people are suffering from Logjamnesia as online shopping, banking and social networking continues to grow.  For added security we are now also expected to remember numbers and symbols and it seems the effect this is having on the brain is causing a total memory loss of all our ID passwords.”

Despite Logjamnesia becoming more common, Hawthornthwaite insists internet users should work on their memories rather than compromise on security:- “The improving software used by online hackers can automatically attempt 1000 passwords per second.  This means a 5 letter, lower case password could be uncovered in less than 3 hours.  Adding just 2 letters, a number and a symbol would create 81 trillion combinations that could take 2,500 years to crack. 

Always try to use different passwords and never include your bank PIN details as part of the code.  Finally, ensure you have the most effective security software available on your PC. The odd this is that Cyber criminals seem to be the only people immune to Logjamnesia.”

In an attempt to help you avoid Logjamnesia we asked 8 times World Memory Champion, Dominic O’Brien, for his top 3 tips to help improve your memory:-

1. Association - Memory works by association. To remember a 4 digit PIN think of a memorable sentence. Try using your name. “My name is Dominic.” The number of letters in each word codes the number, 2 4 2 7.

2. Mental Pictures - Turn numbers into pictures using their shapes. 2 looks like a swan, 4 a sailboat, 1 a candle, and 7 a boomerang. Now make up a story to link the numbers together.

3. The Journey Method - To remember a list of information choose a familiar route or journey, maybe around your house, to picture each item on the list. To remember all the British Prime Ministers picture Gordon Brown at your front door, Tony Blair in the hall, John Major up the staircase, and so on.

 Mersey Ferries – Short-term service change

MERSEY Ferries departures from Liverpool will move to the Cruise Liner Terminal landing stage for three days next week, for important access works to be carried out at the Pier Head.

The works, part of the ongoing transformation of the Pier Head, involve changing the layout of the ramp and access to the usual berth; the Skyline link span bridge and Pier Head landing stage.

The works will take place over three days over Monday, 10 November 2008 to Wednesday, 12 November 2008.

Merseytravel has worked with Liverpool City Council to free up the north end of the Cruise Liner Terminal landing stage and the north linkspan bridge for the three days.

Merseytravel has also arranged a shuttle bus, which will operate between the ticket office on Canada Boulevard and the Cruise Liner Terminal landing stage on Princes Parade over the three day period.

For more information passengers can contact 0151 330 1444.