If you want to have a go at my version of the game, you can install it from here at the Google Play Store (Python version running on the Chrome Browser here).

 

Any idiot can code, and many do. The skill is in understanding the maths and algorithms (speaking as an idiot who codes).

 

Lazy (or to be fair perhaps just poorly informed) people have taken to use the word "coding" as a synonym for software development. Actually, coding is tricky in and of itself (read the C++11 reference manual and tell me it ain't so) but it is still only the "bricklaying" part of construction, so to speak. Programming is creative and exploratory and stimulating to the imagination. It's a different way of thinking that serves people well in all sorts of life situations outside of software. So as a way to develop skills in logical thinking, problem solving and invention it's very useful. Not every child will go on to write software as an adult but having a basic understanding and insight into systems has to be a fundamental part of every child's education I say. If you don't understand the systems controlling your life how can you ever use them to your best advantage?

 

Actually the basics of code are not directly computer related at all. A simple binary device is an on-off light switch which says something like when I am 'on' my user is at home and when I am 'off' my user is away. A second light switch allows this develop into when both lights are on my user is awake and when only one light is on my user is asleep and so on. The code is what you make the light sequences mean. The same use is made of morse code, an abacus, flag signals , hand gestures, anything that can be logically explained to mean something for each different state. I think most children develop logic rather more quickly than we believe possible, and the only problem with computers is demystifying their apparent complexity when they are only ever very fast at very simple arithmetic and being given very precise instructions about what to do with all that speed adding numbers together.

 

 

If you're into Android Game Development, read on.

 

This book is available on Amazon through October 3rd.

 

2. All the Blue of Heaven by Virginia Carmichael

 

Eight years ago, Allie Hathaway scandalized the wealthy elite of Chicago when she ran away to San Francisco. Now a world-renowned portrait painter, her life is filled with laughter and friendship, including being a mother to her orphaned niece. Life is perfect, so why can’t she forget her first love?

 

Thomas Bradford has come a long way from being the Hathaway family’s carriage boy. A veterinary degree, ambition and hard work have made him one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors. If only he could forget those stolen moments with Allie, Thomas might be able to enjoy his success.

 

The Great Quake of 1906 stuns the nation and Allie’s art studio burns to the ground, destroying years of valuable work. She’s forced to return to Chicago with little Janey, the only spark of hope in a life reduced to ashes. Her faith is crushed by her tragic reversal of fortune.

 

Thomas knows better than to fall for the beautiful young painter again, but he’s never been very wise around Allie Hathaway.

 

The carriage man’s son is all grown up and Allie doesn’t expect a second chance at a love that was refused eight years ago. Her life is in shambles and she has a child to support, so why won’t her heart accept the truth?

 

Once their love was torn apart by circumstance, but Thomas and Allie must decide whether to forge a future of hope together.

This book is available through Amazon until October 4th.

 

3. Blood for Ink by L.L. Muir

 

If he unmasks her, she's as good as dead...

As the mysterious writer who exposes gentlemen's secrets, it is not the first time The Scarlet Plumiere has been hunted. But this time it’s different. This time, she interferes with one of the Four Kings, and the brotherhood will not rest until they marry her off and place her securely under a man’s thumb. Only they have to catch her first.

The Earl of Northwick is falling for this writer, sight unseen. Will she be pretty? Will she have all her teeth? In his rush to claim her for himself, regardless of who she might ultimately be, he places her in grave danger — her desperate enemies are watching closely for the moment her mask is removed.

 

This book is available until October 2nd on Amazon.

 

4. The Reluctant Amazon by Sandy James

 

The last thing Rebecca Massee expects on her wedding day is to go from jilted kindergarten teacher to Amazonian Earth warrior. But when she causes an earthquake after her groom says I don’t, she discovers that not only does she possess incredible powers, she is one of four lost chosen sisters who must fight to keep humanity safe from rogue gods and demons. Luckily she has help: ruggedly handsome Scottish warrior Artair MacKay, her protector and teacher.

An immortal, Artair has trained countless warriors for more than four hundred years. He understands Rebecca’s confusion at the new world she’s been thrust into and worries she is too emotionally vulnerable, but that doesn’t stop his growing feelings for the beautiful and fearless woman.

 

When an evil force threatens to destroy the Amazons, Rebecca must claim her full powers — but they come at a cost. Can she sacrifice the man she loves if it means saving the world?

 

2013 Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Awards Finalist
2013 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award Finalist
USA Today Recommended Read

 

This book is available on Amazon and Apple through October 6th.

 

5. Broken Build by Rachelle Ayala

 

Bestselling Technothriller & Romantic Suspense

 

When a woman wrongs a man... can a man forgive and love?

 

Jennifer Cruz Jones thinks she can lay her past to rest. She’s landed her dream job at Silicon Valley’s hottest startup. Instead, she’s caught in a web of blackmail, murder, and broken code.

 

Startup founder David Jewell refuses to dwell on his past. When a man last seen with Jennifer is found dead, he takes a closer look at her. With investors losing confidence and his company in jeopardy, he is forced to protect Jennifer when she is attacked.

Together, David and Jennifer must thwart a killer while rescuing a victim from their past. Love blossoms, but a damaging revelation points straight at Jennifer and threatens to tear them apart forever.

 

Broken Build is a dramatic, multicultural romance mixed with a huge dose of chemistry, an unsolved murder, a missing child, and a relentless adversary.

 

This book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Smashwords, and Kobo through October 6th.

 

6. Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly

 

From USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly comes Waking Up Married, a free book in Harlequin’s brand-new contemporary romance collection — Harlequin KISS.

 

Her first thought: “Who are you?”

It’s the morning after her cousin’s bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she’s in a stranger’s penthouse having woken up with something else as well — a funny, arrogant, sexy… husband!

Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible — been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter… no, Connor Reed and she’s gone from first meet to marriage in one night!

Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor’s shocking bombshell?

“I don't want a divorce.”

 

This book is available on Amazon, Apple, Google, Barnes and Noble, Sony, and Kobo indefinitely.

 

7. Murder in the South of France by Susan Kiernan-Lewis

 

Maggie Newberry is sheltered, privileged, but also a whip-smart advertising copywriter who’s fast on her feet and a little stunned to realize that she’s 32 years old and still hasn't found “the one.” When her long-missing sister ends up dead, Maggie flies to the south of France to find the little niece that no one in the family even knew existed. Along the way, she finds handsome Laurent Dernier, a sexy if nefarious Frenchman who it’s not clear is there to help or hinder Maggie’s search for the girl. Meanwhile, her sister’s murderer sets his sights on the little girl — and Maggie.