Why is it, that there seems to be a long standing connection between geeks and pizza? It has often puzzled me, yet I digress.

I admit it, I am a pizza snob. The problem with having a wood-fired pizza oven installed in September this year, means that I am now spoilt. So spoilt, that I could be considered fairly elitist when it comes to pizza consumption.

I remember a time that I could eat gas- or electric- domestic oven fired pizza, and in fact, for a while many (like, 20) years ago, I worked in a pizza store which did just this.

Now? I can’t eat that sort of pizza. I’ve been to a few restaurants recently, and have had to turn it down. I’m considering this style of pizza a poor cousin of real pizza. Is that bad of me? I’m sure it is, but I’m pampered gastronomically now.

I’m hoping to write a few posts about Pizza, maybe even a few recipes, in this blog in the future. Pizza is too important a topic not to cover – wouldn’t you agree?

Meanwhile, you should take a look at some of the photos (Thanks Gary!) that were taken at the Pizza night that we held at our home, on the eve of Edge of the Web.

Image: Wood fired pizza oven at Burke’s Pizzeria.

I’ve read some great books recently, and I always mean to write a detailed review for each. I never seem to get around to it, so here’s a quick rundown of my five most recent book purchases…

Editing Made Easy by Bruce Kaplan
If terms like tautology and possessive apostrophe get you excited, then you’ll want to grab a copy of this book. This title is a handy pocket sized book on editing, which has the great side effect of improving your writing. Pitched mainly at beginners, but likely to be good for anyone who wants to write (or edit) well.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
As a fan of the television series, I had to get my hands on the book that inspired it all. It has all the characters we’ve grown to love in the series, but quite a few changes in storyline than the TV series. I’m a fan of reading the book after the movie/TV series, and not a fan at all of consuming stories the other way around; the movie or show normally disappoints.

Making Meaning by Steve Diller, Nathan Shedroff and Darrel Rhea
The subtitle of this book is ‘How Successful Businesses Deliver Meaningful Customer Experiences’. This book delivers the idea that a companies only way to gain customer loyalty is to build a meaningful customer experience. A fascinating read.

Designing for the Social Web by Joshua Porter
This is a great read for anyone involved in the user experience of any web application, social or not. There are still plenty of lessons here, and they’re delivered in an understandable and enjoyable way.

The Principles of Project Management by Meri Williams
Meri has an easy, clear way of outlining great practices for website project management. This is well worth a read no matter your team role. Note: I have a commercial relationship with SitePoint, publisher of this book, however this had no bearing on mentioning this book.

So, I’ve shared what’s on my bedside table. I encourage you to answer; What’s on your bookshelf or bedside table?

Image: Bedside table reading.

If you’ve wondered what has happened to me, and why I’m not online much, the above picture should give it away.

Our third child, Quinn Nathaniel Burke was born on Monday (30th June), making this blog post three days late (I did manage to update Twitter and Facebook though!). The photo above shows Quinn on his first day in this world, eyes shut and getting used to the sounds.

Mum, brother and sister are also doing well, and as you can imagine, we’re a very proud bunch!

Image: Quinn Nathaniel Burke, a few hours old.