Well, very nearly.
First week back at uni this week. I do feel like I have a lot to do to get the first I've promised myself, but if I knuckle down just a little bit more I'm sure it's achievable. I think. I hope. Oh I don't know anymore.
I'm home for the weekend. Mum seems to be trying to overcompensate for general family rubbishness, which is sweet but a tad uncomfortable. Shopping and a meal tomorrow, then back to London on Sunday. Monday sees the big 2-1, and a night with the majority of my favourite people. A week of partying, and celebrating 5 whole months with the boy, will fill out the rest of the next 10 days. I can see my grades slipping already....but hey, work hard and play hard.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Film reviews, 1-4th January
Twilight
Yes, I went to see it. It's awesome. I really didn't expect to enjoy it quite so much, but it surprised me. The acting is good, the story is a classic, the effects are cringey at times, but it's still fantastic. 8/10
The Spirit
Visually, this film doesn't disappoint. It looks almost as good as Sin City. Almost. However, the story is bland, the acting barely covers the lack of a strong plot, and the real appeal is seeing the variety of beautiful women in various states of undress. It had so much potential, but it just doesn't hit the mark. 5/10
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
Guillermo del Toro's labour of love, and it shows. The level of detail in crowd scenes, the individual monsters, the story and the visual splendour are reminiscent of the first film, only slightly better. The humour is perfectly placed, nothing feels forced, and the 'monster' characters somehow feel more real than the humans. 7/10
Eastern Promises
I expected this to have a definite cringe-factor - non-Russians playing Russian parts could easily have backfired. Viggo Mortensen is a revelation, tough but with a clear moral centre. The violence is not excessive, and the story is believable. The characters are well-played and easy to connect with - the villains seem the more villainous for their obvious human flaws. Interesting and well-made, but not entirely my thing. 6/10
Yes, I went to see it. It's awesome. I really didn't expect to enjoy it quite so much, but it surprised me. The acting is good, the story is a classic, the effects are cringey at times, but it's still fantastic. 8/10
The Spirit
Visually, this film doesn't disappoint. It looks almost as good as Sin City. Almost. However, the story is bland, the acting barely covers the lack of a strong plot, and the real appeal is seeing the variety of beautiful women in various states of undress. It had so much potential, but it just doesn't hit the mark. 5/10
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
Guillermo del Toro's labour of love, and it shows. The level of detail in crowd scenes, the individual monsters, the story and the visual splendour are reminiscent of the first film, only slightly better. The humour is perfectly placed, nothing feels forced, and the 'monster' characters somehow feel more real than the humans. 7/10
Eastern Promises
I expected this to have a definite cringe-factor - non-Russians playing Russian parts could easily have backfired. Viggo Mortensen is a revelation, tough but with a clear moral centre. The violence is not excessive, and the story is believable. The characters are well-played and easy to connect with - the villains seem the more villainous for their obvious human flaws. Interesting and well-made, but not entirely my thing. 6/10
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
New year, new challenge
I'm attempting the 101 in 1001. If you don't know, you have 1001 days to complete 101 tasks which you set yourself. Starting on the 1st of January, I have until 29th of September 2011.
Here's my list:
Give blood
Go one month without biting my nails (/30)
Visit Italy
Save £1500 (£100/1500)
Donate money to charity
Be able to say I have read all 200 books from the BBC's Big Read (82/200)
Write a list of 101 things that make me happy (/101)
Take up a new hobby
Learn a new language
Go a day without swearing
Adopt a penguin
Get at least a high 2:1 in my degree
Give up chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks for 2 weeks (/14)
Learn to cook ten different meals (/10)
Take pictures related to at least 40 of these tasks (/40)
Subscribe to Empire magazine
Go to the gym three times a week for a month (/12)
Stick to my weekly budget for three consecutive months (/12)
Get my provisional driving licence
Have at least one driving lesson
Clear my credit card
Watch 100 films I have never seen before (/100)
Stay in a relationship for over a year (4.5/12)
Take my Alkaline Trio live total to 30 times (15/30)
Empty my wardrobe and take all unwanted clothes to charity shops
Watch the sun set
Get a new tattoo to do with literature
See Symphonie Fantastique live
Go to the theatre 4 times in a calendar year (/4)
Update my blog once a week for a calendar year (/52)
Go to the opera
Get a First Aid certification
Go one week without the internet
Read 5 books published in 2000 (/5)
Write in my personal diary every day for three months (/60)
Style my hair properly every day for a month (/30)
Use my skincare products twice a day for a month (/30)
Eat only food from my house (no buying chocolate or takeaways!) every day for 2 weeks (/14)
Watch all 100 of the AFI’s 100 years, 100 movies (19/100)
See a Shakespeare play at the theatre
Read 5 Shakespeare plays I have never read before (/5)
Write ten new poems (/10)
Complete an internship at a magazine
Run for charity
bake a cake
Get a manicure
Identify 25 things I like about myself
Transfer 10% of every paycheck into my savings
Get a place on a Masters course
Decide on my PhD subject
Participate in the Jack The Ripper walk
Write a list of 20 sights around the world which I want to see (/20)
Visit at least 5 of them (/5)
Write 10 letters to my boyfriend (/10)
Host a themed movie night
Travel first class
Buy a copy of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”
Own a copy of every Dickens novel
Go two weeks without wearing a single band t shirt (/14)
Make my bed every day for three months (/60)
Get up at 7.30 every day for two weeks (/14)
Complete a crossword
Go one week without complaining (/7)
Make a list of my twenty favourite albums of all time (/20)
Eat vegetarian for one week
Go to the dentist
Try ten new foods (/10)
Put £2 in my savings for every challenge completed
Donate £2 to charity for every challenge not completed
Have 30 Disney films in my DVD collection by the end of the 1001 days (10/30?)
Have a board game party
Attend the graduation ball at QMUL
Feed the ducks
Own every Tim Burton film currently available on DVD
Upload 5 photos to Deviant Art every month for 6 consecutive months (/30)
Visit 5 museums
See a film in IMAX
Finally meet Ben!
Listen to every song on my IPOD
Call both of my parents once a week for two months
Buy a new laptop
Make a list of all books and DVDs that I own
register to vote
Wear my stilettos in public 5 times (/5)
Watch a live burlesque show
Ask Tom to think of 5 challenges for me
^
^
^
^
^
Ask my parents to think of 5 challenges for me
^
^
^
^
^
Pay my Nan the money I owe her from my house deposit
See Ross Noble with Emily
Buy a new necklace
Wear make-up every day for a week
Here's my list:
Give blood
Go one month without biting my nails (/30)
Visit Italy
Save £1500 (£100/1500)
Donate money to charity
Be able to say I have read all 200 books from the BBC's Big Read (82/200)
Write a list of 101 things that make me happy (/101)
Take up a new hobby
Learn a new language
Go a day without swearing
Adopt a penguin
Get at least a high 2:1 in my degree
Give up chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks for 2 weeks (/14)
Learn to cook ten different meals (/10)
Take pictures related to at least 40 of these tasks (/40)
Subscribe to Empire magazine
Go to the gym three times a week for a month (/12)
Stick to my weekly budget for three consecutive months (/12)
Get my provisional driving licence
Have at least one driving lesson
Clear my credit card
Watch 100 films I have never seen before (/100)
Stay in a relationship for over a year (4.5/12)
Take my Alkaline Trio live total to 30 times (15/30)
Empty my wardrobe and take all unwanted clothes to charity shops
Watch the sun set
Get a new tattoo to do with literature
See Symphonie Fantastique live
Go to the theatre 4 times in a calendar year (/4)
Update my blog once a week for a calendar year (/52)
Go to the opera
Get a First Aid certification
Go one week without the internet
Read 5 books published in 2000 (/5)
Write in my personal diary every day for three months (/60)
Style my hair properly every day for a month (/30)
Use my skincare products twice a day for a month (/30)
Eat only food from my house (no buying chocolate or takeaways!) every day for 2 weeks (/14)
Watch all 100 of the AFI’s 100 years, 100 movies (19/100)
See a Shakespeare play at the theatre
Read 5 Shakespeare plays I have never read before (/5)
Write ten new poems (/10)
Complete an internship at a magazine
Run for charity
bake a cake
Get a manicure
Identify 25 things I like about myself
Transfer 10% of every paycheck into my savings
Get a place on a Masters course
Decide on my PhD subject
Participate in the Jack The Ripper walk
Write a list of 20 sights around the world which I want to see (/20)
Visit at least 5 of them (/5)
Write 10 letters to my boyfriend (/10)
Host a themed movie night
Travel first class
Buy a copy of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”
Own a copy of every Dickens novel
Go two weeks without wearing a single band t shirt (/14)
Make my bed every day for three months (/60)
Get up at 7.30 every day for two weeks (/14)
Complete a crossword
Go one week without complaining (/7)
Make a list of my twenty favourite albums of all time (/20)
Eat vegetarian for one week
Go to the dentist
Try ten new foods (/10)
Put £2 in my savings for every challenge completed
Donate £2 to charity for every challenge not completed
Have 30 Disney films in my DVD collection by the end of the 1001 days (10/30?)
Have a board game party
Attend the graduation ball at QMUL
Feed the ducks
Own every Tim Burton film currently available on DVD
Upload 5 photos to Deviant Art every month for 6 consecutive months (/30)
Visit 5 museums
See a film in IMAX
Finally meet Ben!
Listen to every song on my IPOD
Call both of my parents once a week for two months
Buy a new laptop
Make a list of all books and DVDs that I own
register to vote
Wear my stilettos in public 5 times (/5)
Watch a live burlesque show
Ask Tom to think of 5 challenges for me
^
^
^
^
^
Ask my parents to think of 5 challenges for me
^
^
^
^
^
Pay my Nan the money I owe her from my house deposit
See Ross Noble with Emily
Buy a new necklace
Wear make-up every day for a week
Monday, 29 December 2008
I got so scared that I forgot my name
or so busy that I forgot about my blog. I think Skiba was more poetic about it than me though. This post won't make much sense. I apologise.
So. The end of 2008 is upon us. As I welcomed the year in a bar in Manchester, I promised myself that it would be the best year I've ever had. And honestly, I think I pretty much managed it.
University has gone well. Whilst I haven't really felt like I've worked much so far this year, I've kept on top of everything, and I've even started writing my dissertation. I've paid for this with a lack of social life (I've been working at the SU a LOT), but that is a resolution for 2009 taken care of.
Things with Tom are still wonderful. 4 and a half months have flown by, and spending Christmas with his family last week felt so natural. It's a good feeling.
My family seems to be self-destructing a little. I can't really say much in blog format, especially since I currently have literally no idea at all of what's happening. Needless to say, it's not helped with my sleep trouble.
Cub has been brilliant, editing a section is exhausting but as I now have my replacement ready to be trained the weight is definitely lifted. Shared, rather than removed. But lessened nonetheless.
I've also restarted my LOVEfilm account and will be buying a new Genesis pass, so film reviews are inevitably going to return to this page.
My 2009 resolutions:
1. Make more of an effort with my friends - friendship works two ways and I apologise profusely to everyone for being such an ass recently.
2. Write more reviews.
3. Put 110% into every remaining piece of university work - I need to get a fantastic grade or I'll hate myself forever.
I'm sure there's more, but those are clearly the important ones since they come to mind most readily.
I'm going to continue reading Romola whilst listening to Stephen Fry's very soothing voice.
So. The end of 2008 is upon us. As I welcomed the year in a bar in Manchester, I promised myself that it would be the best year I've ever had. And honestly, I think I pretty much managed it.
University has gone well. Whilst I haven't really felt like I've worked much so far this year, I've kept on top of everything, and I've even started writing my dissertation. I've paid for this with a lack of social life (I've been working at the SU a LOT), but that is a resolution for 2009 taken care of.
Things with Tom are still wonderful. 4 and a half months have flown by, and spending Christmas with his family last week felt so natural. It's a good feeling.
My family seems to be self-destructing a little. I can't really say much in blog format, especially since I currently have literally no idea at all of what's happening. Needless to say, it's not helped with my sleep trouble.
Cub has been brilliant, editing a section is exhausting but as I now have my replacement ready to be trained the weight is definitely lifted. Shared, rather than removed. But lessened nonetheless.
I've also restarted my LOVEfilm account and will be buying a new Genesis pass, so film reviews are inevitably going to return to this page.
My 2009 resolutions:
1. Make more of an effort with my friends - friendship works two ways and I apologise profusely to everyone for being such an ass recently.
2. Write more reviews.
3. Put 110% into every remaining piece of university work - I need to get a fantastic grade or I'll hate myself forever.
I'm sure there's more, but those are clearly the important ones since they come to mind most readily.
I'm going to continue reading Romola whilst listening to Stephen Fry's very soothing voice.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Soco Amaretto Lime
You're just jealous 'cause I'm young in love
So I lied when I said I'd keep on top of this. I'm back in London, trying to work and failing miserably. I move into my house a week tomorrow, although with mother otherwise occupied I'll be continuing to live on the contents of my suitcase for yet another week. Which means no cooking equipment, no bedding and, most terrifyingly of all, no DVDs. Thankfully that week happens to also be Fresher's Week so at least I'll be busy.
My summer ended well. A new (fanastic) boyfriend, my favourite band overcoming severe heartbreak to show me just why it is I love them, a weekend up to my knees in mud watching some incredible bands whilst being in what can only be described as an horrific mood with my friends...and then I came back down South.
Life is good.
So I lied when I said I'd keep on top of this. I'm back in London, trying to work and failing miserably. I move into my house a week tomorrow, although with mother otherwise occupied I'll be continuing to live on the contents of my suitcase for yet another week. Which means no cooking equipment, no bedding and, most terrifyingly of all, no DVDs. Thankfully that week happens to also be Fresher's Week so at least I'll be busy.
My summer ended well. A new (fanastic) boyfriend, my favourite band overcoming severe heartbreak to show me just why it is I love them, a weekend up to my knees in mud watching some incredible bands whilst being in what can only be described as an horrific mood with my friends...and then I came back down South.
Life is good.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
It's been a long time coming
and you'd think I'd have more to say. Not having a job for the entirety of my summer has meant that I've done very little other than go to the gym. I waitressed at both the Golf Open and the Tatton Park Flower Show, and I've been out every Saturday night for around 5 weeks now. And that's it.
The Dark Knight is quite probably the best film I've ever seen in my life. So good that I can't even begin a proper review. Perhaps one day I'll manage it. For now, I need only say that the acting was superb, the effects almost equally impressive and the entire world of Gotham as seen by Nolan is perfection. I'm so very pleased.
I'm going to read Watchmen for the rest of the night and actually keep on top of this blog from now on. I promise. Back to London for 2 nights in 14 days. I can't wait.
The Dark Knight is quite probably the best film I've ever seen in my life. So good that I can't even begin a proper review. Perhaps one day I'll manage it. For now, I need only say that the acting was superb, the effects almost equally impressive and the entire world of Gotham as seen by Nolan is perfection. I'm so very pleased.
I'm going to read Watchmen for the rest of the night and actually keep on top of this blog from now on. I promise. Back to London for 2 nights in 14 days. I can't wait.
Friday, 4 July 2008
Over the fear and through the flames
I've got a few different things I want to do today, so I'll try and attack them one at a time.
1) My life for the last week. Once again, I can't confess to having done anything noteworthy. I visited Quarry Bank Mill on Sunday, under the pretence of needing to start my dissertation research. Strictly speaking, this wasn't the best place to start, but nonetheless I enjoyed it. The history of the mill is wonderful. I also took my new camera out for the first time, which is always good.
Dad's giving me photography lessons over the summer, which should be fun. I only take pictures for fun, but it would be nice to make the most of the cameras I have and their many settings.
Gaz came round on Wednesday, which was shocking to say the very least. We watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and talked about a variety of things, none of which mattered in the least. I just appreciated the company and the fact that Gaz had taken the time to come to me for a change.
Tomorrow I'm going out for the first time in a good long while. I plan to drink a fair bit and forget my worries for one night. It's only me and Jennie, but still, it beats another Saturday night at home.
2. I want to start adding in music reviews to this blog. So here's the first. As Dave said, I can hardly remove the bias from this, but I shall try my best.
Agony and Irony - Alkaline Trio
Yes, they're my favourite band of all time. Yes, a variation on their logo was my first tattoo. Yes, I debatably love them more than anything else in life. But stepping down from my "I *heart* Trio" soapbox for a moment, I still see this album as something special. It's different in a familiar way. Anyone who loves the catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms of From Here To Infirmary can hardly find fault with songs such as "Calling All Skeletons" and "Lost And Rendered". Whilst the punk purists will lament the high production levels, each song is polished to perfection without detracting from the emotion and power of the music and lyrics. Dan Adriano's songs are arguably stronger than Matt Skiba's, particularly late addition "Do You Wanna Know?". The band have clearly matured and found their sound as a collective entity, accepting that they are no longer 20 year olds and singing songs about the things that matter to them in their adulthood. I for one couldn't be happier. 9/10.
Obviously that was going to be a favourable review, perhaps my next one will have considerably less bias.
3. Another meme from Erykah.
“To participate, you grab any book, go to page 123, find the fifth sentence, and blog it. Then tag five people.”
I won't tag 5 people, but here we go.
"The story of Turin's madness after the slaying of Beleg, the guidance of Gwindor, and the release of Turin's tears at Eithel Ivrin, is here in embryo".
J.R.R Tolkien - The Book Of Lost Tales Part 2
4. Films!
The Lives of Others was a brave film to make. It's nearly 20 years since the Wall fell, but really that's no time at all. These sorts of issues (the existence of the Communist state and its dependence on surveillance) are still at the forefront of a lot of people's minds and memories, luckily the risk paid off. The contrast between Wiesler and the other members of the Stasi was handled wonderfully, and was played in such a subtle way that one can hardly help feeling a connection to him despite his position in the secret police force. Very enjoyable, if a little difficult to follow at times due to subtitles. 6/10
Pan's Labyrinth is rightly acknowledged as a modern classic. Del Toro takes the fairy tale world and brings it together with the horrors of modern warfare in a way which makes both worlds seem equally terrifying. Without wanting to give anything away, all I will say is that this is one of the greatest films I have seen ever. Wonderfully acted, with perfect cinematography and a deft handling of subject matter. 9/10.
aDulthood, like its predecessor, delves deep into the subculture of the London estates and emerges on the other side with a positive message. Noel Clarke, acting as writer, director and leading man, has achieved something quite remarkable. Whilst remaining naturalistic in the dialogue and setting, aDulthood combines humour and violence with heartwrenching situations and a message to "the youth". No one could accuse Clarke et al of glamourising gang warfare. 7/10.
I've also rewatched a number of my favourite films - True Romance, Pride and Prejudice, LOTR, and finally got around to watching Fight Club one last time to give it a final chance to wow me. It finally did.
1) My life for the last week. Once again, I can't confess to having done anything noteworthy. I visited Quarry Bank Mill on Sunday, under the pretence of needing to start my dissertation research. Strictly speaking, this wasn't the best place to start, but nonetheless I enjoyed it. The history of the mill is wonderful. I also took my new camera out for the first time, which is always good.
Dad's giving me photography lessons over the summer, which should be fun. I only take pictures for fun, but it would be nice to make the most of the cameras I have and their many settings.
Gaz came round on Wednesday, which was shocking to say the very least. We watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and talked about a variety of things, none of which mattered in the least. I just appreciated the company and the fact that Gaz had taken the time to come to me for a change.
Tomorrow I'm going out for the first time in a good long while. I plan to drink a fair bit and forget my worries for one night. It's only me and Jennie, but still, it beats another Saturday night at home.
2. I want to start adding in music reviews to this blog. So here's the first. As Dave said, I can hardly remove the bias from this, but I shall try my best.
Agony and Irony - Alkaline Trio
Yes, they're my favourite band of all time. Yes, a variation on their logo was my first tattoo. Yes, I debatably love them more than anything else in life. But stepping down from my "I *heart* Trio" soapbox for a moment, I still see this album as something special. It's different in a familiar way. Anyone who loves the catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms of From Here To Infirmary can hardly find fault with songs such as "Calling All Skeletons" and "Lost And Rendered". Whilst the punk purists will lament the high production levels, each song is polished to perfection without detracting from the emotion and power of the music and lyrics. Dan Adriano's songs are arguably stronger than Matt Skiba's, particularly late addition "Do You Wanna Know?". The band have clearly matured and found their sound as a collective entity, accepting that they are no longer 20 year olds and singing songs about the things that matter to them in their adulthood. I for one couldn't be happier. 9/10.
Obviously that was going to be a favourable review, perhaps my next one will have considerably less bias.
3. Another meme from Erykah.
“To participate, you grab any book, go to page 123, find the fifth sentence, and blog it. Then tag five people.”
I won't tag 5 people, but here we go.
"The story of Turin's madness after the slaying of Beleg, the guidance of Gwindor, and the release of Turin's tears at Eithel Ivrin, is here in embryo".
J.R.R Tolkien - The Book Of Lost Tales Part 2
4. Films!
The Lives of Others was a brave film to make. It's nearly 20 years since the Wall fell, but really that's no time at all. These sorts of issues (the existence of the Communist state and its dependence on surveillance) are still at the forefront of a lot of people's minds and memories, luckily the risk paid off. The contrast between Wiesler and the other members of the Stasi was handled wonderfully, and was played in such a subtle way that one can hardly help feeling a connection to him despite his position in the secret police force. Very enjoyable, if a little difficult to follow at times due to subtitles. 6/10
Pan's Labyrinth is rightly acknowledged as a modern classic. Del Toro takes the fairy tale world and brings it together with the horrors of modern warfare in a way which makes both worlds seem equally terrifying. Without wanting to give anything away, all I will say is that this is one of the greatest films I have seen ever. Wonderfully acted, with perfect cinematography and a deft handling of subject matter. 9/10.
aDulthood, like its predecessor, delves deep into the subculture of the London estates and emerges on the other side with a positive message. Noel Clarke, acting as writer, director and leading man, has achieved something quite remarkable. Whilst remaining naturalistic in the dialogue and setting, aDulthood combines humour and violence with heartwrenching situations and a message to "the youth". No one could accuse Clarke et al of glamourising gang warfare. 7/10.
I've also rewatched a number of my favourite films - True Romance, Pride and Prejudice, LOTR, and finally got around to watching Fight Club one last time to give it a final chance to wow me. It finally did.
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