Sunday 29 May 2011
Back from the dead!
As you can see, this blog has been abandoned for the past year, but I have decided to take it up again! New posts will be on the way soon.
Thursday 8 July 2010
Day 5 - My Favourite Quote
This, for me, is quite hard. Despite my love of words of wisdom, I do not have a favourite quote stored in my mind. Apart from "Fuck 'em", which I have always loved but didn't think would be sufficient for this post.
It has taken a long time of flicking through various online journals, word documents and scraps of discarded paper to find quotes I think are worthy of favouritism.
As I was doing this, I remembered the fumbled fragments of the quote I had stored as my favourite. After a while of thinking and (metaphorically) bashing my head against the wall I worked out what it was. I'm not sure if the wording is correct or much about the man who said it, apart from that his first name was 'Robert', but I think this is it:
In 3 words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: it goes on.
That's the truth. It's glaringly obvious in all it's simplicity, yet it's something many of us choose to ignore. Whatever happens, life goes on. You get through things. You don't know how. None of us do. But you do.
I thought I would take this oppurtunity to list some other favourite quotes of mine:
When you are done being in love with someone, all that's left is love.
I believe this wholeheartedly. Those people who talk about falling out of love with someone and now not caring about them? They were never in love at all. Love is not something that leaves. You may not agree with me, but this is a belief of mine that will not budge. Love changes but it never disappears. I feel that too many people don't realise this - they are bitter towards those they were once in love with. So, at least think about this for a second. Think about how it applies to you.
The following are song lyrics, and resonated with me from the moment I heard them:
Well if you are what you love,
and you do what you love,
I will always be the sun and moon to you.
And if you share with your heart,
yeah, you give with your heart,
what you share with the world is what it keeps of you.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful. They are so true, and yet I don't take any of that advice. Do you?
It has taken a long time of flicking through various online journals, word documents and scraps of discarded paper to find quotes I think are worthy of favouritism.
As I was doing this, I remembered the fumbled fragments of the quote I had stored as my favourite. After a while of thinking and (metaphorically) bashing my head against the wall I worked out what it was. I'm not sure if the wording is correct or much about the man who said it, apart from that his first name was 'Robert', but I think this is it:
In 3 words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: it goes on.
That's the truth. It's glaringly obvious in all it's simplicity, yet it's something many of us choose to ignore. Whatever happens, life goes on. You get through things. You don't know how. None of us do. But you do.
I thought I would take this oppurtunity to list some other favourite quotes of mine:
When you are done being in love with someone, all that's left is love.
I believe this wholeheartedly. Those people who talk about falling out of love with someone and now not caring about them? They were never in love at all. Love is not something that leaves. You may not agree with me, but this is a belief of mine that will not budge. Love changes but it never disappears. I feel that too many people don't realise this - they are bitter towards those they were once in love with. So, at least think about this for a second. Think about how it applies to you.
The following are song lyrics, and resonated with me from the moment I heard them:
Well if you are what you love,
and you do what you love,
I will always be the sun and moon to you.
And if you share with your heart,
yeah, you give with your heart,
what you share with the world is what it keeps of you.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful. They are so true, and yet I don't take any of that advice. Do you?
Wednesday 7 July 2010
Top 5 Parties (and Social Gatherings Masquerading as Parties)
Last Sunday morning, I woke up to the sounds of the Glee soundtrack, remixed, blasting out of the speakers residing in a nearby barn. I was shivering so violently I could have been forgiven for thinking I was having some kind of fit. As I came to, I realised I was surrounded by the canvas of a two-man tent, and as I turned to my left, I was affronted by the sleeping body of a half-dressed guy. The events of last night came flashing back. Shit, shit, shit. First reaction? Pretend to be asleep.
Somehow I actually did fall asleep, because next time I scanned my surroundings, the guy had vanished. I could hear people talking outside, I was aware I looked like shit and was still not entirely sober, and the last thing I wanted was to face them. I managed to escape and disappear for a walk in the 6am sunlight down the streets of...wherever the hell I was. As I walked I passed a man in his front garden, who, upon seeing me, decided he would stare at me incredulously until I left. Had he never seen a solitary teenage girl with ripped tights, matted hair and last night's vodka clutched to her chest at 6 in the morning? Apparently not.
Eventually, I made my way back to the party. To my surprise, I was not faced with the people I had spent the previous night with, but a large group of boys playing buckaroo with their sleeping friend and the help of some Vitafit orange juice cartons. Perplexed as to who the hell these people were, I joined them for an agonising half hour until I could get the hell out of there.
Now, we've all had those awkward morning afters, but it got me to thinking about all the good times that go with them. So, I decided to compile a list of 5 Top Parties. Hopefully I've included enough variety.
1. Afterprom: I'm not going to make any excuses, my prom was inexplicably awful. After an excruciating three hours of trying to enjoy ourselves but to no avail, me and my friends turned up at afterprom at midnight. The night began with my friend, completely sober, falling into the swimming pool. This, it has to be said, was a sign that the rest of the night was going to be hilarious. We were surrounded by acres of land, haystacks serving as seats, a massive marquee and a host of amazing DJs. Nothing could go wrong. And really, nothing did. There was a little drama involving a guy I was involved with at the time, but I was far too drunk to dwell on this and the rest of the night was spent dancing non-stop with people I only vaguely knew.
2. New Years Eve 09/10: Last New Years Eve, I managed to drag two of my friends to a party where none of us really knew anyone. Two guys from college had opened their flat to any party-goers around, and the night was spent dancing to all the classics that everybody loves, whether they admit it or not. 2010 was brought in with Rage Against The Machine - you simply cannot be happy when you're surrounded with people simultaneously shouting, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" and then celebrated with my two friends by sitting in a shopping trolley and being spun around the concrete pavement repeatedly until we inevitably crashed to the ground, our heads cracking against the floor and our limbs scraped and bruised. My friend then accidentally burnt himself, and we proceeded to get lost in a field and endeavour on a garden-swapping challenge. These were all incrediby immature ideas that, in our drunken state, seemed like the best ideas in the world. And I hate to admit, were pretty fun.
3. Party In The Forest: Residing near to where we live, there's a forest with a clearing and a lake. Obviously, the first thing we will connect this with is...party venue. And so, one night in May, we all congregated, armed with tents, sleeping bags, a bong, weed, alcohol, portable barbeques, frozen food and ipod speakers. I should start this off by saying this wasn't the happiest night of my life, but at least it began and ended well. Putting up tents, singing along to the music, taking hits off the bong - it was all pretty chill. Later on, it was a different story. Pained by the events of the night, I had disappeared, tripping and armed with a sleeping bag, into the middle of the forest. I can't remember much that followed, but I did wake up in a tent, and the following day was one of those relaxed, living on the streets ones where everybody is content.
4. Tent Party: Actually, many parties are 'tent parties' but I was at a loss as to what else to call this. It was my friend's birthday and everyone turned up at her house for a night of debauchery. Nobody knew each other and everyone was sober, so the first hour was excruciatingly awkward, but it picked up after that when two guys arrived, armed with MDMA and a rig which they then proceeded to put in the tent. That was the first, and only, time I have seen a rig in a camping tent. It's funny how you can never see the time when a party goes from everyone hanging around talking to everyone off their faces and going wild. It sneaks up on you. Which is exactly what happened at this one. One minute, everyone was sitting around in the tent, drinking, taking hits off the bong and nibbling at mini milks (don't ask). The next, we were all was racing around the garden, swimming half naked in the pool, getting off with each other and stacking it against the rig. At about 4 in the morning, I was less drunk than I had been before, and me and two friends dragged a duvet out into a nearby field (you can tell I live in the country, eh?) and lay on it looking up at the stars. One of the two friends was high on MDMA and the next two hours were spent listening to his intoxicated ramblings with affectionate amusement.
5. Rocky Horror Picture Show Party This had to make the top 5 simply because we spent the night dressed like prostitutes. If that's not the sign of a good party, what is? The idea for the theme was brought on by a month of repeatedly watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show and learning the dance routine to Time Machine off by heart. We sent off the invitations, demanding everyone dress like characters from the film and knowing full well nobody would, whilst we set about creating costumes. I say costumes, really it was just underwear. Mine consisted of a pair of black boy shorts, red stockings, heels and a black corset, topped off with backcombed hair, smoky eyes and red lips. There is no other situation where you can get away with wearing that outfit (as I have since learnt. I joke, I joke). Near the date of the party, we had also watched Starter For 10, in which at one of their parties a bath is used to store the alcohol. In a flash of genius, we decided this was a great idea, and by some miracle, one of our friends had an abandoned bath tub in his back garden. Flash forward to 2am on the night of the party, and you have hoards of drunk people sitting in a bath full of ice. We had also filled a massive bowl with every form of alcohol in the vicinity, and passed it around along with a straw. It was filled with ash and fag butts by the end of the night, but oh no, that didn't put us off. All in all, it was a good night simply because it was one hell of a laugh.
What would be your five top parties?
In the future I may post an entry describing my 'Top 5 Worst Parties', as I can assure you there is some hilarious material there.
Somehow I actually did fall asleep, because next time I scanned my surroundings, the guy had vanished. I could hear people talking outside, I was aware I looked like shit and was still not entirely sober, and the last thing I wanted was to face them. I managed to escape and disappear for a walk in the 6am sunlight down the streets of...wherever the hell I was. As I walked I passed a man in his front garden, who, upon seeing me, decided he would stare at me incredulously until I left. Had he never seen a solitary teenage girl with ripped tights, matted hair and last night's vodka clutched to her chest at 6 in the morning? Apparently not.
Eventually, I made my way back to the party. To my surprise, I was not faced with the people I had spent the previous night with, but a large group of boys playing buckaroo with their sleeping friend and the help of some Vitafit orange juice cartons. Perplexed as to who the hell these people were, I joined them for an agonising half hour until I could get the hell out of there.
Now, we've all had those awkward morning afters, but it got me to thinking about all the good times that go with them. So, I decided to compile a list of 5 Top Parties. Hopefully I've included enough variety.
1. Afterprom: I'm not going to make any excuses, my prom was inexplicably awful. After an excruciating three hours of trying to enjoy ourselves but to no avail, me and my friends turned up at afterprom at midnight. The night began with my friend, completely sober, falling into the swimming pool. This, it has to be said, was a sign that the rest of the night was going to be hilarious. We were surrounded by acres of land, haystacks serving as seats, a massive marquee and a host of amazing DJs. Nothing could go wrong. And really, nothing did. There was a little drama involving a guy I was involved with at the time, but I was far too drunk to dwell on this and the rest of the night was spent dancing non-stop with people I only vaguely knew.
2. New Years Eve 09/10: Last New Years Eve, I managed to drag two of my friends to a party where none of us really knew anyone. Two guys from college had opened their flat to any party-goers around, and the night was spent dancing to all the classics that everybody loves, whether they admit it or not. 2010 was brought in with Rage Against The Machine - you simply cannot be happy when you're surrounded with people simultaneously shouting, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" and then celebrated with my two friends by sitting in a shopping trolley and being spun around the concrete pavement repeatedly until we inevitably crashed to the ground, our heads cracking against the floor and our limbs scraped and bruised. My friend then accidentally burnt himself, and we proceeded to get lost in a field and endeavour on a garden-swapping challenge. These were all incrediby immature ideas that, in our drunken state, seemed like the best ideas in the world. And I hate to admit, were pretty fun.
3. Party In The Forest: Residing near to where we live, there's a forest with a clearing and a lake. Obviously, the first thing we will connect this with is...party venue. And so, one night in May, we all congregated, armed with tents, sleeping bags, a bong, weed, alcohol, portable barbeques, frozen food and ipod speakers. I should start this off by saying this wasn't the happiest night of my life, but at least it began and ended well. Putting up tents, singing along to the music, taking hits off the bong - it was all pretty chill. Later on, it was a different story. Pained by the events of the night, I had disappeared, tripping and armed with a sleeping bag, into the middle of the forest. I can't remember much that followed, but I did wake up in a tent, and the following day was one of those relaxed, living on the streets ones where everybody is content.
4. Tent Party: Actually, many parties are 'tent parties' but I was at a loss as to what else to call this. It was my friend's birthday and everyone turned up at her house for a night of debauchery. Nobody knew each other and everyone was sober, so the first hour was excruciatingly awkward, but it picked up after that when two guys arrived, armed with MDMA and a rig which they then proceeded to put in the tent. That was the first, and only, time I have seen a rig in a camping tent. It's funny how you can never see the time when a party goes from everyone hanging around talking to everyone off their faces and going wild. It sneaks up on you. Which is exactly what happened at this one. One minute, everyone was sitting around in the tent, drinking, taking hits off the bong and nibbling at mini milks (don't ask). The next, we were all was racing around the garden, swimming half naked in the pool, getting off with each other and stacking it against the rig. At about 4 in the morning, I was less drunk than I had been before, and me and two friends dragged a duvet out into a nearby field (you can tell I live in the country, eh?) and lay on it looking up at the stars. One of the two friends was high on MDMA and the next two hours were spent listening to his intoxicated ramblings with affectionate amusement.
5. Rocky Horror Picture Show Party This had to make the top 5 simply because we spent the night dressed like prostitutes. If that's not the sign of a good party, what is? The idea for the theme was brought on by a month of repeatedly watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show and learning the dance routine to Time Machine off by heart. We sent off the invitations, demanding everyone dress like characters from the film and knowing full well nobody would, whilst we set about creating costumes. I say costumes, really it was just underwear. Mine consisted of a pair of black boy shorts, red stockings, heels and a black corset, topped off with backcombed hair, smoky eyes and red lips. There is no other situation where you can get away with wearing that outfit (as I have since learnt. I joke, I joke). Near the date of the party, we had also watched Starter For 10, in which at one of their parties a bath is used to store the alcohol. In a flash of genius, we decided this was a great idea, and by some miracle, one of our friends had an abandoned bath tub in his back garden. Flash forward to 2am on the night of the party, and you have hoards of drunk people sitting in a bath full of ice. We had also filled a massive bowl with every form of alcohol in the vicinity, and passed it around along with a straw. It was filled with ash and fag butts by the end of the night, but oh no, that didn't put us off. All in all, it was a good night simply because it was one hell of a laugh.
What would be your five top parties?
In the future I may post an entry describing my 'Top 5 Worst Parties', as I can assure you there is some hilarious material there.
Day 4 - My Favourite Book
I'll never understand why some people don't read. I mean, reading is just...incredible. In between the pages of that small object is a whole new world. You can get lost in it. Really, I know fictional characters far better than I know my real-life versions.
I've noticed a lot of themes when it comes to my favourite books. They often span long periods of time - twenty years, three generations, a lifetime. They often take place in the past. They often deal with prejudice and judging, tight-knit communities. The main character is often isolated by society.
However, the one that tops them all is The Outcast by Sadie Jones. Often my favourite books are ones I have come across by mistake. This one is no exception. I needed something to read and had run out of library books, so I wandered the house in search of some material. In the lounge are a few shelves stacked with the books my parents have accumulated over the years - some favourites, some borrowed and never given back, some gifts that neither of them wanted, some charity shop gems. Among them I found The Outcast, and after reading the blurb and debating whether I wanted to read it, I decided I'd give it a go. I'm so glad I did.
The novel is set in the Forties and Fifties, and begins with the central character, Lewis, being released from prison aged 19. It then flashes back to tell the story of his life up until that moment. He begins his life with his mother, whom he has a close relationship with, and his father, with whom his relationship is less...close. Then tragedy strikes, and changes their family dynamic drastically. The storyline follows how this changes Lewis as a person and how it leads him to quickly become the subject of prejudice from the rest of the community.
This is an excerpt from an interview with the author, Sadie Jones:
What is The Outcast about?
The Outcast is about a boy called Lewis - his childhood and adolescence – as he grows up in the stultifying world of the home counties in the late forties and fifties. It is an everyday tale of drunkenness, violence and a fair amount of sex, set amongst the well-brought-up professional classes. It is also a love story.
What inspired you to write it?
The idea of a boy coming out of prison and trying to fit into a community that is itself corrupt was the first thing that came to me. I wanted to write an Oedipal story, with iconic characters, about what the nature of what it is to belong, and injustice. I set it in the fifties because I have always been very attracted to the books and films of that time.
It's an incredible story - it's riveting and it draws you in, it's disturbing at times but so real. It really goes deeply into human emotions, and I think that's one of the reasons I love it so much.
Please, if you read anything, read this.
I've noticed a lot of themes when it comes to my favourite books. They often span long periods of time - twenty years, three generations, a lifetime. They often take place in the past. They often deal with prejudice and judging, tight-knit communities. The main character is often isolated by society.
However, the one that tops them all is The Outcast by Sadie Jones. Often my favourite books are ones I have come across by mistake. This one is no exception. I needed something to read and had run out of library books, so I wandered the house in search of some material. In the lounge are a few shelves stacked with the books my parents have accumulated over the years - some favourites, some borrowed and never given back, some gifts that neither of them wanted, some charity shop gems. Among them I found The Outcast, and after reading the blurb and debating whether I wanted to read it, I decided I'd give it a go. I'm so glad I did.
The novel is set in the Forties and Fifties, and begins with the central character, Lewis, being released from prison aged 19. It then flashes back to tell the story of his life up until that moment. He begins his life with his mother, whom he has a close relationship with, and his father, with whom his relationship is less...close. Then tragedy strikes, and changes their family dynamic drastically. The storyline follows how this changes Lewis as a person and how it leads him to quickly become the subject of prejudice from the rest of the community.
This is an excerpt from an interview with the author, Sadie Jones:
What is The Outcast about?
The Outcast is about a boy called Lewis - his childhood and adolescence – as he grows up in the stultifying world of the home counties in the late forties and fifties. It is an everyday tale of drunkenness, violence and a fair amount of sex, set amongst the well-brought-up professional classes. It is also a love story.
What inspired you to write it?
The idea of a boy coming out of prison and trying to fit into a community that is itself corrupt was the first thing that came to me. I wanted to write an Oedipal story, with iconic characters, about what the nature of what it is to belong, and injustice. I set it in the fifties because I have always been very attracted to the books and films of that time.
It's an incredible story - it's riveting and it draws you in, it's disturbing at times but so real. It really goes deeply into human emotions, and I think that's one of the reasons I love it so much.
Please, if you read anything, read this.
Monday 5 July 2010
Day 3 - My Favourite TV Show
I love television. But there really is no competition here. Skins is by far my favourite tv show. This probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone who has read my previous posts - it is practically impossible for me to refrain from mentioning the show and it's cast at any given oppurtunity. I feel as if I have grown up with Skins, and I do sometimes wonder if my teenage years would have been different had it not existed - but I'll go into that later.
Skins came to our screens in 2007 on E4. 3 and a half years ago, aged 13, I distinctly remember sitting in the lounge, the rain pouring against the windows, accompanied by my family and my best friend at the time, April. What we were watching I can't remember - most likely some mundane daytime television - but I remember this advert suddenly snapping us out of our mindless viewing experience. There were 'young people' (although just teenagers, at my young age they somehow looked a lot older) in brightly-coloured clothes frolicking about on the screen, driving about on children's bikes, having food fights, having sex, dressing up as bears - this, to me, looked like the best party ever. We were all enthralled by this advert, and were awaiting the end of it so we could find out what the hell it was all about. Skins. New Drama. Thursday, 10pm.
If you don't know, Skins is a teen drama about a group of teenagers aged 16 - 18 that go to College in Bristol. Each episode focuses on a different character and gives us an insight into their lives, as we follow the developing relationships and struggles of the characters. Every two years the cast is changed so that the show remains about 16 - 18 year olds. Although labelled as a teen drama, everyone from my little brother's 10-year-old friends to my 75-year-old grandma has borrowed the DVDs from me.
Still from the Series 1 trailer.
We all resolved to watch it and the following Thursday I was sat with my parents, watching what would become my favourite show and new obsession. I found it hilarious, although I must not have taken in the more serious parts of it, because I remember thinking of it primarily as a comedy. When the episode finished, my mum said, "Isn't it great that there's finally something realistic about teenagers?" Every Friday would be spent going over every second of the previous episode with April, and the remaining days of the week were spent speculating over what would happen next.
It was also during this time that we decided our lives were going to be exactly like that of the Skins gang, and many run-ins with drug dealers, nights spent sleeping in abandoned warehouses and drunken parties ensued. There's a lot of debate over whether Skins has influenced teenagers, and what I have just said definitely backs that view up. But when it comes down to it, I think it is a fair representation of teens of actual 'Skins age' and is far more influential to the younger ones who watch it.
There are many reasons I love Skins. It's one of the most realistic representations of British teens out there. Series 1 pretty much is my life. I think we can all agree that after that the realism went a bit down hill, which really is a shame. There are times, most prevelant during Series 4, when I have wanted to slap the writers. The characters are realistic, relatable, complex people - no one-dimensions among them. I think all teenagers can identify with at least one of the characters, or various aspects of each of the characters. Altogether, pretty much everything that has happened to the Skins crew has happened to me and my friends. (Bar driving into a lake, although this has almost happened on many an occasion, and one of us being murdered with a baseball bat. Yes, that's where you got it wrong, Skins writers. What the fuck were you thinking?)
The 1st Generation, clockwise: Anwar Kharral, Tony Stonem, Michelle Richardson, Sid Jenkins, Cassie Ainsworth, Maxxie Oliver, Posh Kenneth, Abigail Stock, Chris Miles & Jal Fazer.
I love the way they all dress to reflect their personalities, and the soundtrack is amazing. It's everything all in one - it can be funny, serious, wild, poignant, upsetting, mundane, dramatic, heartwarming, heartbreaking. There are so many beautiful lines within the show. The supporting characters - teachers and family members, are all hilarious and interesting in their own right (my favourite of which is James Fitch, twins Katie & Emily's little brother.) I am incredibly attached to the characters - most importantly, Effy Stonem and James Cook, who are my all time favourite characters. I relate so much to Effy it's unreal, and I'm in love with Cook - his character is amazingly well-developed. Other favourite characters of mine are Tony, Sid, Chris, Michelle, Katie & Emily.
The 2nd Generation, l-r: JJ Jones, Naomi Campbell, Emily Fitch, Katie Fitch, James Cook, Effy Stonem, Freddie McLair, Pandora Moon & Thomas Tomone.
I don't want to give away any plotlines in case you havn't seen it. Take a look at these videos and if you're still not interested in watching it, why?!
A serious one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmX95PakaHM&playnext_from=TL&videos=JEzSMs6sxBw
A funnier one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AauiuCE43HU&feature=related
My number one reason for loving the show? It shows teenagers as they are. Their good points and their bad points, and as a viewer, you are forced to either accept them or not.
Skins came to our screens in 2007 on E4. 3 and a half years ago, aged 13, I distinctly remember sitting in the lounge, the rain pouring against the windows, accompanied by my family and my best friend at the time, April. What we were watching I can't remember - most likely some mundane daytime television - but I remember this advert suddenly snapping us out of our mindless viewing experience. There were 'young people' (although just teenagers, at my young age they somehow looked a lot older) in brightly-coloured clothes frolicking about on the screen, driving about on children's bikes, having food fights, having sex, dressing up as bears - this, to me, looked like the best party ever. We were all enthralled by this advert, and were awaiting the end of it so we could find out what the hell it was all about. Skins. New Drama. Thursday, 10pm.
If you don't know, Skins is a teen drama about a group of teenagers aged 16 - 18 that go to College in Bristol. Each episode focuses on a different character and gives us an insight into their lives, as we follow the developing relationships and struggles of the characters. Every two years the cast is changed so that the show remains about 16 - 18 year olds. Although labelled as a teen drama, everyone from my little brother's 10-year-old friends to my 75-year-old grandma has borrowed the DVDs from me.
Still from the Series 1 trailer.
We all resolved to watch it and the following Thursday I was sat with my parents, watching what would become my favourite show and new obsession. I found it hilarious, although I must not have taken in the more serious parts of it, because I remember thinking of it primarily as a comedy. When the episode finished, my mum said, "Isn't it great that there's finally something realistic about teenagers?" Every Friday would be spent going over every second of the previous episode with April, and the remaining days of the week were spent speculating over what would happen next.
It was also during this time that we decided our lives were going to be exactly like that of the Skins gang, and many run-ins with drug dealers, nights spent sleeping in abandoned warehouses and drunken parties ensued. There's a lot of debate over whether Skins has influenced teenagers, and what I have just said definitely backs that view up. But when it comes down to it, I think it is a fair representation of teens of actual 'Skins age' and is far more influential to the younger ones who watch it.
There are many reasons I love Skins. It's one of the most realistic representations of British teens out there. Series 1 pretty much is my life. I think we can all agree that after that the realism went a bit down hill, which really is a shame. There are times, most prevelant during Series 4, when I have wanted to slap the writers. The characters are realistic, relatable, complex people - no one-dimensions among them. I think all teenagers can identify with at least one of the characters, or various aspects of each of the characters. Altogether, pretty much everything that has happened to the Skins crew has happened to me and my friends. (Bar driving into a lake, although this has almost happened on many an occasion, and one of us being murdered with a baseball bat. Yes, that's where you got it wrong, Skins writers. What the fuck were you thinking?)
The 1st Generation, clockwise: Anwar Kharral, Tony Stonem, Michelle Richardson, Sid Jenkins, Cassie Ainsworth, Maxxie Oliver, Posh Kenneth, Abigail Stock, Chris Miles & Jal Fazer.
I love the way they all dress to reflect their personalities, and the soundtrack is amazing. It's everything all in one - it can be funny, serious, wild, poignant, upsetting, mundane, dramatic, heartwarming, heartbreaking. There are so many beautiful lines within the show. The supporting characters - teachers and family members, are all hilarious and interesting in their own right (my favourite of which is James Fitch, twins Katie & Emily's little brother.) I am incredibly attached to the characters - most importantly, Effy Stonem and James Cook, who are my all time favourite characters. I relate so much to Effy it's unreal, and I'm in love with Cook - his character is amazingly well-developed. Other favourite characters of mine are Tony, Sid, Chris, Michelle, Katie & Emily.
The 2nd Generation, l-r: JJ Jones, Naomi Campbell, Emily Fitch, Katie Fitch, James Cook, Effy Stonem, Freddie McLair, Pandora Moon & Thomas Tomone.
I don't want to give away any plotlines in case you havn't seen it. Take a look at these videos and if you're still not interested in watching it, why?!
A serious one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmX95PakaHM&playnext_from=TL&videos=JEzSMs6sxBw
A funnier one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AauiuCE43HU&feature=related
My number one reason for loving the show? It shows teenagers as they are. Their good points and their bad points, and as a viewer, you are forced to either accept them or not.
What's With All The Guilty Pleasures?
Guilty Pleasures. They are something I've never been able to understand. If you like something, you like it. Where does guilt come into it?
I love Jedward. I love cheesy 80s music and S Club 7 still put a smile on my face. Nothing puts me in a better mood than a good chick flick and I read trashy magazines. I watch Come Dine With Me despite my lack of interest in cooking. Christmas is my favourite time of year. I can still be entertained my Postman Pat and Pingu. I adore singing along to Jackson 5 and I'm addicted to 90210.
I like all the things you're not meant to like. If I was into being cool I would not admit to any of this. I would, at the most, put it down to guilty pleasure. But really, when you think about it, isn't it the most ridiculous thing? Feeling guilty about liking something? Have some acceptance, people! You like it and deep down you know that that's all there is to it. And if you want to get into the psychological side of things, surely it's not entirely healthy. These things you like make up, in part, who you are. If you're feeling guilty about them then you are, effectively, feeling guilty about who you are as a person. I'm not claiming to be some kind of qualified psychologist, but I think we can all agree that's never going to be good for anyone.
I bet this picture of S Club 7 is putting a smile on your face already.
So, don't you think it's time we started ditching the guilty pleasures?
I love Jedward. I love cheesy 80s music and S Club 7 still put a smile on my face. Nothing puts me in a better mood than a good chick flick and I read trashy magazines. I watch Come Dine With Me despite my lack of interest in cooking. Christmas is my favourite time of year. I can still be entertained my Postman Pat and Pingu. I adore singing along to Jackson 5 and I'm addicted to 90210.
I like all the things you're not meant to like. If I was into being cool I would not admit to any of this. I would, at the most, put it down to guilty pleasure. But really, when you think about it, isn't it the most ridiculous thing? Feeling guilty about liking something? Have some acceptance, people! You like it and deep down you know that that's all there is to it. And if you want to get into the psychological side of things, surely it's not entirely healthy. These things you like make up, in part, who you are. If you're feeling guilty about them then you are, effectively, feeling guilty about who you are as a person. I'm not claiming to be some kind of qualified psychologist, but I think we can all agree that's never going to be good for anyone.
I bet this picture of S Club 7 is putting a smile on your face already.
So, don't you think it's time we started ditching the guilty pleasures?
Saturday 3 July 2010
Day 2 - My Favourite Film
Fun, invigorating, refreshingly real and poignant at times, The Boat That Rocked is my favourite film.
When it comes to films, I always feel a kind of obligation to herald an old film as my favourite. There is an unspoken rule that if it's too new it surely can't be worthy of favouritism. But, The Boat That Rocked is my favourite film and it was released in 2009. Simply put, it overtook all it's 'favourite film' predecessors - The Parent Trap, Love Actually, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. As you can see, overly serious films just don't make the cut with me. Not to say I don't like them, I do, it's just that they have never jumped out as favourites to me.
Back on to the main topic, my first viewing of The Boat That Rocked was an incredible experience for me - something about it touched me. It manages to be heartwarming and endearing and upsetting all at the same time. The relationships between the characters are filled with realism, which is they key to making any fictional relationship interesting, in my opinion.
There are so many subtleties throughout the film which give it it's feel - the moment when teenager Carl is sitting on the sofa with his head to the floor, after the girl he's interested in - Marianne - sleeps with another ship member, and two other members come and sit with him, armed with tea and biscuits. Carl is not moved by this approach, and after a while of the three of them seated in silence and stillness, the two other men begin eating the biscuits themselves, dipping them in Carl's tea. This soon brings a smile to Carl's face and he begins joining in, laughing. But even with this his sadness is still evident. That moment has always stood out to me, I love it.
I don't want to go into the plotline, although perhaps I should have at least outlined it before beginning this post. Here's a late delivery - it's the 1960s, and 18-year-old Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to live with his godfather (Bill Nighy) on a ship committed to pirate radio, in an attempt to straighten him out. (It's worth mentioning here that Carl does not actually need to be straightened out.) It soon becomes evident that with that intention in mind, this was not the best place to send him. Meanwhile, the British government are plotting to find a way to put a stop to pirate radio. That's the plot in all it's simplicity, but it really is much more than that. All in all, it's about teh relationships between these people as well as the feel of the 60s. This is enhanced by a brilliant soundtrack.
If you havn't already seen it, please, please do. It's genius. If you live in the US it will be renamed Pirate Radio.
This is a link to the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyXu0mC38SE
When it comes to films, I always feel a kind of obligation to herald an old film as my favourite. There is an unspoken rule that if it's too new it surely can't be worthy of favouritism. But, The Boat That Rocked is my favourite film and it was released in 2009. Simply put, it overtook all it's 'favourite film' predecessors - The Parent Trap, Love Actually, Vicky Cristina Barcelona. As you can see, overly serious films just don't make the cut with me. Not to say I don't like them, I do, it's just that they have never jumped out as favourites to me.
Back on to the main topic, my first viewing of The Boat That Rocked was an incredible experience for me - something about it touched me. It manages to be heartwarming and endearing and upsetting all at the same time. The relationships between the characters are filled with realism, which is they key to making any fictional relationship interesting, in my opinion.
There are so many subtleties throughout the film which give it it's feel - the moment when teenager Carl is sitting on the sofa with his head to the floor, after the girl he's interested in - Marianne - sleeps with another ship member, and two other members come and sit with him, armed with tea and biscuits. Carl is not moved by this approach, and after a while of the three of them seated in silence and stillness, the two other men begin eating the biscuits themselves, dipping them in Carl's tea. This soon brings a smile to Carl's face and he begins joining in, laughing. But even with this his sadness is still evident. That moment has always stood out to me, I love it.
I don't want to go into the plotline, although perhaps I should have at least outlined it before beginning this post. Here's a late delivery - it's the 1960s, and 18-year-old Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to live with his godfather (Bill Nighy) on a ship committed to pirate radio, in an attempt to straighten him out. (It's worth mentioning here that Carl does not actually need to be straightened out.) It soon becomes evident that with that intention in mind, this was not the best place to send him. Meanwhile, the British government are plotting to find a way to put a stop to pirate radio. That's the plot in all it's simplicity, but it really is much more than that. All in all, it's about teh relationships between these people as well as the feel of the 60s. This is enhanced by a brilliant soundtrack.
If you havn't already seen it, please, please do. It's genius. If you live in the US it will be renamed Pirate Radio.
This is a link to the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyXu0mC38SE
Friday 2 July 2010
A Puff Of Curls
In the past two years or so, I have grown to love my long, messy, naturally wavy hair. It will never be shiny or glossy and it will never do what I tell it to, but I've almost learnt to accept it. It's thick and wiry and unruly. But it is what it is, and at least I can do the effortless look. Unfortunately, that is the only look I can do.
However, recently it has become in such bad condition that I really have only one option: to chop it off. At first this seemed like an abomination. I am trying to grow my hair, how dare you suggest I cut it off! But then I got into the idea.
Here are the girls that are inspiring me right now:
However, recently it has become in such bad condition that I really have only one option: to chop it off. At first this seemed like an abomination. I am trying to grow my hair, how dare you suggest I cut it off! But then I got into the idea.
Here are the girls that are inspiring me right now:
Body Doubles
Something that has been hard for me to accept is that one thing we all know to be true: if you want to look good, you need to dress for your body shape.
Being a 5'2 hourglass with 28FF breasts, dressing to suit my shape is something that has forever perplexed me, and whilst I still havn't gotten it down to a T, I'm definitely beginning to figure it out. For years I have moaned like a petulant child - Why can't I be tall? Why can't I have a straight up-and-down figure that allows me to wear anything I want? Why?! I look stupid in this, the skinny girl over there doesn't! It's just not fair! Really, it was ridiculous, I sounded like a 5-year-old. Only now have I realised that this is who I am, and that, shock, this is actually what I want to be. Yes, being tall and skinny might make things a lot easier, but it's not me.
I have found that it's a lot easier to grow comfortable with your shape if you have others to identify with. Because of this, I've compiled a list of body types and the celebrities that match them.
SHORT HOURGLASS WOMEN (5'3 and under, hips and breasts same width, dramatically narrowing at the waist, pronounced curves)
Kim Kardashian, Vanessa White, Scarlett Johansson, Cheryl Cole, America Ferrera, Jessica Simpson, Hayden Panettiere, Vikki Blow, Lisa Backwell, Keisha Buchanan, Salma Hayek, Carmen Electra, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Marina Diamandis.
SHORT PEAR-SHAPED WOMEN (5'3 and under, hips and bum much wider than waist and breasts)
Rachel Stevens, Lily Allen, Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah.
SHORT BOYISH WOMEN (5'3 and under, straight up-and-down figure)
Frankie Sandford, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, Kristen Bell, Thandie Newton, Emma Roberts, Christina Ricci, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Audrey Tautou.
SHORT AVERAGE WOMEN (okay so I've made up the 'average' body type) (5'3 and under, figure in proportion, too many curves to be boyish but not curvy enough to be hourglass)
Rachel Bilson, Eva Longoria, Megan Prescott, Kathryn Prescott, Lacey Turner, Dannii Minoque, Elisha Cuthbert, Mila Kunis, Anna Friel, Alyssa Milano.
AVERAGE-HEIGHT HOURGLASS WOMEN (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, hips and breasts same width, dramatically narrowing at the waist, pronounced curves)
Eva Mendes, Keeley Hazell, Megan Fox, Billie Piper, Nicole Scherzinger, Angelina Jolie, Marion Cotillard, Dita von Teese.
AVERAGE HEIGHT PEAR-SHAPED WOMEN (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, hips and bum much wider than waist and breasts)
Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Metcalfe, Kimberley Walsh, Charlotte Church, Lindsay Lohan, Lauren Conrad, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus.
AVERAGE HEIGHT BOYISH WOMEN (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, straight up-and-down figure)
Olivia Palermo, Kaya Scodelario, Emma Watson, Kristin Kreuk, Jessica Alba, Kristen Stewart, Freida Pinto, Jennifer Aniston, Rachel McAdams, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dianna Agron, Nicola Roberts.
AVERAGE HEIGHT AVERAGE WOMEN (okay so I've made up the 'average' body type) (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, figure in proportion, too many curves to be boyish but not curvy enough to be hourglass)
Leighton Meester, Vanessa Hudgens, Lily Loveless, Nadine Coyle, Summer Glau, Eliza Dushku, Ashley Greene, Britney Spears, Kara Tointon, Penelope Cruz, Lea Michele.
TALL HOURGLASS WOMEN (5'7 and over, hips and breasts same width, dramatically narrowing at the waist, pronounced curves)
Beyonce Knowles, Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, Gemma Arterton, Rochelle Wiseman, Adriana Lima, Kelly Brook, Christina Hendricks, Holly Willoughby.
TALL PEAR-SHAPED WOMEN (5'7 and over, hips and bum much wider than waist and breasts)
Rihanna, Alessandra Ambrosio, Una Healy, Michelle Obama.
TALL BOYISH WOMEN (5'7 and over, straight up-and-down figure)
Sarah Harding, Jessica Stroup, Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Kate Beckinsale, Zoe Saldana, Olivia Wilde, Gisele Bundchen, Charlize Theron, Ana Ivanovic, Keira Knightley, Evangeline Lilly, Fearne Cotton, Chloe Sevigny, Taylor Momsen, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani.
TALL AVERAGE WOMEN (okay so I've made up the 'average' body type) (5'7 and over, figure in proportion, too many curves to be boyish but not curvy enough to be hourglass)
Whitney Port, Blake Lively, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Amber Heard, Audrina Patridge, Olga Kurylenko, Doutzen Kroes, Florence Welch.
I would have posted images but my laptop's being weird, sorry about that. Google imae any one of these ladies accompanied with the word 'style' and you'll find lots of inpsiration.
Being a 5'2 hourglass with 28FF breasts, dressing to suit my shape is something that has forever perplexed me, and whilst I still havn't gotten it down to a T, I'm definitely beginning to figure it out. For years I have moaned like a petulant child - Why can't I be tall? Why can't I have a straight up-and-down figure that allows me to wear anything I want? Why?! I look stupid in this, the skinny girl over there doesn't! It's just not fair! Really, it was ridiculous, I sounded like a 5-year-old. Only now have I realised that this is who I am, and that, shock, this is actually what I want to be. Yes, being tall and skinny might make things a lot easier, but it's not me.
I have found that it's a lot easier to grow comfortable with your shape if you have others to identify with. Because of this, I've compiled a list of body types and the celebrities that match them.
SHORT HOURGLASS WOMEN (5'3 and under, hips and breasts same width, dramatically narrowing at the waist, pronounced curves)
Kim Kardashian, Vanessa White, Scarlett Johansson, Cheryl Cole, America Ferrera, Jessica Simpson, Hayden Panettiere, Vikki Blow, Lisa Backwell, Keisha Buchanan, Salma Hayek, Carmen Electra, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Marina Diamandis.
SHORT PEAR-SHAPED WOMEN (5'3 and under, hips and bum much wider than waist and breasts)
Rachel Stevens, Lily Allen, Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah.
SHORT BOYISH WOMEN (5'3 and under, straight up-and-down figure)
Frankie Sandford, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, Kristen Bell, Thandie Newton, Emma Roberts, Christina Ricci, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Audrey Tautou.
SHORT AVERAGE WOMEN (okay so I've made up the 'average' body type) (5'3 and under, figure in proportion, too many curves to be boyish but not curvy enough to be hourglass)
Rachel Bilson, Eva Longoria, Megan Prescott, Kathryn Prescott, Lacey Turner, Dannii Minoque, Elisha Cuthbert, Mila Kunis, Anna Friel, Alyssa Milano.
AVERAGE-HEIGHT HOURGLASS WOMEN (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, hips and breasts same width, dramatically narrowing at the waist, pronounced curves)
Eva Mendes, Keeley Hazell, Megan Fox, Billie Piper, Nicole Scherzinger, Angelina Jolie, Marion Cotillard, Dita von Teese.
AVERAGE HEIGHT PEAR-SHAPED WOMEN (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, hips and bum much wider than waist and breasts)
Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Metcalfe, Kimberley Walsh, Charlotte Church, Lindsay Lohan, Lauren Conrad, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus.
AVERAGE HEIGHT BOYISH WOMEN (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, straight up-and-down figure)
Olivia Palermo, Kaya Scodelario, Emma Watson, Kristin Kreuk, Jessica Alba, Kristen Stewart, Freida Pinto, Jennifer Aniston, Rachel McAdams, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dianna Agron, Nicola Roberts.
AVERAGE HEIGHT AVERAGE WOMEN (okay so I've made up the 'average' body type) (between & including 5'4 and 5'6, figure in proportion, too many curves to be boyish but not curvy enough to be hourglass)
Leighton Meester, Vanessa Hudgens, Lily Loveless, Nadine Coyle, Summer Glau, Eliza Dushku, Ashley Greene, Britney Spears, Kara Tointon, Penelope Cruz, Lea Michele.
TALL HOURGLASS WOMEN (5'7 and over, hips and breasts same width, dramatically narrowing at the waist, pronounced curves)
Beyonce Knowles, Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, Gemma Arterton, Rochelle Wiseman, Adriana Lima, Kelly Brook, Christina Hendricks, Holly Willoughby.
TALL PEAR-SHAPED WOMEN (5'7 and over, hips and bum much wider than waist and breasts)
Rihanna, Alessandra Ambrosio, Una Healy, Michelle Obama.
TALL BOYISH WOMEN (5'7 and over, straight up-and-down figure)
Sarah Harding, Jessica Stroup, Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Kate Beckinsale, Zoe Saldana, Olivia Wilde, Gisele Bundchen, Charlize Theron, Ana Ivanovic, Keira Knightley, Evangeline Lilly, Fearne Cotton, Chloe Sevigny, Taylor Momsen, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani.
TALL AVERAGE WOMEN (okay so I've made up the 'average' body type) (5'7 and over, figure in proportion, too many curves to be boyish but not curvy enough to be hourglass)
Whitney Port, Blake Lively, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Amber Heard, Audrina Patridge, Olga Kurylenko, Doutzen Kroes, Florence Welch.
I would have posted images but my laptop's being weird, sorry about that. Google imae any one of these ladies accompanied with the word 'style' and you'll find lots of inpsiration.
Day 1 - My Favourite Song
In all honesty, I don't think I will ever find a song which I'll be able to descibe as 'my favourite song'. Music is incredible. There is so much of it that you will never in a million years be able to listen to it all. There are so many songs that I listen to the with the kind of wonder reserved for genius and works of art. There is simply no way I could choose one favourite.
In my mind I have always had this track listed as my favourite: For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti by Sufjan Stevens. But truthfully I know that it is not really my all-time favourite song, because I don't have one.
It is however an incredible song, which has always moved me. Which is strange in a way because whilst the themes of the song are highly religious, I am not.
These are the lyrics:
I have called you children,
I have called you son.
What is there to answer,
if I'm the only one?
Mourning comes in paradise,
mourning comes in light,
still I must obey,
still I must invite.
If there's anything to say,
if there's anything to do,
if there's any other way,
I'd do anything for you.
I was dressed in embarrassment,
I was dressed in white.
If you have a part of me,
will you take your time?
Even if I come back,
even if I die,
is there some idea,
to replace my life?
Like a father to impress,
like a mother's mourning dress,
if we ever make a mess,
I'll do anything for you.
I have called you preacher,
I have called you son.
If you have a father,
or if you havn't one.
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you.
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you.
I first heard the song on The OC, during an episode in which one of the characters, Johnny's, funeral took place. It had been a shocking and accidental death, and the song coincided with the characters, both living and dead, and their feelings towards one another. It was beautiful and heartbreaking for me - considering my aforementioned intense involvement with film and television characters, and ever since the song has meant a lot to me.
You should check it out, it's amazing, here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4tkiGvV_ek
I hope you like it.
In my mind I have always had this track listed as my favourite: For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti by Sufjan Stevens. But truthfully I know that it is not really my all-time favourite song, because I don't have one.
It is however an incredible song, which has always moved me. Which is strange in a way because whilst the themes of the song are highly religious, I am not.
These are the lyrics:
I have called you children,
I have called you son.
What is there to answer,
if I'm the only one?
Mourning comes in paradise,
mourning comes in light,
still I must obey,
still I must invite.
If there's anything to say,
if there's anything to do,
if there's any other way,
I'd do anything for you.
I was dressed in embarrassment,
I was dressed in white.
If you have a part of me,
will you take your time?
Even if I come back,
even if I die,
is there some idea,
to replace my life?
Like a father to impress,
like a mother's mourning dress,
if we ever make a mess,
I'll do anything for you.
I have called you preacher,
I have called you son.
If you have a father,
or if you havn't one.
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything for you.
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you,
I did everything for you.
I first heard the song on The OC, during an episode in which one of the characters, Johnny's, funeral took place. It had been a shocking and accidental death, and the song coincided with the characters, both living and dead, and their feelings towards one another. It was beautiful and heartbreaking for me - considering my aforementioned intense involvement with film and television characters, and ever since the song has meant a lot to me.
You should check it out, it's amazing, here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4tkiGvV_ek
I hope you like it.
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