Red Icarus

Gossip

2010-03-30T01:15:00.002+01:00

Wow. I just haven't been here.

Ok, here is the gossip. I haven't seen Avatar, and I haven't seen Alice In Wanderland, so I do not have those faint blues brothers type glasses which have made an appearance in everybody's home.

What I have been doing, with my time off is watching every episode of The Cleveland Show, and starting to love it. The best episode was when Cleveland unwittingly thinking he was organising a cookie selling community group when all the time he had started a drug-dealing gang.

Watching the Blues Brothers at the moment, quality show.

Also I am not going to Reading this year. Might go to Lattitude instead.

Everything Versus Time

2009-09-20T22:48:00.005+01:00

One Week left till University, which seems extremely daunting seeing as there are a lot of things I need to do.

I stress that I am studying Philosophy, so this entails reading a lot of books, course material and I imagine, going to a lot of discussions.

I am not sure how I can utilise Philosophy in my real later life. Perhaps referring Marx' rants about the class system if I become a dustman.

Which brings me onto getting a job in Brighton, I am trawling Gumtree and sending out a few emails, the problem is that I feel I have little experience. I am tempted to take up on one thing about a "music journalism" work experience job at a music website to get a step on the ladder. Or even a Private Detective just for the fun of it. :D

I hope that the people I meet in Sussex will tolerate my blatant craziness. I seriously feel like I need to do something big, perhaps something bigger that Sussex or bigger than the whole of the south of england. And I need to do something big quickly. Be famous, a big success. So I really want to spend some time planning, and getting into top gear.

Currently reading books, reading The Black Swan at the moment which is seriously cool and philosophical, extremely mind blowing. Black Swans are events which come extemely unexpected, change a lot of things, but we reason with them only after the event had happened. For instance 9/11, if a person a few days before said that terrorists would slam planes into the World Trade Center they would be called mad.

It elaborates a lot from that, and perhaps I am not explaining it well, but he draws across plenty of philosophical and economic issues. Stating that Humans are like chickens who expect to be fed everyday, because they had experiance like that, only revising their theory the day before the chicken gets the chop.

I am also watching the X Factor! Amazing, as usual there are a lot of BLISS (black lower income soul singers) auditioning, who all put on brilliant performances but after the 1000th Whitney Housten cover, it does get too repetitive. I am always in favour of listening to music on television (although I am a Radio fan myself) especially the Jools Holland shows. I miss Top of the Pops terribly.

Mitchell and Webb are back! Again! In Peep Show, for any Americans who are reading this, this is one of the best British Comedy Programs. Distinctive as you actually hear what is going on in the character's heads. The recent one had Mark finally joining management, only to discover that the Business had collapsed, so instead leading a protest instead. :D

The Mitchell and Webb Sound is amazing as well, truly hilarious as they do humour or situations which aren't feasible on their television sketch show. The highlights of the last episode were, Room 102 with two people in the office complaining about Room 101 next door taking up all the money, and that they filled their room with water to host a killer whale.

Or after hearing erotic grunting noises we hear a person shouting, "Now do it to Julia, now do it to Julia! I will watch! Ah fuck it do to me, more more more! I love you Big Brother!" The man (spoken by David Mitchell) in the office saying, "Now really! I swear people are getting wise to Room 101!" "Well now, some people are scared of intimacy ....."

Essentially, Mitchell and Webb Sound are worth tuning into.

Ouch

2009-09-18T21:31:00.000+01:00

Week has been a bit terrible, organising for University and looking for a job in Brighton.

I have been attacked by the flu, a virus, a cold and everything, one thing after another and I am just feeling pretty shit. Right now the back of my throat really hurts, as if something is biting it. I am going to Uni next week.

Thank god Gossip Girl is back on.

Reading Festival

2009-09-11T22:38:00.003+01:00

I will not try and explain the vast patches of the time I have been neglecting this blog, for starters, nothing really special had happened - except maybe if I could explain the time I mostly spent lounging in the sun and listening to music, watching the telly and meeting friends. I am a little annoyed that I didn't use the time I had more productively.

Anyway I am moving into University soon, Sussex University to study Philosophy, I am prepping by reading a few books to put me in the mood. Sophie's World etc and a few of my old ethics revision guides. I am glad I went in with my BBB grades, but annoyingly I could have got into Birmingham as well, seeing as they were fishing for insurance choices. Why do I find this annoying? Because it just flashes up one of those What-If scenarios which will haunt me for the rest of my life.

I am just glad that I am leaving my town for a bigger place, and I hope I am successful in it and maybe expand myself. I dislike the amount of student loans I will have to take out, but hopefully it will be worth it. So I am currently jobhunting, if anyone knows any jobs in Brighton please give this a post!

Another highlight, which is topical to one of the themes of my blog is that I went to the Reading Festival! This is basically a music festival in Reading, which has a lot of famous bands in it, what is nice about it is that you meet a lot of people you know, and people you know who live in far off places like from Harrow or Wales, people come over from all sorts of places.

So I saw a lot of acts, Florence and the Machine, Manchester Orchestra, Danananakroyd, Arctic Monkeys, Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs, Kings of Leon, Radiohead etc

My highlight? Possibly scuffing up my shoes during a Maccabees gig, listening to Deadmau5 at the front near the VIPs and the massive bass speakers. Being sandwiched between one of those fat HIM fans with wierd long hair and a Johnny Vegas Impersonator. Heck he could have been Johnny Vegas but I didn't care as I was parked right in front of Johnny Greenwood doing his stuff.

Thom made me laugh when he took the mick out of this girl who screamed "I love you Thom" and just said to her, sitting on the stage, "you know you sounded effin' retarded when you said that?" And that crazy moment when he was singing "You and Who's Army?" and then spookily looking in the camera at the same time. And when everybody, including the radiohead tourists were all singing along to Creep.

Radiohead definately shown how to headline a gig, unlike Kings of Leon audibly were flawless, but whether it was the speakers or the cold or the people who just came for those two songs "Use Somebody and Sex on Fire", it just didn't connect with us as a crowd. Highlight of that performance was when the lead singer told the Leon haters to "**** off!" He was probably jealous of the Kaiser Chief's warm welcome and lovely sing-along tunes.

Arctics were, disappointing, I loved hearing the new material live but it looked Alex didn't feel comfortable with it, or that he was just pissed, I think it was more the latter. Plus they just didn't move at all. I overheard some guy near my tent afterwards who joked that they just played their CDs and placed some Mannequins on there.

Genius idea of getting rid of the flags, they were getting so annoying and vast, I think the tipping point was when last year companies had people giving out flags with their logo, for people to wave.

Last night was weird, a lot of rioting going on, and a little bit crazy with massive fires because people were burning tents. I left at around 5, only leaving a few cans of beer behind.

So, next year, Glastonbury?

Blur are Back!

2009-06-30T12:15:00.002+01:00

Firstly, apologies, I haven't posted a lot because my internet is on the blink.

I have waited about 4-5 years to watch Blur perform live (I got into them 4-5 years ago while listening to Think Tank) So Glasto was the perfect stage, literally to perform.

It was strange seeing them as they have gone on to do completely different things, Albarn composed for the "Gorillas" and a certain Chinese Opera. Rowntree is into politics, obviously Labour, but he did look really grown up on the stage with his drums it was kinda scary. Graham Coxon (although he was chucked out of the band) ended up as quite a credible solo musician. Alex James opened up a cheese farm and went on the telly a couple of times.

I have to admit that for my favorite musician I am stuck between James and Coxon. I do hold that Coxon is the greatest guitarist in that generation. Coxon was the reason why Battery in the Leg was the best song off Think Tank.

On the night Alex James did a brilliant job in the bass line, his hair looked good too. Predictably, Coxon ended up as the best looking and a great player. The rest were good too. Overall they all looked pretty young which is strange as they are all in their early 40s.

The slow classics, songs like the Universal and Beetlebum and Tender had the crowd singing away - which was brilliant to watch. They rolled out all of their hits, no Springsteen-holding-back there. I couldn't help but laugh at Alex James as everyone was belting out "Country House." They even brought on Cockny Geeza Phil Daniels to sing "Park Life."

Several songs were held back from the screens courtesy of leaving a surprise for their day out in Hyde Park. Which I am sure everyone will be bopping along to.

Meanwhile in Iran ....

2009-06-14T20:55:00.000+01:00

Wierd day, I'll talk more tonight.

Meanwhile in Iran...

http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iran-gen...s-1-17975.html
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iran-gen...s-3-17979.html
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iran-gen...s-3-17979.html
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iran-gen...s-5-17983.html
http://www.iranfocus.com/en/iran-gen...s-5-17983.html

Moltke

2009-06-11T15:09:00.004+01:00

Is it possible to have tea withdrawal systems? The last two days I have been lacking and yearning it. Managed to find a tea bag and my addiction was replenished.

History Exam on the Nature of Warfare from Napoleon to the First World War this morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn, 5 in the morn' and read my spider diagrams and essay plans. I hope I answered them competently, it's just essays annoy me frequently. I would have prefered other questions, generals and allies, not tactics and communications.

Afterwards I have been listening to music and reading my books. Watched the occasional House episode. Bliss.

Crap, I have drunk all my tea.

Hard Hard Hard Hard Hard Times.

2009-06-10T21:25:00.002+01:00

I wander through each chartered street,
Near where the chartered Thames does flow,
And mark in every face I meet,
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.

In every cry of every man,
In every infant's cry of fear,
In every voice, in every ban,
The mind-forged manacles I hear:

How the chimney-sweeper's cry
Every blackening church appalls,
And the hapless soldier's sigh
Runs in blood down palace-walls.

But most, through midnight streets I hear
How the youthful harlot's curse
Blasts the new-born infant's tear,
And blights with plagues the marriage-hearse.

William Blake - London.

It's always good to stuff a piece of poetry down someone's throat. Personally this is one of my poems as it is poetic in social comment about London. I first heard it blaring out on the radio as a kid, and discovered it off one of my brother's Verve Albums. So it kind of got imbued into my memory. AS - Level English Studies I picked up my poetry anthology and recognised the lyrics of the song in the poem. Strangely made me love Poetry more. So if you are reading this, you may have discovered I am a strange 90s kid..

Woke up earlish in the morning, watched House and then napped again. Revised like hell for the Merchants Tale and Lady WIndermere's Fan Exam I had in the afternoon. Annoyingly the questions on there were really mean as they did not really address theme, and if they did was just about the theme of the contemporary reader. Where was the theme of marriage? Feminism? Love? Give me one of those questions and I would have eaten them for breakfast.

Jogged home in the pouring rain afterwards, went home and had about 5 slices of toasted peanut butter. I dragged on an old pair of clothes, casual, put on a coat and got my umbrella out and went out to work. £10 a session, the money is definitely trickling in, I shall put a tight leash on things for a bit and when I finish all my exams I shall go out into the crazy world of work.

Currently sitting down, listening back again to the Verve but also listening to God Help The Girl, one of the Belle and Sebastian guy's new projects. Funnily loving and nostalgic of 60s girl bands but keeps it's Scottish charm.

Poor poor Charlie B

2009-06-09T23:09:00.002+01:00

School taunting has turned digital.

Poor poor Charlie B.

Take a look and laugh:

http://www.charlesbeaumont.info/

Wants and Needs

2009-06-08T16:39:00.002+01:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have been desiring for a new mobile, but something even more than a mobile - something which can connect to a Wi-Fi or something. Annoyingly, the Iphone is too expensive and I wouldn't want to be spending 30 quid a month. I might just buy one of those touch screen LGs with the camera, sensibly priced and looks quite nifty. Else I should get a job and save up some money.

Nerd in me has collected the volumes of Buffy - turns out she is bi-sexual (I presume), Xander has a not so evil, but evil looking thing going on and Willow is uber-powerful. Also Dawn turns into a Giant. Brilliant.

Currently listening to the Paolo Nutini, Sunny Side Up is a fantastic album with all of those retro-styles but good sounds.

Chuck Me

2009-04-30T17:17:00.003+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fgmcqvwLH4

I, admittedly have a little "Chuck" in me, likes technology (unless it messes up!) and probably can get several sci-fi fixations, well all, except Star Trek which I simply don't get at all. The Chuck season finale, hot delivered a Chuck Subway Sandwich stuffed with some classic familiar one-liners, "you rang?" ""Why are you letting Sam Kinnison and an Indian lesbian ruin your wedding?" toasted with references, "I know Kung Fu!"

The best thing about these shows is that they kept the characters as simple in that you can really identify them and also can see how they would develop. Their characteristics classily being employed by their decent acting and mirroring the plot, this really increases the comedy of chuck. For example when Jeffster sang "Mr Roboto" with vocoders galore and a brilliant finale setting off a building with roman candles. Casey is another one I love, as he provides the cutting lines which only he can deliver, also the only actor who I think can pull of aface of anger, confusion and absolute seriousness.

That scene was the lacing on a brilliant action scene.

But oh, why are NBC reportedly considering not getting a third season? This show obviously has the fanbase, and the season finale left so many possibilities open. One being Chuck becoming the intersect again and learning some kick-ass spy moves, even Casey was impressed.

To be honest, I did prefer the episode before it, because of both the action scenes and also the idea of images flashing in the head and then solving the mystery of them.

This is probably Josh Schwartz best work to be involved with, Gossip Girl has gone dry, not witty-dry but sahara-dry. The characters are swapping girlfriends more than a badly written drama involving middle class surbubia and keys in a bowl. Music is still good though.

18

2009-04-28T12:04:00.002+01:00

Sorry, really sorry. I have seriously been neglecting this blog?

Well. Reviews to come up later.

Firstly, I have reached my 18th birthday. Also, guess what? I haven't bought a legal pint yet! Aftersome massive celebrations at my house, my body warned me off booze for days. Also I woke up with a sore toe so I couldn't move anywhere. Remember this advice, when you throw a party. Parties get better if you have a hookah pipe, shisha baby!

Talking about parties, is this David Cameron?

Chelsea/Liverpool My Reaction

2009-04-09T14:27:00.002+01:00

Well, last couple of days at my desk reading books, writing essays and getting my arse up to exercise, to be honest it feels pretty mundane. So I am relieved in a way that I am going to North Wales on an easter holiday. I will definitely bring a laptop with me but I will definately do some walking, Lord of The Rings style, I am saying this because I am convinced the Welsh countryside looks so similar to the ones in New Zealand.

Liverpool/Chelsea first leg was supposed to be a highlight of the week, but now it is a scar as we lost 3-1 at Anfield. A lot of people are saying it is because of Zonal Marking, but I think it was because our defense were poor and so was our midfield. Chelsea were the better team.

To be honest, I don't like Chelsea because they got their little success from having a Russian Billionaire spending money on them, plus a lot of fans are just complete plastics with waving plastic flags about it and considering Liverpool and Chelsea having a rival relationship as big as Pool's rivalry with Everton and Manchester Utd.

The Tamils in London have staged a bit of a protest on the last week. Good on them. The Media have been critising them for being too aggressive, but they have had protested peacefully for the last couple of months and didn't have an article on it raising awareness. It might send a slightly wrong message, but at least it is a message.

Dragging Distression

2009-04-02T23:04:00.002+01:00

One month. One month to salvage Coursework.

Points. I need points to sway the grade system to my favour.

One month. One month to put University Choices down. One month to decide my future.

One month in papers. Old scribbles of nothing in particular.

Nights to One In the Morning, living off Black Cold Coffee and Sweet Hot Oranges.

In the meantime, I will have fun on the ride, events such as Easter Sunday, my birthday. April will be an important month, but it is my favorite month. Let's hope it all goes smoothly.

In the meantime, I am listening to some nice music. Today I decided to go for the oldie Kate Bush. Wuthering Heights over and over again. I love the fact Synth is alive and kicking. I always rate LaRoux. I read somewhere that Lady Gaga is for the Main Stream, Little Boots is for the Trendies and LaRoux is for the Purists.

I am excited about Reading. Hopefully I can go, my order is definately there it is just SeeTickets have yet to send my Confirmation Email. I will give them a call tomorrow.

Did anyone see Eastenders? That was distressing. I felt a real connection with Danielle and then they go and kill her off. I think a piece of me has died. Not the most original idea with the fact that Jamie Mitchell died like that years ago.

Am I Ready for Reading?

2009-03-31T17:11:00.002+01:00

Well, last night I decided that I am going to try and get tickets for the Reading Music Festival.

Let me explain, during the summer Britain holds Music Festivals like Glastonbury and Reading where people live on a massive field then go out and watch some music. This year in Reading, the line-up are Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, The Prodigy and much more.

So I shelled out £189 after being convinced by my mate S, and I spent two hours on various websites hoping to get through. I was successful on one website: SeeTickets. Put in some card details and I hope they went through okay. However I still haven't got an email confirmation, other people haven't too. I hope it will be alright.

In other news, I sent a letter to Hicham Yezza, wishing him well.

Captain Coursework versus the Weekend Whip

2009-03-29T20:05:00.004+01:00

Enjoyable weekend, but still haven't done what I wanted. It is really annoying as I feel I haven't made much of a dent in my work and it will all pile up next week. I am really pissed off about this.

Good news is that I have made £40 last night selling tickets on the door at the local club, boosting my personal budget to £200.

It was really arduous in getting in there at quarter to 8 and then standing around for 4 hours as these drunk people in their mid-50s came dwindling in, consecutively after every pub closing time. There was this one guy going, "what is it like in there err what is it like in there?" People mainly just came for the bar and the dancefloor in there was simply embarrassing to watch.

I felt really embarressed as I was told to stamp people as they came in, and some felt really insulted maybe of the insinuation that they were smokers or just the feel of a school disco.

Had to laugh at this one fat bloke dressed in teenager clothing.

Woke up this morning, did some shopping, watched Formula 1 (love you Button) and had lunch. Chicken Kiev doesn't work for me.

Annoyances

2009-03-26T13:46:00.004Z

if you gaze

into the abyss

the abyss gazes

also into you

- Friedrich Wilheim Nietzche

I spent the whole night reading Watchmen, well not really the whole night but the majority of it. I simply couldn't put it down, it is nice that I now have my own copie instead of resorting to Libraries and book stores. I suppose it was from the success of the film. Buying the book, and taking time on it made me appreciate fully the the artistic talent, the philosophy and the psychology.

My favorite character has to be Nite Owl (Jnr), he looks so funny in his costumes ^_^

I am now going to hack through Steven Fry's The Ode Less Travelled, Merchant's Tale (for the 4th time) and go through Plath's The Bell Jar for pleasure.

Annoyingly I was late to school the next morning :(

I have to finish Lenin and Captain Corelli. I really do.

Heroes

2009-03-24T22:22:00.001Z

I always knew Micah was rebel, it just seemed that he would seeing as he is one of the characters who is technically able and also has met the most heroes as well. So that did not surprise me. I suspect there is more to 'Rebel' than Micah.

It's all great. I was a pushover because I have a thing for superpower thriller, and although I was disappointed with some supernatural aspects of the show (what is with that baby, really?) It looks beautiful, Tracy gives the best effect, where the ice scenery looks fantastic, imaginative and has the same qualities of an artistic comic book panel.

Noah is the most compelling character, in terms that he is seen as the most powerful man however does not possess ability.

I am happy we did not see Nathan and Claire, they get tiresome.

Strong episode, although different as it did not carry the theme of "War On Terror" as the other episodes did.

The Graphic Novel was a complete waste of time. Stupid part to focus on. Shameful product placement.

black sweet blood mouthfuls

2009-03-24T21:19:00.004Z

Q: Why do Marxists drink Herbal Tea?

A: Because Property (proper-tea) is theft.

That was one joke of a bad joke relay between a friend and I.

Also let me explain the title of this post, this is my favorite line off Sylvia Plath's Ariel. I am really getting into her work at the moment, really because of the way I am feeling a little now, and also she has gone back in the news. I feel attracted to the sensual imagery of it.

In English today, the teacher told us to remember a glimpse and event which sticks in your mind. She told us of her time in Student Accomadation, living across a Sikh Family and staring idly out of the window at a father and his son. The father was waving his hand with a piece of paper, she presumed he was teaching, but then he hit the young boy on the head and the mother quickly drew the curtain.

She said it is one of the memories you could write a poem around.

Thinking about what she said, I have a recollection of stepping out of a bus near Kings Cross, the time was very late as it was pitch black. I enountered 3 wizened suited men presumably in their 50s, in a street quarrel. The strongest words came from this kindly-looking suited man stating, "you are an awful person, a waste of time I have no time for you, go away." I expected the victim of this diatrible to smack him, but he didn't.

He may have been drunk, the victim could have been a complete stranger and the other guys looked between angry and nonplussed too. It was a wierd expression and a wierd night.

I also recall being on the underground with a group of friends, we were travelling down the escalator and WHAM, something hit me. I was on my fours on an escalator, pinned down by m mates behind me, and also the cause. A man looking in his forties, wearing a black City Trader suit and bowler hat, as if he was something out of an old Black and White movie.

At first we all thought it was an accident and we all managed to raise the guy to his feet, he walked down a few steps in front of us, and then he staggered and tripped down the solid metal stairs again. He managed to get to his feet from his equally drunk friend, smelling of whiskey and they both shamelessly staggared to the next tube.

It is strange seeing strange things.

In other news, I just had my coursework re-marked and I dropped two grades because she only just noticed I did not put enough quotes in. Well she just couldn't have told me that on her first draft couldn't she? :/

What really took the mick was I sent it to her as an email, she opened it, she printed it, on her returning notes on it she said "print in a larger font."

Monday Mania

2009-03-23T17:03:00.011Z

Thumper, the cartoon rabbit from Bambi said that If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all. I have noticed that I probably should abide by this advice seeing that all I am saying is usually something critical. I don't like that, I reckon it is probably because the next couple of months will be a rough patch for me, due to exam work. I think once I have that out of my system I will be my usual chirpy self. The only thing which is cheering me up is the football, but even then I support Liverpool FC so it will be up one week then extremely down the next.

Again I should say that cleaning really helps the soul. I feel really better when I just move my whole room around. Like chuck out boxes, transfer stacks of notes (either on History, RE or English Literature) and just put thme into more boxes and write them all up on the computer. Then I get new notes and I chuck out the boxes. It goes into circles doesn't it?

In other news, Jade Goody has died. Which is a shame. But the hypocrisy of the British Media is typified by calling Jade a Pig who they would spit on in the street to a saint mum who doesn't deserve to die. I don't think she is a saint or a pig. Just a famous person who is irresistable to the public. I can see why people complain about the amount of coverage she has got (whilst we have a war going on) but then I also see on the other hand that it has raised awareness for Cervical Cancer. But the stories are not about cancer, they are about Jade. I liked Stephen Fry's comment on Twitter, that Jade Goody lived her life under a magnifier, a magnifier magnifys (obviously) but they also distort and burn.

Without sounding too snobby, the Jade Goody saga is easier for journalists to type out a few lines in their columns than other news areas.

Another area being the really sad death of Sylvia Plath's son. I fell in love with the work of his parents. My favourite poem of Sylvia Plath being "Ariel." Although Ted always remains a controversal man, but a great poet. He has done a lot for poetry in this country, like his book even topping the lists.

I am really saddened by the death in that tragic family, living in the life in a public eye, scrutinised by media. It also really shows how much feeling goes with Mothers Day. But we shouldn't assume that the son died because of the curse of Plath. That is tabloid fodder.

My books might, just might come through the post tomorrow morning. So reading-wise I have just been flicking through my favourite parts of Micheal Chabon's Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. I haven't met anyone else who has read it, as it is an American publicised book. I love the chapter with Sam's Dad, the Molecule's visits to Sam at hard parts of his life. Teaching Sam to walk again after he had polio. Also the one where Sam and Joe negotiate with the Bosses and eventually come up with their big idea. It is a fantastic book and I urge everyone to read it.

Music-wise, I think I have passed through onto the other side of my Fleet-Foxes obsession. Iam now enjoying the tones of Marissa Nadler and The Wave Pictures (gotta love Blogotheque influences). Acoustic noise really. Just takes me back to 2007 when I simply loved music coming off an acoustic guitar. 2008 was my electro-punk year. Who knows what I will get into in 2009?

By the way some legend put some Paolo Nutini new unheard songs (some are covers, some are stuff he plays at gigs) on youtube with decent quality. I love the Love God song.

Crossing my fingers about Liverpool, I hope we can keep up our momentum after the International Period against Fulham, come on lads, win it and become number 1. My happiness hinges on it.

If you are still reading this yarn, you are amazing ^_^

We Have More Records than the KGB XD

2009-03-22T21:51:00.003Z

Killer Liverpool eh? Brilliant, fantastic, superfantastisch, good and amazing turn of events. Old Whiskey-Nose Lost and Liverpool have continued their fantastic run by giving another team the thrashing of their lives, 5-0. Giving Aston Villa, The Besiktas Treatment.

I am really looking forward to the Fulham game. Essentially showing Man Utd how it is done. Although they won't be seeking to attack.

Sussex was good. I don't really care about the Year Abroad, I might as well take a Post Grad in a Foreign Country or something. Sussex is the best University Site by far. I am seriously considering it, but I don't want to rush my decision. I should mull it over this week.

Stupid History work :(

Funny Fridays

2009-03-20T20:39:00.002Z

Okay, some genius in my school decided to hold a Disney Day. So I dressed up as a Top Gun Pilot from a jumpsuit in the back of my wardrobe. Trouble was that a lot of people dressed up as the extras of High School Musical so I just quickly put the embarressing costume in my bag. Hidden away.

We all huddled over the computer whilst the person was reading out the Champions League Draws from BBC Radio with his headphones. I was crossing my fingers for a Liverpool v Man Utd one. Or at least a Liverpool v Munich. Annoying that we just had Chelski FC again for the upteenth time.

Also if we do win the Champions League, it will be extra extra special as we have beaten the rest. As I said from the question (cheers for stopping by Urban Teacher XD ) I said we play the best when we are against the best. Trouble is we won't be able to rest our best players in preperation for the games as we have some important League Matches to play as well. Points mean Prizes.

Had RE and went to work later. Wicked.

I have been babysitting my brother, and I watched Eastenders which really annoyed me as Danielle didn't tell Ronnie as Archie was devious XD. Gah.

Sussex University tomorrow. It is wierd that they haven't sent me a follow-up email or letter yet. I will have to phone them tomorrow. Edit, checked their website. Sods law they told me that they now are operating on phone. Which at this time, no one will be in. Annoying as hell.

Red Orange?

2009-03-19T21:19:00.002Z

First of all, congrats Rafa Benitez :D We have 5 more years of Rafa XD

It's really wierd to imagine 2014. It seems as if it is some number from a sci-fi movie. Anyway here are my predictions for 2014

- Rafa Benitez won't be Manager anymore. He will probably be forced out eventually by the Americans. Sorry. Unless he forces them out.

- David Miliband would be elected Prime Minister, suceeding Cameron or Brown.

- Computers will be smaller than we have now, probably the size and weight of a hard-cover tome.

- Israel v Iran.

- Liverpool would win the Champions League, Premiership and FA Cup

- Osama Bin Laden would be found, dead or alive. But then be succeeded by another person.

- The lovely Royal for French President?

- Queen Elizabeth still alive and on the throne (probably reach 100) Charles in despair.

- Fat-Loss Pill

- End to Cancer

- Stronger Renewable energy.

- Obama would be President.

- Will be revealed that Prince Harry is the biological son of James Hewitt. Come on it is so bloomin' obvious!

Anyway I had a brilliant few days, I really did a lot of work and I feel a huge weight has been lifted off my head. I also really fancy a Fernando Torres Haircut :D

Hero

2009-03-18T08:27:00.003Z

Ken Livingstone Dodges Fare

Well, this hopefully won't be an attack on Daily Mail manure, but to be honest they really don't like him, mainly because of his political views and also he insulted one of their reporters.

Zero-Tolerance is one thing, but saving time is another - it looks like a first offense and they shouldn't really want to waste time on it if he explained himself. They are nice. I remember National Express just waiving me through after I forgot the first half of my tickets. Although maybe it was because I was so young, and Ken looks so mature.

Maybe if he had a tougher person, he would have paid a fine. But to be honest, he bought a replacement fare at the machine. It could have been the case that he lost the ticket - so he shouldn't be labled Fare-Dodger.

At least Ken has always used the tube, better than Boris Johnson and his Limousine. Ken = Working Londoner's Hero XD

facebook fun

2009-03-17T17:54:00.002Z

ha, I have over 51 notifications on facebook. I am aiming for 100 XD

Anyway today was fun. I just did Chaucer work and loved making the introduction of an essay, I thought it was really good.

Gossip Girl was brilliant.

I missed heroes.

The End ^^

Love.

Ahhhh Father Stan

2009-03-16T21:03:00.004Z

I will like to praise Danny Fingeroth's top 10 graphic novel list. Nicely written and I agree on his choices, when I don't I at least see where he is coming from. Although I can't say I have read them all, I do think that "Maus" is definately the best choice. It is a brilliant read and I recommend it to everyone - it was really sad and when I first read it, after every few boxes I simply had to put it down.

I have "Watchman" coming through the post soon, I might as well own it to read at home - it shall join Communist Superman and the X-Factor Comics once I find them. [See earlier post for details].

My Fleet Foxes album is coming as well (bought it for £4.98 off Amazon - a bargain) so I can't wait to put that on my hard-drive.

Last night I saw Father Stan, this rapping Franciscan Priest who was a good singer and also a great preist as well. He played bass while he rapped out some lyrics - I found it really inspirational. Here is a quality youtube link for him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tvMEDIVAe4&feature=related

I wish I could say more about him - he is just an absolute legend, especially the way he says "lord hear our prayers." He was at WYD but I missed him, I saw Matt Maher though.

Work is crippling me at the moment, especially Chaucer. Had to sketch out an essay on Sex and Relationships as well - Kant is a c***

Gossip Girl and Heroes soon ^^

On Facebook I am going to see how much I can fill up the notifications sign box without looking at it, just seeing how the numbers stack up - I will post a screencap if I manage to reach 50.

I LOVE ROBERT WEBB, in case you are American and haven't heard of him he is an actor. Anyway he has won a dancing competition for Comic Relief with this song:

He did it for Welding ^_^ That is probably the funniest thing I saw today, hilarious. David Mitchell watch out, your partner is coming!

Apparently it is the best feeling he had ever had after he fell in love with himself XD

Honestly though, the producers of hit-panel shows like QI, 8 out of 10 cats, Buzzcocks should have less Jo Brand and more Robert Webb XD He can be both satirical and naiive at the same time :D

I love 1:06 because he actually danced really really well ^^

Love you.

Heart As Big as Liverpool

2009-03-14T20:01:00.002Z

Liverpool 4 - Manchester United 1

This is officially the best day of my month. Heck even the year.

Thanks to my favourite Football Team, Liverpool FC.

After we have thrashed Real Madrid, we have severely embarressed the Old Enemy, Man Utd on their own turf.

Best part was that the goal Manchester scored was by a penalty.

I am really really really really really proud of my team today. The best part was when we stuck it to olde Alex Whiskey Nose Ferguson. We have done the double against them and what is more we have severely hit them on their turf.

The question of whether we would win the title is a hard one. Man U are a very hard nut to crack. They are a huge money-making brand machine but I think when we beat them, who had their best team on, we absolutely shown that they too were infallible. It might inspire other teams to inflict some damage to work in our favour.

I reckon it also makes us the most feared team in Europe. So when the fixtures come out it shall be eagerly awaited.

Several people are likening Torres to God, but in my eyes that title will always be for Robbie Fowler.

Outside the Shankly Gates,

I heard a Kopite calling,

Shankly they have taken you away,

But you left the great eleven,

Just before they took you to heaven,

And the Redmen are still playing the same way.

All round the fields of Anfield Road,

Where once we watched the king Kenny play,

We had Heighway was on the wing,

We had dreams and songs to sing,

Of the glory round the fields of Anfield Road.

Outside the Paisley Gates,

I heard a Kopite calling

Paisley they have taken you away,

But you led the great eleven

Back in Rome in seventy seven

And the Redmen are still playing the same way

You Know You Are On British Transport if ...

2009-03-13T12:57:00.003Z

You Know You Are On British Transport if ...

You are sitting next to a guy reading "War and Peace" but only on the first few pages of it.
You are swimming in free newspapers.
You feel angry at how expensive the train ticket costs.
If you have a discount, Young Persons Railcard etc - they ask you for every single document of it.
There is a 100% Chance of getting chewing gum on your hands if you stick your hand under your seat.
Resting your feet on the other side is the most comfortable way of sitting on a train.
Never have eye contact with the person near you.
The train from Waterloo East to Charing Cross is the most beautiful journey - as you go cross the River Thames.
You won't meet an old person eating smelly food, but it is likely to sit by a young person listening to loud music.
Touch-Screen Ticket Machines are an absolute nightmare to work on.
You can't clean your shoes on the brushes on the escalator
You feel like the Flash when you run down them, well at least I do.
If you're like me, you would miss the train at the last second.
If you are standing behind someone on the platform a little voices goes in your head thinking "I can push them."
The floors are sticky and the seats are damp, every platform has a fucking tramp - that lyric is so true.
Why are they on strike when they have the easiest job in the world?
Football fans on trains are hilarious, especially the Tottenham Fans "Yid Armmmyyyy!"
You never meet a famous person, usually because they can afford a black cab.
Tube Announcers are hilarious.
You wonder why the Government is complaining about pollution when it is normally cheaper to drive rather than train.
Boris Johnson is the scourge of the underground, he isn't a tube user like Ken is.
Boris shouldn't dictate how I should act on the tube as much as I shouldn't dictate to him on how to ride a bike properly.

Happy Birthday Pete

2009-03-13T00:35:00.004Z

If you have never heard of Pete Doherty, chances are you have probably been in a Coma for the last 10 years. Renowned for his infamous antics, perhaps more so than his talent as a musician, over the last 10 years he has displayed an interesting character full of contrasts. Crazy "punk" who likes to wear a hat to a delicate poet, joker yet genius, a character likely to have a joint in his pocket, but a book of Byron in his bag.

Today he reaches 30, and not even the most discerning Sun has fixed upon the nature of Pete, displaying him as a shouty talentless yob yet then contrasted with a touching Jonathon Ross appearance, a talented delicate young boy who has ventured too far. Pete's character is complex and attractive.

I have been waiting for Pete Doherty's new solo album for a long time now, after being a fan of Libertines and Babyshambles - mainly through his lyrics (however Barat does make the better music). The first song "Arcady" is a typical Doherty song and introduces you well to his album, still shows his longstanding romance to the era of ancient Britain, arcady, albion, boadicea etc.

Last of the English Roses has a brilliant bass beat, something the Paul Simeon off The Clash would be strumming.
1939 returning, interesting to note that he was inspired by this from a dream in which he was a window-washer for 1930s Italian Butchers. The use of language is remarkable and shows the amount of lyrical prowess Doherty holds in the musical world, “Tread carefully upon the drifting lights" His voice is nice and sultry and the guitar music puts you right in the mood.

Broken Love Song is interesting to note as Peter "Wolfman" Wolfe has helped in this, for those with good musical memories they should remember the song "For Lovers." You can tell clearly that he had a hand.

Pete has flexed his poetic flair, and the time away from the spotlight was really good for him, I recommend you to buy the album. Admittedly a lot of the songs are dark, and I don't think will get too much play on the radio. However with that darkness you get a feel of the undercurrents effecting Pete and his Romantic and Symbolistic influences, it is perhaps like an open window inviting the select who listen to his words to be the ones who understand him.

Take the time, it is his birthday for Pete's sake.

Excuse the pun.

1. Arcadie
2. Last of the English Roses
3. 1939 Returning
4. A Little Death Around the Eyes
5. Salome
6. Through the Looking Glass
7. Sweet By and By
8. Palace of Bone
9. Sheepskin Tearaway
10. Broken Love Song
11. New Love Grows on Trees

12. Lady, Don’t Fall Backwards

Exam Marvel

2009-03-12T21:40:00.002Z

Well, first things first. Kent.

Visited it yesterday for the University Open Day and let me say - it is a BITCH to get to. I roughly took 8 hours commuting - there and back. So a lot of music and a lot of reading.

Kent Philosophy Open Day put me in a pickle - firstly as I was an hour late and my hair was a wreck also my clothes were dirty as I barely had time in the morning to pick out something decent.

After crowding us into rooms like Battery hens with meetings and talks on University Life and how amazing Kent is. We had lunch at a hall with hundreds of other people so it was really annoying especially with my speaking stutter to talk to people without saying "...what?" Plus I really embarresed myself after someone said they were doing Interior Design, and I said "Unlucky" XD

The actual Philosophy meeting was annoying and short. Mainly as there was this really annoying guy in front of me who clearly doesn't shave properly, trying to show off his knowledge of "Kiirgegard" and using long words.

Although the head Philosophy guy, and the department were really nice.

If anything to go by, Birmingham would be a better choice than Kent. However Sussex might be a better choice than Birmingham. A big problem is that Birmingham and Sussex are asking for the same grades.

Which brings me onto my results for the module resits I sat, on Buddhism and Ethics. Exciting news is that I got a D in Buddhism and an A in Ethics. I thought it would be the other way round. So this would bring my whole RE AS grade up to a grade B which is brilliant.

I have a Sex and Relationships essay to write so ciao and I will write more interesting things later.

Love.

Ahtchoo

2009-03-10T09:00:00.002Z

Just my luck. I have a cold as huge as Mount Kilamanjaro.

It's the cold weather what dunnit!

I still went to school yesterday - fun in the extreme of coursework and irrelevent work on guns. I have been working on it for the last weekend but it had a lot of errors on it which made me feel really bad. As bad as my blocked nose. RE was fun in a way - we were finally doing some in depth study of the Heart Sutra. Buddha-Boy (my teacher) wrote a good commentary and I kind of got the gist of what was going on.

Still quite relaxing afternoon - watched Breakfast At Tiffanies in bed ^-^ Audrey Hepburn eh - "Cat" is such a great name for a cat :P

Spoke to a few mates - did some planning. Also guess where I am going tomorrow? University of Kent! Ah the Garden of England which is Canterbury. I wonder if their Philosophy can impress me :D

I am annoyed at not reading as many books as I should do lately. I am also annoyed at how under-rated Folded Light are! They only have around 700 friends. Sooner or later Josh Schwartz or someone would put them on Gossip Girl and then they would probably have 90 000 friends or something enormous. Not dissing it though, GG is a good way of discovering new bands.

Watched Heroes as well this morning, why could Nathan just fly back up again and kill Danko and pretend it didn't happen? Still kick-ass though, but Sylar was a little disappointing and really predictable . You would just know that they are going for a "attack while back is turned" thing.

Also Matt in a Suicide-Jacket - classic.

I missed Peter, and Hiro's storyline just outright confused me. Although that probably was the intention. I thought last week was better.

Love YOU.

Wacky Weekend

2009-03-08T21:19:00.002Z

Sorry guys, really, nothing interesting happened this weekend!

Well, if you count watching Slumdog Millionaire (amazing film!) and generally dossing around writing tables charts and reading books. Currently getting stuck into John Keegan at the moment, writing about Warfare - which is relevent for my history work, anyway it is okay.

I cleaned up ny bedroom again but this time I have jsut cleared out the shelves of the kids books which have strangely been put on there. Also managed to clean around under the bed, funny the things you discover for example:

A Hercules and Love Affair CD
An RE Folder
Young Stalin
A Laptop
3 Sets of weights for my dumbells
2 overdue Library books.
A Partridge in a Pair tree.

These should give you an idea about how boring it has been.

However I have been neglecting Friday. God Friday was great, went to cambridge university ie Hogwarts for rich snobby smart muggles. To sit for a Peter Vardy Ethics Conference, sat through the first two hours about Determinism and the conscience, then later in the afternoon went to have sex ...

... studies.

My mate and I dodged the afternoon and instead took a look around Cambridge and their colleges - it was a beautiful day out and we really enjoyed just seeing St Johns College and Kings. We had a look at Corpus Christi and we tried our best to find Gail Trimble in order to laugh at her. We were unsuccessful.

However we did have a good two pints down the Maitre Pub, next to a nice fire. Also bought £% of Fudge in the famous Fudge Shop by Jim Garahey? Anyway it was the best fudge I ever tasted. Too bad when I took it home, eating as little as I could in order to make it last - I left it on a plate and after 4 hours it had all been gobbled up.

Overall it was a great Cambridge day out and I learnt a lot.

Okay - music I shall recommend today is Des Ark - go to their myspace page. Quite cool and they know how to use a guitar.

I am yearning to watch the Watchmen right now. Trouble is it is an 18! :O

Lost Heroes

2009-03-08T12:07:00.002Z

Crazy lost episodes. Crazy. Yet amazing.

Brilliant concept that Sawyer, Juliet, Daniel, Miles and Jin worked for three years in the Dharma Initiative. 3 years. So really, they spent more time in the Dharma Initiative than their fellow Losties.

Plus Juwyer is genius. Weird pairing but it can work. Also Jin's English is really coming on. However where are the rest of them, what about Rose, Bernard and more importantly Vincent? What the hell happened to them?

Anyway, probably one of the best. And hopefully we could see what crap Daniel is up to, and why he insists on always wearing a tie.

Heroes was cool, not one of the greatest as I don't really like Claire and her storylines - they always have these Cliché lines - plus you always notice how underwritten Lyle is. I mean surely he knows something is up?

Best was Matt and Peter, revealing the torture. And then Danko responds by making Matt public enemy number 1. It really reminds you of the world events since 2001. I wouldn't put it past Danko to actually put a timer on Matt's suicide jacket.

Graphic Novel was okay, but I didn't like the art and the storyline just took itself too seriously.

that Tuesday Tang

2009-03-03T19:12:00.009Z

Sydney's welcome to us last summer.

Tuesdays.

Not really the best day of the week aren't they?

The weekend is not coming anytime soon.

And you have just had the Monday Blues.

I didn't mind it. I decided to attack the day with vigour, carpe diem - seize the day. I woke up early had two cups of coffee (black, no sugar) and revised for the history exam.

However my history teacher wasn't there to set me the essay. A bit of a turn-around from last week when I wasn't there to sit the essay (as I was in Birmingham. I went back home as they were my frees and just got my notes in order and talked to a few mates.

I went back - and went to Amnesty International group (it's run by us, not the teachers) where we agreed for us to be opened up to the younger years. Also to have an "Adoption of Conscience."

Let me explain, as a group we focus on one person to send letters to - and to raise their issue to our local MP or relevent person, and basically to follow. Indeed at a recent meeting the people who suffered - mainly Guantanamo Bay did stress the importance of how getting letters kept them going.

We drew up a shorlist of five, and I am covering Justine Masika Bihamba, a human-rights worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo who was targeted by the military because of her work. Her family were tied up at gunpoint, two were assaulted, attempted-rape but still managed to sexually assault her 21 year old daughter with a knife.

She sees those men every day - but no legal proceedings, no action has been taken place. And they continue to threaten her. The two daughters have fled abroad.

We are going to vote on this shortlist of five - as to whom we take as our full issue. However we would also work on the others.

I have listened to a great compilation CD from one of my brother's mates - which was hanging around the bedroom. I placed it on my ipod. More fantastic that Captain Fantastic's fantastic day out in Brighton where he had some fantastic company. That was how fantastic that Compilation CD was.

I will try and post about the latest Heroes later (and the kick-ass graphic novel).

Also Jay Kay's 1 million pound Ferrari has been vandalised!

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5838620.ece

At Audeburgh, the same resort my family met him in the other week. He was staying at a hotel across theirs. Check my previous posts and you will see I am not telling porkies.

It's probably because they thought the vehicle was owned by an RBS banker or something. There are some rude, jealous and awful people in the world - and I wouldn't wish such a naughty and bad action on such a nice guy as Mr Kay. He loves that car.

Quite a coincidence though that my family met him. And they say that he really likes the resort - so I hope it doesn't discourage people from visiting Suffolk.

I love you all.

But not as obsessively as the cookie monster loves cookies.

What is Hubris shortly followed by?

2009-03-02T18:15:00.007Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/mar/02/gail-trimble-university-challenge-team-lose-title

Oh my word.

Gail Trimble's Corpus Christi Team have been stripped of the title because Sam Kay was not a student in the finals. He was ineligable.

Yeo was good to accept it with humility and regret. It was a brilliant match but by the end Corpus Christi amazingly just steered ahead byaround 85 points in a stunning come-back.

Anyway I always thought that Sam was a bit of a funny one I laughed at the way he moved his eyes.

You have to bear in mind that all Univiersitys take care in only making sure that the students who enter, are registered in the university in the duration of the competition, qualifiers to final. Corpus Christi flouting this just shows they royally screwed up - especially as it is an Oxford college who are more likely to go far.

It is University Challenge of which only students who are representatives of the Universities should partake in. Not a graduate who works for an accountancy firm. The fact that half the time in the competition he was in the university not withstanding.

Overall Sam Kay is a twit in not saying "hang on" when they progressed the stages after he left the university because he didn't get the funding. He could of explained this situation to the producers beforehand, without having to lie on television by saying "I am studying Chemistry ..." He behaved terribly.

When The Super Spring Comes

2009-03-02T15:41:00.002Z

Spring has officially started!!

Well for me anyway, it was amazing this morning to wake up and go to school dazzled in sunlight. The grass is green and the sky blue, absolutely brilliant. A great luxury which makes me want to live in Australia.

Today was good, I watched the new Simpsons episode (awful. Bart is still a ten year old?)

Work was on History to just evaluate a source. In Warfare we just planned a particular partof history. I am doing weapon developments and their impact :/

I also sorted out when I could sit the mock exam (which I missed last week - check earlier post) and I am doing it in my frees tomorrow morning. I am revising tonight on everything.

Music currently, I am loving DM Stith, who I learned about in a Guardian Article. Check it out!

Sightful Sunday Showdown

2009-03-01T22:42:00.003Z

Wow.

2nd London visit in a week - I must be quite the commuter.

Nevermind the Pesky Tottenham Hale rail-line being closed, and having to wait at Seven Sisters for around an hour - I didn't mind though.

Trains were hilarious, in the morning I saw the shining lights in the Yid Army's (Tottenham Horspur) fans beam in excitement at their Carling Cup Sunday showdown against Man United.

Course on the rail back things were a bit different - although there were a lot of fans in the spirit of things shouting "Yid Army!"

Also in the Pub where the game was on (I wasn't watching) there were a lot more Utd Fans that Spurs fans. They are so - everywhere! At least the guys I met on the trains were great in supporting their local team - even in their darkest days. I have the deepest of respect towards them.

I was in London as with my Mum's business I was going to "Who Do You Think You Are Live" - Which is an epic thing where thousands of people go along to do their family research. So I just had a wonder round and just saw how people could identify their ancestors.

My mum got me to do a DNA swabtest as she wanted to know our family history further - and also to check if this resource is accurate. I definately have Italian and Irish blood in me.

I missed out on watching any of the big celebrities, Ainsley Harriot [Ready Steady Cook!] and Matthew Pinsent [Gold-winning rower] who incidentally traced his ancestors back to Royalty and incidentally to God. They were on previous days, and I didn't see that female Opera Singer. I didn't mind ^_^

We went to the Pub afterwards with a journalist/author who mum is working with on a really interesting book, of details I don't want to divulge too much. In case anybody is reading who cares enough.

That was my Sunday.

Foxy Friday on Sexy Saturday

2009-02-28T15:40:00.013Z

Not much to say about yesterday, really. Just move along. Only if you are going for going to work again , then Friday Night watching telly - QI = amazing, John Sergeant = Jo Brand (Just look them up - they look identical).

This morning, after clearing out the bedroom - purging EVERYTHING which has little use to me - I felt like I was Stalin in Stalinist Russia. Yes I was Stalin of the Bedroom - fairwell Trotskyist Towells, cheerio old Kirov cutlery, bye-bye Bukharin bowls.

I watched The Dark Knight this morning, absolutely amazing especially with Heath Ledger and the acting. I felt it was like watching two movies at once though.

I am watching the Liverpool game. I can't be bothered to listening to it on the Radio as they always comment on the scoreline and the table - not the actual game.

- '25 - '44 Gah Stupid Alonso!

- '48 - Can't believe El Zhar missed that.

- '54 - Oh El Zhar, what are you doing.

- '63 - Shiiiittttttt

- '67 - It is just not happening for us.

- '74 - We have to throw everything at them.

- '77 - Gerard and Carra off, has Rafa given up?

- '87 - For fuck sake, can't I just die already. The Press and Scum will love this.

- '90 + - shite.

Well, it truly looks over for a premiership.

If I felt that we had been fairly beaten to it by better clubs, I wouldn't mind us losing the Prem. Unfortunately it isn't the case, we have given it away by half arsed performances, mad team selections and bizarre substitutions.

We had a chance at the beginning of the season to really grab this League and make it our own - Man U had lost some of their main players to injury and were playing badly, Chelsea were in disarray, and Arsenal had lost the plot completely.

The fact that yet again we have not sustained a decent title threat just really pisses me off. 20th anniversary of Hillsborough as well. I really thought that this would be our year.

Anyway, enough of that. I am going to go get disapointed at the rugby.

Alas, Ireland 14, England 13.

In the Thursday Thick of it.

2009-02-26T20:25:00.003Z

Right, well after the delirium of yesteday - today put me down a bit when I realised I only have 3 months till my exams, and my exam results will come out next month - which I am not feeling confident about as I had a bad day on the day [again DX).

So I will be really scrutinised, and I have to really put my studies into A-Level entirely. Not University - academia. I have to walk before I can run as my teacher said to me today. So I have to study rightly, but then I also have my social life. The key is really keeping a good balance and developing a good work-ethic.

The news today wasn't as interesting as yesterdays. I know that is bad of me but still I am reaching more for the Sports section than the front page. I am still in delirium with Yossi Benayoun and that stunning header and kick from Aurelio. Also Gerrard and Torres were not on the pitch.

I was also today told a really sick joke, Cancer-stricken Jade Goody has struck a deal with LivingTV to participate in "Most Haunted" early next year.

Worst one was "Little Alfie Patten joined Fathers for Justice, he was happy because he had his own Spider-Man costume."

I feel terrible even writing these jokes! God knows what people are writing up on the Camerons.

Anyway Lost huh? Kind of explained things a little didn't it?

And what with Locke being resurrected, and we discover what the hell happened. I don't know, I expected more kicks from this episode, but the inclusion of Abaddon and Walt were good. I loved the scene with Ben in a fancy suit walking on a street. Also the scene between them when he stopped Locke from committing suicide, then killing him!

It also answers the question on who built those canoes? And who ransacked the shelter? I bet it was probably Ben leading the charge against his past selves. I am just in hope of watching Desmond again, and the lovely Sawyer.

I hope Walt comes into play - like by being visited by Eloise Hawking or Abaddon or someone. And why did Abaddon make a point of leaving them to privacy? My gut feeling is that Abaddon iz connected to Walt somehow - like an Uncle or something.

A great bit was the thing with Locke time-travelling 3 years into the future! It must of been strange for Locke, seeing as the last time he met Oceanic 5 was probably for him a week ago. Yet for them it was 3 years, 3 years!

Good episode. I can't wait till we watch a Dharma-centric one though. And if the survivors of flight 815 meet 316. See how that plays out.

12 Crazy Ideas To Save The World

2009-02-26T18:30:00.003Z

Gordon Brown has said that he saved the world (likely a slip of the tongue) - now let me see if I can.

1 - Start an Electric Eel Power Station by rigging a way to get the electricity from these eels to the plug. Thus clean energy with no carbon footprint. Surplus Eels can be sold to London's East End.

2 - If that fails, resort to Gerbils on Tread-Mill idea. This idea sounds old, but I have twisted it = what will we do is we mix a Mouse with a Leopard. Speedful, nimble and tame - just as long as it doesn't bite things and would enjoy a hamster=wheel. Thus fast generation of electricity.

3 - Use technology to broadcast Love-Songs in all troubled areas of conflict. Rendering them calm and romantic. Imagine Medvedev and Saakashvilli (though he is a dyke) waltzing to Simply Red.

4 - America becomes a colony to Britain again. No more "American Football" but Football, and no more baseball but more Cricket. This will save us all, honestly.

5 - Same with Australia, we can ship our worst offenders there - Abu Hamza (inciting terrorism), Blake Fielder-Civil (crime) and Bruce Forsyth (Comedy) etc.

6 - For Local Councils around the world to use their recycling products responsibly and not a tax-wheeze eventually shipping them in a dump god knows where. Like the glass on the Mumbai Dock.

7 - Recognise Palestine (I know! Crazy eh!)

8 - Behead all Bad Bankers (As goes my Boo-Hurrah Ethical Theory)

9 - Everyone adopts a conscience. (Not really crazy)

10 - The Libertines and Justice League to reunite. God knows what they could all do together.

11 - All World Leaders should be demanded to abolish poverty. Don't know why they didn't do that before.

12 - Abolish Student-Fees. education for all not for the financial elite.

The last one is really to save me. But hey, after saving the world I need a few benefits.

Wonder Wednesday with Brilliant Birmingham

2009-02-25T21:38:00.003Z

On my way to Birmingham today I had the classic London commuter experience, long delays, cancelled tube, a wedge of tickets, specific ticket inspectors (had to rummage through my bag to get my Young Person's Railcard) and buried under a hefty stack of free Newspapers (God'bless London Lite).

Plus the odd trainspotter and the guy who stares at you wierdly.

However I had a few nice conversations with people, this barrister, females on a Human Resources branch in a company and a Police-worker who in 2004 worked on the Athens Olympics. He loved the place.

Anyway I went to Birmingham University after a 6 am start, 4 hours and £35 later I was up to the Department of Philosophy's doors.

The admission's tutor was really nervous in front of the parents, but when they left (after he chucked them out) he was in his prime. Also he made me feel really easy when he said that people can easily go in on BBB or even a BBC. If you are not British, these are A-Level Grades. I am doing English, History and RE.

They also accept General Studies :D

Anyway I had some good conversations with the "competition" and the teachers - I am really thankful of Philosophy Club and Gerrard as I kept up a good conversation with the Head of Department about Karl Marx. Also for my Buddhism lessons when I argued about Nihilism on a taster-lecture.

Good news that my history of war teacher was very understanding after missing his "mock" exam due to obvious reasons. I will try and catch up with him tomorrow.

I realised I had a dire tea-stain on a book my Buddhism teacher lent me, so I have just ordered a new copy off Amazon for him. When I return it to him I will say "this isn't the same book you lent me, blame the law of impermanence (anicca/pali) - nothing stays the same." So on the train - seeing as I already vandalised it, I attacked it with some highlighters.

I went to the Birmingham Bull Ring today as well and bought a lovely new pair of converse trainers. The shop-assistant was good, and wasn't too pushy as the others were, especially at that Apple-Store.

In current news - which I was informed by London Lite, I send my condolences to the Camerons. Losing a child is terrible. I would also like to express my amazement that an electric eel projects up to 800 volts of electricity! Maybe I should start an electric eel farm-power-station. Shocking XD

Also Death had a near "chuck-norris" experience!

Terror Tuesday

2009-02-24T18:03:00.005Z

As I promised I shall talk about the new Heroes Episode named "Cold Wars." Aptly named as Matt, Peter and Mohinder were torturing Noah, now working for the US government for information.

Not the best episode I would have to say, neither is it the most memorable. It was basically a stop-gap for next week - just filling in what happened to Noah and then something about Matt and Suresh having a fight. Not the best.

There was some good moments with the big reveal about Daphne being alive (well duh, it's Heroes innit?) and Matt drawing pictures of himself as Rambo - and the destruction of Washington. Osama Big Ladin's wet dream.

They are making some brilliant contrast in this series against George Bush and his "War Of Terror" , especially with the Guantanaomo Bay jumpsuits at the start. It is really politicised, and I love it.

On a tangent, I hate it when people say "War On Terror" - it is as if the nasty people who do this are fighting a war, they are not. And it encourages unity, unifying all these groups under one banner "terror" which we shouldn't.

Anyway I didn't feel it was the best. But makes me anticipate next week - especially with a Sylar and Sidekick return.

On other news, it was a nice serene day today, I woke up a bit later than usual and had a quick shower. I did English today which was cool - Oscar Wile and Chaucer :D Also our Amnesty International meeting where we discussed Binyam Mohammed and the Media smearing him as a benefit thief only hours after entering this country! Especially in the Daily Express. They have also been painting him as guilty.

Which, as a media shouldn't, although neither should we just say he is innocent either. He is innocent untill proven guilty, which is unlucky considering he hadn't even had the chance. Also many charges against him have been dropped.

We were also talking about going to a conference on Liberty, which is not the Conference by the group "Liberty" but another one, strangely on the same day. I find the problem with the 'Liberty' Group's meetings and conferences is that there is too much political grandstanding. Especially with the heavy-weights Clegg and Cable and the notorious David Davis going along.

I recommend everyone reading this blog to go on Amnesty International and also use Indymedia. They will open your mind.

I am currently a huge fan of La Blogotheque, and just listening to their playlist where I discovered the song Valerie Leulliot Dire aux enfants.

I am really excited about the upcoming "Watchman" film :D

I am going to Birrmingham Uni tomorrow for the Philosophy Open Day - I will be using cheap advanced-fare tickets so I have to be really careful to not be caught out and be right on time for the trains. As usual, I will hope for the best.

Love to you all.

P.S. I am not sure why but for me the comment fuction on several blogs is cocking up for me - I can't post on some of the blogs with the comment box embedded into the page. I have to fill out a "Letter-confirmation" thing which is stuck on "Loading..." so I am watching your blog, and wishing I could comment on them. :/ If someone explains why and how I could stop having this problem I will be very thankful.

Cheers.

Mega Manic Monday

2009-02-23T20:38:00.009Z

Well, after that Binyam Mohammed/Social-Political diatribe I am going to do what I intended to do when I started this blog.

Blog.

When I logged on I was amazed that I now have 3 followers - thanks guys. I really did use it at first to blog, but also as a way of following other blogs as well. It's really nice and I will definately follow all of yours :D

Today was the first day of school after our Half-Term Break, I believe the Americans might call it Spring Break? I am not sure, I need to be taught on my Americanisms.

Speaking of teaching we had two History Lessons today, one on Lenin and the other on War.

In Lenin as usual we have to really rush through to the end of the course. Which is what happened after the February Revolution. This is for the Russian (Start of Tsar Nick's Reign to end of Lenin's Reign) exam.

Luckily I am writing coursework on this. I had a lot of fun actually questioning the teacher's viewpoint of the revolution and saying that the Bolshevik's October was not a Coup D'Etat but a mass uprising for the people led by the Bolsheviks. It was hilarious. I felt like John Rees but without the support for the "Respect" party.

The next lesson was History of Warfare 1792-1918 where we are now just looking into Essay-Writing - stressing the mock we have this Wednesday. We have finished the course. It was a bit of a funny lesson, the teacher's handwriting on his notes were terrible - he said he scribbled it on the train, I quipped "Was the train on Space Mountain?"

Coursework is due in this Friday. So I will do it over the weekend :D

The RE lesson afterwards was good, trying for us to grapple with the Pali Canon. Great lesson plan, and he is a great teacher but I just think he could of made it less easier for us - do the hard stuff in that lesson, such as going through the scriptures, sutras and canons - analysing them - whilst setting us the background info - the way the Pali Canon is set out into three (tripitaka of Vinaya, Abhidharma and ) - as homework.

He is trying to make his lessons more engaging and accessible for the students - which I like but he should really stick to the hard stuff, and expect us to learn the easy background.

That is the problem with the other RE teacher, she is great but I wish we oculd of went through the philosophers in that lesson a lot more, instead of relying too much on debate and discussion.

Anyway enough of School! Yesterday I was linked to the new S Darko trailer by the vivacious blogger Perez Hilton. Here's the link for you, I do not intend to post videos. The Blog-page would take longer to load, and I am not that type of blogger. I had time to mull over it, and I am not going to do what Perez did and merely dismally say it's "Crap-tastic."

There are various positives to this film, it seems that the "special-effects" on it will be a delight to watch. Like a Phoenix and a Meteorite crash. Plus the guy shouting "the world is going to end" looks like a plump-redneck Donnie Darko. Had some nice music piano-chords to look at it in the trailor as well. If I didn't have an endless thing in my head comparing to Donnie Darko I would think that this is shaping up to be a good movie.

However the huge fault was before it started, it is a sequal to Donnie Darko, not written by the creator - wich is even worse.

Essentially you think of movie-companies making a francise, like the Disney Company and their obsessions with sequals and spin-offs of their classics (note Lion King). It is not the most "Indie" idea, which is pure irony as they are sequeling an Indie Film. This is a huge spit on the face of the Cult viewers who admire the original film's "integrity."

If it was the same director and maybe the same concepts then maybe I would have thought differently. But it isn't.

Some of this trailer is mere repeated lines (time and then "that's when the world will end") similar to the first movie, but without any of the underlying intelligence as the first film and it's trailor had.

The Cop really reminded me of that Cop (Dewey? Correct me if I am wrong) in the Scream Movies.

It would of been much better to label it as a film inspired by Donnie Darko. Instead of Donnie Darko II. I do not like to dismiss it as bad, because it might be really good - trailors don't usually dictate how good the movies will be.

Bear in mind before saying it will be "craptastic." That the first Donnie Darko movie was horrifically slated and massacred by the Critics. Be hopeful that this might be the black-horse to prove us all wrong.

Watched University Challenge Final tonight. Oxford's Corpus Christi College won the competition by the magic of the illustrious Gail Trimble. Manchester came extremely close and were leading most of the way. However, why are Oxbridge able to put forward all of their colleges into the show, and not Durham? Call me crazy why are they putting Colleges in the show at all - isn't it University Challenge?

Music-wise I am listening to Beirut. Iwas attracted by the name because Beirut is a city in Lebanon recouned for the beautiful culture of the Lebanese People. It gives me the feeling as if I am listening to a live musician in a cigarette-smelled-European bar which is lovely. Speaking of that, I may travel to Europe over the summer.

I recommend giving Yo La Tango a listen.

Anyway If you have read all of this, from start to finish without spraining your eyes, I congratulate you and think you deserve an award.

Tomorrow, I will talk to you about Heroes!

I love you all.

Welcome Home Binyam

2009-02-23T15:46:00.005Z

This is a historic day, Binyam Muhammed has been releaased from the hell-hole that is Guantanamo Bay,

Kidnapped and for the last 6 years incarcerated with no right to trial, and under the interrogation of a razorblade than a lawful prosecution. Betrayed by country's and a doctrine which places safety over the liberty and human rights.

I wish Binyam the best in his new-found freedom, and I am quite positive of how in a country, people have petitioned and spoke out for his release, or at the least his right for a fair trial. Also in a way, the work of the Foreign Office which tried to get this done.

What has really annoyed me, as I look through the Times articles - people stressing in the comment boxes below derogatory things about this man. Mainly on the lines of Benefits-seeking. For example:

You have got to be kidding.!! He is an Ethiopian national. He was arrested at a terrorist camp in Pakistan. Why has he just been flown back to the UK on a private jet? God knows how much this process has already cost the UK tax payer, and god knows how much more he's going to get. Utter madness.

This is a typical view of a person being informed by stereotypes and not information. It is quite sad when someone says we are squandering the UK tax money by getting someone who is a British Citizen, out of that hell-hole. Also I do not think that any commercial airlines would fly from Gitmo.

There are plenty of things we are wasting money on in this country, this is not one of them.

It also shows how people in this country, as it descends in recession how easily they use the fascist arguments of the British National Party. A further irony is Jacqui Smith restricting job migration to Britain for "British Jobs for British Workers." I hope this is her Economic Sense, not a stereotypical view of Migrants as scrounging Benefit thieves.

Sorry if it sounds like I am ranting, I feel strongly about things. Social-stereotypes, fascism, racism and torture are some of those.

The words of former-prisioner Moazzam Begg (who I saw speak at a NUJ conference :D ) does give this day a lot of significance, especially in the way events will turn out later.

I think it's important to recognise that, not just Binyam, but also the former Guantanamo detainees who were British citizens have a case against the British government for the illegal detention and complicity in that for false imprisonment, and for the torture that took place of British citizens with the knowledge of the British intelligence services so as I say, watch this space. This case will become bigger as more is brought to light.

However, welcome back to western civilisation Binyam. I am happy you are back.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

2009-02-22T19:24:00.003Z

The picture above is the most beautiful face of football, Fernando Torres. Liverpool's Number Nine.

Anyway I was really upset over drawing to Man City today, you would of thought they would have least gift us a few points to trash their local rivals Man Utd. Who I absolutely loathe. Especially with Christiano Ronaldo's diving tactics, he should of been sent off last night against Blackburn. I am looking forward to when they are knocked out of the Champions League agains Milan. It wil really wipe the smug off their faces.

Man Utd supporters are like rats, you can never be more than six-foot away from one.

On the title of the Blog, I am sorry it isn't alliteration, it is just a stern reminder of my Russian Coursework. The Russian Front so far is going really unsuccesful as I am not writing as much as I would desire.

however I am optimistic as I usually am. It's always best to head through the day with sunny optimism than rainy pessimism.

Let me stress by saying "Sunday Bloody Sunday" - I am in no way shape or form a U2 fan. That would be monstrous. I am into the Cary brothers again, It's that Garden State soundtrack.

Speaking of films, the Oscar's tonight! I am hoping that the young lead in Slumdog Millionaire grabs the winner. Mainly as I kind of saw him grow as an actor by watching Skins (a teenage drama in the UK). Also he comes from the same area as one of my mates, which is cool.

After clearing up this morning from the night before where I watched the entire first season of Chuck. I just immediately got to work, but I spent a lot of time procrastinating on the computer. I really hate it when I do that, which is funny as I am doing it right now.

Love you forever.

Sexy Saturday

2009-02-22T03:55:00.003Z

Thanks for all who have generously put a comment on my blog, I will definately return the favour.

The picture on the left, if you can guess, is Sydney's beautiful Bondi Beach last summer - a great holiday with great friends. As the Aussies say, it was Bonza.

I searched through my pictures for something to put on here, and I thought this was perfect as it really reminded me of that beautiful day when I first swam in the Pacific Oceon. Plus how I could open beer bottles with this bottle-neck opener in my shorts.

Well today was good, my family went to the beach - I think around Norfolk while I stayed around town doing work and meeting friends. Not that I have done a lot of work mind you - I have a bit of a procrastination problem. If I want to do something, I do anything but - perhaps I should trick myself into doing my coursework to avoid I don't know, doing the cleaning.

Mind you I will do a lot of cleaning tomorrow morning, I had my mate over and we just talking for ages till 3 in the morning about random stuff, while watching Chuck the first season. I think this programme is quality Josh Schwartz in everyway.

The music and the characters, although I must say Chuck is obviously another Seth Cohen. Although I really like that Agent Casey guy - he comes out with some quality lines like when Chuck was checking his looks in the mirror Casey quipped "hasn't that mirror suffered enough?"

Anyway here is the news. I am really envious. My mum called me earlier saying that they just met Jay Kay off Jamiroquai! Apparently he is quite nice, he played football with my little brother. Anyway that will keep them talking for ages, I don't want to talk about how much my mum talked about meeting Ian Hislop at the National Archives. This sort of thing runs with my brother too, he has a picture of him and Karl Kennedy (off neighbours) on the wall.

Music-wise I have been playing this band called Margot and The Nuclear So and Sos. I still cannot get over my Remy Zero obsession.

Football wise, for Liverpool FC we face a big day tomorrow against Man City hopefully it would surpass our great victory against them a few months ago. I still haven't forgiven them for injuring Skytel. I was also really upset that Man U and Chelsea won their games.

I really hate Christiano Ronaldo - he is such a dirty player and gets away with it because he plays for a big club in a big stadium. It is absolutely annoying and I can't wait till he get's what is coming to him.

Sorry if my football ranting - diatribe has confused anybody!

So tomorrow, serious work should be on the cards. I will wake up early with some hard coffee and finish that coursework even if it kills me. Of course, it probably won't. Unless I get a papercut on an artery or something. Ew I don't want to think about it, don't think you would either.

Love you as always.

Fury Friday

2009-02-20T18:37:00.007Z

As you can tell from my blog-title, I am a fan of Alliteration.

Today was quite infuriating, as this sports company sent me a pair of tracksuit-bottoms which were just not what I expected, or even wanted. So I sent them back for a refund (they still have the labels and tags on them).

UCAS spoke to me, I am now rejected from Nottingham University, I am applying for Philosophy.

So I can't be happier, really, I now only have 3 choices to choose between. Kent is obviously my insurence so now I am just deciding between Leeds, Sussex and Birmingham. :/ It would be helpful if they didn't put down the same grade requirements, ABB.

I am now getting into practice of denying myself, I buy a bar of chocolate and then put it in my cupboard to eat later, not immediately. Or just putting work first.

Ironically, I have put coursework on one side today. I'll pick it up tonight. I just have to write. It is annoying as my sources are from Western Historians after Glasnost, I just couldn't find any oldies or Soviet ones. Grrr, I will just have to hope for the best, as always.

Ha, I am a constant follower of La Blogotheque, and they introduced me to this great band called "The Sarcastic Dharma Society" if you love Conor Oberst and Bright Eyes you will love this.

Love you as always.

Thunder Thursday

2009-02-19T21:17:00.001Z

What is the point?

No really, what is the point?

If you are wondering, I am talking about internet viruses. This morning I stepped onto a website - suddenly my computer flashes "XP Police" a programme I haven't even installed. So I thought "no shit Sherlock, it's a virus."

Luckily there was a helpful website telling how to get it off - but I don't know how to get it off my registry. Or anything. To be honest I have as much knowledge of computers as a nun's knowledge of an orgasm.

Honestly, who the hell creates internet viruses anyway? What is the bloody point? It is a sad way of getting laughs I can tell you. They should all be caught and detained, and maybe sent to an underground basement galore with computers and told to get rid of the viruses they created, and anything else they find.

Well, I watched Lost today, the new episode which was amazing as they finally went back to that Island. Plus Jin being in the Dharma Initiative was quite cool. I think this was strange in a way as it answered more questions than it puzzled. Although thelittle mysteries in there were extremely good. I am stil suffering from missing Charlotte, my favorite character - weirdly with her very British accent I should be loathing her for pandering to an American stereotype. Although it is not in a Dick Van Dyke way, which is good.

So I am sitting here, typing in my room taking a break from writing about "Totty Trotsky." I feel I am making some serious ganes. Funnily, I only need to start writing the essay! I have done enough planning and preperation!

I watched the Brits last night, I feel they really just wanked up Duffy's butt too much, plus the use of Johnnu Vegas and James Corden was cringey. Since when were those "Desperate To Get On Telly" pricks funny? Also why the hell were Gok Wann and Nick Frost presenting awards? They are not musicians!

They really should go back to having other musicians to present the awards, maybe DJs like Edith Bowman or Zane Lowe, the Brits are about the music not about extending some talentless celeb's career.

On the choosing of awards, I noticed that they just chose on the fame and singles sales than the impact on music, and the general Zeitgeist. I think Fleet Foxes and MGMT made more of an impact on the music than the bland but successful Kings of Leon.
Elbow won, following the Mercury Music Prize like sheep, but still deserving. Iron Maiden were a good choice for best live act, as they filled up so many of their gigs. Although for quality, this year the greatest Live Act was definately Jay Z's gig at Glastonbury.

I am currently making my way through all my Shins albums, and the compilation CD of Garden State. I might buy "Dark Was The Night" soon. It is such a great idea, and the choice of people to sing the songs and what they should sing is great.

That is all lovers.

Wonderous Wednesday versus the Cackling Courseworkinator

2009-02-18T17:48:00.004Z

I am really really really annoyed.

I have discovered 10 years of comic-books have just gone missing. I used to lodge them in between the Tintin Books, so it can be laid flat in my brother's bedroom which is full of these books. When I was in his bedroom he denied knowing they existed. Which is complete tosh anyway, and really insulting my intelligence.

They are mainly "X Factor" comics from the 90s, I love them because they have Angel and Hank as mainish characters.

It is probably his little friends or something. It's not nice and I will definately put all my stuff in my bedroom from now on seeing as he can't be trusted with it.

Anyway I am still doing the coursework, I think I am making some good progress on it. Although there is more to just saying whether "Lenin is a Red Tsar" - you have to really go into detail on "reaction vs intention", how the situation changed and developed over Lenin's period. You have to judge the extet, and critical evaluate the sources you bring up. It is a lot of work although I am optimistic it will all be done by next week.

Otherwise I am screwed.

Tonight is probably off the table seeing as I am a bit behind on work, ironic as I have been doing it for the last 2 days.

Tomorrow night might be on, but it is pubbing so I have the danger of getting ided. Depends if my mate is coming out of Harrow or not.

20 Things You Simply Have to Know About Sixth-Form College

2009-02-18T16:46:00.002Z

1. The end of the school week is on Thursday night, Friday is a mere technicality.
2. If you want to know what it would be like under a gas attack, step into the toilets.
3. Most of the people in there will be wearing TopShop or TopMan.
4. That person shouting at the common room probably just wants to be heard.
5. Subway is the main lunch.
6. General Studies must be avoided at all costs.
7. If you dare go to General Studies, you will have to hear a Government Report, either from a textbook or an article written by a lazy journalist. Both are rewritten and placed on a fancy powerpoint presentation.
8. Guest Speakers are either people whose politics are in the centre-left, or an arrogant ponce wanting to put something on his CV.
9. NUS cards are a scam, don't buy them.
10. It is a statiscally proven fact that most of the people in Sixth Form are trendies, you may be one youself.
11. You can tell a male trendy by the fancy and complicated way of styling his hair, wear american sports shoes, wear tight jeans and listen to the Wombats. Topman is their wardrobe.
12. You can tell a female trendy, if there is a £5 Starbucks "latte-double-milk-frockacinno" next to them. Wear designer labels, and say that they love Bob Dylan and Morrison, thinking themselves as sophisticated.
13. EMA money is mostly for people whose parents are divorced, people who are actually poor are a minority.
14. Coursework is both a blessing and a curse.
15. As soon as you receive your results you are told, "Exams were harder in my day."
16. Midway through the course of your Essay-Subject, you will eventually realise that your knowledge of the subject is not important, but the way you present it.
17. Christmas is basically non-existant.
18. Your teachers at the end of year disco will be told in a drunk fashion that "they are alright really" and you really respected them.
19. The best part of Year 13 is the three month holiday.
20. Sixth Form School trips will become hilarious, especially if they are over-night.

Terrific Tuesday versus Coniving Coursework Confusinator

2009-02-17T17:36:00.003Z

I am a bit annoyed that I am not going to be out in London on Wednesday Night, my mate didn't buy the tickets as he said it was more money than he expected :/

Although I might go out on Wednesday Night anyway - Vince and his band are doing a gig at the local club so I might turn up. On the bright side I will still have £45 in my pocket which I wouldn't of spent on my shenanigans.

I am currently working on my history coursework which is really hard. I am currently buried under big heavy tomes on Lenin and the Bolsheviks. It is not to say that I am not interested. This is my favorite period of history. However now you are expected to do so much more than last year - especially as you have to highlight historical perspectives. As much as I love their writing, Richard Pipes and Orlando Figes are not my favorite people right now. Although John Rees is alright - he nicely cuts the Revolution in his own biased socialist views without getting too heavy on the description.

Heroes today was FANTASTIC - it was really cool with Sylar and that kid building up a friendship together. I think Sylar definitely is the best character, the scene with the van shaking around was hilarious. Although a little bit of a cliché. I can't wait for the next episode, but I know it will be worth waiting for.
Not just was the episode good but the graphic novel was amazing too. A picture of it is up on here.

I have not been reading out of fun at the moment, basically these huge historical tomes and A-Level help guides. Although I will read Graham Greene when I have a chance - maybe next Easter?

Ciao people, I will see you next time. Hopefully I will post up my drawings, as soon as I find my camera charger and my lead.

feb 16

2009-02-17T14:23:00.000Z

FEB 16, 2009 at 6:39 PM

Not a bad monday in terms of work.

I feel I really have made a good effort in getting the history coursework done, all my notes and sources and in perfect order. I just need to perfect my plan to death and then get cracking on writing the whole thing.

I actually spent the whole morning sorting out my cupboard - I really have to move everything away from a public family area and put them in the corner of my bedroom. I think cleaning is good for the soul, makes you just click the refresh button in your head.

I feel I am listening to some decent music at the moment, Devendra Banhurt - I know he is a bit mainstream and always heard in the background of an advert selling detergent or something but still good to listen to. He isn't as great as the excellent José Gonzalez though.

Interesting day though, I have been living off Oranges and Black Coffee so I am dreading to see the Dentist.

I will post up a few drawings later. I have an idea of creating a short story - The Russian Revolution in High School @D Anyway if you are reading this, hiya!

politechy

2009-02-17T14:22:00.002Z

'I hope my murder will be seen not as a defeat of freedom but an inspiration'
Lasantha Wickrematunge

This extraordinary article by the editor of the Sri Lankan Sunday Leader was published three days after he was shot dead in Colombo. To my distaste the plight of the people of Sri Lanka is under reported by the Western Media. I am posting this article to spread the words of Lasantha, an inspirational man and hoping this editorial will make more people aware and be thankful for the Civil Liberties we have in our own societies.

And Then They Came For Me

No other profession calls on its practitioners to lay down their lives for their art save the armed forces and, in Sri Lanka, journalism. In the course of the past few years, the independent media have increasingly come under attack. Electronic and print-media institutions have been burnt, bombed, sealed and coerced. Countless journalists have been harassed, threatened and killed. It has been my honour to belong to all those categories and now especially the last.

I have been in the business of journalism a good long time. Indeed, 2009 will be The Sunday Leader's 15th year. Many things have changed in Sri Lanka during that time, and it does not need me to tell you that the greater part of that change has been for the worse. We find ourselves in the midst of a civil war ruthlessly prosecuted by protagonists whose bloodlust knows no bounds. Terror, whether perpetrated by terrorists or the state, has become the order of the day. Indeed, murder has become the primary tool whereby the state seeks to control the organs of liberty. Today it is the journalists, tomorrow it will be the judges. For neither group have the risks ever been higher or the stakes lower.

Why then do we do it? I often wonder that. After all, I too am a husband, and the father of three wonderful children. I too have responsibilities and obligations that transcend my profession, be it the law or journalism. Is it worth the risk? Many people tell me it is not. Friends tell me to revert to the bar, and goodness knows it offers a better and safer livelihood. Others, including political leaders on both sides, have at various times sought to induce me to take to politics, going so far as to offer me ministries of my choice. Diplomats, recognising the risk journalists face in Sri Lanka, have offered me safe passage and the right of residence in their countries. Whatever else I may have been stuck for, I have not been stuck for choice.

But there is a calling that is yet above high office, fame, lucre and security. It is the call of conscience.

The Sunday Leader has been a controversial newspaper because we say it like we see it: whether it be a spade, a thief or a murderer, we call it by that name. We do not hide behind euphemism. The investigative articles we print are supported by documentary evidence thanks to the public-spiritedness of citizens who at great risk to themselves pass on this material to us. We have exposed scandal after scandal, and never once in these 15 years has anyone proved us wrong or successfully prosecuted us.

The free media serve as a mirror in which the public can see itself sans mascara and styling gel. From us you learn the state of your nation, and especially its management by the people you elected to give your children a better future. Sometimes the image you see in that mirror is not a pleasant one. But while you may grumble in the privacy of your armchair, the journalists who hold the mirror up to you do so publicly and at great risk to themselves. That is our calling, and we do not shirk it.

Every newspaper has its angle, and we do not hide the fact that we have ours. Our commitment is to see Sri Lanka as a transparent, secular, liberal democracy. Think about those words, for they each has profound meaning. Transparent because government must be openly accountable to the people and never abuse their trust. Secular because in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society such as ours, secularism offers the only common ground by which we might all be united. Liberal because we recognise that all human beings are created different, and we need to accept others for what they are and not what we would like them to be. And democratic... well, if you need me to explain why that is important, you'd best stop buying this paper.

The Sunday Leader has never sought safety by unquestioningly articulating the majority view. Let's face it, that is the way to sell newspapers. On the contrary, as our opinion pieces over the years amply demonstrate, we often voice ideas that many people find distasteful. For example, we have consistently espoused the view that while separatist terrorism must be eradicated, it is more important to address the root causes of terrorism, and urged government to view Sri Lanka's ethnic strife in the context of history and not through the telescope of terrorism. We have also agitated against state terrorism in the so-called war against terror, and made no secret of our horror that Sri Lanka is the only country in the world routinely to bomb its own citizens. For these views we have been labelled traitors, and if this be treachery, we wear that label proudly.

Many people suspect that The Sunday Leader has a political agenda: it does not. If we appear more critical of the government than of the opposition it is only because we believe that - pray excuse cricketing argot - there is no point in bowling to the fielding side. Remember that for the few years of our existence in which the UNP was in office, we proved to be the biggest thorn in its flesh, exposing excess and corruption wherever it occurred. Indeed, the steady stream of embarrassing expos‚s we published may well have served to precipitate the downfall of that government.

Neither should our distaste for the war be interpreted to mean that we support the Tigers. The LTTE are among the most ruthless and bloodthirsty organisations ever to have infested the planet. There is no gainsaying that it must be eradicated. But to do so by violating the rights of Tamil citizens, bombing and shooting them mercilessly, is not only wrong but shames the Sinhalese, whose claim to be custodians of the dhamma is forever called into question by this savagery, much of which is unknown to the public because of censorship.

What is more, a military occupation of the country's north and east will require the Tamil people of those regions to live eternally as second-class citizens, deprived of all self respect. Do not imagine that you can placate them by showering "development" and "reconstruction" on them in the post-war era. The wounds of war will scar them forever, and you will also have an even more bitter and hateful Diaspora to contend with. A problem amenable to a political solution will thus become a festering wound that will yield strife for all eternity. If I seem angry and frustrated, it is only because most of my countrymen - and all of the government - cannot see this writing so plainly on the wall.

It is well known that I was on two occasions brutally assaulted, while on another my house was sprayed with machine-gun fire. Despite the government's sanctimonious assurances, there was never a serious police inquiry into the perpetrators of these attacks, and the attackers were never apprehended. In all these cases, I have reason to believe the attacks were inspired by the government. When finally I am killed, it will be the government that kills me.

The irony in this is that, unknown to most of the public, Mahinda and I have been friends for more than a quarter century. Indeed, I suspect that I am one of the few people remaining who routinely addresses him by his first name and uses the familiar Sinhala address oya when talking to him. Although I do not attend the meetings he periodically holds for newspaper editors, hardly a month passes when we do not meet, privately or with a few close friends present, late at night at President's House. There we swap yarns, discuss politics and joke about the good old days. A few remarks to him would therefore be in order here.

Mahinda, when you finally fought your way to the SLFP presidential nomination in 2005, nowhere were you welcomed more warmly than in this column. Indeed, we broke with a decade of tradition by referring to you throughout by your first name. So well known were your commitments to human rights and liberal values that we ushered you in like a breath of fresh air. Then, through an act of folly, you got yourself involved in the Helping Hambantota scandal. It was after a lot of soul-searching that we broke the story, at the same time urging you to return the money. By the time you did so several weeks later, a great blow had been struck to your reputation. It is one you are still trying to live down.

You have told me yourself that you were not greedy for the presidency. You did not have to hanker after it: it fell into your lap. You have told me that your sons are your greatest joy, and that you love spending time with them, leaving your brothers to operate the machinery of state. Now, it is clear to all who will see that that machinery has operated so well that my sons and daughter do not themselves have a father.

In the wake of my death I know you will make all the usual sanctimonious noises and call upon the police to hold a swift and thorough inquiry. But like all the inquiries you have ordered in the past, nothing will come of this one, too. For truth be told, we both know who will be behind my death, but dare not call his name. Not just my life, but yours too, depends on it.

Sadly, for all the dreams you had for our country in your younger days, in just three years you have reduced it to rubble. In the name of patriotism you have trampled on human rights, nurtured unbridled corruption and squandered public money like no other President before you. Indeed, your conduct has been like a small child suddenly let loose in a toyshop. That analogy is perhaps inapt because no child could have caused so much blood to be spilled on this land as you have, or trampled on the rights of its citizens as you do. Although you are now so drunk with power that you cannot see it, you will come to regret your sons having so rich an inheritance of blood. It can only bring tragedy. As for me, it is with a clear conscience that I go to meet my Maker. I wish, when your time finally comes, you could do the same. I wish.

As for me, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I walked tall and bowed to no man. And I have not travelled this journey alone. Fellow journalists in other branches of the media walked with me: most of them are now dead, imprisoned without trial or exiled in far-off lands. Others walk in the shadow of death that your Presidency has cast on the freedoms for which you once fought so hard. You will never be allowed to forget that my death took place under your watch. As anguished as I know you will be, I also know that you will have no choice but to protect my killers: you will see to it that the guilty one is never convicted. You have no choice. I feel sorry for you, and Shiranthi will have a long time to spend on her knees when next she goes for Confession for it is not just her owns sins which she must confess, but those of her extended family that keeps you in office.

As for the readers of The Sunday Leader, what can I say but Thank You for supporting our mission. We have espoused unpopular causes, stood up for those too feeble to stand up for themselves, locked horns with the high and mighty so swollen with power that they have forgotten their roots, exposed corruption and the waste of your hard-earned tax rupees, and made sure that whatever the propaganda of the day, you were allowed to hear a contrary view. For this I - and my family - have now paid the price that I have long known I will one day have to pay. I am - and have always been - ready for that. I have done nothing to prevent this outcome: no security, no precautions. I want my murderer to know that I am not a coward like he is, hiding behind human shields while condemning thousands of innocents to death. What am I among so many? It has long been written that my life would be taken, and by whom. All that remains to be written is when.

That The Sunday Leader will continue fighting the good fight, too, is written. For I did not fight this fight alone. Many more of us have to be - and will be - killed before The Leader is laid to rest. I hope my assassination will be seen not as a defeat of freedom but an inspiration for those who survive to step up their efforts. Indeed, I hope that it will help galvanise forces that will usher in a new era of human liberty in our beloved motherland. I also hope it will open the eyes of your President to the fact that however many are slaughtered in the name of patriotism, the human spirit will endure and flourish. Not all the Rajapakses combined can kill that.

People often ask me why I take such risks and tell me it is a matter of time before I am bumped off. Of course I know that: it is inevitable. But if we do not speak out now, there will be no one left to speak for those who cannot, whether they be ethnic minorities, the disadvantaged or the persecuted. An example that has inspired me throughout my career in journalism has been that of the German theologian, Martin Niem”ller. In his youth he was an anti-Semite and an admirer of Hitler. As Nazism took hold in Germany, however, he saw Nazism for what it was: it was not just the Jews Hitler sought to extirpate, it was just about anyone with an alternate point of view. Niem”ller spoke out, and for his trouble was incarcerated in the Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1937 to 1945, and very nearly executed. While incarcerated, Niem”ller wrote a poem that, from the first time I read it in my teenage years, stuck hauntingly in my mind:

First they came for the Jews

            and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists

            and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists

            and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me

            and there was no one left to speak out for me.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: The Leader is there for you, be you Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, low-caste, homosexual, dissident or disabled. Its staff will fight on, unbowed and unafraid, with the courage to which you have become accustomed. Do not take that commitment for granted. Let there be no doubt that whatever sacrifices we journalists make, they are not made for our own glory or enrichment: they are made for you. Whether you deserve their sacrifice is another matter. As for me, God knows I tried.

Feb. 14th, 2009 at 12:55 PM

2009-02-17T14:22:00.001Z

Feb. 14th, 2009 at 12:55 PM

Not that there is anything memorable by it, as the grunting cynic inside me says it really is just a money grabbing exercise by the card makers who are not satisfied with their current merchandise of Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, Deaths and everything else in the year.

I might just go out later and buy a packet of lovehearts, just for the festivity of it. If I am that love-sick I could don a "free-hugs" sign and walk around town. Although FaceBook tell's me that was yesterday.

Currently doing a lot of Coursework and revision at the moment, I cannot afford to get behind as well so I just have to pick up a load of revision guides and do my thing. It is so weird that we are into 2009 already.Liverpool aren't playing for a while - so that's good to give Torres and Gerrard a break. Man U are playing and expected to increase their lead on the Premiership. B*stards.

Currently loving the new Heroes and Lost seasons, I love how Peter Petrelli isn't so darn powerful anymore - he so is Rogue off X-Men. Lost was great with the whole time-jumping and everything - hopefully they will go back to that bloody Island.

I am currently listening to Lenka - this Australian Alternative Artist who is billed as the Australian Kate Nash. She is quite a highlight - and I have decided I am so going to live either in New York./Los Angeles, Sydney orLondon - I think the latter is more plausible. Anyway ciao.

Oct. 4th, 2008

2009-02-17T14:21:00.001Z

Oct. 4th, 2008 at 11:26 AM

Drawing up my personal statement, writing then discarding it, writing it again, and trying to improve it. Good news is that I am finally decided on my Unis, Kent, Sussex, Nottingham, Leeds and Birmingham, the latter two are extremely competitive so it would be really good if I got in, as it will be hard.

I have a head-ache on one side of my head which doesn't help. And I am at home on my own, and a lot of my mates are at open days and stuff today so I am feeling pretty lonely. And freezing. I am trying to resist putting the heat on because the fuel prices are getting to high and I don't want to be a burden. I will put on another jumper.

Love to you all.

Sam

Aug 1st 08

2009-02-17T14:19:00.002Z

Aug 1st 08

In each human heart terror survives

The ravin it has gorged: the loftiest fear

All that they would disdain to think were true:

Hypocrisy and custom make their minds

The fanes of many a worship, now outworn.

They dare not devise good for man's estate,

And yet they know not that they do not dare.

I think today was quite enjoyable and satisfying on my part. I managed to get to school on time, drinking some tea. What I was really excited about was creating a presentation on Marx which I delivered at lunchtime. It had given me a fantastic opportunity to introduce myself to his thoughts the night before. I thought it went down really well and we had a lot of discussion.

Lenin - history exam didn't really go down well because my time-keeping was terrible and I kept describing than analysing, it's a bit of a problem when you read stuff out of one historian but neglects and scarcely reads the other. I need to analyse. I will probably do it again in my spare time.

2009-02-17T14:19:00.001Z

Aug. 31st, 2008 at 9:49 PM

I am back from Kent , IE the garden of England.

Now Kent was, well overcast and miserable to put a positive aspect on things, I was living in this house which hasn't been used since my Grandpa died a few months ago, so there was a lot of dust that I have an allergiced to.

Although It was really nice to live by the stony seaside for a few days, I even went to France for the day, it was Calais though but ah well. Also I met some nice people and had the chance to catch up with friends and family.

I am still unsure about the Uni list, but I will definitely study Philosophy. and maybe take Philosophy and History although I think it would be easy when [or if] I am in the Uni to switch courses.

So yeah, here is my uni possibility list:

Sussex
Kent
Bath
Leeds
Newcastle
Nottingham?
Reading?
Essex?

Ideally I would love to go to Sussex because it is a Seaside university, although Brighton can be expensive. However in terms of brand names I don't think it would be as lucrative to like Essex or Leeds who are in ascendancy? Also I got medium As-Levels, ABCD, an ABC on my A-Level subjects.

I will have to kick into a good work ethic next year.

first post

2009-02-17T14:16:00.000Z

Aug. 21st, 2008 at 1:26 AM

Let me just say that I knew about this site for a bit. I use blogging sites but then they did not really carry the popularity and functions that this site has. I am trying to tell what is the best one.