Okay yes I admit it I’m mad!
I’m just about to head off to Nottingham for the I Am Kloot concert at the Rescue Rooms. Sorry but withdrawal symptoms coupled with rumours that apart from an appearance at a festival in Holland at the end of August along with Babyshambles (which interestingly clashes with a festival that Gary Numan is headlining that same day) they aren’t likely to be touring until October meant that I just had to make the effort to go. I’ve managed to find the cheapest and probably dodgiest hotel room in the world so I don’t have to make the journey straight back after the show.
Am I obsessed with the band? Maybe, but at least it’s getting me out and I get to hear great live music. Oh and it’s going to be my final attempt to acquire the Ferraby Lionheart CD too!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
And I'd Like To Thank ...
As if there was ever any doubt (did I mention I was competitive) the Drama Queens headed by my dear mate Amanda were crowned the champions of the UKS cybercrop last night.
It was close, but not that close - yep we thrashed those other teams, Musical Melodies, Comedy Kings and the Lovey Doves.
Final scores:
Drama Queens = 30560
Musical Melodie = 29690
Comedy Kings = 27970
Lovey Doves = 27190
Well done to all my fellow Drama Queens without whom ...
It was close, but not that close - yep we thrashed those other teams, Musical Melodies, Comedy Kings and the Lovey Doves.
Final scores:
Drama Queens = 30560
Musical Melodie = 29690
Comedy Kings = 27970
Lovey Doves = 27190
Well done to all my fellow Drama Queens without whom ...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
UKS Cybercrop Final Day
So here I am posting my final layouts of the cybercrop. Unfortunately work once again intrudes in the creative process and I have finish early.
At the final tally I managed 8 layouts – 5 challenges and 3 classes.
Challenge 1 – Blank Cheque – to use only plain papers:
Challenge 5 – All Inspired – A layout based on one of a choice of film titles – of course I chose the obvious ‘All I Desire’ and I think it’s fairly obvious who I chose as my subject for that particular layout!
Challenge 7 – Oscarlicious – A layout in the classic black and gold of Oscar. Another Kiefer layout as the colour scheme didn’t fit with Jo’s wedding pics. Still who’s complaining?
Challenge 9 – Ladies Night – A layout showing something glamorous. And what could be more glamorous than my sister in her wedding dress?
Class 5 – Up Close and Personal by Claire – The original was done in black and white, but I love this pic of Jo and so it was the perfect substitute.
So in the final tally I managed 290 points and some great layouts! Now I just need to wait and find out if the Drama Queens won the crop.
Day 3 Cybercrop Points = 290
Saturday, April 26, 2008
UKS Oscars Cybercrop Day 2
Okay so it’s the end of day 2 of the UKS Oscars cybercrop.
Have to admit to having not been very productive yesterday evening mainly due to having to install Office 2007 and then get to know how to use it before I could do anything – it’s weird compared to all previous versions of the programme, but I’m loving it so far. Also the first few classes weren’t really my sort of thing as a digiscrapper – the first was to decorate a manikin and then do a mini book for it to hold, then there was a challenge to make embellishments etc. However, this evening I’ve got into my stride and managed to accumulate 130 points for the Drama Queens.
Now I know they say the point of the cybercrop isn’t to get points it’s to have fun and do decent layout’s (and to that end they’ve hidden the score and they won’t be announced until the crop is finished – please let us see the running total Scrappybunny *beg beg*), but as we all know - for me points are the thing. They are the thing that actually get me scrapping. Let’s face it I didn’t even get round to looking at the classes for the last one which had no points attached to it and neither did several of my sinner mates.
Of course I’ve made it difficult for myself (why not eh?) because with the exception of one layout I am expecting the rest will be of Jo and Paul’s wedding and so I’m having to adapt the classes to fit the colour scheme that I’ve been using for them.
So far I have managed 2 classes and 1 challenge, although I’m anticipating completing a few more before I go to bed (after all I haven’t done my traditional cybercrop Kiefer layout yet).
So here’s what I’ve done as of 11pm tonight:
Class: The Colour Purple by Beckie – this class used lush velvet papers etc.
Class: The Stuntman by Sarah – how not to be afraid of white space it said on the blurb!
Challenge: Media Mogul – a layout based on a movie poster. I used the one for Pride & Prejudice (shown below)
So I’m off to read back through the challenges and see what else I can do easily otherwise I might be making a start on my Kiefer layout.
Day Two: Cybercrop Points = 130
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Scrapbooking, Photography and More
So tomorrow is the start of the Oscars cybercrop on UKS. Although I meant to get more involved in the run up this time I haven't had a chance but I am certainly hoping to get something done over the weekend - hopefully a few more layouts of Jo's wedding.
Tomorrow is also the start of Shimelle's new photography course 'All Systems Go'. The idea is that every 25th of the month for the next year you spend all day taking photos wherever and whatever you're doing. Jo told me about the course as she'd heard about it on a photography course that she's doing called 'Painting with Light'. I've decided that I shall give it a go - after all it's only the commitment of 12 days out of my next year. You never know it might even improve my photography
Anyway here's a reminder that Shimelle's given us
Tomorrow is also the start of Shimelle's new photography course 'All Systems Go'. The idea is that every 25th of the month for the next year you spend all day taking photos wherever and whatever you're doing. Jo told me about the course as she'd heard about it on a photography course that she's doing called 'Painting with Light'. I've decided that I shall give it a go - after all it's only the commitment of 12 days out of my next year. You never know it might even improve my photography
Anyway here's a reminder that Shimelle's given us
If anyone else wants to join in then check it out here. Oh and it's free to join in so no reason not to give it a go!
Guilt is a Terrible Thing
I am so not a criminal. Or at least I should say I don’t have the mentality of a criminal. As you know Mrs H3 and I were on the guest list for Tuesday’s I Am Kloot gig at Koko as we’d agreed to collect e-mail addresses for the band’s newsletter. The premise was simple, turn up before the bands come on, collect a clipboard, paper and pen from the merchandise desk, harass a few unsuspecting lurking students and then settle back to enjoy Ferraby (not Mrs H3 obviously) and the awesome I Am Kloot. Great in theory, in practice not quite so simple.
For starters when we arrived at about 7.45pm (bear in mind Ferraby wasn’t going on stage till 8.30pm so this is how serious I was about doing the job properly) the merchandise desk was closed so we didn’t even spot where it was. After searching the whole of Koko for something that looked like the merchandise desk or anything to do with IAK we finally asked a security guard. He directed us back out to the entrance where we found the desk – still closed.
So back into the theatre where we found a fabulous spot, for once not right down the front by the stage but up in the balcony next to the sound desk. Unfortunately, I start to feel guilty about not having collected e-mail names and eventually get so fretful that we have to go back to the merchandising desk. It’s still closed and still no sign of anyone. We are lucky that we manage to get our space back. Now of course anyone else would give up at this point and just enjoy the evening, but not me. Another two times we visit the merchandising desk only to find that it’s still closed and still no one around. Of course by this time Ferraby has come on and we’ve lost our space. Mrs H3 is taller than me so she can still see the stage and spots Pete to whom she gives a huge wolf whistle before he runs off again. I tell her she’s scared the poor man away. *LOL*
Finally I Am Kloot come on and our good spot on the balcony is no longer so because loads have people are now in front of us (yep my fault totally for getting wiggy about this collecting lark again) but we can’t go downstairs because it’s absolutely packed (hurrah finally a mega crowd for Kloot – and better still most of them obviously appreciated the music big time) as Mrs H3 gets a bit freaked in close spaces.
Then to really cheer me up I’ve got three dickheads next to me who don’t stop chatting all the way through the set about … well just about anything but the music. Eventually I realise that I either have to move or I’m going to end up being thrown out when I thump them. As I can’t see the band from where I am anyway I move back to leaning against the wall seat and listen to the concert in peace without the added inane chatter. Every so often someone moves slightly and I catch a glimpse of Johnny through the bars of the balcony but it’s not much compensation.
Kloot (who for the first time ever have gone on stage dead on time at 9.30pm) are every bit as good as at Brighton, although the sound is different because of the different type of venue – not so rocky but with the fantastic acoustics in the place they sound great. But Johnny’s voice is on its way out again. It has grown considerably croakier since last week however he still manages to sing ‘Fingerprints’ (which is my current favourite, having overtaken ‘Dark Star’ with this performance) beautifully – and yes he does just about manage the high notes in ‘To You’ too although it’s clear that it’s a bit of a struggle.
As much as I hate to say it I hope that once the tour finishes he has a good long rest to recover his vocal chords (although obviously I’ll be pining at not seeing him – after all I’m already getting withdrawal symptoms and it’s only been 2 days!)
By the end of the concert I’ve finally managed to find a spot to see the band clearly and manage a full 30 seconds of the last song before they go offstage.
So time to leave and yep, I’m still feeling guilty about not having done my job but guess what – the merchandise desk is still closed on the way out, a shame as I wanted to buy the Ferraby Lionheart CD. Mrs H3 thinks it’s really funny that I feel so guilty about such a little thing. But I can’t help it.
As you can tell I’m still feeling a bit guilty about it hence the confession on here, but really we did try our hardest to do the job – it’s not our fault the merchandise desk was closed or that there was no sign of anyone vaguely IAK related around!
So for us the IAK tour is finished, although I would have to admit to having seriously considered going to Nottingham next Wednesday (unfortunately my Sat Nav tells me it’s a 3 hour drive which would make it a bit tight for seeing the band assuming they go on stage on time). Of course I’m sure I’ll do the sensible thing and not go, but it could be months before I get to see them again …
For starters when we arrived at about 7.45pm (bear in mind Ferraby wasn’t going on stage till 8.30pm so this is how serious I was about doing the job properly) the merchandise desk was closed so we didn’t even spot where it was. After searching the whole of Koko for something that looked like the merchandise desk or anything to do with IAK we finally asked a security guard. He directed us back out to the entrance where we found the desk – still closed.
So back into the theatre where we found a fabulous spot, for once not right down the front by the stage but up in the balcony next to the sound desk. Unfortunately, I start to feel guilty about not having collected e-mail names and eventually get so fretful that we have to go back to the merchandising desk. It’s still closed and still no sign of anyone. We are lucky that we manage to get our space back. Now of course anyone else would give up at this point and just enjoy the evening, but not me. Another two times we visit the merchandising desk only to find that it’s still closed and still no one around. Of course by this time Ferraby has come on and we’ve lost our space. Mrs H3 is taller than me so she can still see the stage and spots Pete to whom she gives a huge wolf whistle before he runs off again. I tell her she’s scared the poor man away. *LOL*
Finally I Am Kloot come on and our good spot on the balcony is no longer so because loads have people are now in front of us (yep my fault totally for getting wiggy about this collecting lark again) but we can’t go downstairs because it’s absolutely packed (hurrah finally a mega crowd for Kloot – and better still most of them obviously appreciated the music big time) as Mrs H3 gets a bit freaked in close spaces.
Then to really cheer me up I’ve got three dickheads next to me who don’t stop chatting all the way through the set about … well just about anything but the music. Eventually I realise that I either have to move or I’m going to end up being thrown out when I thump them. As I can’t see the band from where I am anyway I move back to leaning against the wall seat and listen to the concert in peace without the added inane chatter. Every so often someone moves slightly and I catch a glimpse of Johnny through the bars of the balcony but it’s not much compensation.
Kloot (who for the first time ever have gone on stage dead on time at 9.30pm) are every bit as good as at Brighton, although the sound is different because of the different type of venue – not so rocky but with the fantastic acoustics in the place they sound great. But Johnny’s voice is on its way out again. It has grown considerably croakier since last week however he still manages to sing ‘Fingerprints’ (which is my current favourite, having overtaken ‘Dark Star’ with this performance) beautifully – and yes he does just about manage the high notes in ‘To You’ too although it’s clear that it’s a bit of a struggle.
As much as I hate to say it I hope that once the tour finishes he has a good long rest to recover his vocal chords (although obviously I’ll be pining at not seeing him – after all I’m already getting withdrawal symptoms and it’s only been 2 days!)
By the end of the concert I’ve finally managed to find a spot to see the band clearly and manage a full 30 seconds of the last song before they go offstage.
So time to leave and yep, I’m still feeling guilty about not having done my job but guess what – the merchandise desk is still closed on the way out, a shame as I wanted to buy the Ferraby Lionheart CD. Mrs H3 thinks it’s really funny that I feel so guilty about such a little thing. But I can’t help it.
As you can tell I’m still feeling a bit guilty about it hence the confession on here, but really we did try our hardest to do the job – it’s not our fault the merchandise desk was closed or that there was no sign of anyone vaguely IAK related around!
So for us the IAK tour is finished, although I would have to admit to having seriously considered going to Nottingham next Wednesday (unfortunately my Sat Nav tells me it’s a 3 hour drive which would make it a bit tight for seeing the band assuming they go on stage on time). Of course I’m sure I’ll do the sensible thing and not go, but it could be months before I get to see them again …
Friday, April 18, 2008
These are my friends, see how they glisten
“There was a barber and his wife …”
Wooohooooo!!!!!
It’s arrived! Yep Sweeney Todd is in my DVD player even as I write. I am sure you can imagine the excitement I’m feeling at seeing it again. After all it’s been just over two months since I last saw it (blimey doesn’t time fly!) although of course I have listened to the soundtrack rather a lot since then. All together now “It’s priest. Have a little priest …”
I have to mention the I Am Kloot concert on Tuesday, which was completely fantastic. Now I know I always say that but they really were on excellent form. Heavier than usual too which made a nice change. I noticed that Johnny changed the words to every one of the old songs in some way and several of them were played differently which was nice, but he’s keeping the ones from Moolah Rouge the same at the moment – probably a good move when they’re touring to promote the album. I was a bit disappointed that some of my favourite tracks from the new album weren’t played but as any Kloot track is a great track it was all good. Roll on next Tuesday when we get to do it all again!
IAK had a support act this time, the fabulously named Ferraby Lionheart (yep you heard it right) and I rather liked him. Mrs H3 very definitely didn’t. A solo singer-songwriter in the vein of David Mead he was right up my street although I was finding the chatting of the crowd through his set very off-putting, so I don’t know how he must have felt, poor man. I can see his album “Catch the Brass Ring” heading my way very shortly (probably next Tuesday to be precise), although I’m guessing Mrs H3 won’t want a copy.
Wooohooooo!!!!!
It’s arrived! Yep Sweeney Todd is in my DVD player even as I write. I am sure you can imagine the excitement I’m feeling at seeing it again. After all it’s been just over two months since I last saw it (blimey doesn’t time fly!) although of course I have listened to the soundtrack rather a lot since then. All together now “It’s priest. Have a little priest …”
I have to mention the I Am Kloot concert on Tuesday, which was completely fantastic. Now I know I always say that but they really were on excellent form. Heavier than usual too which made a nice change. I noticed that Johnny changed the words to every one of the old songs in some way and several of them were played differently which was nice, but he’s keeping the ones from Moolah Rouge the same at the moment – probably a good move when they’re touring to promote the album. I was a bit disappointed that some of my favourite tracks from the new album weren’t played but as any Kloot track is a great track it was all good. Roll on next Tuesday when we get to do it all again!
IAK had a support act this time, the fabulously named Ferraby Lionheart (yep you heard it right) and I rather liked him. Mrs H3 very definitely didn’t. A solo singer-songwriter in the vein of David Mead he was right up my street although I was finding the chatting of the crowd through his set very off-putting, so I don’t know how he must have felt, poor man. I can see his album “Catch the Brass Ring” heading my way very shortly (probably next Tuesday to be precise), although I’m guessing Mrs H3 won’t want a copy.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Back to Normal ... Well as Normal as I ever get!
So I’m back at work, somewhere I was desperate to be last week when the course got a little overwhelming (the second week is definitely NOT the easiest) but where I really don't want to be now. All the problems I had before I went away are still here (and then some) and now there’s a MASSIVE pile of work to be done too.
As I said the second week of the course was incredibly hard and the volume of information required is huge. Unfortunately I think I did even worse in the exam than I did the first week (complete inability to answer the big 20 point question not helping too much there). And so it’s all over with the exception of the small matter of the workplace risk assessment and the 750 word report that I have to complete and return to the course centre by next Wednesday (no pressure at all then!) After that it’s just a case of waiting until 20th June to see how many of the modules I’ll have to resit. Of course if by some fluke I do happen to pass the whole thing maybe I’ll have to go on and do the Oxford Brookes Diploma *LOL*
While I was away Duran Duran announced their European tour and more specifically the London concert date at the O2 (3rd July for anyone who may be interested). Fortunately although they tried hard to make it impossible for me to get the fan club tickets I did manage to do so, although at an extortionate price (just how do Ticketmaster justify charging £6.75 per ticket as a booking charge? It’s completely outrageous!) This has gone some way to cheering Mrs H3 and I up as we had finally managed to get tickets for Pete Doherty’s gig at the Royal Albert Hall just before he was sent to prison and so were a little disheartened at the loss of that concert.
Of course we still have I Am Kloot to look forward to, the first concert being tomorrow night at Komedia in Brighton. The new album ‘I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge’ seems to be generating some good press, with both The Sun and The Evening Standard giving it 4 stars and Elbow’s lead singer Guy Garvey praising them from the rooftops wherever he can. I suspect that Mrs H3 is a tad fed up with them, but she’s far too nice to make me go to the concerts on my own and I keep hoping that with enough exposure she’ll eventually realise what a truly awesome band they are even if they’re never going to be as famous as I want them to be. At least they don't cost a squillion pounds to go and see (although there’s still a ruddy booking fee) and we’re on the guest list for the Koko gig as I’ve agreed to do a little name collecting for the newsletter. So if you see me there do say hi. I don’t bite … well not much!
The thing I had been looking forward to most about getting home was watching my brand spanking new DVD of Sweeney Todd which I was sure was going to be waiting on the doormat for me. Imagine then my extreme disappointment to find that not only had it not arrived, but it hasn't even been sent yet. Although it was released in the US on 1st April it appears that Play.com haven't yet got their supplies of the film. I’m gutted as I would have expected to have watched it at least once by now and am seriously considering buying it from elsewhere.
There’s a couple of films I might have to make the effort to see over the next few weeks. First of all there’s the quirky ‘Son of Rambow’ which appeals to me for some unspecified reason that I can't quite work out. Also ‘The Oxford Murders’ starring John Hurt and Elijah Wood as it’s one of those murder-mystery ancient clue solving films that I so love. Perhaps I’ll go and see that when I should have been seeing Pete D.
As I said the second week of the course was incredibly hard and the volume of information required is huge. Unfortunately I think I did even worse in the exam than I did the first week (complete inability to answer the big 20 point question not helping too much there). And so it’s all over with the exception of the small matter of the workplace risk assessment and the 750 word report that I have to complete and return to the course centre by next Wednesday (no pressure at all then!) After that it’s just a case of waiting until 20th June to see how many of the modules I’ll have to resit. Of course if by some fluke I do happen to pass the whole thing maybe I’ll have to go on and do the Oxford Brookes Diploma *LOL*
While I was away Duran Duran announced their European tour and more specifically the London concert date at the O2 (3rd July for anyone who may be interested). Fortunately although they tried hard to make it impossible for me to get the fan club tickets I did manage to do so, although at an extortionate price (just how do Ticketmaster justify charging £6.75 per ticket as a booking charge? It’s completely outrageous!) This has gone some way to cheering Mrs H3 and I up as we had finally managed to get tickets for Pete Doherty’s gig at the Royal Albert Hall just before he was sent to prison and so were a little disheartened at the loss of that concert.
Of course we still have I Am Kloot to look forward to, the first concert being tomorrow night at Komedia in Brighton. The new album ‘I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge’ seems to be generating some good press, with both The Sun and The Evening Standard giving it 4 stars and Elbow’s lead singer Guy Garvey praising them from the rooftops wherever he can. I suspect that Mrs H3 is a tad fed up with them, but she’s far too nice to make me go to the concerts on my own and I keep hoping that with enough exposure she’ll eventually realise what a truly awesome band they are even if they’re never going to be as famous as I want them to be. At least they don't cost a squillion pounds to go and see (although there’s still a ruddy booking fee) and we’re on the guest list for the Koko gig as I’ve agreed to do a little name collecting for the newsletter. So if you see me there do say hi. I don’t bite … well not much!
The thing I had been looking forward to most about getting home was watching my brand spanking new DVD of Sweeney Todd which I was sure was going to be waiting on the doormat for me. Imagine then my extreme disappointment to find that not only had it not arrived, but it hasn't even been sent yet. Although it was released in the US on 1st April it appears that Play.com haven't yet got their supplies of the film. I’m gutted as I would have expected to have watched it at least once by now and am seriously considering buying it from elsewhere.
There’s a couple of films I might have to make the effort to see over the next few weeks. First of all there’s the quirky ‘Son of Rambow’ which appeals to me for some unspecified reason that I can't quite work out. Also ‘The Oxford Murders’ starring John Hurt and Elijah Wood as it’s one of those murder-mystery ancient clue solving films that I so love. Perhaps I’ll go and see that when I should have been seeing Pete D.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Snoozy Sunday
Well here I am back at Woodland Grange for the second week of my NEBOSH course. Apparently this week is easier (I certainly hope so!) Unfortunately the first exam didn't go wonderfully as I had complete brain failure - one of those cases where I completely forgot stuff that I'd been looking at only a few minutes before. Of course it's sods law that now I'm out of the exam environment I can remember the answers without a problem (isn't that always the way?) Anyway I'm sure the week will be okay even if I do end up as nervous and sick-feeling before the exam as I did last week.
I stayed just outside Leamington Spa for the weekend as I couldn't face the long journey back and forth and so Mrs H3 came to visit and we spent yesterday at Warwick Castle. It isn't a cheap day out once you start to add it all up - tickets are £18.50 each (although we were lucky that someone gave us a discount voucher which gave us 2 for 1 entry) plus another £2.75 each for the Ghosts Alive attraction (definitely worth a visit), car park is a fiver and then of course there's the cost of food and drink, not to mention all those little souvenirs one so desperately needs to buy ...
I had forgotten to mention in previous posts that Mrs H3 and I had been to the O2 bubble to see the Tutankhamun exhibition for her birthday a couple of weeks ago - which was also incredibly expensive (think almost £60 for 2 tickets including entrance to the 3D film 'Secrets of the Mummies') and to be honest it wasn't a patch on Warwick Castle. Although it was interesting to see the egyptian stuff, most of it wasn't anything to do with Tutankhamun (or two tanks as we now think of him) and disappointingly the mummy wasn't there (which we knew but was still disappointing) but worse still neither was that elaborate death mask - you know, the one everyone thinks of when thinking of egyptian grave goods ... the one that they are using on the posters to promote the exhibition (very much a rip off I thought!) The film was interesting, mainly for the 3D aspect rather than interest value. Although it did fill a couple of hours I personally wouldn't want to go again and I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone either.
However, Warwick Castle is a different matter. The place is brilliant and I would heartily recommend anyone who's ever in the area to go and visit. Obviously there is a big castle ... and very impressive it is too. Add to that archery, waxworks in authentically restored rooms, weaponries, fantastic birds of prey and the largest trebuchet in the world (22 tonnes) and it adds up to a cracking day out.
They cleverly schedule different things throughout the year so you could go every couple of months and not get bored. Although the weather wasn't fantastic, at turns cold, wet and then hot and sunny we both had a good day, and it was a full day too. We arrived about 11am and left about 5pm. Obviously we looked at all the displays and watched 2 of the birds of prey displays as they used different birds each time as well as taking part in the seasonal entertainment which was fairytale princesses and princes. A lot of fun for everyone involved - I just wish I had a job anywhere near as interesting as the one the people that work at the castle have ... and they get to dress up too!
Mrs H3 did take some photos which will follow at a later date when I have a chance to upload them.
I stayed just outside Leamington Spa for the weekend as I couldn't face the long journey back and forth and so Mrs H3 came to visit and we spent yesterday at Warwick Castle. It isn't a cheap day out once you start to add it all up - tickets are £18.50 each (although we were lucky that someone gave us a discount voucher which gave us 2 for 1 entry) plus another £2.75 each for the Ghosts Alive attraction (definitely worth a visit), car park is a fiver and then of course there's the cost of food and drink, not to mention all those little souvenirs one so desperately needs to buy ...
I had forgotten to mention in previous posts that Mrs H3 and I had been to the O2 bubble to see the Tutankhamun exhibition for her birthday a couple of weeks ago - which was also incredibly expensive (think almost £60 for 2 tickets including entrance to the 3D film 'Secrets of the Mummies') and to be honest it wasn't a patch on Warwick Castle. Although it was interesting to see the egyptian stuff, most of it wasn't anything to do with Tutankhamun (or two tanks as we now think of him) and disappointingly the mummy wasn't there (which we knew but was still disappointing) but worse still neither was that elaborate death mask - you know, the one everyone thinks of when thinking of egyptian grave goods ... the one that they are using on the posters to promote the exhibition (very much a rip off I thought!) The film was interesting, mainly for the 3D aspect rather than interest value. Although it did fill a couple of hours I personally wouldn't want to go again and I'm not sure I'd recommend it to anyone either.
However, Warwick Castle is a different matter. The place is brilliant and I would heartily recommend anyone who's ever in the area to go and visit. Obviously there is a big castle ... and very impressive it is too. Add to that archery, waxworks in authentically restored rooms, weaponries, fantastic birds of prey and the largest trebuchet in the world (22 tonnes) and it adds up to a cracking day out.
They cleverly schedule different things throughout the year so you could go every couple of months and not get bored. Although the weather wasn't fantastic, at turns cold, wet and then hot and sunny we both had a good day, and it was a full day too. We arrived about 11am and left about 5pm. Obviously we looked at all the displays and watched 2 of the birds of prey displays as they used different birds each time as well as taking part in the seasonal entertainment which was fairytale princesses and princes. A lot of fun for everyone involved - I just wish I had a job anywhere near as interesting as the one the people that work at the castle have ... and they get to dress up too!
Mrs H3 did take some photos which will follow at a later date when I have a chance to upload them.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Yoohooo ... it's me!
Okay, so things aren't as bad as I'd feared. The learning centre (the very plush Woodland Grange) has internet access and I haven't been completely deprived of my favourite pastime, although of course I haven't had quite the access that I normally have.
Did I mention that the course I'm doing is the NEBOSH National General Certificate? If not ... now you know!
It's been an interesting week, full of emotion and I think I'll be glad when the exam is over tomorrow and I can finally relax for a couple of days (I hope), although I'll be sad to say goodbye to a few nice people who aren't taking the second part of the course. The first day was a bit overwhelming, so much new information that it was hard to take in and I got rather despondent when I couldn't do the homework. Fortunately a nice new friend called Dave gave me his to copy ... although I did admit to Peter the tutor that I had cheated!
The second day was much better - more my area of work - law and compensation so I was relatively happy and then came yesterday.
A nightmare day full of lots of heavy duty stuff about health and safety legislation and regs followed by a mock exam!
I did absolutely dreadfully and left the classroom feeling very teary and ready to leave the course and go home. Lots of self-pitying e-mails to friends (sorry Mrs H3 and Nick especially) and rather a lot of red wine later I finally stumbled to bed still despondent but no longer crying.
Of course this morning after a chat with Peter, during which he marked my paper under exam conditions, I found that actually I had done rather better than expected and would in fact have passed that part of the exam without any problem. So of course today I am much happier and even considering doing a bit of revising this evening in readiness for tomorrow afternoon's exam.
So think of me at 1.30pm tomorrow and send me all your good vibes ... and everything you know about POPIMAR, JOI and the HASAW Act 1974!
Did I mention that the course I'm doing is the NEBOSH National General Certificate? If not ... now you know!
It's been an interesting week, full of emotion and I think I'll be glad when the exam is over tomorrow and I can finally relax for a couple of days (I hope), although I'll be sad to say goodbye to a few nice people who aren't taking the second part of the course. The first day was a bit overwhelming, so much new information that it was hard to take in and I got rather despondent when I couldn't do the homework. Fortunately a nice new friend called Dave gave me his to copy ... although I did admit to Peter the tutor that I had cheated!
The second day was much better - more my area of work - law and compensation so I was relatively happy and then came yesterday.
A nightmare day full of lots of heavy duty stuff about health and safety legislation and regs followed by a mock exam!
I did absolutely dreadfully and left the classroom feeling very teary and ready to leave the course and go home. Lots of self-pitying e-mails to friends (sorry Mrs H3 and Nick especially) and rather a lot of red wine later I finally stumbled to bed still despondent but no longer crying.
Of course this morning after a chat with Peter, during which he marked my paper under exam conditions, I found that actually I had done rather better than expected and would in fact have passed that part of the exam without any problem. So of course today I am much happier and even considering doing a bit of revising this evening in readiness for tomorrow afternoon's exam.
So think of me at 1.30pm tomorrow and send me all your good vibes ... and everything you know about POPIMAR, JOI and the HASAW Act 1974!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Incommunicado
Just thought I'd make a quick post as I'm about to leave for Leamington Spa for a two week health and safety course (woohooo lucky me eh?) and will be incomunicado until I get back. Yep, no internet access for 13 days - oh my god how am I going to cope? I can't usually manage more than an hour without it!
I'm not really sure what there is to do in Leamington Spa and environs, apart from Warwick Castle but I'm sure it'll be nice and of course it's two weeks out of the office ... which is always good!
Better still when I get home my Sweeney Todd DVD should have arrived (guess what I'll be doing that weekend), and it's only 16 days till we see I Am Kloot in Brighton
Before I leave though I've just registered for the next UKS cyber crop which is this time based on the Oscars and I'm in the team 'Drama Queens' (Yes, I know, very apt!). This time I'm really going to make an effort to get involved as last time I actually didn't even look at any of the classes let alone actually do any scrapbooking!
I'm not really sure what there is to do in Leamington Spa and environs, apart from Warwick Castle but I'm sure it'll be nice and of course it's two weeks out of the office ... which is always good!
Better still when I get home my Sweeney Todd DVD should have arrived (guess what I'll be doing that weekend), and it's only 16 days till we see I Am Kloot in Brighton
Before I leave though I've just registered for the next UKS cyber crop which is this time based on the Oscars and I'm in the team 'Drama Queens' (Yes, I know, very apt!). This time I'm really going to make an effort to get involved as last time I actually didn't even look at any of the classes let alone actually do any scrapbooking!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Another Longish Catch Up
Yea Gods I’m a terrible blogger aren’t I? Where are the regular updates, the film reviews, the concert reviews, the general boring chatter about my inane life?
Well for starters I was a bit poorly after the half moon gig (nothing to do with the gig or the yummy Lebanese food we ate there) with a mega-migraine, which kept me in bed for over a week doing nothing more productive than sleeping. I will admit to having written a rather long entry a couple of weeks ago, but as it was about depression and suicide it didn’t make for happy reading. I’m sure much to everyone’s relief I decided against publishing it but I’ve kept it as a reminder of just how bleak my life can seem on occasions and perhaps when the next downward spiral starts I’ll be able to get something out of it. Note to self: when very depressed do NOT listen to Gary Numan’s ‘Empty Bed, Empty Heart’ on repeat. It really doesn't help!
So back onto the happy stuff (thank you so much Gary for cheering me up no end last Wednesday!)
Music
In between being ill and mad (me that is not Mrs H3) Mrs H3 and I have had our usual jaunts out. First of course was Johnny Bramwell’s solo gig at the Half Moon, which I thought was a cracking place, although Mrs H3 thought it a bit cramped. The support band, who I can't even remember the name of (something to do with One) were pretty poor, although they might just have been scared. Johnny was on top form, although drinking too much Guinness for a bloke his size (I hadn't realised quite how short he was till he stood next to me). There were lots of jokes and lots of chatting, more than we’ve seen before at the Kloot gig. There was also lots of changing the words to songs, whether because he’d forgotten the words or just because he has a tendency to do that anyway (which he does all the time when you listen to albums like the Peel Sessions) I’m not sure. He did sing “Fear of Falling” followed immediately by “Astray” to which he added an extra verse that was really excellent. Of course I’m now excited to see I Am Kloot doing the tour of their fantastic new album, which is finally being released on 14 April. The album comes with a DVD containing an hour of performances and interviews. Argghghh! I have the limited edition version of the CD and now I need this one too! We’re going to Komedia Brighton (15th) and Koko London (22nd) to see them.
Well for starters I was a bit poorly after the half moon gig (nothing to do with the gig or the yummy Lebanese food we ate there) with a mega-migraine, which kept me in bed for over a week doing nothing more productive than sleeping. I will admit to having written a rather long entry a couple of weeks ago, but as it was about depression and suicide it didn’t make for happy reading. I’m sure much to everyone’s relief I decided against publishing it but I’ve kept it as a reminder of just how bleak my life can seem on occasions and perhaps when the next downward spiral starts I’ll be able to get something out of it. Note to self: when very depressed do NOT listen to Gary Numan’s ‘Empty Bed, Empty Heart’ on repeat. It really doesn't help!
So back onto the happy stuff (thank you so much Gary for cheering me up no end last Wednesday!)
Music
In between being ill and mad (me that is not Mrs H3) Mrs H3 and I have had our usual jaunts out. First of course was Johnny Bramwell’s solo gig at the Half Moon, which I thought was a cracking place, although Mrs H3 thought it a bit cramped. The support band, who I can't even remember the name of (something to do with One) were pretty poor, although they might just have been scared. Johnny was on top form, although drinking too much Guinness for a bloke his size (I hadn't realised quite how short he was till he stood next to me). There were lots of jokes and lots of chatting, more than we’ve seen before at the Kloot gig. There was also lots of changing the words to songs, whether because he’d forgotten the words or just because he has a tendency to do that anyway (which he does all the time when you listen to albums like the Peel Sessions) I’m not sure. He did sing “Fear of Falling” followed immediately by “Astray” to which he added an extra verse that was really excellent. Of course I’m now excited to see I Am Kloot doing the tour of their fantastic new album, which is finally being released on 14 April. The album comes with a DVD containing an hour of performances and interviews. Argghghh! I have the limited edition version of the CD and now I need this one too! We’re going to Komedia Brighton (15th) and Koko London (22nd) to see them.
Here's a video someone took from the Half Moon. It's Johnny and the crowd singing 'Proof'
Oh go on here's 'Storm Warning' too
Passenger have finally announced a tour but its while I’m away on a course in Royal Leamington Spa and the dates ‘up north’ are when I get back with the southern dates while I’m away (typical!) Hoping that they will do more dates later that I can make. I’m beginning to get paranoid that they really don’t want me to go and see them.
Last Wednesday was one of the most exciting nights of my life for the last ten odd years, finally seeing Gary Numan live once more. I have to admit that I was a touch nervous. After so long without seeing him there was just the vaguest possibility that he’d gone downhill, although I was determined to keep the faith. Add to that the fact that Mrs H3 wasn’t actually born when his first album came out and I’m not sure she was born for ‘Replicas’ either, I wasn’t sure how she’d react to a 50 year old rock god getting all retro for his 30th anniversary.
Of course there was no need to panic. Not only was Gary’s godlike awesomeness every bit as wonderful as every other time I’ve seen him (have you realised I adore him yet?) Mrs H3 really enjoyed it too. It was wonderful to hear new interpretations of the whole of such a classic album, ending of course with a blinding version of ‘Are Friends Electric?’ and he played ‘Cars’ (and for once it was a joy to hear), ‘Everyday I Die’ and ‘Prayer for the Unborn’ as the encore.
'Are Friends Electric'
It was loud (we were both deaf by the end of it), it was heavy on the bass (you could feel your clothes moving even when you were standing still) and it was bloody fantastic! Unfortunately we forgot cameras and my new phone so pretty and pink is completely rubbish at both photographs and video so instead of a lovely reminder of the evening it captured only the bass, and boy did it capture the bass!
Here is the wonderful finale to the gig 'Prayer for the Unborn' and a few words from Gary from his excellent website on his performance:
My apologies for becoming somewhat emotional during the final song, A Prayer For The Unborn. My three children were at the gig, Raven and Persia in the security pit by the stage for much of the show. As some of you may know A Prayer For The Unborn is a song for our first baby that died during the pregnancy and it's never easy to sing at the best of times as it brings all the sadness and tragedy of that horrible experience flooding back. To be singing that song and looking down at Raven and Persia was all a bit too much to be honest and I think I did quite a poor job in trying to disguise my emotions. I hope it didn't ruin anything for those people that noticed I was struggling.
Of course it won't be long till the DVD is out and I’m sure I’ll be buying it, just as I bought the special 3 CD edition of ‘Replicas Redux’ which I am hoping will turn up soon. I was actually very restrained at the concert only buying a programme which because it was Gary and he’s a complete technophile is a 2 disc CD containing a 2 ½ hour interview interspersed with tracks from the album, a complete bargain for £10.
He’s expecting to tour again with new stuff in the autumn and Mrs H3 and I will definitely be there with him. Hmmm, I can feel a trip to ‘Bestival’ on the Isle of Wight coming up as he’s performing there too.
I have to say at this point that I was being kind to Johnny’s support band only because Gary’s were so much worse. These hoodie wearing technoboys seemed to be torn as to what sort of music they wanted to play (the lead singer looked like he wanted to be Gerard Way, but played a big electronic keyboard like Rick Wakeman) and failed in just about every respect except for the pretentious song names and dance trance rubbish (oh sorry ‘Higher State of Consiousness’) they came out with at the end. I have no idea what they were called either as we couldn't work out what the singer was saying with the amount of reverb they added to everything, but they made all previous supports seem like geniuses in comparison (and I include Sheep on Drugs at Folkestone Pavilion in 1996).
Film
Talking of DVDs I ordered Sweeney Todd from the US as the release date of 1 April was over there only, it’s not out here until May 19th – far too long for me to wait!
Mrs H3 and I went to see Rambo 4 and had a terrific evening. The film is incredibly graphic, incredibly violent, incredibly gory and bloody good fun. Of course I was in the midst of my depression at the time so may have actually rather over-enjoyed it but Yep, I’d definitely recommend it.
On Sunday we went to a preview of the Spiderwick Chronicles, another of those children’s films made from a series of books that I love. I wasn’t disappointed. It is a well-shot and not overly long film (running time 96 minutes) that captures the first five books (obviously well abridged) with some amazing special effects and Andrew McCarthy although only for a few moments, but it’s always a pleasure to see him. I would definitely rate this film higher than the adaptation of The Dark is Rising and would happily sit through it again.
So there you go, that’s me caught up again. Nothing much planned for this week although with the Easter holidays coming along who knows what might happen?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
How Much Chatter?
I thought I’d better have an update as I haven’t posted for ages (hadn’t realised it had been quite so long to be honest). So apologies if this goes on a bit but I’ve got a lot to say. (Oi, who said just for a change?) *LOL*
Since I last posted my scrapping mojo has left again for the time being, mainly due to lack of time rather than lack of creativity. As soon as I can find some time to relax a bit I’ll be back to scrapping some more of my sister’s fab wedding photos. And I might have a go at some birthday cards too as I’ve missed everyone’s up to this point again (sorry folks!)
I spent a lovely weekend at Shazzer’s a couple of weeks ago where we relaxed and chatted and ate and drank all sorts of good stuff including some scrummy pasta and doughnuts (nope the eating plan is not going all that well at the moment). It was fantastic to see her again and enjoy a good chin wag. Hopefully it won't be too long till the next time and maybe a meet with the other Sinners too – it’s definitely far too long overdue! If not then I’m sure we’ll be meeting up at Jen and Michael’s wedding which is on the 21st June at a currently undisclosed location in Essex (think I better get back on that eating plan!).
Film
I have sadly only been to see ‘Sweeney Todd’ once more since my birthday, mainly due to being let down by people who were going to go then couldn’t. Of course now I know all the words, especially as most of them are contained on the deluxe soundtrack CD which I’ve played probably once a day since I got it. So now I’m counting the days till the DVD is released which according to a press release yesterday from Paramount will be 1st April (I hope that’s not just in the US) – and yes I am waiting for Play.com to notify me when it’s available.
Last night Mrs H3 and I went to see Jack Black and Mos Def in ‘Be Kind, Rewind’ on preview. I thought it would make a change to see something new for once especially as I don't think she could face seeing ST again and I wouldn't be mean enough to ask her. Unfortunately it wasn’t as good as I was hoping (although the Ghostbusters sequence is really laugh out loud funny), turning out to be much like Jonathan Ross’ review of the film said it would be (we had already booked tickets before I saw his review of it). It seemed to me to be 2 different films trying to merge into one and it didn’t quite work on either level although the ‘sweded’ film segments were definitely very funny, so it wasn’t the worst film I’ve seen recently, ‘Atonement’ still wins hands down on that.
The next films we’ll be most likely going to see are ‘Rambo 4’ which is out this week – a must see in my book anyway as I’ve loved all the others and after seeing his marvellous performance on Jonathan Ross last Friday just confirmed that need and a preview of the Spiderwick Chronicles on 16th March (yep it’s another kids series that I love). Hmmm, I wonder if I could sneak in just one more trip to see Sweeney Todd too? *LOL*
Music
This evening we’re off to the legendary Half Moon in Putney to see Johnny Bramwell who apparently played a really blinding set in Manchester last week (I now wish I had gone to see him there after all). Here’s hoping he’ll be as on form tonight. Of course I am really excited about it as usual. Better still I Am Kloot have just announced a major tour once they return from Europe to promote their fantastic new album ‘Moolah Rouge’ and they’ll be doing a couple of dates in the South, at the Komedia in Brighton on 15th April and Koko in London on 22nd April. I’ll be going to at least one I’m sure.
Below is a new acoustic version of Ferris Wheels (from said album) that he recorded to promote the Valentine’s Day gig. Enjoy.
Since I last posted my scrapping mojo has left again for the time being, mainly due to lack of time rather than lack of creativity. As soon as I can find some time to relax a bit I’ll be back to scrapping some more of my sister’s fab wedding photos. And I might have a go at some birthday cards too as I’ve missed everyone’s up to this point again (sorry folks!)
I spent a lovely weekend at Shazzer’s a couple of weeks ago where we relaxed and chatted and ate and drank all sorts of good stuff including some scrummy pasta and doughnuts (nope the eating plan is not going all that well at the moment). It was fantastic to see her again and enjoy a good chin wag. Hopefully it won't be too long till the next time and maybe a meet with the other Sinners too – it’s definitely far too long overdue! If not then I’m sure we’ll be meeting up at Jen and Michael’s wedding which is on the 21st June at a currently undisclosed location in Essex (think I better get back on that eating plan!).
Film
I have sadly only been to see ‘Sweeney Todd’ once more since my birthday, mainly due to being let down by people who were going to go then couldn’t. Of course now I know all the words, especially as most of them are contained on the deluxe soundtrack CD which I’ve played probably once a day since I got it. So now I’m counting the days till the DVD is released which according to a press release yesterday from Paramount will be 1st April (I hope that’s not just in the US) – and yes I am waiting for Play.com to notify me when it’s available.
Last night Mrs H3 and I went to see Jack Black and Mos Def in ‘Be Kind, Rewind’ on preview. I thought it would make a change to see something new for once especially as I don't think she could face seeing ST again and I wouldn't be mean enough to ask her. Unfortunately it wasn’t as good as I was hoping (although the Ghostbusters sequence is really laugh out loud funny), turning out to be much like Jonathan Ross’ review of the film said it would be (we had already booked tickets before I saw his review of it). It seemed to me to be 2 different films trying to merge into one and it didn’t quite work on either level although the ‘sweded’ film segments were definitely very funny, so it wasn’t the worst film I’ve seen recently, ‘Atonement’ still wins hands down on that.
The next films we’ll be most likely going to see are ‘Rambo 4’ which is out this week – a must see in my book anyway as I’ve loved all the others and after seeing his marvellous performance on Jonathan Ross last Friday just confirmed that need and a preview of the Spiderwick Chronicles on 16th March (yep it’s another kids series that I love). Hmmm, I wonder if I could sneak in just one more trip to see Sweeney Todd too? *LOL*
Music
This evening we’re off to the legendary Half Moon in Putney to see Johnny Bramwell who apparently played a really blinding set in Manchester last week (I now wish I had gone to see him there after all). Here’s hoping he’ll be as on form tonight. Of course I am really excited about it as usual. Better still I Am Kloot have just announced a major tour once they return from Europe to promote their fantastic new album ‘Moolah Rouge’ and they’ll be doing a couple of dates in the South, at the Komedia in Brighton on 15th April and Koko in London on 22nd April. I’ll be going to at least one I’m sure.
Below is a new acoustic version of Ferris Wheels (from said album) that he recorded to promote the Valentine’s Day gig. Enjoy.
As exciting (or actually even more exciting being serious about it) is the fact that we’ve managed to get tickets (and standing tickets at that – something I rarely do these days now that I’m old) for Gary Numan’s 30th anniversary Replica’s tour. As much as I love Gary’s new work my heart has always belonged to his older material and having missed the Telekon tour last year because I was away I couldn't resist the chance to see this wonderful classic album performed in its entirety live. Be assured that I will be getting more and more excited until 12th March when I’ll probably have exploded! If he ever decides to redo the Warriors or Berserker tours I’ll probably die of happiness!
Gary was a guest on Jonathon Ross’ radio show last Saturday which was a real pleasure to listen to (he had Jason Isaacs as a guest the week before) and even played ‘Are Friends Electric?’ and ‘Down in the Park’ - probably the first time Gary’s had a record played on the radio for years!
Gary was a guest on Jonathon Ross’ radio show last Saturday which was a real pleasure to listen to (he had Jason Isaacs as a guest the week before) and even played ‘Are Friends Electric?’ and ‘Down in the Park’ - probably the first time Gary’s had a record played on the radio for years!
My Chemical Romance are doing a final ‘The Black Parade is Dead!’ tour across America, including a date in New Orleans that I’d love to go to but obviously can’t unless I suddenly win the lottery. Then they’re heading back into the studio to record a new album … and then hopefully a lovely brand spanking new UK tour (yes I’m impatient, I know!) Blue October are still showing no sign of coming to the UK even though they said they were hoping to be over in the Spring (c’mon guys it’s nearly Spring come and see me, please). They too are set to go back into the studio for a new album to be released in 2009 so I’m really hoping they get over here before then. I’d also like to see Stephen Fretwell the next time he’s touring as I’ve really got into his stuff recently, David Mead (oh if only he’d do a tour or even a new album) and Passenger who are doing a concert in Southampton on 5th March but you can only get a ticket by winning one from the local radio station. We are considering going to see James Marsters (yep, that’s Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) at the Union Chapel on 2nd May and of course I’m completely gutted to have not got a ticket to see Pete Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall on 26th April – perhaps he’ll be back at the Tap n’ Tin soon instead.
Television
My friend Andrew at work has lent me the first series of ‘Life on Mars’ to watch as I seem to have missed it every time it was on the telly. Haven’t had a chance to watch it yet though as I’m currently loving watching the first season of ‘Brotherhood’, the devastatingly attractive Jason Isaacs completely fantastic US TV series that I recently got on DVD (and I’ve just finished downloading season 2 - and now the writer's strike is over hopefully soon season 3). This was after having recently finished watching another of his works ‘The State Within’, a political thriller that I also thoroughly enjoyed.
Having about 10Gb of space left on my 80Gb I-Pod I had the brainwave of converting a few movies (Snow Cake, The Search for John Gissing, Dogma etc.) and adding them so I could watch a film when I fancied. Unfortunately it didn’t go as smoothly as I was hoping and for some reason it completely deleted the 65Gb of music that I had on there when it added the films even though it was set to manually change things. As you can imagine I was initially quite upset* but on reflection I decided that it would give me a chance to have a clear out of some of the stuff that I didn’t really listen to anyway. I am reloading slowly so at the current time my I-Pod contains the following perfect shuffle list of artists: I Am Kloot, Gary Numan, Blue October, My Chemical Romance, Passenger, Muse, Stephen Fretwell and David Mead oh and of course the Sweeney Todd soundtrack.
*incredibly pissed off wouldn’t even begin to cover it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Finally I just need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY for today to Andrew (who’s busy working in Manchester at the moment – although not too hard I hope) and also to Alan Rickman who is 62 and still completely and utterly gorgeous!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
More Scrapbooking
So my mojo really has been working overtime this week. After the mass scrapbooking of Wednesday night I had another attack on Thursday and completed another 3 layouts. Once again from Jo’s wedding.
What I Did On My Birthday
Well I had a completely fab birthday. Having reverted to my usual nocturnal hours with a day off looming I was awake until 4am, re-watching ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel’. So that of course meant a nice lie in (always a pleasure). I opened my cards while I had a cup of tea and generally chilled with a couple of presents (2 rings from Annette and Carluccio gold leafed dark chocolates from Kev and Sandra). After a chat to my parents I got dressed and went to Bluewater to meet Mrs H3 for our day of fun.
I received my presents from her before we headed off to see the film - tickets to see JHAB at Half Moon on 21st February (with her obviously) and quite possibly the most fantastic present I’ve ever received in my life – the awesome Moo Dog.
As you can see Moo Dog is a cow. For the uninitiated, the Cow Parade is a huge public art exhibition, which began in 1999 and still continues to this day (recently showing in Istanbul, Copenhagen, Vigo, Milan and Marseille). In 2002 it came to London and at work we all became interested in the life size decorated cow statues that began appearing all over the capital. In fact we became so obsessed with seeing them that when Mrs H3 left us to go and play in pastures new we bought her a china version of the fabulous ‘Beefeater – It Ain’t Natural’ as a leaving present.
In 1999 George Rodrigue (who for anyone who knows me or has seen my New Orleans blog will know is one of my all time favourite artists) sponsored 3 cows for the Chicago parade (shown above). Mrs H3 was trying to get me a china version of one of these, but was unable to do so (due to their rarity I’m guessing) so instead bought a plain paint your own cow and made one for me.
I am completely astonished and touched both for the amazing skill that she’s shown in rendering my plain cow into something fantastically closely resembling one of George’s originals but also for the amount of time and care that she took in doing so. Thank you so much matey for a truly wonderful present.
Once the presents had been opened we headed, complete with large ice creams and fizzy drinks for our second viewing of Sweeney Todd, which I enjoyed even more than the first. Seeing it again gave the opportunity to pick up on the things I missed the first time round and to just let the lush cinematography and sublime Sondheim lyrics wash over me. Apparently the woman next to Mrs H3 had a rather extreme reaction to the film – being terrified for most of it and having hysteria for the rest. I am sure I’ll be seeing it at least once more and the DVD is already top of my want list for the year.
After the film I decided that it was time to finally sort out getting a new phone. I had realised that it was pointless being on a contract when I use so little of the allotted time and texts so was going to switch to pay as you go. However, I really need a new phone as mine is almost 3 years old and having been dropped a few times doesn’t function anywhere near as well as I’d like it to. As luck would have it Virgin (who I am with on contract) had reduced the phone that I really wanted from £90+ to £70 (the beautiful pink Nokia 7373 from the L’Amour Collection) and although I hate the idea of having to actually pay for a phone (yes I know I pay for it through the contract but at least I don’t have a big outlay upfront) even I could see that I needed to switch. Fortunately I got a nice sensible salesman who having agreed that I really did need to move from contract, explained that I could switch to pay as you go without any trouble, keeping my current number and still paying by direct debit, in future just being charged for what I use. He sorted it all out for me and then cheered me further by telling me that my customer loyalty points meant that I got £60 off the cost of a new phone. With another discount it meant that in the end I only had to pay £2.50 for my lovely new phone (which Mrs H3 generously added to my birthday presents) and got 200 free text messages a month for the next 4 months and a years free subscription to Glamour magazine as well. A complete bargain as I’m sure you’ll agree.
We then hooked up with Lynne and did a little window shopping until it was time to meet Andrea and Tina and enjoy a nice meal at that old favourite De Alto. Lynne bought me a bunch of beautiful purple tulips, a big bar of dark chocolate and a crystal butterfly necklace and earring set. Aiden bought me more chocolate (mini Green and Black bars) and Andrea bought me the deluxe version of the Sweeney Todd film soundtrack. From Tina I got a gift voucher and a beaded makeup bag. All in all an excellent stash of presents!
I received my presents from her before we headed off to see the film - tickets to see JHAB at Half Moon on 21st February (with her obviously) and quite possibly the most fantastic present I’ve ever received in my life – the awesome Moo Dog.
As you can see Moo Dog is a cow. For the uninitiated, the Cow Parade is a huge public art exhibition, which began in 1999 and still continues to this day (recently showing in Istanbul, Copenhagen, Vigo, Milan and Marseille). In 2002 it came to London and at work we all became interested in the life size decorated cow statues that began appearing all over the capital. In fact we became so obsessed with seeing them that when Mrs H3 left us to go and play in pastures new we bought her a china version of the fabulous ‘Beefeater – It Ain’t Natural’ as a leaving present.
In 1999 George Rodrigue (who for anyone who knows me or has seen my New Orleans blog will know is one of my all time favourite artists) sponsored 3 cows for the Chicago parade (shown above). Mrs H3 was trying to get me a china version of one of these, but was unable to do so (due to their rarity I’m guessing) so instead bought a plain paint your own cow and made one for me.
I am completely astonished and touched both for the amazing skill that she’s shown in rendering my plain cow into something fantastically closely resembling one of George’s originals but also for the amount of time and care that she took in doing so. Thank you so much matey for a truly wonderful present.
Once the presents had been opened we headed, complete with large ice creams and fizzy drinks for our second viewing of Sweeney Todd, which I enjoyed even more than the first. Seeing it again gave the opportunity to pick up on the things I missed the first time round and to just let the lush cinematography and sublime Sondheim lyrics wash over me. Apparently the woman next to Mrs H3 had a rather extreme reaction to the film – being terrified for most of it and having hysteria for the rest. I am sure I’ll be seeing it at least once more and the DVD is already top of my want list for the year.
After the film I decided that it was time to finally sort out getting a new phone. I had realised that it was pointless being on a contract when I use so little of the allotted time and texts so was going to switch to pay as you go. However, I really need a new phone as mine is almost 3 years old and having been dropped a few times doesn’t function anywhere near as well as I’d like it to. As luck would have it Virgin (who I am with on contract) had reduced the phone that I really wanted from £90+ to £70 (the beautiful pink Nokia 7373 from the L’Amour Collection) and although I hate the idea of having to actually pay for a phone (yes I know I pay for it through the contract but at least I don’t have a big outlay upfront) even I could see that I needed to switch. Fortunately I got a nice sensible salesman who having agreed that I really did need to move from contract, explained that I could switch to pay as you go without any trouble, keeping my current number and still paying by direct debit, in future just being charged for what I use. He sorted it all out for me and then cheered me further by telling me that my customer loyalty points meant that I got £60 off the cost of a new phone. With another discount it meant that in the end I only had to pay £2.50 for my lovely new phone (which Mrs H3 generously added to my birthday presents) and got 200 free text messages a month for the next 4 months and a years free subscription to Glamour magazine as well. A complete bargain as I’m sure you’ll agree.
We then hooked up with Lynne and did a little window shopping until it was time to meet Andrea and Tina and enjoy a nice meal at that old favourite De Alto. Lynne bought me a bunch of beautiful purple tulips, a big bar of dark chocolate and a crystal butterfly necklace and earring set. Aiden bought me more chocolate (mini Green and Black bars) and Andrea bought me the deluxe version of the Sweeney Todd film soundtrack. From Tina I got a gift voucher and a beaded makeup bag. All in all an excellent stash of presents!
The presents have continued today with a visit from Jane and Leanne. They bought me the UK version of Snow Cake with all the extras (hurrah!), Nanny McPhee, Edward Scissorhands and Bridge to Terabithia. Loads to keep me occupied for a while.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sweeney, Bramwell and a Bit of Scrapbooking
So I forgot a word – MAGNIFICENT. This is how Jonathan Ross described Sweeney Todd in his review on Film 2008 and it’s a terrific word for it. Yep, sorry I’m still raving about the film especially as we’ve now got our tickets for tomorrow afternoon’s performance at Bluewater. And yes, I am still excited about seeing it again.
However, I have weighty decisions to make. Like should I go to Night & Day to see JHAB’s Valentine’s Massacre. On the plus side Manchester’s only about 5 hours away (a mere stroll compared to Middlesborough) but it’s on a Thursday night, which will mean taking Friday off (sounds like a great excuse for a day off to me!) as I’ll have to stay overnight. The tickets are cheap and there’s a Travelodge only 5 minutes walk from the venue with available rooms at a budget price so it’s very tempting. And as I won't have anything better/more interesting to do on Valentine’s Day it’s even more tempting.
Of course I will be going to see him at Putney the following week with Mrs H3 (thank you once again to her) so I guess Manchester could be overkill. It’s just so nice to go out and not be in the pub for a change, and it's always a pleasure listening to live music, especially the happy, uplifting sound of I Am Kloot!
However, I have weighty decisions to make. Like should I go to Night & Day to see JHAB’s Valentine’s Massacre. On the plus side Manchester’s only about 5 hours away (a mere stroll compared to Middlesborough) but it’s on a Thursday night, which will mean taking Friday off (sounds like a great excuse for a day off to me!) as I’ll have to stay overnight. The tickets are cheap and there’s a Travelodge only 5 minutes walk from the venue with available rooms at a budget price so it’s very tempting. And as I won't have anything better/more interesting to do on Valentine’s Day it’s even more tempting.
Of course I will be going to see him at Putney the following week with Mrs H3 (thank you once again to her) so I guess Manchester could be overkill. It’s just so nice to go out and not be in the pub for a change, and it's always a pleasure listening to live music, especially the happy, uplifting sound of I Am Kloot!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sweeney Todd ... the Reprise
So come on Tracy, how was it? I can hear you all asking. I mean I know you’re all dying to find out after I’ve bored you with talking about it for so many months!
Well it was BLOODY FANTASTIC! Yep Sweeney Todd is truly wonderful. It was at least as good as I was expecting, if not better (actually yes I think it was better than I was expecting), although not quite as gory as I’d been led to believe (I guess Richard hasn’t seen quite as many slasher horror films as me) although it is still rather graphically bloodthirsty by most standards. It is a trademark Burton film – dark, brooding, poignant, funny and melodramatic. The cinematography is visually stunning, the singing is good and Johnny, Alan, Helena and Tim are all excellent. Actually even that fella from Ali G is very good.
Be warned there is a LOT of singing. Almost 99% of the film is sung rather than spoken, which some people might find a little offputting. Not me! Perhaps it was because I already knew the songs, but I didn't really notice that it was all singing until Mrs H3 pointed it out to me afterwards.
A hugely entertaining film, I would definitely recommend it unless you really don't like musicals. Me, I’m off to see it again on Friday for my birthday and I’m expecting to enjoy it even more, picking up on all the little things I missed the first time.
Just wanted to say hi to Kiefer as he's been released from prison today. Well done to him for serving out his 48 days quietly and without fuss.
Well it was BLOODY FANTASTIC! Yep Sweeney Todd is truly wonderful. It was at least as good as I was expecting, if not better (actually yes I think it was better than I was expecting), although not quite as gory as I’d been led to believe (I guess Richard hasn’t seen quite as many slasher horror films as me) although it is still rather graphically bloodthirsty by most standards. It is a trademark Burton film – dark, brooding, poignant, funny and melodramatic. The cinematography is visually stunning, the singing is good and Johnny, Alan, Helena and Tim are all excellent. Actually even that fella from Ali G is very good.
Be warned there is a LOT of singing. Almost 99% of the film is sung rather than spoken, which some people might find a little offputting. Not me! Perhaps it was because I already knew the songs, but I didn't really notice that it was all singing until Mrs H3 pointed it out to me afterwards.
A hugely entertaining film, I would definitely recommend it unless you really don't like musicals. Me, I’m off to see it again on Friday for my birthday and I’m expecting to enjoy it even more, picking up on all the little things I missed the first time.
Just wanted to say hi to Kiefer as he's been released from prison today. Well done to him for serving out his 48 days quietly and without fuss.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Excited!
So in exactly two hours and forty minutes Mrs H3 and I will finally be watching the opening credits for Sweeney Todd. I have to say that I am VERY excited now that the time to see the film has finally arrived.
Of course that doesn't mean I'll shut up talking about it. I'm sure I'll be raving about it for a while afterwards, especially as i'll be seeing it at least another two or three times in the next few weeks.
Of course that doesn't mean I'll shut up talking about it. I'm sure I'll be raving about it for a while afterwards, especially as i'll be seeing it at least another two or three times in the next few weeks.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Only 4 days left …
Yep still on countdown and still substituting by watching other dodgy films instead. Today’s was ‘Passionada’ starring the disgustingly gorgeous Jason Isaacs (I’ve moved onto his films now I’ve run out of Kiefer’s and Alan’s (or maybe that should say watched to death), although I am waiting excitedly for a copy of ‘Close My Eyes’ a rare as hen’s teeth Stephen Poliakoff film from 1991 starring Alan which I managed to pick up for less than a tenner rather than the usual mega bucks that it normally goes for (if you don’t believe me check it out here or better still here!)).
Anyway ‘Passionada’ was a pretty cute little film. To be honest the ending was a little too sweet and sickly romantic for me in my current mood, I much peferred the harder edged alternative ending that the DVD also provides, although I imagine I’ll find the mushy stuff perfect on a down day when I want to have a good sob. It was definitely a good use of a couple of hours and a must for anyone who wants to see the nicer side of Jason (and it’s well worth seeing … well at least in my opinion, although I do find him sexier in his nasty roles … Lucius Malfoy anyone?)
What is it with nasty men that makes them so sexy eh?
Anyway ‘Passionada’ was a pretty cute little film. To be honest the ending was a little too sweet and sickly romantic for me in my current mood, I much peferred the harder edged alternative ending that the DVD also provides, although I imagine I’ll find the mushy stuff perfect on a down day when I want to have a good sob. It was definitely a good use of a couple of hours and a must for anyone who wants to see the nicer side of Jason (and it’s well worth seeing … well at least in my opinion, although I do find him sexier in his nasty roles … Lucius Malfoy anyone?)
What is it with nasty men that makes them so sexy eh?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
5 Days and the Tickets are bought!
So we were going to go to Bluewater to see Sweeney Todd on Saturday evening, but according to the website they're not showing a preview (amazingly) so instead as I couldn't bear to wait and see if it changed, I booked my favourite seats at the Odeon in Chatham instead.
Whilst calmly (hah!) waiting for the film I have this evening watched 'The Patriot' a rather fabulous slice of American Civil War tosh starring Mel Gibson and the truly delicious Jason Isaacs. I'm not sure how I managed to miss this film before but I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially Jason's positively evil portrayal of Colonel Tavington - I can see why he was considered perfect to play Lucius Malfoy. I'm not sure the dear Colonel isn't actually MORE evil than Malfoy.
I've now found out that watching cookery programmes is not a good move when trying to diet and not eat - especially after seeing some scrummy chocolate brownies!
Whilst calmly (hah!) waiting for the film I have this evening watched 'The Patriot' a rather fabulous slice of American Civil War tosh starring Mel Gibson and the truly delicious Jason Isaacs. I'm not sure how I managed to miss this film before but I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially Jason's positively evil portrayal of Colonel Tavington - I can see why he was considered perfect to play Lucius Malfoy. I'm not sure the dear Colonel isn't actually MORE evil than Malfoy.
I've now found out that watching cookery programmes is not a good move when trying to diet and not eat - especially after seeing some scrummy chocolate brownies!
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