I read today...the final day that I get to write a post on this blog some quite entertaining news, that Robbie Williams, the man who brought us Angels, She's the One, Rock DJ, Millenium and many more..is in talks about reuniting with former band mates Take That. In my opinion, he's running out of pocket money and in desperate need to get back into the limelight after he failed with "Rudebox" in 2006.
I just think it's funny that he was making millions while Gary Barlow was writing with Donny Osmond and Mark Owen was on Celebrity Big Brother. I admit when I heard about Take That reforming, I thought there was no room for a boyband..if you've seen videos of them on youtube from the 90s you'll know why. But when they released Patience, I was shocked, I actually really liked it. And now they've secured three number 1 singles and one at number 2 since coming back, so of course Robbie Williams is now interested.
To be honest, I hope he doesn't rejoin, I feel that Take That are standing quite well on their feet without him. Especially since he admitted to being a UFO follower...
Friday 27 March 2009
Friday 20 March 2009
Natasha Richardson dies at 45
This story struck me hard, it really is a tragedy. Someone to die at a young age is a tragedy in itself but she’s a mother and wife which makes it 10 times worse.
A mother is possibly the most important figure in a person’s life and I, personally couldn’t imagine my life without my mum. It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday and I think it’s important to celebrate, even if people think it’s just another excuse to make money.
Both my parents lost their mothers at a young age and I think one of the hardest things is to think of how short the time they had with them and thetimes they could’ve had; child’s wedding day, birth of children, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, etc. And it upsets me when people say they’re not close to their grandparents because if I had one wish it would be to meet my grandmothers.
My mum has said to me before that she wishes she could’ve asked more questions and listened more but obviously you don’t know how much time you have with the ones you love. I have passed my mum’s age when her own mother died and I just can’t think about how hard that must have been.
Of course you have good memories but it doesn’t make it easier, knowing they could’ve had more. One thing is for certain, for Natasha Richardson’s children, Sunday will be a very hard day and I feel for them and any others who have lost their mothers.
A mother is possibly the most important figure in a person’s life and I, personally couldn’t imagine my life without my mum. It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday and I think it’s important to celebrate, even if people think it’s just another excuse to make money.
Both my parents lost their mothers at a young age and I think one of the hardest things is to think of how short the time they had with them and thetimes they could’ve had; child’s wedding day, birth of children, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, etc. And it upsets me when people say they’re not close to their grandparents because if I had one wish it would be to meet my grandmothers.
My mum has said to me before that she wishes she could’ve asked more questions and listened more but obviously you don’t know how much time you have with the ones you love. I have passed my mum’s age when her own mother died and I just can’t think about how hard that must have been.
Of course you have good memories but it doesn’t make it easier, knowing they could’ve had more. One thing is for certain, for Natasha Richardson’s children, Sunday will be a very hard day and I feel for them and any others who have lost their mothers.
Thursday 12 March 2009
Three years for throwing shoes at President Bush? AND they didn't even hit him..tut
Yeah sure, throwing shoes at the President might be disrespectful but THREE years in prison!! What? To be honest I think Muntadar al-Zaidi (the Iraqi journalist who threw them) had every right as he felt it was hypocritical that President Bush had surprised Iraq with a 'farewell dinner' after 5 years occupying their country and killing innocent people.
In Arab culture it is a grave insult to throw shoes at someone but I think Zaidi's motive was to get a message across that many people had felt in Iraq. I mean it's a stupid thing to do really, seeing as George Bush was the President but even he laughed off the incident. I think being charged with 'attempted assault on a foreign leader' is extremely harsh considering the nature of the supposed "attack", afterall how many people get seriously injured from having shoes thrown at them?
I am definitely anti-Bush so I could be seen as bias defending this man but I think occupying and bombing a country for 5 years is a little more extreme than throwing a shoe at someone. And I definitely would've done the same...the only difference is, I would have aimed a little closer to his head!
In Arab culture it is a grave insult to throw shoes at someone but I think Zaidi's motive was to get a message across that many people had felt in Iraq. I mean it's a stupid thing to do really, seeing as George Bush was the President but even he laughed off the incident. I think being charged with 'attempted assault on a foreign leader' is extremely harsh considering the nature of the supposed "attack", afterall how many people get seriously injured from having shoes thrown at them?
I am definitely anti-Bush so I could be seen as bias defending this man but I think occupying and bombing a country for 5 years is a little more extreme than throwing a shoe at someone. And I definitely would've done the same...the only difference is, I would have aimed a little closer to his head!
Monday 9 March 2009
Barbie - Still a fashion icon at 50 and no signs of a wrinkle in sight!
As Mattel unveil a fresher, more natural-looking face for Barbie, I wonder what real 50 year old women look this good...Madonna? No. Sharon Stone? Not quite.
Strands of grey hair, a few wrinkles and menopause and I think you have a closer description. Women of this age would hate me if they read only this but actually I think it'd give older women a fashion icon, as well as keeping the younger version. Becuase don't get me wrong, many women at this age look a whole lot younger than they are and personally I don't think 50 is old...it's MIDDLE age after all.
A lot of people would probably question the point of an 'older' doll but then you could question, what is the point of dolls at all...because children can enjoy them and even look at them as icons as they have developed so much, even having Barbie run for US president.
After all, celebrations are going on around the world as five decades have gone by and Barbie is still the most popular doll on the planet. Barbie – inspired outfits have even been created for the catwalk by 50 renowned fashion designers including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, shocking.
This might mean that this summers' fashion must-haves could be based on the outfits of a 50 year old doll I used to play with 12 years ago. On the positive side..at least Barbie doesn't have to pay for surgery to look that good!
Strands of grey hair, a few wrinkles and menopause and I think you have a closer description. Women of this age would hate me if they read only this but actually I think it'd give older women a fashion icon, as well as keeping the younger version. Becuase don't get me wrong, many women at this age look a whole lot younger than they are and personally I don't think 50 is old...it's MIDDLE age after all.
A lot of people would probably question the point of an 'older' doll but then you could question, what is the point of dolls at all...because children can enjoy them and even look at them as icons as they have developed so much, even having Barbie run for US president.
After all, celebrations are going on around the world as five decades have gone by and Barbie is still the most popular doll on the planet. Barbie – inspired outfits have even been created for the catwalk by 50 renowned fashion designers including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, shocking.
This might mean that this summers' fashion must-haves could be based on the outfits of a 50 year old doll I used to play with 12 years ago. On the positive side..at least Barbie doesn't have to pay for surgery to look that good!
Monday 2 March 2009
Ryanair, what next?
Ryanair are ridiculous! If I didn't have to write 150 words for each blog, that would be the end. I am astounded that they are contemplating charging for using the toilet on a plane journey. Not only do passengers have to suffer with uncomfortable seats, no service, over priced food and £2 for water...but they want to charge for using the toilet, it's horrific.
Yes, they charge a very low amount for flights BUT the service charges and comfort in my opinion are totally not worth it. To be honest, yeah i'm a student and yeah i'm not made of money but i'd rather pay for a decent airline where I can be comfortable for the duration of the flight, after all I only go on holiday 1-2 times a year.
Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, believes customers should "spend a pound to spend a penny" but what is the point in creating flights for so little if it's not actually going to amount to that in the long run and people are having to spend, even to go to the toilet or get a glass of water. Just because he has an estimated fortune of £280 million, doesn't mean he can exert stupid rules like this! After all this is coming from a man who said "the environment is not my problem, if you're worried about it, sell your car and walk!"
Stupid man!
Yes, they charge a very low amount for flights BUT the service charges and comfort in my opinion are totally not worth it. To be honest, yeah i'm a student and yeah i'm not made of money but i'd rather pay for a decent airline where I can be comfortable for the duration of the flight, after all I only go on holiday 1-2 times a year.
Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, believes customers should "spend a pound to spend a penny" but what is the point in creating flights for so little if it's not actually going to amount to that in the long run and people are having to spend, even to go to the toilet or get a glass of water. Just because he has an estimated fortune of £280 million, doesn't mean he can exert stupid rules like this! After all this is coming from a man who said "the environment is not my problem, if you're worried about it, sell your car and walk!"
Stupid man!
Sunday 1 March 2009
Marriage - A wedding or a lifelong commitment?
"I'm a newlywed, get me out of here"
I read an interesting article in Glamour the other day about those who get married and realise their new husband is not quite Mr.Right after all.
Several women dream about their fairytale wedding from a young age but is that the problem, do people focus more on the 'perfect' wedding day than the marriage. Divorce online revealed that 10% of the 220,000 people who marry each year will split within 2 years of marrying.
I am like most girls, I have always dreamed about a fabulous wedding but not thought about the rest. Where I differ from a lot is that 'the dream wedding' is all it is, I would be happy not getting married if it meant I was happy, look at Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell or Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.
I think it's a shame that the divorce rate is so high, what is it about getting married that ruins people's relationships, were they not made for each other in the first place or did they grow apart. My parents were married 25 years before they drifted apart and separated. On the other hand, my sister is approaching her 3rd anniversary and their relationship couldn't be happier.
I'd love to know what keeps a marriage together, I believe honesty and re-vitalisation. I couldn't be in a relationship without discussing things so when the time comes, you know whether to keep quiet and let them get on with it or open up to one another. I think re-vitalising a relationship is key, like trying something your partner likes that you might think is not for you or doing something spontaneous.
All I hope for is that i'm as happy as my great uncle and aunt, who were married for over 50 years.
I read an interesting article in Glamour the other day about those who get married and realise their new husband is not quite Mr.Right after all.
Several women dream about their fairytale wedding from a young age but is that the problem, do people focus more on the 'perfect' wedding day than the marriage. Divorce online revealed that 10% of the 220,000 people who marry each year will split within 2 years of marrying.
I am like most girls, I have always dreamed about a fabulous wedding but not thought about the rest. Where I differ from a lot is that 'the dream wedding' is all it is, I would be happy not getting married if it meant I was happy, look at Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell or Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.
I think it's a shame that the divorce rate is so high, what is it about getting married that ruins people's relationships, were they not made for each other in the first place or did they grow apart. My parents were married 25 years before they drifted apart and separated. On the other hand, my sister is approaching her 3rd anniversary and their relationship couldn't be happier.
I'd love to know what keeps a marriage together, I believe honesty and re-vitalisation. I couldn't be in a relationship without discussing things so when the time comes, you know whether to keep quiet and let them get on with it or open up to one another. I think re-vitalising a relationship is key, like trying something your partner likes that you might think is not for you or doing something spontaneous.
All I hope for is that i'm as happy as my great uncle and aunt, who were married for over 50 years.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
*OSCARS*...a night of inspiration..
I HAVE to see Slumdog Millionaire! I call myself a film buff and that's the only film excluding 2 or 3 that I haven't seen at the local Lincoln Odeon and I'm very annoyed. Twice it was sold out and other times my friends didn't want to see it.
I think it's brilliant they've done so well at the Oscars, for the British film industry, as it gives hope to wannabe film makers and actors, even in this economic struggle as films don't have to be made on an extreme budget. Benjamin Button had Brad Pitt, a $150 million budget, lots of hype and 13 oscar nominations...but only walked away with 3.
I am thrilled that Kate Winslet won best actress as she is such a versatile actress and those who didn't like 'The Reader' still praised her performance. I have always followed her career since watching Sense and Sensibility and Heavenly Creatures very young and every film i've since with her in i've loved.
She was criticised for her emotional outbursts at the Golden Globes but when I watched the speeches I had tears in my eyes, she was so grateful and happy that her work had finally been recognised and showed sincere admiration for her fellow nominees. I believe that young girls can look up to her, as she said in her speech, she was once a young girl who dreamed of winning an Oscar when looking in the mirror with a shampoo bottle.
Aside from British success, I am thrilled that Sean Penn won for his incredible portrayal of homosexual political activist Harvey Milk because there are still those in the state of California who think it's acceptable to vote against gay marriage! It's 30 years since Harvey Milk was elected into public office and also since he was assassinated, he was known as the 'martyr for gay rights' but those rights are still not equal. Hopefully this win opens the eyes of those who are ignorant.
I think it's brilliant they've done so well at the Oscars, for the British film industry, as it gives hope to wannabe film makers and actors, even in this economic struggle as films don't have to be made on an extreme budget. Benjamin Button had Brad Pitt, a $150 million budget, lots of hype and 13 oscar nominations...but only walked away with 3.
I am thrilled that Kate Winslet won best actress as she is such a versatile actress and those who didn't like 'The Reader' still praised her performance. I have always followed her career since watching Sense and Sensibility and Heavenly Creatures very young and every film i've since with her in i've loved.
She was criticised for her emotional outbursts at the Golden Globes but when I watched the speeches I had tears in my eyes, she was so grateful and happy that her work had finally been recognised and showed sincere admiration for her fellow nominees. I believe that young girls can look up to her, as she said in her speech, she was once a young girl who dreamed of winning an Oscar when looking in the mirror with a shampoo bottle.
Aside from British success, I am thrilled that Sean Penn won for his incredible portrayal of homosexual political activist Harvey Milk because there are still those in the state of California who think it's acceptable to vote against gay marriage! It's 30 years since Harvey Milk was elected into public office and also since he was assassinated, he was known as the 'martyr for gay rights' but those rights are still not equal. Hopefully this win opens the eyes of those who are ignorant.
Monday 23 February 2009
My silent worry.
Every week I feel like I read/listen/watch news where a teen in London has been killed. They might be in gangs which make some people believe that "it was coming to them" but to me, that is not the point!! Killing another person cannot be justified by anything, especially not a lame excuse such as "he was in my area" so action needs to be taken to get these teenagers off the streets and give them some sort of motivation.
I find myself shaking my head when I read a new story because I can't believe it's happened again, especially when they've never been in any trouble before. I remember 2 years ago when Emmanuel Odunewu was killed outside Lewisham Police Station, 10 minutes from where I live, he went my college and to friends was known as the "gentle giant" for his warm and studious nature. I didn't know him personally but it still hit me and my friends as it brought up the terrifying reality that 'it could happen to anyone".
This is where the worry comes in. Every young person wants to have fun, go out and in some cases get drunk. I have a few friends that get into trouble now and again when they've had alcohol and I find myself thinking that one day, they'll come across someone with a knife or gun.
It is my fear that I'll get a call one day and it'll be someone I know especially as there have been several serious cases of murder, gun fire, mistaken identity and ruthless behaviour where I live.
South East London is where i'm from, but hopefully not where i'll stay. I am so happy in Lincoln but I find that when I stare at endless pages of tragic stories, I stop and think...when will the tragedy hit home.
I find myself shaking my head when I read a new story because I can't believe it's happened again, especially when they've never been in any trouble before. I remember 2 years ago when Emmanuel Odunewu was killed outside Lewisham Police Station, 10 minutes from where I live, he went my college and to friends was known as the "gentle giant" for his warm and studious nature. I didn't know him personally but it still hit me and my friends as it brought up the terrifying reality that 'it could happen to anyone".
This is where the worry comes in. Every young person wants to have fun, go out and in some cases get drunk. I have a few friends that get into trouble now and again when they've had alcohol and I find myself thinking that one day, they'll come across someone with a knife or gun.
It is my fear that I'll get a call one day and it'll be someone I know especially as there have been several serious cases of murder, gun fire, mistaken identity and ruthless behaviour where I live.
South East London is where i'm from, but hopefully not where i'll stay. I am so happy in Lincoln but I find that when I stare at endless pages of tragic stories, I stop and think...when will the tragedy hit home.
Better late than never...
I must apologise for the lateness of this blog, especially when Valentine's was last week and this would appear to be outdated. The reason, well excuse is that I like to write things down on paper, jotting ideas by the side and scribbling if I need to; yes I must admit I'm quite a techno-phobe seeing as I clumsilly press something and it disappears of the face of the Earth.
LOVE vs. MONEY
A day to celebrate love or another excuse to get us to part with our money?
In a time of economic struggle, you'd think people would be sensible but I read in the Lincolnshire Echo that it is estimated that individually people spend up to £150 on a single present for Valentine's Day.
I must make a solid confession then...I did just that. OOPS! It's not like me really, I have always to some extent been a cynic as Valentine's Day has taken a whole new level to the origins of 500+ years ago when a single note was passed amoungst the ones who loved and Geoffrey Chaucer made public readings of "love letters" popular. Oh how romanticism gets swept away with the time...
These days, as soon as Christmas is over, Valentine's gifts appear in shop windows ranging from balloons to teddies to love bugs to chocolate, etc. And yes I admit, I bought a present for my other half but only because there's a day dedicated to "love". Truthfully, the way I or anybody else feels about the one they love should not be held for just one day in a year! On the otherhand though, it's hard not to want to celebrate when you're with someone and it sort of gives me a buzz when walking around town to see how many people are so intent on celebrating.
Maybe it is true what Richard Curtis tells us, that "love IS all around". Well... at least on Valentine's Day.
LOVE vs. MONEY
A day to celebrate love or another excuse to get us to part with our money?
In a time of economic struggle, you'd think people would be sensible but I read in the Lincolnshire Echo that it is estimated that individually people spend up to £150 on a single present for Valentine's Day.
I must make a solid confession then...I did just that. OOPS! It's not like me really, I have always to some extent been a cynic as Valentine's Day has taken a whole new level to the origins of 500+ years ago when a single note was passed amoungst the ones who loved and Geoffrey Chaucer made public readings of "love letters" popular. Oh how romanticism gets swept away with the time...
These days, as soon as Christmas is over, Valentine's gifts appear in shop windows ranging from balloons to teddies to love bugs to chocolate, etc. And yes I admit, I bought a present for my other half but only because there's a day dedicated to "love". Truthfully, the way I or anybody else feels about the one they love should not be held for just one day in a year! On the otherhand though, it's hard not to want to celebrate when you're with someone and it sort of gives me a buzz when walking around town to see how many people are so intent on celebrating.
Maybe it is true what Richard Curtis tells us, that "love IS all around". Well... at least on Valentine's Day.
Cheerleading = No pain, no gain
As I prepare to walk into Nottingham arena with my fellow cheerleaders, I stop and it goes fuzzy...it's the beginning of Bring It On where Torrence Shipman, Captain of the Toros (Kirsten Dunst) is in the middle of a routine; she squats down, jumps up, pom poms in the air and she's... NAKED.
Nightmare scenario no.1! In reality this is pretty unlikely to happen but being me, anything can happen.
As a proud member of the Lincoln Jets, I am competing at the ICC (International Cheerleading Coalition) British Cheer and Dance Championships in March and what's on my mind? The hundreds of people that'll be watching and my clumsiness. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be part of such a talented team that has taught me so much but the doubt is always there.
Cheerleading has definitely made me think more about having to work really hard to achieve success. In this case working on stunts, dances and jumps which believe me, aren't a piece of cake. I have to admit I used to be quite cynical, as the term "Cheerleader" came with a lot of stereotypes mainly drawing towards sexual objectification, unintelligence and spitefulness. However I have found the complete opposite; at basketball games the players are appreciative, thankful and admire the hard work that goes into a routine. The team look to teach and advise, not to criticise and every member is kind, supportive and as intelligent as they come.
I find it extremely annoying when people assume that cheerleading is easy. I can tell you now that it is not! Throughout the past 6 months I have been endlessly kicked in the face, trodden on, head butted and so on as a base and also seen a friend of mine nearly break her neck and miss a competition from falling. My role as a base is to lift the flyer into a stunt with my partner; whether it is a lib, a pyramid, a 180, an extension hitch, a basket or a log roll I’ve assisted it with not so pretty bruises in return AND I don't even get to see how great it looks!
I can't believe I’m complaining, when really I can't wait to see what they have in store for us this week. As for the competition we'll see what happens; try our best and we could walk off with a second trophy this year :D.
Nightmare scenario no.1! In reality this is pretty unlikely to happen but being me, anything can happen.
As a proud member of the Lincoln Jets, I am competing at the ICC (International Cheerleading Coalition) British Cheer and Dance Championships in March and what's on my mind? The hundreds of people that'll be watching and my clumsiness. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be part of such a talented team that has taught me so much but the doubt is always there.
Cheerleading has definitely made me think more about having to work really hard to achieve success. In this case working on stunts, dances and jumps which believe me, aren't a piece of cake. I have to admit I used to be quite cynical, as the term "Cheerleader" came with a lot of stereotypes mainly drawing towards sexual objectification, unintelligence and spitefulness. However I have found the complete opposite; at basketball games the players are appreciative, thankful and admire the hard work that goes into a routine. The team look to teach and advise, not to criticise and every member is kind, supportive and as intelligent as they come.
I find it extremely annoying when people assume that cheerleading is easy. I can tell you now that it is not! Throughout the past 6 months I have been endlessly kicked in the face, trodden on, head butted and so on as a base and also seen a friend of mine nearly break her neck and miss a competition from falling. My role as a base is to lift the flyer into a stunt with my partner; whether it is a lib, a pyramid, a 180, an extension hitch, a basket or a log roll I’ve assisted it with not so pretty bruises in return AND I don't even get to see how great it looks!
I can't believe I’m complaining, when really I can't wait to see what they have in store for us this week. As for the competition we'll see what happens; try our best and we could walk off with a second trophy this year :D.
Thursday 12 February 2009
My first ever blog..
I can't believe after 6 months of being a Journalism student I haven't started one of these earlier! I feel quite guilty actually, seeing as I class myself as an opinionated person. Being a Journalism student at the University of Lincoln I have found myself in some challenging positions. Although I read the criteria before coming, I was unsure of what to expect.
I can honestly say, it has been a tough ride for me so far but definitely worth every minute. I enjoy the diversity of the course, from the history and law of journalism to the production side; and when I've told friends back home about the different modules they always question "But I thought you were doing journalism?" which I like as I find we are taught to look at every aspect, to broaden our minds and discover initially what path we should take on the outside world.
I can honestly say, it has been a tough ride for me so far but definitely worth every minute. I enjoy the diversity of the course, from the history and law of journalism to the production side; and when I've told friends back home about the different modules they always question "But I thought you were doing journalism?" which I like as I find we are taught to look at every aspect, to broaden our minds and discover initially what path we should take on the outside world.
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