Odds and Ends

Secret Santa Love Meme

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:54:37 GMT

Share the love at Christmas!

Instructions and my page via the above link :)

Torksmith Again...

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:54:29 GMT

Here is the collection of my Torksmith fan fictions, all slash so be aware!

My RL Series (I really should give it a name...) :

Elusive Ragings NC-17
Take A Giant Step NC-17
You're So Good to Me PG-13
For Pete's Sake NC-17
I Fall to Pieces - Part 1: Pretty Little Princess NC-17
I Fall to Pieces - Part 2: Where the Wilde Things Are R
Dyin' Of A Broken Heart R
Writing Wrongs R
I Prithee, Do Not Ask For Love R
Me Without You R

Show fics:

Pillow Time NC-17
You Mess With My Head R/NC-17
Dressed to Impress NC-17
Come On In R
Naughty and Nice (BMO Christmas Challenge) NC-17
They Say It's Your Birthday PG
Oh, What A Night (Troubador Fic) R/NC-17
Forget That Girl (very short, double dating) R
Sound of the Sunset, Sound of the Sea PG/PG-13

Other RL fics:

Seeing Stars Very NC-17
How Insensitive (Love something ugly...) PG-13
This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day (Bruise Fic) R/NC-17?

All the ones without links to them are ones that are in the works (hopefully...if I ever get round to them!)

LOVE Blog: Part 1

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:53:43 GMT

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a review! There are opinions involved but this is a highly detailed account of the show (or as much detail as I can recount). I don’t focus too heavily on the music as so many people better qualified have done this but I feel the show itself and the people involved always seem to fall by the wayside. So this blog is for them and fans of the performance as well as the music.

I am writing this blog for two reasons. One: because I have such a terrible memory for detail and want to get everything down while it’s all still pretty fresh in my memory. And two: so other fans can hopefully relive the magic that is LOVE. If there are any parts that I may have missed or you would like to contribute your own story of your LOVE experience then please either leave a comment below or e-mail me at catherine@thereelworlduk.com. I would love to hear other people’s memories!

Firstly, a bit of background to the show and my experience of it. The idea was originally conceived by George Harrison and Guy Laliberte, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil, way back in 2000. It was a few years later that the idea actually began to take shape when George Martin (former Beatles producer) was called in to organise the music. He asked his son Giles to help out and together they created the LOVE soundtrack from no less than 130 tracks from the Abbey Road recordings. Almost every track is altered to allow for seamless transitions or just a new, unique sound while still retaining the Beatles energy and youthful attitude. The music was supervised by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr as well as Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison so they were constantly aware that they were on the right track. They worked closely with Dominic Champagne, the director, bouncing back and forth ideas so they knew what music would suit the visual act and visa-versa. The show doesn’t necessarily have a story, it’s more focused on characters and time. It depicts WW2, police oppression against the hippie community, what it was like growing up in Liverpool as a kid and ultimately, the impact the Beatles and their music had on the world. A theatre was built specifically for the show in The Mirage hotel in Las Vegas. Each seat has a speaker built into it to make the music as effective as possible and the audience surround the whole stage with characters and performers being able to walk on gangways between the sections. As with most Cirque shows, there are also raising platforms. The show opened in the summer of 2006 and was a big success. It is one of 6 Cirque du Soliel shows in Las Vegas but many consider it to be the best.

I first saw it about a month after it first opened, with the original cast. I liked the Beatles but wasn’t hugely familiar with a lot of their music, especially the ones included in LOVE. I was a bit sceptical but had enjoyed La Nouba in Orlando so trusted Cirque. Needless to say the show blew me away. 3 years later, I went back to Vegas and couldn’t wait to see it again. Thankfully, I saw it my first day there because I loved it so much once again that I bought another ticket to see it one last time before I left!! Each time you watch something different and it is just as remarkable and uplifting. I have yet to sit in a section above the front so I will need to go higher next time to see it from yet another perspective! So now, on with the show!

Just to give you an idea of the layout if you haven’t been in the theatre before. When you enter, there are about 8 triangular sections of seating all around the outside with the stage in the middle. You’re first impression will probably be “That’s a very small stage!” but they make the most of the space and take note as to how high it is too. There are 4 semi-transparent partitions separating the sections which wave gently from the air conditioning with clouds projected on them. There are also two long video screens which are situated in such a way that everyone should be able to see at least one.

I have little experience of Cirque du Soliel shows but I have noticed that they usually have a character or set of characters that act as a guide throughout the show. In La Nouba you have the 4 idiots who appear during most acts and observe everything just like us. In LOVE we have the four Nowhere Men, fans of the Beatles themselves. They watch the performers with wide-eyed wonderment and child-like curiosity. Because they appear so often I have chosen to name them, save referring to them as Nowhere Man #1 etc. So we have: The Daffodil Nowhere Man – Jeremy (after the Yellow Sub. NM), The Top Hat Nowhere Man – Jack, The Spiky Haired Nowhere Man – Sparks and Woolly Hat Nowhere Man – Al. It’ll just be easier that way :) As people are still making their way to their seats (around 10 minutes before show time) these delightful characters make their entrance and stroll around the seating area, waving, strutting and giving the peace sign to guests. Sparks and Jack jump over the barrier while Al demonstrates his skill at balancing as he does a single handstand on the railing to get over the bar. The others watch in awe. When it comes to Jeremy getting past, he looks to do something just as spectacular but instead chooses to just open the gate and slip through. I would like to note right here that Daniel Buckland who played “Jeremy” in the last two performances I saw was just fantastic. He really stole every scene he appeared in and I couldn’t take my eyes off him, a wonderful performer and a joy to watch. Sadly, I have since found out that his contract is now finished and so he will no longer be performing which is a great loss but I’m sure the next guy will be good too, it is a gem of a character.

They continue to work their way around the stage, that’s what’s so wonderful about this show. No seat is a bad seat, you can always see something happening and you can’t miss the main acts because they choreograph it in such a way that everyone gets a good view. They depart a few minutes before show time when Mr Piggy trudges on stage. Mr Piggy is one of the only speaking roles in the whole show, it has a minimal amount of dialogue throughout. He briefly outlines the rules (no photography etc.) and precautions as there is an effect used during the show that involves the audience. He exits and then moments later, the lights dim and the show begins.

Birds can be heard in the distance, four ropes have been brought up on the stage through the lowered platforms. The soft, a cappella Because soars into the audience and draws you straight in. As the song plays out, four sailors slowly ascend the ropes, pulling themselves up almost in slow motion. As they reach the top, the vocals stop but the music is still there, faint. The sailors holler down in gibberish, the first sliding all the way back down the rope, disappearing into the hole. The others remain at the top of the ropes as the platforms begin to raise, bringing with them the characters of LOVE. Sgt. Pepper stands majestically at his bandstand, waving his staff slowly at the people below. The music begins to swell as the platforms reach their point. Then BAM! The opening cord of A Hard Day’s Night perfectly blended with Ringo’s solo on The End. Suddenly, the clouds on the partitions have disappeared and been replaced with huge silhouettes of “The Beatles” playing the instruments. It’s a truly breathtaking sight, I almost cried the first time I saw it…and the second and third time, lets not kid ourselves! The music builds up, unrecognisable at first before diving into Get Back. As the first few chords are played the partitions dramatically drop and now the whole theatre is visible and somehow seems much bigger! The Beatles can now be seen on the massive screens and on floating chimneys over the stage. The people of Liverpool break out into a dance frenzy of excitement and joy as bungee’s appear and people dance like crazy. It’s a really wild party and a feast for the eyes, so much going on and so much energy. However, it quickly gets out of control and Get Back rolls into Glass Onion as people start to destroy the buildings, violently pushing them down. Bricks fly across the stage, residents flee in fear and Sgt. Pepper is left broken and instrument-less. As the music eases and the people leave, each Nowhere Man walks along a gangway with a Kid from Liverpool who holds a broken instrument. They hold it above their heads and then lower it to the ground. The war has arrived and taken away their joy, their music. The Nowhere Men hold their signature umbrellas with lights and a mysterious smoke emanating underneath.

As it slips into Eleanor Rigby the Fool runs on with a kite which the Kids chase after, a glimmer of hope. Eleanor herself appears, an old woman who trails her whole life behind her in the form of her belongings. Father McKenzie stands preaching at the bandstand. And no, your eyes do not deceive you, he does indeed have 4 arms! Other Liverpool folks meander across the stages, hugging each other, trying to comfort in such a hard time. But as the song winds down and melds with Julia, Mr Piggy announces joyously that the war is over! Things can begin to get back to the way they were…but the new generation have something else in mind.

Enter The Walrus. It’s a time for celebration and fun and that is exactly what Walrus and Dr Robert bring to the party during I Am The Walrus. Mr Piggy and McKenzie, the conservatives of the bunch are wary of this new behaviour and are quick to condemn it. Meanwhile, all the others dance along and join in the fun. Lucy makes her first appearance, floating from the sky, sat at her window. She sneaks down and dances with the Walrus before being told to go back home by Mr Piggy. The Fireman arrives with his ladder and lifts Lucy back up to her window as she gets lifted away. There is a running theme throughout the show of Jeremy constantly trying to give his bunch of daffodils to any pretty lady that appears on stage. He is particularly keen on Lucy and tries to offer her flowers but is thwarted by Fireman who pushes him away and then by the Fool who steals the flowers and throws them in the air. It also sets up the common theme of “tea drinking” being something else entirely! Gradually, everyone disperses and some underlying cheers can be heard. A voice then announces “Here they are: THE BEATLES!!” and the cheers erupt and groupies begin to the flood the stage chasing after Beatle look-alikes to I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Even Jeremy is a little too scared to get in the way of these fans! They dive over and under beds, trying to dodge the groupies but it’s all in good fun. It ends with them all jumping onto a massive clock which then sinks into the platform.

Then comes one of the more unusual and fun parts of LOVE. The four Nowhere Men are left on stage as two partitions close in and meet centre stage to form a wall. A projection then appears of four spotlights which show silhouettes of the Beatles. What follows is some clever editing of studio dialogue to reunite the Beatles and have them having a totally unique conversation! It’s great to watch and a very bizarre conversation, it also has a great nod to the Abbey Road album cover.

As the partition disappears once again, a white VW Beatles drives on stage with the “Beatles” sat on top of it still being chased by groupies. This time though, they all dance together in what is referred to as the Rock n’ Roll Run: a perfect blend of Drive My Car, The Word and What You’re Doing. As the car drives off with the guys following, a group of groupies are left screaming on the bandstand. Jeremy takes it into his own hands to try and calm them down, lowering his arms. The groupies take the hint and lower their voices in time with his movement, all but one that is who continues to scream enthusiastically. He motions for her to stop which she does, quickly. He then raises his arms again, motioning not only to the groupies this time but the whole audience who cheer along with the girls. Once again he lowers his arms and everyone stops, it’s the classic game of following what he does. He’s a tease though and won’t raise his arms when you think he will making you scream anyway, which he finds adorably amusing. At this, the bandstand is taken away along with the groupies and Jeremy is left on his own as Gnik Nus starts. Four girls appear at each gangway, Jeremy spots one and heads towards her sheepishly, flowers thrust forward. But Al beats him too it and grabs the girl leading her away. He looks round for another girl but Jack and Sparks have already taken two, leaving the one opposite him. He heads towards that one instead but Al, still with the other girl beats him again AND takes his flowers too! Jeremy is left alone once again but won’t be defeated. He somehow magic’s up a single daffodil from his sleeve and puts on a brave face. A shirtless guy wanders on stage looking a bit lost and Jeremy turns round and spots him. He looks down at the flower, quickly decides to hide it behind his back and make a dash for it!

This then leads into Something a gorgeous song put to one of the aerial acts in the show. It’s fairly basic but still pretty breathtaking. There are four women, all dressed in white. The man tries desperately to catch any of them but fails at every attempt. Screens have come down and have Bond-like women moving on them. By the end, he gives up trying and ends up dropping into a hole that has appeared.

The four Nowhere Men reappear as Blue Jay Way begins to meld into For the Benefit of Mr Kite. Other people begin to enter, Jeremy goes to offer his flowers but quickly realises that these aren’t ordinary people. As the song kicks off, we witness a whole parade of bizarre characters, a real circus. There is a woman in a massive furry coat whose head has a habit of slipping down to her waist (I’m still not entirely sure how they did that!), something with too many legs in a box, people on stilts and The Devil swinging high above on a platform. The Nowhere Men’s curiosity gets them in a fix as Al and Jack find themselves tied up to a centre platform as part of a knife throwing act and Sparks climbs a hanging ladder which gets pulled up causing him to be stuck. As the songs builds to its climax with a fantastic remix of She’s so Heavy and Helter Skelter, The Devil performs a nauseating display as he swings backwards and forwards, eventually going upside down. I know he is tied to the platform but it still made my stomach churn! The second time round, I noticed that Sparks was still dangling precariously from the ladder and was beginning to get a little worried that something had gone wrong. However, as the song ends abruptly, he hollers “HELP!” which leads straight into Help!.

Both times I didn’t notice when this happened but two more set pieces have appeared on the stage and put with the middle section, allows for some fantastic rollerblading stunts. Four guys zoom on in hilarious white fluffy boots and Beatles hair. They take it in turns to jump over the obstacles, managing to get high enough to high five Mr Kite who is still hanging above. As the song nears the end, they all work together in an amazingly choreographed pattern in such a small space, it’s incredible that they don’t collide at such speeds! They all stand on the one platform, eliciting cheers from the audience as they are taken down below.

As the stage empties, Jeremy appears in a new lovely red jacket and carrying not only his bunch of daffodils but some newly acquired chocolates in a heart shaped box. Now, I need some help here! I’m pretty sure this whole segment is different to when it originally opened. I don’t remember the bit I am about to mention and the part with the blackbirds has been changed but if anyone knows when this happened and what it was before it would be much appreciated!! As Jeremy reaches centre stage Blackbird begins but unlike the soundtrack it is the actually song, vocals and all. He is overtaken by Sugar Plum Fairy who strolls along with a long washing line and is followed by a bicycle of about 6 seats with little yellow Wellington boots peddling away. He watches in wonder and then spots one little tricycle lagging behind. He hurries it along but it lingers and stays with him. Jeremy points sternly (but not very convincingly) to follow its father but the only reply he gets is a childlike giggle. Jeremy plays along and hides behind the box of chocolates but the child is one step ahead of him and hides behind him. As Jeremy goes to make the child jump, he’s the one that gets the scare as the child rings the bell behind him. Suddenly, Lady Madonna struts on stage and points with much more authority for the child to move on. She curtseys to Jeremy and follows, leaving him alone once again.

As the song comes to the pause, a big black thing falls from the sky and crashes onto the ground. Jeremy, rather shocked, looks at the crumpled bird. The blackbird looks around and spotting Jeremy, makes a very random screeching noise to scare him off. Jeremy hides behind the chocolates but is not deterred, he just makes a similar noise back. But the blackbird has spotted the chocolates. He points at them and Jeremy keenly offers him the flowers, the blackbird shakes his head and points again at the box. He pulls of the lid and happily throws the poor bird a chocolate which he snatches up off the floor and scoffs, he waits for another. This time Jeremy misfires and goes long, causing the blackbird to dive across the audience to catch it (their faces are priceless!). He goes to throw one more but drags it out, swaying one way, then the other, the blackbird following his every move. Suddenly Jeremy just yells “SIT!” his only line in the whole show. The blackbird complies but the rope prevents him from actually hitting the ground. Jeremy throws the chocolate up in the air and the blackbird follows, able to fly once again as the remainder of Blackbird plays. Now, originally, it wasn’t Jeremy in this scene and there were four blackbirds involved. Anyone happen to know what caused the change? I love this version, it’s sweet and fun.

Blackbird starts to fade but the guitar remains, transforming into the intro of Yesterday. Another girl appears on stage and Jeremy approaches her. She sidles up to him and coyly takes the flowers but just at the last moment she spots another guy (same as the one from Something but assuming a different character) and she runs to him instead, handing the flowers back to Jeremy. Now, I am at a loss for what happens during this song! The girl and guy dance for a bit but I can’t remember if this lasts the whole song, any clarification would be much appreciated!

End of Part 1...

LOVE Blog: Part 2

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:23:56 GMT

As everyone leaves the stage. Four screens come down, each with a Beatle on them. Once again, recorded footage is put together to create an amusing conversation between the four of them as they tune up and get ready for the next song. There is a brief moment where Paul starts to sing Hey Jude but is interrupted, his guitar is out of tune, Ringo has a mental moment and John makes up a random tune. It ends with John (I think) counting “One, two, three, four.” As the images freeze, the screens go back up and an original recording of Strawberry Fields Forever begins. The stage rises and on the platform appears Dr Robert and the Nowhere Men standing around a grand piano. Robert pours ‘tea’ into the piano and the four Nowhere Men put their hands in together and turn to the audience to blow bubbles out through their fingers. It’s a very cool trick and as the song progresses, the bubbles grow in size as they use rings to make them, sometimes making bubbles with smoke in them which gives a cool effect. They walk round the piano creating these bubbles and as the song builds to it’s instrumental climax, the platform descends as Sgt. Peppers band parade the stage and people on golden orbs come down. One thing I noticed that made me laugh second time round was that the poor guys playing the Nowhere Men were getting drenched in bubble liquid and as the platform went down they were subtly trying to dodge the bursting bubbles, nice candid moment.

Once the stage clears again, a bed is brought on with a group of Kids sat on it with a man as Within You, Without You begins. If you’re sat near the front, you’ll notice the theatre staff move forward as they prepare to help with the main effect of the show. They pull the sheets out of the bed that seem never ending, the bed begins to rise and the sheet covers the lower part of the audience! I have only ever been underneath the sheet so I’m curious to know what happens if you are above it, what do you see? Underneath, there are projections of the Yellow Submarine and some of the characters stroll amongst the crowd (Robert was particularly popular with our section). This is one of my favourite songs in the show and one of the most imaginative remixes, combining the George Harrison song with Lennon’s Tomorrow Never Knows. It’s as if the drums were meant to be on this track, it works so well. Suddenly, the sheet rushes back over your head and disappears down the hole in the stage, the bed now vanished. The music still continues, morphing into something familiar. The theatre goes dark and little lights appear, flashing sporadically in time with the music.

The music suddenly straightens itself out and becomes easily recognisable as Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds. A light smoke effect emanates across the stage as the four Nowhere Men appear along with Fireman. He bounces along with his ladder in tow, it’s a very interesting prop, I’m not entirely sure how it works. It acts as a balance, having a massive weight at the bottom that allows the person using it to look like they are defying gravity almost. The Nowhere Men watch him in awe and move along with him, swaying when he sways and leaning when he leans, they never take their eyes off him. A soon as it bursts into the chorus, Lucy swings magnificently into the air in a sparkly white outfit. Jeremy, overcome with joy, lifts his flowers up as high as he possibly can with a mass of enthusiasm only to be dragged away by the others. Lucy and Fireman are left alone as Lucy glides gracefully through the air. She lands on the ladder and he spins her round, an effortless dance. Towards the end, she gets back on the rope and is taken back up again, out of his reach. She manoeuvres herself so that she is hanging upside down and proceeds to do a mind-blowing spin that continues for some time at a dizzying speed. It always garners a lot of claps, I don’t know how she does it. She then departs and Fireman slowly bounces back off stage.

Not too sure on the transition here but Sgt Pepper appears and people by the seats wave white material that looks like some underwater creature. A woman in a ‘skirt’ with massive holes in it also appears, she must be the Octopus as Octopus’ Garden blares out. The stage platforms raise up with more people waving things on sticks, all lit up like the strange critters deep beneath the sea. The stage continues to rise and fall, giving a sea-like movement effect. The four Nowhere Men appear, pulling along the bed with a group of Kids on it. They move in slow motion as if they were swimming and hold their breath. The Kids and Nowhere Men have a great relationship as the NM are very childlike themselves. Jeremy messes around with one of the Kids, straying from the bed and then using his flowers as a motor to get back. Each time it was different, they all play off each other very well. Sgt Pepper interacts with the feisty Octopus centre stage and people in long feather-like outfits descend from the ceiling, bouncing around like jellyfish.

As the stage begins to clear once again, other characters stroll across the stage. Mr Piggy is at the back and is criticising all the recent behaviour and the silly dancing that is taking place. Sugar Plum Fairy appears behind him and then goes straight into a fast, enthusiastic almost tribal dance, stamping his feet and slapping his Wellington boots making a great noise along with the jingling on his boots. He stops suddenly and Mr Piggy finds it a good idea to leave in a hurry. SPF continues to dance but picking up more of a rhythm this time. Suddenly, voices can be heard and as the platforms raise, we see more people in Wellington boots, doing the same moves and yelling emphatically. All the platforms begin to go higher until SPF is above everyone else and they stop dancing simultaneously as Lady Madonna kicks off. On the screens, Wellington boots dance in puddles amidst the rain. The four Nowhere Men appear at each gangway with a set of rods with lots of boots attached to strings that allow them to dance like feet. The pregnant Lady Madonna then struts on stage and has a dance off with her husband, SPF. As the song cuts into Hey Bulldog, the Nowhere Men move further into the stage and spin round with the boots. They then switch places and continue dancing. A really neat trick Jeremy (or more accurately, Daniel Buckland) did was to kick one boot onto the railing and then kick another to cross over it. He was the only one I notice do this. Madonna and SPF finally come to a settlement and he gets down on her knees to worship his beautiful wife as the platform descends and everyone vacates the stage.

Some of the Kids appear on the gangways and drag along a toy train which trails candles. They sit down in front of each one as two remote control trains arrange themselves in circles on stage. Two woman carrying a candle in each hand walk into the circles and sit down in a meditative pose. A ball of candles rises from the stage and four woman on ropes surround it. Krishna arrives as Here Comes the Sun starts up. The act is as mellow as the song and consists of gentle movement as the women move slowly around the ropes. As it finishes, it blends beautifully into The Inner Light as the Kids lead the trains away and the sun sets as it were.

Things take a different turn with Come Together. It goes from being calm and mellow to rebellious and seductive. This is one of my favourite songs in the show and the visual really...comes together! There are four women and four men, all dressed in loose clothing and dancing in a more erratic, passionate way. It makes excellent use of spotlights to go with the music and has a fantastic energy and pulse about it. Jeremy makes an appearance towards the end of the song, flowers at the ready but this time he is approached by all of them and given a bit more affection than he can handle! They all circle around him, obscuring him. They build up speed, the men running around with the women swinging outwards. As the song ends and begins to merge into Cry Baby Cry they pull away, at the same time tearing off his clothes, save his boxers. In the commotion, it takes him a few moments to notice but is quick to cover his boxers with the flowers. He quickly glances back at the audience behind him and covers himself with the flowers behind instead. He shuffles around nervously as a British telephone box appears centre stage and police surround the area. Hippies with their own flowers wander around, offering them to the police. Fireman is back and spotting Jeremy, goes after him, remembering his innocent advances on Lucy. Jeremy hides in the telephone box and watches the hippies. The police violently grab the flowers, throw them on the floor and stamp on them.

This sparks off a Revolution! The hippies face off against the oppression of the police force as they bounce around the stage on newly revealed trampolines. They rebound off the telephone box and there is a trampoline on top of it also to allow them more height. They spring off the nets and get a real force behind their jumps. Jeremy watches in wonder from inside the box. Revolution goes straight into Back in the USSR, both songs being untouched and sounding like the original versions. The hippies have won and the police drag away their fallen as the hippies celebrate by continuing with more flawlessly choreographed trampolining. The hippies disperse as the phone box descends with Jeremy still inside, waving a surrender flag.

The partitions appear once again, more transparent this time, and form a walkway across the stage. The cast walk solemnly across, at a loss. The Nowhere Men (minus Jeremy) comfort the Kids and Sgt. Pepper hangs back from the line as the partition disappears once again. A woman in a flowing white dress also remains, clutching a letter as While My Guitar Gently Weeps begins. She pleads with Sgt. Pepper but he can do nothing for her. Eleanor Rigby also appears, trying to comfort her but the woman takes no notice, too caught up in her own despair. Rigby has her own letter and dances with a young man that tries to sooth her. The woman reaches out to grasp at floating strands but they fly beyond her reach. Eleanor is picked up by the man and goes limp, dropping the letter on the floor before being carried away. The other woman collapses in a heap on the floor before noticing the other letter. She picks it up and reads it, looking back after Eleanor as she glides off-stage.

This next part may be misplaced, I’m not sure, but The Beatles voices can be heard faintly as weird astronaut like suits float across the ceiling. Some of the cast wander across the stage, looking up at the bizarre sight. They start talking about setting up the next song and with Ringo’s introduction of “Sugar Plum Fairy, Sugar Plum Fairy” A Day in the Life begins. The bed returns with just one Kid on it this time. A woman in a red dress hugs him and tells him goodbye, we assume she is his mother. The young boy doesn’t want her to leave so she leaves him her necklace as a parting gift. People walk around the stage holding up a variety of English road signs as a rope (similar to the one Lucy used) descends and the woman wraps her arms around it. As the song begins to build up to its first orchestral swell, four sets of headlights fly down the gangways towards the woman as she begins to spiral out of control and the boy looks on in horror. She is taken up swiftly, the bottom part of her dress falling from the skies to be caught by the Fool below and then darkness. I think it’s interesting how they’ve made this act an homage to John Lennon and his mother Julia who was killed in a car crash when he was 17. The song has nothing to do with it really but it goes together well with the young boy and his memories of his mother. As the song goes into the McCartney part, the boy wakes up and is dashed around the stage on the bed by the Nowhere Men, manoeuvring it at all four corners. Sgt. Pepper appears centre stage and as soon as it kicks into John’s awesome vocalising, everything goes in slow motion. Julia swings back down, a vision, something from a dream and everyone moves gently across the stage. The dream is shattered when a VW Beatle (similar to the one seen earlier) crosses the stage and crashes into her, pushing her away as the car breaks up into several pieces, moved by the cast. The bed is taken away, leaving Julia at the mercy of the car as she is pushed along on the bonnet. As the song comes to its climactic finish she spins and twirls chaotically (but masterfully) around the whole theatre in the air as the lights flash erratically before falling to the ground and lying limp and lifeless. The young boy approaches her as everyone stands around in shock. He clutches the necklace while she is lifted up on the rope and taken out of sight. It’s a pretty harrowing part of the show really for something so uplifting but it is very effective!

Jeremy approaches the boy and gives him a big hug as everyone begins to leave. He gives him one of his daffodils before making another appear from his sleeve. He decides to give him that one too and conjures another for himself. The Fool also arrives to try to make the boy feel better as Hey Jude begins. The Nurses appear with their red and black umbrellas full of red confetti which the spread along the stage, brightening the mood. Jeremy and the Fool keep trying to drag the poor boy in opposite directions to raise his spirits. As the song gets into the “Nah-nah-nah-nah”’s, everything kicks off! It’s a feast for the eyes, reds and oranges everywhere, people dancing and rejoicing once again. Jeremy and the boy look on in wonder and lie on the floor, watching a break-dancer perform some great moves. Petal like confetti now litters the stage, continuously falling from the sky as Her Majesty flies above them. It’s quite an overwhelming sight, very happy.

Without so much as a pause, it bursts into Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) with the whole cast taking centre stage celebrating love and life. Even Mr Piggy and Father McKenzie have joined in the festivities. Hippies bungee up, down and across the stage, beautiful partitions are brought up on the stage as the characters dance and have fun. Jeremy dances awkwardly, not really knowing what to do. Everyone looks like they’re having a blast, not just on stage but in the audience too. They sing along and encourage us to as well. The song ends and they all leave the stage in a flurry. The audience goes wild. But it’s not even over!

The first few notes of the French national anthem start up cueing the crucial song of the show: All You Need Is Love. The cast all return (save for Jeremy) and stand on the stage as the partitions drop down, each with projections of video footage of The Beatles. They raise their arms in a salute to the four men that have really made this show possible and it is a very moving moment. Red streamers burst from the ceiling, covering the audience. Then Jeremy appears on stage with the most ridiculously huge bunch of daffodils known to man and does a quick solo dash around the stage to massive applause. As he takes centre stage, the rest of the cast surround him, he finally gets the unconditional love he has sought. The show closes out with The Beatles laughing and John saying “This is Johnny Lennon saying Goodnight to yous-all and God bless yourselves”. And that’s LOVE.

Some parts I don’t doubt are incorrect and I welcome any corrections! I hope you garnered something from this obscenely epic post, whether it was to relive the experience or to jog your memory of what happened during a certain song. I hope that one day the show will be available on DVD but the likelihood is low, for now at least. Please go see this show, buy the soundtrack, it’s a truly amazing experience! Thanks for listening. :)

50 Years Today...

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:00:11 GMT

I have been thinking about this blog for a while now. What I'd say, how I could make it interesting and effective. And then yesterday I realised that it doesn't matter, It's never seemed to matter.

50 years ago today in Iowa, one of the princes of Rock n' Roll was killed in a plane crash at the age of 22. Buddy Holly was one of the greatest musicians and one of the most influential people on the music scene, producing and writing much of his own work. Not to mention the fact that it's damned good too! It still holds up and you can occasionally hear it in films and on TV (one of my favourites, Everyday, is used on the Daily Mail advert at the moment). He proved very influential on future artists such as Hank Marvin of The Shadows and most notably The Beatles. Partially paying homage to The Crickets with their name, Paul McCartney and John Lennon were both big fans, even covering Words of Love.

And yet so few people care anymore. Elvis is lauded as the King of Rock n' Roll when he didn't even write his own stuff. I know I can't really judge, a lot of people say you had to be there but I don't think that should be a solid excuse. I've never understood the appeal of Elvis but media and marketing suggest I'm in a minority. Calendars, mugs, clocks, posters, bags, ironing board covers, towels...all can be found with Elvis on it. Anniversary of his death, TV shows, documentaries, films run for the whole week. BBC4 is having a Buddy Holly night tomorrow (not sure why, I guess it was the 4th to us when he died) which I am pleased about, at least someone is making an effort.

This isn't a dig at Elvis, he was just the most obvious example. And merchandising is a sensitive area as a lot of that has to do with Buddy's widow having a tight grip on it. But this still doesn't change the fact that Buddy seems to have fallen into undeserved obscurity.

I was hoping to be in Lubbock today, the place of his birth, to celebrate his life and music with other fans. Sadly, it fell through but imagine my dismay when I learned that no such festivities were planned. For a city that supposedly hails him as "Lubbock's favorite son", they don't seem too interested in remembering him. I believe there is a panel with a Rock n' Roll historian at the Buddy Holly Center, that's all I can find. If anyone could truly preserve his memory it's them and if they no longer care, then I fear no-one will.

You probably don't know or care either and I don't blame you, the music's over 50 years old, it's different but that doesn't mean it's bad. I implore you, take just 3 minutes out of your life, go over to YouTube and listen to one song. Just one. I'm not asking you to love it, I just want people to give it a chance, I want it to stay alive. If you have BBC4, stop by there tomorrow evening just for an idea, maybe watch The Buddy Holly Story (it's a great film!).

Rave On.

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:49:49 GMT

Wow. Great news at work today! Zurich have decided that within general insurance (which is me) they are going to make 700-900 people redundant. Most people were half expecting it but it's completely taken me by surprise and to say I'm a bit gutted is a major understatement. I know I moan about it sometimes but it is the perfect job for me and I don't think I could find anything else like it! Apart from the fact that I REALLY don't want to have to start looking again, just the thought of leaving is depressing enough.

We're not sure whose gonna go and we won't know for about another month but no-one is very confident at Whiteley, we think we'll be given the chop. Or at least some of us. We're more worried because, now that they're going paper-less, they won't have as much need for clercial staff.

*sigh* I guess it's just a waiting game now. I'll just browse the job ads, see how it goes.

Sat, 17 May 2008 09:48:12 GMT

So, it's the FA Cup final today. Portsmouth vs Cardiff. The whole city is decked out in blue and white, everyone's very excited about the prospect of holding that cup for the first time in 69 year. I'm looking forward to it too but I'm not gonna get too excited, we haven't been playing great lately. Dad wants to go see it down at the Common on the big screen they've set up. They reckon there will be about 20,000 people down there. It would be a great environment but they think it's going to be a washout and I don't want to be surrounded by grown men sobbing if we lose. It's just a game guys! There's always next year.

UPDATE:

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1-0 in regular play. I'm so pleased for everybody. Harry Redknapp totally deserved to win that trophy as did the team. The noise outside was amazing, it's still going occasionally. They're doing a bus tour round Pompey tomorrow with the FA Cup so we'll probably go see them somewhere enroute. Happy days! :)

Thu, 08 May 2008 20:13:03 GMT

I am SOOOOOOO bored! My parents have gone away for a long weekend so I have the house to myself. That all seemed well and good but I just totally don't know what to do with myself. I can't watch the TV cos mum's recording Heroes and I can't decide on a DVD to watch. I feel like writing something but my mind is drawing a complete blank. And to top it all off, I keep thinking it's Friday!! Maybe I should just go to bed...How dull.

I missed the second ep of Enterprise S2 on the TV which is never good. As soon as I forget an episode it justs gets worse until I give up completely. Chuck's still good though it's wavering a bit. Why is TV just so crap lately? Sarah Connor Chronicles ended up being awful. The last episode just made me feel like I'd wasted about 9 hours of my life because absolutely NOTHING was resolved! They must've been pretty confident that they were going to get another series, and talk about a rubbish cliffhanger. Bleugh. Give me Quantum Leap or The A-Team any day, just good fun telly :)

Well, that kept me busy for a few minutes at least...now what?

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:44:46 GMT

LMAO!!!

Ever wondered what REALLY happened to Herbert West? Well, today I found out! He's actually living over here, in Lemington Spa and is retired. Unfortuately, he's had a bit of an accident because we received a claim from him on his Mercedes (where did he get the money for that, I wonder?) I was absolutely cracking up at this piece of post from Mr West (not Dr unfortunately) and nobody else got it. What a waste. It's just a shame it wasn't actually one of our claims, maybe someone in motor will get a laugh out of it too.

And horray for the weekend! I thought it would never arrive!

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:09:56 GMT

AHHHHHH!!! I am SO pissed off at myself. Why does my memory suck so much?!

I watched Jeff's Babylon 5 episode today and as the opening credits started, I suddenly remembered something. YEARS ago, someone gave me a bunch of trading cards at a flea market even though I didn't have a clue what they were for. Most of them were Tomb Raider but the other lot was Babylon 5! I don't really remember when this was, probably '99 or '00 as that was about the last time I went to a flea market and I don't know when the cards first started coming out but how crazy would it be if, all this time, I've had a Jeff trading card!? But the annoying thing? I can't bloody find them!!! They were in the same place for years, then I looked at them and thought 'Should I really keep these?' So, now I don't remember if I got rid of them or not or if they are in storage somewhere! I seem to remember thinking that I'd better keep hold of them in case I became a Babylon 5 fan in the future, but who knows!?

So I have just searched high and low in my room with no luck and am racking my brain trying to remember what I might have done with them. *sigh* What a mess.

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:32:05 GMT

You ever get that feeling where you just wish you were invisible? I just had that. I was minding my own business while my mum and dad were trying to plan their holiday next month and now I am holed up in my room while they are having a blazing row and throwing things.

I hate it.

And they always seem to do it when I'm there and I just don't know what to do. It's usually about something petty so I can't agree with either of them and I don't like taking sides either way. It just makes me feel so awkward and if I don't leave, they won't talk at all until I come up here where I 'can't hear them'. They obviously don't realise how loud they are! And to top it all off I've been invited to a wedding reception that I really don't want to go to but feel like I don't have much choice.

What is going on!?! Thank god it's the weekend, that's all I can say. I think I need a good dose of Morecambe and Wise :)

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:25:03 GMT

OK, so it's April. It's now OFFICIALLY Spring. So would someone mind explaining this to me?

Absolutely crazy! I haven't seen snow like this for ages, it's probably over an inch think by now (which is a lot for here). I think it's beginning to ease off by now but it's been a great start to the day. I love snow! :D

UPDATE:

More pics, went for a bit of a drive to see how it looked elsewhere in the city. I don't think I have seen so many snowmen in my entire life!! It seems to me that people get more excited and genreally happy when it snows than in the glorious summer weather. It was great to see so many people out and having a good time. :)

The beach covered in snow!!!

Bransbury Park and just one of the many snowmen lying around.

Me in Bransbury Park, slightly freezing but very pleased! :)

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:18:44 GMT

I am totally pissed off and I don't know whether it's more with my friend or myself.

We'd been planning all week for her to come over as she is down from University for Easter and I don't really get to see her that often. She was planning on coming over between 1-2 and I've been rushing round trying to make the house look reasonably presentable and genuinely looking forward to seeing her again. Then at 11, I get a text from her asking if she can come between 12-1 instead which was fine. 12 o'clock I get a text saying that she's sorry but she doesn't feel well and is going straight home instead. WTF? To me that sounds like she decided she can't be bothered and has totally blown me off. Am I being too dramatic? I'm on my own for most of the day today and it would have been nice to have some company, now I'm gonna be doing nothing.

Some of my other friends are down too and said they'd get in touch but most of them haven't. Is this really what happens? Friends really do drift apart once you go to uni? Sucks if you ask me. I'm fed up with being the one trying to keep the connections and sorting things out, if they can't be bothered, why should I? Did I do something? Have they all actually been trying to get away from me for years?

I'm actually really hurt and depressed by this, maybe I will go and see Grindhouse after all.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:18:36 GMT

Halfway around the world. Thousands of miles from home. Wandering around World of Disney, I turn around and who do I see? Three guys from the Kevin Smith forum who I have met up with a couple of times back home! Couldn't believe it. Martin looked at me and did a double take before realising who I was. We had a quick chat, apparently Kevin is down here at the moment for something. I keep hearing the weather is God awful back home: floods, storms and possibly even a hurricane on the way! Sounds like I'm gonna have a lot of work to get back to.

And Ontario must be bloody empty! For every 5 Floridian cars there is probably one Ontarian. I dread to think how long it would take to drive all the way done here.

What is up with my immune system!?

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:57:57 GMT

It's just been one thing after the other recently! I had a sickness that lasted about a month, then ended up with a cold and now I have gastroenteritis! I thought it might have been food poisoning but apparantly not. I was ridiculously sick on Thursday, had to take Friday off, got better over the weekend then was ill again last night so had to take today off too! The doctor gave me a prescription for the sickness so that should help but I'm just sick of feeling sick. And what with the holiday coming up too, I don't want to ruin it for anybody.

But I had a good afternoon's sleep and a dose of the Marx Brothers and some Life on Mars. I've really gotten into that programme surprisingly seeing as I wasn't even alive in the 70's. I don't know whether to watch another light hearted flick or just go to bed, I keep having dreams about whatever I watch and they are usually pretty uncomfortable and unsettling dreams.

Bleugh.

No Country For Old Men

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:30:46 GMT

Well, I don't really know what to say about it. Overall, I thought it was very well executed. The acting was spot on, the script was excellent (as usual from the Coen's) and it looked stunning. I didn't know anything about it when I saw it so I think I enjoyed it all the more. Tommy Lee Jones was as natural as ever, Josh Brolin (who DID look a bit like Sheriff Jimmy!) made a good hero and it was a nice surprise to see Garret Dillahunt in a small role. I like to see him do comedy, he has a knack for it. It was, however, Javier Bardem definitely stole the movie for me. He's definitely up there with some of the best screen psycho's, just the intensity of the performance and the hollowness of his personality...really freaked me out.

But I have to say I was a bit let down by the ending initially. I'm kinda over it now because I just remember how great the film was but it really didn't go in the direction I expected. I could have sworn Moss wasn't actually dead, at least until his wife died. I couldn't believe we didn't get to see it, it just happened and he was dead. And then Chirgur gets away with it all!! That didn't bother me as much but the main problem I had was the kids behind me would not shut up so I was only half concentrating on Tommy Lee Jones at the end. It wasn't until the credits rolled that I realised I probably missed something really profound and that kinda pissed me off. Other than that I really enjoyed it, it's nice to see the Coen's going back to their darker roots.

One thing that does get on my nerves is why people seem to treat the cinema like a bloody restaurant. Popcorn, okay. Tub of sweets, sure. I can even accept a tub of icecream but when people start bringing in crisps, hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches...I just think, why?! They are so loud and disruptive, it really gets on my nerves. And the guys behind me totally didn't get the movie, talked all the way through it trying to work out what was going on.

As far as trailers go, nothing really screamed out at me. Vantage Point looks fairly good but I think that might just be down to the editing of the trailer. Things We Lost in the Fire definitely doesn't look like my sort of film. Sweeney Todd is a bit of a problem for me, I really want to see it but I have never been good with throats and clearly there is going to be a LOT of throat cutting in this movie!

More Cast for the Porno

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:25:43 GMT

And I'm very excited about it! Kevin's last film, Clerks II, is probably my favourite of his so far but 'Zach and Miri Make a Porno' is shaping up to be a pretty good sounding movie. I was happy to hear that Seth Rogen had been cast as the title lead, even though we'd been led to believe otherwise. I have enjoyed his performance in both Knocked Up and Superbad and think that he is well suited to Kevin's style of comedy. I'm less familiar with Elizabeth Banks but I've never doubted Kevin's casting ability to date. We also know that Jason Mewes has a role in the movie somewhere and that can only be a good thing.

But the news that has got me most excited is that today it has been confirmed that Jeff Anderson will also be playing a role in the movie. This pleases me to no end, I think he is an incredible actor who never really seems to do anything. Randal is my favourite character in all Kevin's films and I also love Now You Know which was his own film. It'll be great to see him do another role, I just hope he has a pretty big role that he can get his teeth into.

They've started filming now I believe and I think it is due out in the States some time in Autumn. From the way Clerks II went, this means we probably won't get it here until early next year but I look forward to it with anticipation. :)

Whiteley

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:47:25 GMT

It all went better than I expected actually. Got up at the ungodly hour of 6:30 to meet Mel seeing as I had no idea where I was actually going. The bus turned up pretty much on time although we got there a bit late. The buildings actually really nice although it's got that new carpet smell to it. I thought it might be healthier now that we don't have a food trolley but turns out we are about 30 secs away from a little food shop! Not good. My desk is OK although a bit smaller than my last one. My main complaint is who I'm sat with. I'm opposite the complaints team and that's all they do...complain. And Kat is so loud it was driving me insane. Then she had the guts to complain about us stamping the post too loudly! Bloody ridiculous if you ask me.

I was supposed to go to a screening of Walk Hard tonight but just feel too tired, plus the film has never really appealed anyway. Got my Death Proof DVD today so might watch that later although I do feel like something a little more light-hearted. Our flights are booked for Florida now and the villa too so we are well on our way, can't believe how soon it is either! I'm dying just to have those two weeks off, no matter where I am.

Eugh

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:07:20 GMT

What a crap day. Work just seemed to be non-stop. I felt like I was the only one doing anything and they won't let me have the 7th March off which is really frustrating! And then they ask me if I can do overtime tomorrow, and what do I say? Yes. Well, having thought about I have decided that I can't be bothered and they can stuff their time and a half. I've been dying for a lie-in for what seems like forever and I'll be damned if I'm going in to do other people's work. They won't miss me, I know it.

As if that wasn't horrible enough, I STILL can't seem to get rid of this bug or whatever it is. I was getting better but I still don't feel like eating much. I went to the doctors but he was bloody useless and didn't have a clue. All he said was come of the medication I had just started and if I'm not better in a week or so to have a blood test. NOT the suggestion I wanted to hear as I have a (totally rational!) fear of needles. If the prospect of a blood test doesn't make me better I don't know what will :( Problem is, although I feel kinda lazy and tired , my brain just won't switch off and I just want to write something. I guess that's why I'm here, reeling off all this boring information.

Ah well, tomorrow is another day! Lets hope some sleep will brighten me up a bit.

2007: A Year in Reflection

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:26:54 GMT

This year seems to have gone by incredibly fast even though I’m not sure a lot happened. I had less time off than ever before and yet here we are, about to head into 2008! So what were my highlights of 2007?

January 8^th – I watched a little movie called Re-Animator that would have a rather large impact on my life, especially later in the year. In the process I also ‘discovered’ one of the most talented actors ever: Jeffrey Combs.

January 17^th – I quit University. Not officially but this was the day I made up my mind and told the folks. It was a horrible decision but one that I felt was right. Only time would tell…

January 24^th – Having only left University for about 5 days and looking for a job for 2, I got an interview with a job agency and, after hours of waiting and migraine-inducing boredom, I get offered a job at Zurich Insurance to start immediately. I accepted and nearly a year later I’m still there and still love it.

February 4^th – This was a big deal for me at the time, OK? I’d been wanting to ask Kevin Smith a question on the board for eons but, usually due to time differences, I always missed out. FINALLY, I catch one and he answered both my questions: one on how he picks his soundtracks and the other about Re-Animator. Knowing that he was a horror fan, I was just curious if he liked it. Turns out it was a ‘staple of his youth’ and a ‘constant go-to title’ though he hasn’t seen it in a while. I knew there was a reason I liked that guy.

April 3^rd – What started out as a stressful morning became a brilliant evening. I was finally going to see Kevin Smith. It was my first time to London alone, a city I’ve never been particularly fond of. The train was fine but there was no way in hell I was taking the Tube so it was a taxi. He got me lost but I eventually got to Fopp where I met up with the View Askew boardies. After drinks and hours of talking we headed to the Prince Charles Cinema where I spotted Kevin’s wife, Jen. I ran up and gave her a birthday present which she was thrilled with and gave me a badge in return. The Q&A itself was brilliant, no duff questions and Kevin had great answers for everything. The Bruce Willis story was a definite highlight but there were too many to recall. Unfortunately, the 3 hours didn’t feel anywhere near long enough.

September 28^th – Not a particularly special day in itself, went to work as usual but I had entered my second decade. 20 years of age, no more teenage years, no more childish antics, a time to be responsible and mature. Or maybe that’s when you’re 21…yeah, that’s what I heard.

October 20th - Probably the highlight of my year. The London Expo. My first time there and I have to say it was a totally bizarre con. If you're not a cosplayer, you're in the minority! But I was there to meet Jeffrey Combs and that's exactly what I did. It was fairly brief although I'm sure it's the longest I've ever spent time with a guest. I enjoyed every second of it! My one regret? The fact that I ignored Billy, Richard and Jackie! If only I'd seen The 4400 BEFORE the con :( Full report at my myspace blog.

2007 also brought a bunch of new people into my life.

New View Askew boardies that I met and had a good laugh with, particularly Paul even if he did try to steal my badge.
My new colleagues. June, a never ending source of entertainment and hilarity, it will be a shame to see her go part time. Amy, even though she’s now left it was great to have someone to talk to films about, even if she didn’t like Herbert West. Mel, first impressions clearly are deceiving as we now get on much better than I ever thought we would. Steph, a manager who runs everything by us and enjoys a laugh, what more could you ask for? Nick, well OK, no workplace is perfect.
And finally, the internet in general. Thanks to the London Expo, I ‘met’ Elisa who has been a never ending source of knowledge and really helped expand my Jeff familiarity to what have become some of my favourite characters. And also for just being someone I can chat to and for getting me out of MSN hibernation after about 10 months!

So what does 2008 hold? My work moving to Whiteley. The travel will be a pain but it should be interesting. A Florida trip in March? Fingers crossed. My 21^st. More conventions? Who knows. If it’s as uneventful as this year seems to have been I will be more than happy! J

Hope 2008 brings good things to all.

Back to Normal

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:21:21 GMT

This has been the shortest Christmas of my life! Welcome to the real world, I guess. Went back to work on Friday and it was like I'd never been off :(

Christmas itself was pretty good though, with the obvious exception of my Nan. I really don't know what her problem is. We always take it in turns as a family to open the presents and I personally love to see how people react. My Nan, as soon as she got her present, couldn't care less about anybody else...or she'd take your present before you'd even had a chance to have a good look at it and tell you all about it!! I don't even think she said thank you but whatever, I've been told not to let it bother me.

It was a bit of a DVD Christmas, I think I got something like 16! The best being: The Marx Brothers Classic Collection, A Clockwork Orange Special Edition, Whose Line is it Anyway?, Monty Python Series 2 and 3 and The 4400 Series 3. I also got a really cool Digital Photo Frame keyring so I can have up to 70 pics on it, a Discworld diary, a dance mat, a new stereo, loads of Sharpe books and a Jeffrey Combs mug that my mum had made for me. That had me in hysterics. :D

Christmas dinner went OK although I haven't really had much of an appetite for about a month now, I can't seem to shake whatever it is that I've got.

I heard the other day that we're going round my Aunt and Uncle's for New Years which should be good although last time I went I ended up ill :S Not really the way I like to start my year!

Nearly Christmas!

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:00:01 GMT

So, I'm sat here watching Muppets Christmas Carol (my main xmas movie) and chatting on MSN. Probably gonna watch Elf after this, never seen it before but think I'll probably like it. The only other movies I usually watch at Christmas are Gremlins and Night at the Opera, guess I'm running out of time for those!!

Went to the cinema yesterday to see St Trinians. Have to say I wasn't really looking forward to it but it was actually pretty good. It went quick enough and had some laughs, Rupert Everett and Colin Firth were great as always. Emma, who I went with, got me a brilliant Wyatt Earp book which I can't wait to read.

I've got Stigmata next to me which she really wants me to watch but I just can't be bothered. Not exactly a Christmassy movie, is it?

Well, only half a working day to go and then it's time for Christmas. I hope I have more of an appetite on the day because I still don't feel 100%. Hope everything goes OK, I know everyone's getting a bit stressed about my Nana coming over because she is absolutely infuriating but Christmas is the time for family, I guess. I'm sure it will be fine :S

P.S. I should also apologise that my 't' seems to be playing up so some of the words may not look quite right!