Is This England?

This Is England '86 is a follow on TV drama to the 2006 film This Is England (directed by Shane Meadows)

The film, which follows the life of a troubled boy growing up in England during 1983, shows the lifestyle of a group of skinheads and what can happen if you fall into the wrong crowd. Crammed with graphic violence and disturbing scenes, this hard hitting British film caused me to question the country we live in and the way in which it has or hasn't changed since the 1980's.

Moving into 1986, which is covered in the current TV Drama 'This Is England '86', viewers are taken on yet another journey into the life of Shaun Fields who had previously been taken under the wing of easy-going laid back Woody and his circle of friends to 'Neo-Nazi' Combo, who turned young Shaun into a member of The National Front, whilst trying to brainwash his reggae-loving nationalistic friends.

The film shocked and dismayed viewers, showing scenes of brutal violence, racism and persuasion. It was whilst watching this film that I realised Shane Meadows had addressed the nation into realising just what went on in England during these times, and still to the present day.

This Is England 86' certainly doesn't hold back on the graphic content, and still uses shock factor scenes to grab the viewers attention and convey the importance behind the message it sends out.
Episode 3 of the series showed a disturbing rape scene which left it's audience stunned and shaken. The scene, which showed father Mick raping his daughter's best friend in the living room of his house, sparked a wave of reaction on social networking sites Twitter, Facebook and numerous TV forums.

This Is England is definitely a programme which has the capability of leaving viewers gobsmacked and concerned about the real-life issues which hide within both film and television programme.

Personally, it leaves me mortified that I am a part of a world which holds so much violence and racism. What happened to equal rights? Everybody is a person with feelings and emotions no matter what the colour of their skin or type of nationality.

It is a shame that it takes a film to bring this to peoples' attention, so many things go unnoticed and ignored, with the 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude. Viewers are so quick to voice their opinions on things that happen on-screen, but perhaps it's time that people face up to the reality of the real world and not only recognise the things that are happening, but try to do something to make a difference.

This Is England continues to show us what went on during the 1980's and leaves us questioning what still goes on today. Although it comes to an end tomorrow night (Channel 4 at 10pm) Shane Meadows has said that he can already envisage a further series.

If you have missed any of the episodes of This Is England '86, catch up here.

Is This England?

This Is England '86 is a follow on TV drama to the 2006 film This Is England (directed by Shane Meadows)

The film, which follows the life of a troubled boy growing up in England during 1983, shows the lifestyle of a group of skinheads and what can happen if you fall into the wrong crowd. Crammed with graphic violence and disturbing scenes, this hard hitting British film caused me to question the country we live in and the way in which it has or hasn't changed since the 1980's.

Moving into 1986, which is covered in the current TV Drama 'This Is England '86', viewers are taken on yet another journey into the life of Shaun Fields who had previously been taken under the wing of easy-going laid back Woody and his circle of friends to 'Neo-Nazi' Combo, who turned young Shaun into a member of The National Front, whilst trying to brainwash his reggae-loving nationalistic friends.

The film shocked and dismayed viewers, showing scenes of brutal violence, racism and persuasion. It was whilst watching this film that I realised Shane Meadows had addressed the nation into realising just what went on in England during these times, and still to the present day.

This Is England 86' certainly doesn't hold back on the graphic content, and still uses shock factor scenes to grab the viewers attention and convey the importance behind the message it sends out.
Episode 3 of the series showed a disturbing rape scene which left it's audience stunned and shaken. The scene, which showed father Mick raping his daughter's best friend in the living room of his house, sparked a wave of reaction on social networking sites Twitter, Facebook and numerous TV forums.

This Is England is definitely a programme which has the capability of leaving viewers gobsmacked and concerned about the real-life issues which hide within both film and television programme.

Personally, it leaves me mortified that I am a part of a world which holds so much violence and racism. What happened to equal rights? Everybody is a person with feelings and emotions no matter what the colour of their skin or type of nationality.

It is a shame that it takes a film to bring this to peoples' attention, so many things go unnoticed and ignored, with the 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude. Viewers are so quick to voice their opinions on things that happen on-screen, but perhaps it's time that people face up to the reality of the real world and not only recognise the things that are happening, but try to do something to make a difference.

This Is England continues to show us what went on during the 1980's and leaves us questioning what still goes on today. Although it comes to an end tomorrow night (Channel 4 at 10pm) Shane Meadows has said that he can already envisage a further series.

If you have missed any of the episodes of This Is England '86, catch up here.

Stop Stressing and Eat Cake!

Isn't is funny how each of us deal with stress differently? Some of us scream and shout, some clam up, and some deal with it perfectly. I tend to let things completely preoccupy my mind, so much so, that I start loosing sight of the things going on around me. Basically, I have a one track mind.

Lately I've realised that I've been so engrossed with meaningless, unimportant things that I have stopped concentrating on the things that really matter.

Someone once told me that there is no point in worrying about something until you have something to worry about. What is the point in stressing over things in life? It's too short as it is.

Of course, when you are in this frame of mind and there is something getting you down, there appears to be little hope, the only things that seem to matter are the negative things. It's not always so easy to 'forget about your worries and your strife,' but as I discovered just the other day, stressed is desserts spelt backwards, so why not look at the situation from a different, sweeter angle? After all, you'll only end up regretting having spent so long wallowing in self pity and stressing over nothing.

So, the next time you'll feeling a little down in the dumps, or anxiety is taking over, don't loose sight of those around you who really matter, try letting them in instead of pushing them away, they just might be able to help.

As the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved... a bit like cake.

Stop Stressing and Eat Cake!

Isn't is funny how each of us deal with stress differently? Some of us scream and shout, some clam up, and some deal with it perfectly. I tend to let things completely preoccupy my mind, so much so, that I start loosing sight of the things going on around me. Basically, I have a one track mind.

Lately I've realised that I've been so engrossed with meaningless, unimportant things that I have stopped concentrating on the things that really matter.

Someone once told me that there is no point in worrying about something until you have something to worry about. What is the point in stressing over things in life? It's too short as it is.

Of course, when you are in this frame of mind and there is something getting you down, there appears to be little hope, the only things that seem to matter are the negative things. It's not always so easy to 'forget about your worries and your strife,' but as I discovered just the other day, stressed is desserts spelt backwards, so why not look at the situation from a different, sweeter angle? After all, you'll only end up regretting having spent so long wallowing in self pity and stressing over nothing.

So, the next time you'll feeling a little down in the dumps, or anxiety is taking over, don't loose sight of those around you who really matter, try letting them in instead of pushing them away, they just might be able to help.

As the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved... a bit like cake.

When Spider's Attack...

 

I am not a fan of creepy crawlies, spiders are especially high on my panic list, and I'm sure many of you will have noticed that as the summer starts fading into dreary days and cold winter nights, with it comes spiders. Lots of spiders...

Whether I spot them running across the lounge floor during Eastenders, or crawling across my ceiling as I lay in bed at night, they always manage to completely freak me out.

It seems that at the moment, wherever I turn I am faced with eight beady black eyes straing back at me from the centre of a gleaming shiny web. and over the last few weeks I have had many a spider-attack which has left me feeling anxious, stressed and slightly paranoid. Tell me, have I missed something?; since when have there been so many spiders in Britain? I'm sure that there aren't usually this amount in September? And when did they start getting so god damn BIG?!

Most people will be familiar with the well-know children's story 'Charlotte's Web', I however had never had the pleasure of reading this book when I was younger and forgot all about it until last weekend when the film (directed by Gary Winick) was shown on TV. Hungover and sprawled across the couch with not much care, I let it play. Before long I was mesmerised and I even started to think about spiders a little differently. I suddenly couldn't help but feeling a wave of guilt as I remembered all the times I had committed murder on these ugly creatures and vowed that I would not do such a thing ever again.

That was until today's events...

I awoke peacefully this morning and was faced with the chore of hanging out my not-so-dirty laundry. I shoved the pile of clothes into a basket and walked outside over the dewy grass and towards the washing line. Then it happened; attack of the web.

Walking into a spider web is quite possibly one of the most disturbing things that can happen. You're never quite sure whether the web was empty, or if the spider was slap bang in the middle and is now crawling over you.

I stopped dead and gave myself the once over, checking for any possible stow-aways then looked over the remainder of the web. I couldn't see it, so I decided that it was definitely just an abandoned web. [It took some convincing] I walked on to the washing line with my hand outstetched as if waving away invisable mist.

To my horror the washing line was covered in web, and before you assume I don't clean my clothes often, this is not the case! I can see the silver strands of sticky web glistening in the morning sun, they're everywhere! 

I kept thinking about Charlotte's Web, and told myself that spiders really aren't as evil as I make out. Washing hung, I grab my bag and head out of the door to my car. It is then that I am confronted with the biggest spider I am yet to see. I am inches away from walking into his web and I realise that his web is attached to my car. 

It is in this moment that I consider the [slightly insane] possibility that these spiders are targeting me, setting up their webs in places that they know I am going to walk through. I'm sure they are coming back with a vengeance to terrorise me the way that I have terrorised them. Two incidents in the space of an hour is not the norm! It's time to get out the conkers and repel these eight-legged freaks the way they repel me.

When Spider's Attack...

 

I am not a fan of creepy crawlies, spiders are especially high on my panic list, and I'm sure many of you will have noticed that as the summer starts fading into dreary days and cold winter nights, with it comes spiders. Lots of spiders...

Whether I spot them running across the lounge floor during Eastenders, or crawling across my ceiling as I lay in bed at night, they always manage to completely freak me out.

It seems that at the moment, wherever I turn I am faced with eight beady black eyes straing back at me from the centre of a gleaming shiny web. and over the last few weeks I have had many a spider-attack which has left me feeling anxious, stressed and slightly paranoid. Tell me, have I missed something?; since when have there been so many spiders in Britain? I'm sure that there aren't usually this amount in September? And when did they start getting so god damn BIG?!

Most people will be familiar with the well-know children's story 'Charlotte's Web', I however had never had the pleasure of reading this book when I was younger and forgot all about it until last weekend when the film (directed by Gary Winick) was shown on TV. Hungover and sprawled across the couch with not much care, I let it play. Before long I was mesmerised and I even started to think about spiders a little differently. I suddenly couldn't help but feeling a wave of guilt as I remembered all the times I had committed murder on these ugly creatures and vowed that I would not do such a thing ever again.

That was until today's events...

I awoke peacefully this morning and was faced with the chore of hanging out my not-so-dirty laundry. I shoved the pile of clothes into a basket and walked outside over the dewy grass and towards the washing line. Then it happened; attack of the web.

Walking into a spider web is quite possibly one of the most disturbing things that can happen. You're never quite sure whether the web was empty, or if the spider was slap bang in the middle and is now crawling over you.

I stopped dead and gave myself the once over, checking for any possible stow-aways then looked over the remainder of the web. I couldn't see it, so I decided that it was definitely just an abandoned web. [It took some convincing] I walked on to the washing line with my hand outstetched as if waving away invisable mist.

To my horror the washing line was covered in web, and before you assume I don't clean my clothes often, this is not the case! I can see the silver strands of sticky web glistening in the morning sun, they're everywhere! 

I kept thinking about Charlotte's Web, and told myself that spiders really aren't as evil as I make out. Washing hung, I grab my bag and head out of the door to my car. It is then that I am confronted with the biggest spider I am yet to see. I am inches away from walking into his web and I realise that his web is attached to my car. 

It is in this moment that I consider the [slightly insane] possibility that these spiders are targeting me, setting up their webs in places that they know I am going to walk through. I'm sure they are coming back with a vengeance to terrorise me the way that I have terrorised them. Two incidents in the space of an hour is not the norm! It's time to get out the conkers and repel these eight-legged freaks the way they repel me.

Baby Talk

I'm not like most women I know. Most women I know are mad for babies. And when I say mad, I really do mean completely goo goo. [See what I did there?]

I'm sure everyone has worked somewhere during some point of their life when a colleague has gone off on maternity leave, then a few weeks/months later they re-appear, armed with a pram and baby.

Instantly, all the women in the office are sucked in like magnets, forming a reasonable sized crowd around the bambino. All coo-ing and ooh-ing at the tiny bundle of joy still half asleep and completely oblivious to it's new surroundings. I say all the women, but this does not include me.

To me, there is nothing worse than gathering around a small child, staring at him/her for several minutes with a stupid expression whilst making baby talk. It's a baby! What are people waiting for? Some sort of performance?

Give me a puppy, even a kitten, and I will be there for hours on end playing and frolicking with the little creature, but a baby? Forgive my bluntness, but they do nothing! If I brought a two-week old pup into my office, I'm pretty sure the general reaction from the boss would not be positive. Perhaps a few 'Ahh's' and pats of the head but most definitely a stern look from the boss that says 'Get that dog off the premises'

Do women not realise that babies do not understand what you are saying? No matter how much you try to baby-sise it, it makes no odds.

I don't mean to throw my toys out of the pram here [couldn't resist] but can we just stop it with the show and tell at work? A screaming child really doesn't bode well in the background when on the phone to customers.

There is a time and a place... I believe it's called Creche.

Baby Talk

I'm not like most women I know. Most women I know are mad for babies. And when I say mad, I really do mean completely goo goo. [See what I did there?]

I'm sure everyone has worked somewhere during some point of their life when a colleague has gone off on maternity leave, then a few weeks/months later they re-appear, armed with a pram and baby.

Instantly, all the women in the office are sucked in like magnets, forming a reasonable sized crowd around the bambino. All coo-ing and ooh-ing at the tiny bundle of joy still half asleep and completely oblivious to it's new surroundings. I say all the women, but this does not include me.

To me, there is nothing worse than gathering around a small child, staring at him/her for several minutes with a stupid expression whilst making baby talk. It's a baby! What are people waiting for? Some sort of performance?

Give me a puppy, even a kitten, and I will be there for hours on end playing and frolicking with the little creature, but a baby? Forgive my bluntness, but they do nothing! If I brought a two-week old pup into my office, I'm pretty sure the general reaction from the boss would not be positive. Perhaps a few 'Ahh's' and pats of the head but most definitely a stern look from the boss that says 'Get that dog off the premises'

Do women not realise that babies do not understand what you are saying? No matter how much you try to baby-sise it, it makes no odds.

I don't mean to throw my toys out of the pram here [couldn't resist] but can we just stop it with the show and tell at work? A screaming child really doesn't bode well in the background when on the phone to customers.

There is a time and a place... I believe it's called Creche.

Noise down in the cheap seats!

Now I know I've blogged about my cinematic experiences before, but I just can't help but rant about the bargain cinema night we all know and [used to] love: Orange Wednesday.

For anyone that doesn't know what Orange Wednesdays are, please, allow me to explain...

Mobile phone network provider Orange offers an incentive to all of it's customers on a Wednesday where by simply texting FILM to 241 you are rewarded with a unique code which entitles the bearer to 2 cinema tickets for the price of 1. Bloody bargain I hear you cry.

However, all good things have their down sides, and Orange Wednesdays is no exception. The bad part about them? Chavs.

Blinged up, tracksuit wearing, foul mouthed chavs are everywhere. Orange Wednesdays does to chavs as the Pied Piper does to rats. Now while I understand that these Wednesdays are a fairly good deal, I have still paid my £3.80p to watch the film in question, and I expect that £3.80p to continue to bring me the service I would normally expect.

That is most definitely out of the picture tonight.

In they come [the chavs] taking their seats, throwing around their popcorn, talking at a volume that is completely unnecessary [i really don't want to know about the fight last weekend] and just generally being annoying. You would think/hope that this behaviour would settle down once the film begins, but these people just don't 'give a fuck.'

In my most recent trip, a chav and chavette even moved seats mid-way through the film. That's right, half way through the movie they decided that they weren't quite happy with their designated seats and decided to up and leave, moving right next to me. Now not only was I constantly distracted by the chatting and fidgeting going on around me, but I was also faced with two people whispering/giggling/snogging/play fighting throughout the whole remainder of the film.

Why do people bother to come to the cinema if they aren't even watching the film?! The more I sat there in the darkened room the more I became aware that I had completely stopped paying attention to the movie too, instead I was more tuned in to the actions of the chav, I'd paid to see a film dammit, Not a pubescent couple talking in a language not even the most talented translator could understand. 

I'm sorry to moan and resemble that of a 60 year old pensioner whinging about the youth of today, but I just have to get it off my chest! I'm sure that when I was their age I did not go around shouting my mouth off as they do now, ruining things for other people and just generally being a nuisance.

Word of warning to anyone planning a mid-week movie. Avoid Wednesdays!

Noise down in the cheap seats!

Now I know I've blogged about my cinematic experiences before, but I just can't help but rant about the bargain cinema night we all know and [used to] love: Orange Wednesday.

For anyone that doesn't know what Orange Wednesdays are, please, allow me to explain...

Mobile phone network provider Orange offers an incentive to all of it's customers on a Wednesday where by simply texting FILM to 241 you are rewarded with a unique code which entitles the bearer to 2 cinema tickets for the price of 1. Bloody bargain I hear you cry.

However, all good things have their down sides, and Orange Wednesdays is no exception. The bad part about them? Chavs.

Blinged up, tracksuit wearing, foul mouthed chavs are everywhere. Orange Wednesdays does to chavs as the Pied Piper does to rats. Now while I understand that these Wednesdays are a fairly good deal, I have still paid my £3.80p to watch the film in question, and I expect that £3.80p to continue to bring me the service I would normally expect.

That is most definitely out of the picture tonight.

In they come [the chavs] taking their seats, throwing around their popcorn, talking at a volume that is completely unnecessary [i really don't want to know about the fight last weekend] and just generally being annoying. You would think/hope that this behaviour would settle down once the film begins, but these people just don't 'give a fuck.'

In my most recent trip, a chav and chavette even moved seats mid-way through the film. That's right, half way through the movie they decided that they weren't quite happy with their designated seats and decided to up and leave, moving right next to me. Now not only was I constantly distracted by the chatting and fidgeting going on around me, but I was also faced with two people whispering/giggling/snogging/play fighting throughout the whole remainder of the film.

Why do people bother to come to the cinema if they aren't even watching the film?! The more I sat there in the darkened room the more I became aware that I had completely stopped paying attention to the movie too, instead I was more tuned in to the actions of the chav, I'd paid to see a film dammit, Not a pubescent couple talking in a language not even the most talented translator could understand. 

I'm sorry to moan and resemble that of a 60 year old pensioner whinging about the youth of today, but I just have to get it off my chest! I'm sure that when I was their age I did not go around shouting my mouth off as they do now, ruining things for other people and just generally being a nuisance.

Word of warning to anyone planning a mid-week movie. Avoid Wednesdays!

The Inbetweeners Return!

At long last, after what feels like forever, Will, Simon, Neil and Jay are returning to our TV sets tonight, in the 3rd series of The Inbetweeners.

Arguably one of the best British comedy sitcoms there is, The Inbetweeners follows the lives of four teenagers growing up. Will McKenzie (Simon Bird) is a nerdy kid who moved to the school in Series 1. His hot Mum was the main reason he was accepted into this crazy circle of friends. Known as the intelligent one of the group, Will's quick witted humour and geeky ways are absolutely hilarious and are bound to keep anyone amused.

Will McKenzie

Simon Cooper, known as Si (Joe Thomas) is a shy, easily led guy and is mainly seen lusting over Carli D'Amato (Emily Head) Si usually has a fair amount of gossip about the other guys at Rudge Park, while he is probably not the funniest of the group, he provides a fair amount of entertainment during his quest for Carli.

Si & Carli

Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison) is the slow and dumb one of the group. It is usually Neil who is at the butt of the jokes, although he would be seen laughing along rather than realising. The usual teasing for Neil revolves around his 'gay' Dad, and Mr 'Peado' Kennedy, who appears to have taken a liking for him.

Neil Sutherland

Finally, there is my favourite character of the bunch, Jay Cartwright (James Buckley) The sex obsessed teen frequently lies and exaggerates his experiences, (which are usually of a sexual nature) It is Jay you can rely on for constant humour and outrageous comments.

Jay Cartwright

Previous episodes brought us many side splitting moments including; the London nightclub, the french exchange student, the school trip to Swanage and of course, the Caravan Club.

The third series of The Inbetweeners is guaranteed to be jam-packed with laughs, catchphrases and memorable moments. Make sure you tune in to E4 tonight at 10pm. You will not be disappointed!

The Inbetweeners Return!

At long last, after what feels like forever, Will, Simon, Neil and Jay are returning to our TV sets tonight, in the 3rd series of The Inbetweeners.

Arguably one of the best British comedy sitcoms there is, The Inbetweeners follows the lives of four teenagers growing up. Will McKenzie (Simon Bird) is a nerdy kid who moved to the school in Series 1. His hot Mum was the main reason he was accepted into this crazy circle of friends. Known as the intelligent one of the group, Will's quick witted humour and geeky ways are absolutely hilarious and are bound to keep anyone amused.

Will McKenzie

Simon Cooper, known as Si (Joe Thomas) is a shy, easily led guy and is mainly seen lusting over Carli D'Amato (Emily Head) Si usually has a fair amount of gossip about the other guys at Rudge Park, while he is probably not the funniest of the group, he provides a fair amount of entertainment during his quest for Carli.

Si & Carli

Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison) is the slow and dumb one of the group. It is usually Neil who is at the butt of the jokes, although he would be seen laughing along rather than realising. The usual teasing for Neil revolves around his 'gay' Dad, and Mr 'Peado' Kennedy, who appears to have taken a liking for him.

Neil Sutherland

Finally, there is my favourite character of the bunch, Jay Cartwright (James Buckley) The sex obsessed teen frequently lies and exaggerates his experiences, (which are usually of a sexual nature) It is Jay you can rely on for constant humour and outrageous comments.

Jay Cartwright

Previous episodes brought us many side splitting moments including; the London nightclub, the french exchange student, the school trip to Swanage and of course, the Caravan Club.

The third series of The Inbetweeners is guaranteed to be jam-packed with laughs, catchphrases and memorable moments. Make sure you tune in to E4 tonight at 10pm. You will not be disappointed!

Single Men: Endangered Species?

On recent conversations with friends I have come to the conclusion single men are either in hiding or extinct. It seems all the single girls I know, can't find any decent single men let alone know where to look.
Let's face it; Internet dating isn't for everyone.

The days of meeting anyone at bars and clubs are over, all those guys are after is booze and sex. Nothing more, nothing less. Anyone thinking they have been approached by a stumbling drunk because the guy wants to date is unfortunately mistaken.

Drunken men are not a good choice when it comes to looking for 'the one'. I have witnessed on many occasions alcohol fueled males shouting 'compliments' at girls on a night out. Telling them 'You're well fit,' or 'Get yer tits out!.' What do they expect to come of this? Do they really believe that the girl is question is going to fall head over heals in love with the guy in the stained white shirt dribbling kebab and stumbling across the pavement?

If a man doesn't have any dutch courage swishing around in his belly then it is unlikely he will approach. Have guys become scared of women? What happened to the brave, courageous and fearless? The rise of the Internet has left us with hermits scared to come out of there shell, hiding behind a profile.

I'm sure I can remember the days when if a guy liked you, he told you. Simple and straight to the point. But now, being in too big a group, daytime situations and lack of beer can all be enough to scare a man off.

Supermarkets, coffee shops, even workplaces all used to be a good hunting ground, but it appears more people would rather talk through an email rather than face to face. How long will it be until the Internet takes over? Facebook is already seeing more people choosing to make arrangements via wall posts than telephone calls, will a time come when talking through the Internet is the only way we communicate?

Believe me guys, there are lots of girls waiting out here in the real world, the question is, where are you?
It's time to shut down your computer's and log on to life.

Single Men: Endangered Species?

On recent conversations with friends I have come to the conclusion single men are either in hiding or extinct. It seems all the single girls I know, can't find any decent single men let alone know where to look.
Let's face it; Internet dating isn't for everyone.

The days of meeting anyone at bars and clubs are over, all those guys are after is booze and sex. Nothing more, nothing less. Anyone thinking they have been approached by a stumbling drunk because the guy wants to date is unfortunately mistaken.

Drunken men are not a good choice when it comes to looking for 'the one'. I have witnessed on many occasions alcohol fueled males shouting 'compliments' at girls on a night out. Telling them 'You're well fit,' or 'Get yer tits out!.' What do they expect to come of this? Do they really believe that the girl is question is going to fall head over heals in love with the guy in the stained white shirt dribbling kebab and stumbling across the pavement?

If a man doesn't have any dutch courage swishing around in his belly then it is unlikely he will approach. Have guys become scared of women? What happened to the brave, courageous and fearless? The rise of the Internet has left us with hermits scared to come out of there shell, hiding behind a profile.

I'm sure I can remember the days when if a guy liked you, he told you. Simple and straight to the point. But now, being in too big a group, daytime situations and lack of beer can all be enough to scare a man off.

Supermarkets, coffee shops, even workplaces all used to be a good hunting ground, but it appears more people would rather talk through an email rather than face to face. How long will it be until the Internet takes over? Facebook is already seeing more people choosing to make arrangements via wall posts than telephone calls, will a time come when talking through the Internet is the only way we communicate?

Believe me guys, there are lots of girls waiting out here in the real world, the question is, where are you?
It's time to shut down your computer's and log on to life.

$#*@!

Arguments. Nobody likes them, everybody hates them. In fact, why don't they just go and eat worms?

Conflicts of opinions, disagreements, quarrels, disputes, barneys, whatever you want to call them; they suck.

I am sure that I am not alone when I say there is nothing worse than a heated argument, especially when it's with your fella. One of the reasons that arguing with your other half can be so exasperating is mainly because of the 'talk' that usually follows. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for making up, but it's the in depth discussion that I'm not too fond of. There's the analysing of who said what, the evaluating of the outcome, before finally moving on to the conclusion. In fact, [in summary] I'm pretty sure I did something similar to this in science lessons at school.

It's funny how arguments with your loved one are so much different from arguments with your parents. I'm certainly not saying that I don't care about squabbles with my Mum or Dad, but they surely don't seem quite as painful as they are with partners. Unless, of course, it's one of those arguments about who had the remote control last or whether it's their turn to cook, but I'm not talking about those petty bickering's you have with your lover, I'm talking about full blown, shout your heart out, cry a little, rows.

Now, I'm sure that the people reading this will be thinking 'Oh dear, she's had a blow out with her guy,' but that may well not be the case! How dare you readers be so cynical! Yeah alright, I'll admit it it, I have.
But it was this ghastly argument that lead me to reflect on how unnecessary they are. Of course they are just a natural way of life and I realise that everybody has them, but I just struggle to comprehend the actual point of arguing.

One person says something, the other disagrees then BAM! Just like a volcano once perfectly still, a steaming argument erupts, red molten lava crawling over the participants faces as their voices gradually increase in volume. Does this really need to be the case? Should we in fact keep our opinions to ourselves? [at least then we are guaranteed to agree] Should we hold our tongues and just agree to disagree? It would save so much hassle. The point would be made, both parties involved would say their point, and then it would be left there, point made, noted, left. For really, an argument is only nothing more but fight of opinion.

Please note: having a shouting match is not going to win your opponent over.

Perhaps I should jot that down...

$#*@!

Arguments. Nobody likes them, everybody hates them. In fact, why don't they just go and eat worms?

Conflicts of opinions, disagreements, quarrels, disputes, barneys, whatever you want to call them; they suck.

I am sure that I am not alone when I say there is nothing worse than a heated argument, especially when it's with your fella. One of the reasons that arguing with your other half can be so exasperating is mainly because of the 'talk' that usually follows. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for making up, but it's the in depth discussion that I'm not too fond of. There's the analysing of who said what, the evaluating of the outcome, before finally moving on to the conclusion. In fact, [in summary] I'm pretty sure I did something similar to this in science lessons at school.

It's funny how arguments with your loved one are so much different from arguments with your parents. I'm certainly not saying that I don't care about squabbles with my Mum or Dad, but they surely don't seem quite as painful as they are with partners. Unless, of course, it's one of those arguments about who had the remote control last or whether it's their turn to cook, but I'm not talking about those petty bickering's you have with your lover, I'm talking about full blown, shout your heart out, cry a little, rows.

Now, I'm sure that the people reading this will be thinking 'Oh dear, she's had a blow out with her guy,' but that may well not be the case! How dare you readers be so cynical! Yeah alright, I'll admit it it, I have.
But it was this ghastly argument that lead me to reflect on how unnecessary they are. Of course they are just a natural way of life and I realise that everybody has them, but I just struggle to comprehend the actual point of arguing.

One person says something, the other disagrees then BAM! Just like a volcano once perfectly still, a steaming argument erupts, red molten lava crawling over the participants faces as their voices gradually increase in volume. Does this really need to be the case? Should we in fact keep our opinions to ourselves? [at least then we are guaranteed to agree] Should we hold our tongues and just agree to disagree? It would save so much hassle. The point would be made, both parties involved would say their point, and then it would be left there, point made, noted, left. For really, an argument is only nothing more but fight of opinion.

Please note: having a shouting match is not going to win your opponent over.

Perhaps I should jot that down...

Gossip Girl

One of my many guilty pleasures is Gossip Girl, and I'm majorly excited to say that its back one week today!

September 13th will see the return of Manhattans Upper East-siders on our long awaited screens, and there are so many questions waiting to be answered; will we ever see little Jenny Humphrey again? What happened to Chuck? Will Blair ever forgive and forget?

I love everything about this programme, from Blair Waldolf's (Leighton Meester) fashion sense to Serena Van Der Woodsen's (Blake Lively) love life dramas.

Blair is undoubtedly my favourite character, with her devious attitude and amazing wardrobe, add her Queen B status to the mix and she is every girls dream along with their worst nightmare.
We all dream of not only owning but also being able to pull off wearing the clothes that Blair does, I think it's fair to say, the girl is a style icon.

It was also in Gossip Girl that I discovered my love for Taylor Momsen. While in the world of Gossip Girl she endured a constant struggle to change her status from 'Girl from Brooklyn' to 'The New Blair Waldolf' but off set Taylor is a completely new person. Most will know her from The Pretty Reckless, a new band from New York. It was her 'Make Me Wanna Die' single that instantly won me over. Since then it seems I just can't get enough of this girl... I think I have encountered my first 'girl crush'.

 As well as the gorgeous girls gracing our screens, there is also a selection of guys, all of which are adequately good looking! Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick, has a certain 'je nais se qua'. While he isn't the greatest looking guy on the programme he does have a tendency to somehow suck you in, (and spit you out once he has had his wicked way with you.) Nate Archibald (Chase Crawford) is the good looking American sweetheart, who can entice the ladies but could definitely do with a bit more of Chuck's bad boy style. Finally, there is Dan Humphrey, Jennys' big brother and ordinary guy from Brooklyn. Played by Penn Badgle, Dan managed to woo both Serena and Vanessa, two of the best looking ladies at Constance, while he may well change in Season 4, I stick by the well known saying 'a leopard never changes his spots.'

 

All in all, this is definitely a program that will have you hooked instantly. Make sure you tune in on September 13th, I'm sure Gossip Girl will have a lot in store... xoxo

Gossip Girl

One of my many guilty pleasures is Gossip Girl, and I'm majorly excited to say that its back one week today!

September 13th will see the return of Manhattans Upper East-siders on our long awaited screens, and there are so many questions waiting to be answered; will we ever see little Jenny Humphrey again? What happened to Chuck? Will Blair ever forgive and forget?

I love everything about this programme, from Blair Waldolf's (Leighton Meester) fashion sense to Serena Van Der Woodsen's (Blake Lively) love life dramas.

Blair is undoubtedly my favourite character, with her devious attitude and amazing wardrobe, add her Queen B status to the mix and she is every girls dream along with their worst nightmare.
We all dream of not only owning but also being able to pull off wearing the clothes that Blair does, I think it's fair to say, the girl is a style icon.

It was also in Gossip Girl that I discovered my love for Taylor Momsen. While in the world of Gossip Girl she endured a constant struggle to change her status from 'Girl from Brooklyn' to 'The New Blair Waldolf' but off set Taylor is a completely new person. Most will know her from The Pretty Reckless, a new band from New York. It was her 'Make Me Wanna Die' single that instantly won me over. Since then it seems I just can't get enough of this girl... I think I have encountered my first 'girl crush'.

 As well as the gorgeous girls gracing our screens, there is also a selection of guys, all of which are adequately good looking! Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick, has a certain 'je nais se qua'. While he isn't the greatest looking guy on the programme he does have a tendency to somehow suck you in, (and spit you out once he has had his wicked way with you.) Nate Archibald (Chase Crawford) is the good looking American sweetheart, who can entice the ladies but could definitely do with a bit more of Chuck's bad boy style. Finally, there is Dan Humphrey, Jennys' big brother and ordinary guy from Brooklyn. Played by Penn Badgle, Dan managed to woo both Serena and Vanessa, two of the best looking ladies at Constance, while he may well change in Season 4, I stick by the well known saying 'a leopard never changes his spots.'

 

All in all, this is definitely a program that will have you hooked instantly. Make sure you tune in on September 13th, I'm sure Gossip Girl will have a lot in store... xoxo

Road Rage

Last weekend I drove to Bristol to visit my sister, and although this journey had been partaken numerous times before, it was on this particular trip that I realised just how much I hate driving.

When I say I hate driving, I don't necessarily mean the everyday social, business and pleasure drives, but the long, drawn out, stress-filled ones. The 'Bournemouth to Bristol Country Lane Horror' is one in general that really 'grinds my gears'.

First thing's first, any road trip requires some feel good tunes, luckily for me I had remembered to grab my iPod before dashing out the door that morning and was well equipped to play that funky music, or at least I thought; the damn thing was flat. This became Annoyance #1.

Annoyance #2 happened a little further along the road. After settling for Radio 1 with Greg James, I had become victim of 'Driving Without Due Care and Attention'. Behind me in a red Nissan Micra was a lady of around 50 years of age, driving right behind me.

Now, not only was I pissed off that this Nissan lady was almost hooking on to my tow bar and hitching a free ride, but I was also pretty pissed off that this woman, 26 years my senior, was effectively 'doing me'.

This Annoyance #2 was, of course, responsible for Annoyance #3. Like a deathly plague, these unfortunate series of events just kept leading on. Nissan had now been sitting in my back seat for the past 15 minutes, and it seemed no amount of hand gestures or shouting would get this bitch off my tail. That was until, low and behold, a takeover lane appeared ahead. Never before had I been so pleased to see a piece of grey tarmac, and I'm pretty sure that Nissan felt the same. I could almost see the glistening in her eyes as I frowned back at her through my rear-view mirror.

'Here's your chance Nissan' I said to myself through clenched teeth. Of course, Nissan took the chance with full glory and we were seconds away from being side to side with nothing between us but metal and road markings. This was my golden opportunity to deliver my telling off, I settled on a glare and perhaps even wave of the fist. However, to my dissapointment, as I turned to face my enemy and unleash my fury Nissan had passed, staring ahead, eyes on the road, and I realised I was going the wrong way.

I had successfully been bullied by an OAP in a Nissan Micra, and managed to drive in the wrong direction, unknowingly, for a full 15 minutes. What makes this even worse [yes, it gets worse] was that after retracing my steps, I was victimised again, this time by a beige Volkswagen campervan. Annoyance #3 & 4; done.

Thankfully, after these moments of madness had passed, [VW had turned off at a roundabout] I was on the open road and headed [in the right direction] to Bristol.
Everyone knows that when you see a tractor in the distance and have a line of traffic steadily flowing behind you that the dreaded overtake is awaiting. Give me a motorway and this is not a problem, in fact it doesn't even warrant a seconds thought. but on country lane, overtaking is quite the opposite. The reason?
Pressure.

As the steady line of traffic behind me slowly grew closer, I knew it was time. I weaved in and out from behind [what was now] my victim, hoping that this motion would reassure the angry drivers behind me that I was putting a plan in to action. But I wasn't really ready for such thing, seriously, these roads are narrow and my eyesight really isn't too great, the pressure from my growing queue of onlookers was starting to show, my palms were sweating and I'm sure I heard a heckle in the distance. It's in times like this when you know you are being called every name under the sun and everyone is saying; 'Tut, they could've made it then', or 'Go! Go! Go!’ It was now me on the recieving end of the cussing and gesturing that I had been dishing out earlier.

Thankfully, the tractor turned off into a passing farm, and it was now me who had become Nissan Micra lady looking straight ahead, eyes on the road as angry yelling faces passed me by.

Whoever said 'what goes around comes around' sure wasn't wrong...

Road Rage

Last weekend I drove to Bristol to visit my sister, and although this journey had been partaken numerous times before, it was on this particular trip that I realised just how much I hate driving.

When I say I hate driving, I don't necessarily mean the everyday social, business and pleasure drives, but the long, drawn out, stress-filled ones. The 'Bournemouth to Bristol Country Lane Horror' is one in general that really 'grinds my gears'.

First thing's first, any road trip requires some feel good tunes, luckily for me I had remembered to grab my iPod before dashing out the door that morning and was well equipped to play that funky music, or at least I thought; the damn thing was flat. This became Annoyance #1.

Annoyance #2 happened a little further along the road. After settling for Radio 1 with Greg James, I had become victim of 'Driving Without Due Care and Attention'. Behind me in a red Nissan Micra was a lady of around 50 years of age, driving right behind me.

Now, not only was I pissed off that this Nissan lady was almost hooking on to my tow bar and hitching a free ride, but I was also pretty pissed off that this woman, 26 years my senior, was effectively 'doing me'.

This Annoyance #2 was, of course, responsible for Annoyance #3. Like a deathly plague, these unfortunate series of events just kept leading on. Nissan had now been sitting in my back seat for the past 15 minutes, and it seemed no amount of hand gestures or shouting would get this bitch off my tail. That was until, low and behold, a takeover lane appeared ahead. Never before had I been so pleased to see a piece of grey tarmac, and I'm pretty sure that Nissan felt the same. I could almost see the glistening in her eyes as I frowned back at her through my rear-view mirror.

'Here's your chance Nissan' I said to myself through clenched teeth. Of course, Nissan took the chance with full glory and we were seconds away from being side to side with nothing between us but metal and road markings. This was my golden opportunity to deliver my telling off, I settled on a glare and perhaps even wave of the fist. However, to my dissapointment, as I turned to face my enemy and unleash my fury Nissan had passed, staring ahead, eyes on the road, and I realised I was going the wrong way.

I had successfully been bullied by an OAP in a Nissan Micra, and managed to drive in the wrong direction, unknowingly, for a full 15 minutes. What makes this even worse [yes, it gets worse] was that after retracing my steps, I was victimised again, this time by a beige Volkswagen campervan. Annoyance #3 & 4; done.

Thankfully, after these moments of madness had passed, [VW had turned off at a roundabout] I was on the open road and headed [in the right direction] to Bristol.
Everyone knows that when you see a tractor in the distance and have a line of traffic steadily flowing behind you that the dreaded overtake is awaiting. Give me a motorway and this is not a problem, in fact it doesn't even warrant a seconds thought. but on country lane, overtaking is quite the opposite. The reason?
Pressure.

As the steady line of traffic behind me slowly grew closer, I knew it was time. I weaved in and out from behind [what was now] my victim, hoping that this motion would reassure the angry drivers behind me that I was putting a plan in to action. But I wasn't really ready for such thing, seriously, these roads are narrow and my eyesight really isn't too great, the pressure from my growing queue of onlookers was starting to show, my palms were sweating and I'm sure I heard a heckle in the distance. It's in times like this when you know you are being called every name under the sun and everyone is saying; 'Tut, they could've made it then', or 'Go! Go! Go!’ It was now me on the recieving end of the cussing and gesturing that I had been dishing out earlier.

Thankfully, the tractor turned off into a passing farm, and it was now me who had become Nissan Micra lady looking straight ahead, eyes on the road as angry yelling faces passed me by.

Whoever said 'what goes around comes around' sure wasn't wrong...

The Big Screen

Everyone loves going to the cinema, don't they? I for one love nothing more than spending an hour or two at the pictures, escaping into my own little world of movie-life. But there have been numerous occasion's when I have entered the dimly lit theatre lately and had quite a different experience...

First of all, there are the heavy breathers. Not that I have any problem with those respiratory challenged, but when I lower myself into the puffy red suede cinema seat to be greeted by the nose-flute playing oaf sat next to me I am not a happy bunny. Do these people not hear themselves? Are they not constantly battling with their airways whilst trying to focus on what was being said on the big screen?

As if that wasnt enough, there's the Armrest Hogs. Yes, the very people that feel it necessary to rest their arms not only on one armrest, but both. Listen here armrest hog, each seat here has two armrests, and every seat here is joined to another. Now, I'm not too good at mathematical equations, but I'm pretty sure that this equates to each seat occupant having to share at least one of these armrests. The Armrest Hog however, he doesn't spare a thought for the poor victims situated beside him, no no, he rest's away, and in my most recent trip, the Armrest Hog had taken it that one step further and had his elbow nestled nicely into my rib cage.

Another thing that quite often disrupts my viewing pleasure at said venue, is rustling. Now, this can be rustling in any form, I'm not too picky. Rustling of sweet bags whilst ravenous sweet-munchers hunt out for that cola bottle they fancy, which just so happens to be at the very bottom of the bag, or popcorn being grabbed in the palm of the hand and shoved into viewers mouths, any form of disruptive noise making is enough to get me tutting at the innocent audience members.

I remember one of my many cinema experiences a few months back, my boyfriend had kindly [after much persuasion on my account] treated me to a cinema outing to watch Shrek Forever After. We got to our local Empire Cinema, and selected our chosen snacks for said film, [mine being a particularly overloaded bowl of Ben & Jerrys - no noise there! No sirree!] entered the auditorium and took our seats. Ahhh I thought to myself as I settled down and enjoyed a rather heaped spoonful of Cookie Dough, in my element as the creamy, gooey mixture chilled my palette, nothing disrurbing me here! Then I heard them. One of the top-rated cinema nightmares, sniggering to themselves. There, perched on the back row were 5 pubescent chavs.

Suddenly, my meddle of Ben & Jerry's wasn't tasting so sweet, I was beginning to see red, and despite their continued street talk I convinced myself that once the film began, they would quieten down and enjoy the movie. Needless to say, I couldn't have been more wrong...

If anything, once the green skinned ogre appeared on screen they were even more irritating, and I learned that they were trying to impress a couple of chavettes, who were also in the same group.

So after 5 hideous minutes of hearing that the film was 'shite' and that Chavette #1 was 'going for a fag' I couldn't take much more, something had to be done, someone had to make a stand!
This someone, was [of course] me. I took a deep inhalation [cue the heavy breather] and uttered, with all my might, "SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" accompanied by what can only be described as a death stare in their direction.

Ha, I thought to myself, that'll shut them up! My work here is done! People would be applauding me as I exit the cinema, whispering words of thanks and... my trail of thought was rudely interrupted by the laughing of the chavs and chavettes, my plan had failed miserably, and after receiving a few 'shushs' from my boyfriend [I had unintentionally started annoying him with my frequent mutterings, they weren't within hearing distance for his fortunate self] I knew I would have no choice but to admit defeat. If only the person behind wasn't kicking my chair...

The Big Screen

Everyone loves going to the cinema, don't they? I for one love nothing more than spending an hour or two at the pictures, escaping into my own little world of movie-life. But there have been numerous occasion's when I have entered the dimly lit theatre lately and had quite a different experience...

First of all, there are the heavy breathers. Not that I have any problem with those respiratory challenged, but when I lower myself into the puffy red suede cinema seat to be greeted by the nose-flute playing oaf sat next to me I am not a happy bunny. Do these people not hear themselves? Are they not constantly battling with their airways whilst trying to focus on what was being said on the big screen?

As if that wasnt enough, there's the Armrest Hogs. Yes, the very people that feel it necessary to rest their arms not only on one armrest, but both. Listen here armrest hog, each seat here has two armrests, and every seat here is joined to another. Now, I'm not too good at mathematical equations, but I'm pretty sure that this equates to each seat occupant having to share at least one of these armrests. The Armrest Hog however, he doesn't spare a thought for the poor victims situated beside him, no no, he rest's away, and in my most recent trip, the Armrest Hog had taken it that one step further and had his elbow nestled nicely into my rib cage.

Another thing that quite often disrupts my viewing pleasure at said venue, is rustling. Now, this can be rustling in any form, I'm not too picky. Rustling of sweet bags whilst ravenous sweet-munchers hunt out for that cola bottle they fancy, which just so happens to be at the very bottom of the bag, or popcorn being grabbed in the palm of the hand and shoved into viewers mouths, any form of disruptive noise making is enough to get me tutting at the innocent audience members.

I remember one of my many cinema experiences a few months back, my boyfriend had kindly [after much persuasion on my account] treated me to a cinema outing to watch Shrek Forever After. We got to our local Empire Cinema, and selected our chosen snacks for said film, [mine being a particularly overloaded bowl of Ben & Jerrys - no noise there! No sirree!] entered the auditorium and took our seats. Ahhh I thought to myself as I settled down and enjoyed a rather heaped spoonful of Cookie Dough, in my element as the creamy, gooey mixture chilled my palette, nothing disrurbing me here! Then I heard them. One of the top-rated cinema nightmares, sniggering to themselves. There, perched on the back row were 5 pubescent chavs.

Suddenly, my meddle of Ben & Jerry's wasn't tasting so sweet, I was beginning to see red, and despite their continued street talk I convinced myself that once the film began, they would quieten down and enjoy the movie. Needless to say, I couldn't have been more wrong...

If anything, once the green skinned ogre appeared on screen they were even more irritating, and I learned that they were trying to impress a couple of chavettes, who were also in the same group.

So after 5 hideous minutes of hearing that the film was 'shite' and that Chavette #1 was 'going for a fag' I couldn't take much more, something had to be done, someone had to make a stand!
This someone, was [of course] me. I took a deep inhalation [cue the heavy breather] and uttered, with all my might, "SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" accompanied by what can only be described as a death stare in their direction.

Ha, I thought to myself, that'll shut them up! My work here is done! People would be applauding me as I exit the cinema, whispering words of thanks and... my trail of thought was rudely interrupted by the laughing of the chavs and chavettes, my plan had failed miserably, and after receiving a few 'shushs' from my boyfriend [I had unintentionally started annoying him with my frequent mutterings, they weren't within hearing distance for his fortunate self] I knew I would have no choice but to admit defeat. If only the person behind wasn't kicking my chair...