tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29464505964884031902024-03-21T18:54:52.127-07:00Ravings of a Mad womanMadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-65427286549668909102012-06-11T03:03:00.000-07:002012-06-11T03:03:16.605-07:00Why the Prometheus plot holes don't bother meThere has been a lot of chatter on my timeline on twitter over the past week or so regarding the merits of the Prometheus movie. A staggering amount of vitriol and claims of 'Don't go see it dude, its full of plot holes' has echoed across my feed.<br />
<br />
I have mostly kept my mouth shut on the topic, mainly because I felt it would be difficult to fully illustrate my feelings in 140 characters without being misunderstood. Silly me - I slipped up this morning by joining in on a conversation, and was IMMEDIATELY misunderstood.<br />
<br />
I just can't say what I want to say in 140 character, and personally, I hate it when people do 4 or 5 tweets in a row. If you cant say what you want to say in 1 or 2 tweets (3 max), then perhaps twitter isn't the forum for it - so here I am - doing one of my extremely rare blog posts. <br />
<br />
<br />
Some accusations I have seen laid against the film are thus (may contain spoilers): <br />
<br />
Two crew members get lost in the alien tunnels despite having locators and a 3D map. But, if I remember correctly, there was a storm at the time, which is why the ship could not go rescue their colleagues, and interfered with the signal so explains why the technology did not work to get them out. Flimsy, maybe, but the two crew members needed to get lost in order to move the story forward, so get over it!<br />
<br />
Why do the flamethrowers work outside the ship when fire needs oxygen? When they land, someone says that the atmosphere has 20% oxygen - so it isn't oxygen free. Again, maybe flimsy, but big jets of flame look pretty on screen. Get over it!<br />
<br />
How does the wee alien removed from Liz grow to the size of a giant? Where has the extra mass come from? These creatures don't actually exist, and if they did, they are aliens so applying our own logic to their growth rate is ridiculous. Remember this thing went from sperm to baby in less than 2 days - its accelerated growth rate was already implied. GET OVER IT!<br />
<br />
There are many other criticisms (maybe some over zealous fan boy will write them in the comments for us), mainly centred around the technology. Prometheus has superior technology than the Nostromo clearly, while in the Alien franchise it is much earlier in the timeline. This has not sat well with some fans. I think that Scott was in a no-win-situation with this. The original movie was made over 30 years ago, and film special effects (and technology) has moved on since then. What was he supposed to do? Create a film with the same or less technology? This too would have received as much, if not more, criticism.<br />
<br />
I am not saying there was not things in the movie that niggled a little, but movies to me are all about escapism. Its about spending a couple of hours outside your own head, and living in a world someone else has created. It is not about examining every detail of a film to the <i>n</i>th degree looking for the minutia of flaws.<br />
<br />
Perhaps that is why I was one of the few people that actually enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
One thing I have noticed, and I am not sure if this is a coincidence or not - most of the films greatest critics are authors, or writers. Perhaps it is their creative natures that won't allow them to sit back and just enjoy the ride. It is their natural ability to create their own plot devices that perhaps means that they cannot just accept the story for what it is and not look too closely at the finer points.<br />
<br />
I am not saying that Sci-fi movies don't have to be well written, I am just saying that in a genre like this where there are no rules, where logic has to be suspended, we should perhaps be more forgiving. My greatest concern is that studio executives will one day threw up their hands and say "if we can't sell this shit to the fan boys, why are we even making it? Let's make another film about a talking animal."<br />
<br />
*shudders*<br />
<br /><br />
<br />MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-84664856314150496022010-06-30T03:18:00.000-07:002010-06-30T03:19:54.900-07:00The Silver Bullet (1985) - a review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFM90V2WWKUMEed4pbiWYrkWz3TYcWrmLxADbVZxuyFX_GmMc6iAAHFZB6Qnp5c-TOV8uV4o6YkPIoGgnUpJ05tQTUgHYI8Ac9kjUqnAQ1lDML9367Dd3B_z5VW8rIGMABtGQlQMEFdOx/s1600/silver-bullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFM90V2WWKUMEed4pbiWYrkWz3TYcWrmLxADbVZxuyFX_GmMc6iAAHFZB6Qnp5c-TOV8uV4o6YkPIoGgnUpJ05tQTUgHYI8Ac9kjUqnAQ1lDML9367Dd3B_z5VW8rIGMABtGQlQMEFdOx/s200/silver-bullet.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As part of a 80’s horror revival I am currently working through, I ordered Silver Bullet on DVD. I found it on Amazon, and it was only available on PAL as a Dutch import, so although the sound was in English, there were annoying subtitles but I tried to ignore them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My husband, <a href="http://pablocheesecake.blogspot.com/">Pablocheesecake</a> to his viewers, regularly reviews our cinema viewings and while I don’t often blog, never mind review, he urged me to give it a go this time.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In case you are unfamiliar, the basic premise of the story is as follows. The small town of Tarker’s Mill in Maine is plagued by increasingly gruesome murders. The films opens to the narration of Jane Coslow, and only her wheelchair bound younger brother Marty Coslow (<i>Corey Haim</i>) has figured out that the culprit is a werewolf. His hero and Uncle, Red (<i>Gary Busey</i>), makes him a super fast petrol powered chair, named The Silver Bullet. Despite the fact Sheriff Haller ( – <i>Terry O’QuinnLost’s John Locke</i>) has imposed a curfew, Marty sneaks out late one night on his new chair to let off some fireworks, as the town’s 4th July celebrations were cancelled due to the troubles. He is confronted by the werewolf, but narrowly escapes on his hi-speed chair after firing a rocket into the creature’s eye. The next day he manages to convince his older sister to search the town for someone with an injured left eye as proof of his story. She is reluctant to believe him but is convinced when she runs into Revered Lowe (Everett McGill) sporting a bandage over his eye. The two of them then work together to convince Uncle Red that the werewolf is real. He makes them a silver bullet out of their jewellery, and arranges for Marty’s parents to be out of the house on the night of the next full moon, where the 3 of them lay in wait to confront the werewolf.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The story itself was based on a Steven King novella "<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0451822196/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0450058786&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1ZCT7ZBVS5CKES35TR2E">Cycle Of The Werewolf</a>". I can’t say how closely this film resembles the novel as I cannot recall if I have ever read it. I imagine I have, but it would have been some time ago. I had a voracious appetite for horror books as a youngster, and was particularly fond of Mr King’s work and still am to this day. Despite a few novels that kinda strayed from the path, I still count some of his works amongst my all time favourite horror novels.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXG27gSoOwQAMN4oHMuQxyQu2nH3ccuvilxn1A0mr9K1LRv4MSiuzPMxJ7O7uoks_FV0OBv-9srBBBUOV3lL9KPAT8qd39Hih6XJM5rbM3CckKszup5FmLKZHuJV8Bc9vTa7ifyxCmojW/s1600/11---wolfmeister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXG27gSoOwQAMN4oHMuQxyQu2nH3ccuvilxn1A0mr9K1LRv4MSiuzPMxJ7O7uoks_FV0OBv-9srBBBUOV3lL9KPAT8qd39Hih6XJM5rbM3CckKszup5FmLKZHuJV8Bc9vTa7ifyxCmojW/s200/11---wolfmeister.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
<div align="justify">When compared to more modern werewolf films such as Dog Soldiers or Underworld, the makeup and special effects of the werewolf appear quite hammy. I think there is only one scene in the film where you get to see the entire werewolf. The rest of the time, it is partial shots - a hairy clawed arm as it swipes at a victim, or a hint of a beastial head with a light spot on a malevolent yellow eye. In its defence, it was made in 1985, but I can’t help wishing that they had perhaps hired the god-like special effects guy, Rick Baker (The Howling, American Werewolf In London) as this would have given the film a much needed boost.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The relationship between Marty and his sister is not untypical of millions of young girls who are burgeoning into womanhood, yet feel embarrassed and held back having to care for a younger sibling. She makes it clear that she feels that Marty is given preferential treatment by his parents due to his disability, even claiming quite openly that “you always take his side because he is crippled”. Even Red, who basically acts as a father figure to Marty despite there being a father present, criticises his sister for molly codling the boy too much. She seems very much fixed on the fact that he is disabled, and considers her drunken brother a bad influence on Marty, yet Red is the one that seems to fire Mary’s self confidence and encourage his independence. In the closing narration, after their showdown with the werewolf, the viewer is made aware that the bond between brother and sister strengthens.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ultimately, this film tries to be a horror film, but doesn’t quite pull it off. For instance, I find the character of Reverend Lowe more sinister as a man, than as a wolf. Rated 18 at the cinemas in the UK (cert 15 for DVD) there are a few moments where the tension builds nicely but one thing that stuck out for me, was the odd choice of language. For instance, there is the occasional ‘Fuck!’ but most of the time, they seem to substitute expletives with less offensive curse words which just don’t quite fit the mood of the scene. It is obviously highly censored and suffers for it. I think this is probably due to the fact that the US has always been more sensitive about swearwords on film and TV than in Britain. For example, Marty’s sister, Jane, after being scared by him and his friend Brady, calls him a ‘little booger’. I can’t help thinking that in the UK, they would have gone with ‘little bastard’.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWZUOC29ssbYr2iZa2YaxUz7iJMQXL6mfEbT_oA0sbQkI0a6HqsuIE8PH4DNF1iVgJg81M29PB7gECsRuTIDzVgBIPNU1olaFYCGjCq_sxVu0liFbotmQ8rwMPzApdxgA_Xkdj4DiSW1D/s1600/5---thesilverbullet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWZUOC29ssbYr2iZa2YaxUz7iJMQXL6mfEbT_oA0sbQkI0a6HqsuIE8PH4DNF1iVgJg81M29PB7gECsRuTIDzVgBIPNU1olaFYCGjCq_sxVu0liFbotmQ8rwMPzApdxgA_Xkdj4DiSW1D/s320/5---thesilverbullet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The acting in this film, particularly from Haim and Busey, is spot on. A 14 year old Corey Haim displays the promise that made him one of the go to child actors throughout the 80's. Busey is a legend as always, playing that slightly manic red kneck that he does so well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite my very few criticisms, it is still a highly enjoyable film, and if you have not seen it then I recommend that you hunt out a copy. It is still one of my top 5 werewolf movies of all time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my favourite scenes is where a mob goes looking for the killer after the brutal murder of a young boy, Marty’s best friend Brady. In creepy moonlit woods, with the mist swirling around their waists’ a small posse of the vigilantes are attacked and picked off by the werewolf. Local bar owner Owen (Lawrence Tierney) brings along his baseball bat with the words The Peacekeeper carved into it as his weapon of choice. When he is attacked by the werewolf, you see his arm rise from the mist with the Peacekeeper in hand, and valiantly proceed to batter his opponent. The fight pauses for a second, a small scream, and then a hairy clawed arm appears out of the mist holding the Peacekeeper which is then used to bludgeon poor Owen. Dark humour… tis my favourite kind of humour.</div>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-49941633496200585772010-03-21T12:25:00.000-07:002010-03-21T12:25:25.885-07:00I know I am not perfect but...... I am so close, it scares me.<br />
<br />
That was the quote that was on a t-shirt I bought on holiday once when I was a kid. In truth, I know I am not perfect - but then who is? No one I guess, yet some people, while perhaps acknowledging their own imperfections, seem unwilling to accept that others may be less than perfect. Alexander Pope said 'To err is human.' Now, he would probably say 'it's human to fuck up'. I fucked up. How? Well, trusting an 'ex' friend would go their own way, allow me to go mine, was my first mistake.<br />
<br />
Recently, someone I had thought of as an online friend, whom I met through the Michael Sheen fan community, lets call her "M", stopped following me on twitter. I was a little hurt by this as there had been no explanation as to why, and I had always liked her and thought we got on. When asked, M claimed that they no longer followed Michael,nor his fansites or indeed any of his fans. This was quickly exposed as a lie. I asked why I was being lied to, and just got the brush off. Oh well - I thought - their loss, and moved on.<br />
<br />
How naive I was to assume it ended there?<br />
<br />
It has since transpired that the reason M stopped following me on twitter (and Facebook) was because of a conversation I had had on twitter with another friend, lets call her "C". Me & C get on quite well, she is a straight talking, shoot from the hip, no bullshit kinda gal, and she makes me laugh. It had been brought to my attention (by M I might add) that a fan of Michael's was getting quite gushy on twitter, claiming that she was going to marry him, editing Wikipedia to add her name instead of his girlfriends... etc etc. Borderline stalker nonsense. However, it was obvious this girl was in highschool, and me & C, both being the wrong side of 30, found this amusing. Why? Probably because after life and love has kicked you in the nuts a few times, you forget what it is like to have an all-consuming-crush at that age. Hands up - we made fun of her - but let me make this clear... IT WAS ONLY EVER BETWEEN THE TWO OF US.<br />
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We NEVER contacted the girl and tell her what we thought of her behaviour, however I do have a Direct Message sat on twitter from M saying that she had a mind to contact this girl about her tweets to Michael. She blamed 'people like her' for Michael distancing himself from his twitter fan.s I advised M not to, saying that at the end of the day, she is young and will probably be crushing on someone else in a week or two.<br />
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It seems slightly hypocritical then, that M decided to take offense on this girl's behalf and dropped me & C from her friends list. I have since that day, had a small twitter conversation with the girl in question, where she contacted me, and she agreed she was a bit over the top - we laughed about it and now we are cool.<br />
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Why did M lie to me about her reasons for dropping me as a friend? Since she dropped me & C from her friends, a few mutual acquaintances have come out of the wood work to say that she has lied to them in the past also. Glad to know I am not the only one.<br />
<br />
As more and more of M's bullshit was revealed, C & I discussed in PRIVATE the hypocrasy of her behaviour, such as her gushing over Michael, and with other fans, and fansites (all of which she had claimed she didnt do anymore remember). This is where I fucked up. We should have had these PRIVATE discussions by DM, or on Facebook. <br />
<br />
It seems that as well as a liar, and hypocrit, M was also a sneaky little spy. She was still looking at mine and C's twitter feeds. She saw the convos.<br />
<br />
What did she do with that info I hear you ask? She MESSAGED MICHAEL.<br />
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I mean.... what the fuck? What kind of behaviour is that to involve a celebrity who had nothing what so ever to do with this, other than she knows both C and I are fans. She sent him copies of our tweets where we were being.. well, lets say ... less than complimentary about her.<br />
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Can I point out the obvious here. Me & C had a PRIVATE conversation about M. Now, I ask you, what the fuck has that got to do with Michael Sheen? What exactly did she hope to accomplish with this. If it hadnt made me so angry I would have laughed...<br />
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Agreed, C and I couldn't come out of this smelling of roses, but how much of tit is she making of herself? What did she want him to do - send us a tweet telling us off?<br />
<br />
I really dont have a clue. If she was that annoyed by our convo (that she should not have been looking at in the first place) then I would have thought more if her if she had just approached us directly, instead of being so underhand and sneaky. The thing that really annoys me is by bringing Michael Sheen into this, she inevitably involves my site, because all the site's visitors know that the admin of that site is me, Madnad.<br />
<br />
But what I say on my own private twitter feed between myself and a friend is nothing to do with Michael Sheen or the site. What I say on there is me as me, not me as admin of Michael-Sheen.co.uk. There is a definitive line between the two. Needless to say, I have now protected my tweets and so they are no longer visible to people who are borderline stalkers themselves. Just one of the stories I could tell you about M is when she tracked down a phone number to a radio station that was interviewing Michael and harassed them until they let her speak to them - needless to say, the DJ was NOT happy. <br />
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Now, bearing in mind that I have several hundred members on the site, as well as several hundred on twitter, not to mention on the site's Facebook page, MySpace and Tumblr - thats a lot of people that I could quite easily name and shame this person to.<br />
<br />
But I wont. <br />
<br />
Unlike M, I am better than that. I am not petty nor vindictive like she claims. I just want to get back to having fun with the non-crazy fans. But be warned, I am not Bambie either. If her harassment and deformation of my character continues - I will flame her ass all over the internet. MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-67215755757860685892010-02-24T02:09:00.000-08:002010-02-24T03:04:59.518-08:00The BAFTAs; or London and Back Again part 2<a href="http://madnaduk.blogspot.com/2010/02/baftas-or-london-and-back-again-part-1.html">Continued from Part 1</a><br />
<br />
As the sky started to get darker, the lights seemed to get brighter. All the other spectators were looking as anxious and excited as I was when the first limo pulled up. Men and women walked up the red carpet to the waiting horde of PAs/Assistants that seemed to be milling around the red carpet aimlessly. I had no idea who they were unfortunately, but I believe they were the technical guys, producers, writers etc.... all the guys that make the actors look and sound good.<br />
<br />
The crowd buzzed with rumours of who was supposed to show tonight. Some said that Uma Thurman was expected, other said Dustin Hoffman would be making an appearance. There was also rumours that Meryl Streep may even show... none of them did. Well, they didnt 'do' the red carpet anyway. I have seen pictures of Uma and Dustin at the event, so they must have snook in the back way.<br />
<br />
The first 'real' star to show up was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447695/" target="_blank">Anna Kendrick</a> who generously signed a lot of autographs. She was quickly followed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1663205/"target="_blank">Sharlto Copley</a> who was having so much fun running around signing autographs. He was just adorable, and seemed to find as much delight in signing the autographs as those lucky ones receiving them. The number of faces started coming thick and fast. Some positively sprinted up the red carpet (Quentin Tarantino, Kristen Stewart, Carey Mulligan) while others signed as many autographs as they could before being dragged off by PAs to pose for the professional press.<br />
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Roughly in order of arrival (at times it got so chaotic, that I know that there were ones I missed), after Anna and Sharlto, we had; <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0910607/"target="_blank">Christoph Waltz</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0328828/"target="_blank">Matthew Goode</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000233/"target="_blank">Quentin Tarantino</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000369/"target="_blank">Matt Dillon</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0164929/"target="_blank">Noel Clarke</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0701298/"target="_blank">David Puttnam</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0931404/"target="_blank">Olivia Williams</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000218/"target="_blank">Kirsten Scott Thomas</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0719637/"target="_blank">Jeremy Renner</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0134922/"target="_blank">Peter Capaldi</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000613/"target="_blank">Joely Richardson</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000603/"target="_blank">Vanessa Redgrave</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0829576/"target="_blank">Kristen Stewart</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1053530/"target="_blank">Tom Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005042/"target="_blank">Jason Isaacs</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1093951/"target="_blank">Aaron Johnson</a> & <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0939993/"target="_blank">Sam Taylor Wood</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0396558/"target="_blank">Nicholas Hoult</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0406334/"target="_blank">Armando Iannucci</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2588665/"target="_blank">Tahar Rahim</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0963359/"target="_blank">Jane Goldman</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000416/"target="_blank">Terry Gilliam</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0045974/"target="_blank">David Baddiel</a> & <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0052218/"target="_blank">Morwenna Banks</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0438463/"target="_blank">Anil Kapoor</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0935183/"target="_blank">Claudia Winkleman</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/"target="_blank">Colin Firth</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0240359/"target="_blank">Anne-Marie Duff</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0785227/"target="_blank">Andy Serkis</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0607375/"target="_blank">David Morrissey</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296545/"target="_blank">Nick Frost</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0743552/"target="_blank">Jonathan Ross</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0188871/"target="_blank">Mackenzie Crook</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0449417/"target="_blank">Mark Kermode</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179479/"target="_blank">James Corden</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000701/"target="_blank">Kate Winslet</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000116/"target="_blank">James Cameron</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000620/"target="_blank">Mickey Rourke</a>, HRH Prince William, and last <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1500155/"target="_blank">Robert Pattinson</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2570429/"target="_blank">Jamie Campbell Bower</a> & <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942247/"target="_blank">Bonnie Wright</a> whizzed by at some point, and so did <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001602/"target="_blank">Guy Pearce</a> who was almost unrecognizable with a total shaven head.<br />
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Now... what you have been waiting for... some pictures!. I have picked out the best ones and excluded the ones that were too dark, or too blury, or someone managed to maneuver their head or arm in the way as the picture was taken. <br />
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<br />
<a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0188.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0188.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0185.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0185.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0183.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0183.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0178.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0178.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0175.jpg" 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src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0110.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0108.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0108.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0106.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0106.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0105.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0105.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0102.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0102.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0098.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/th_IMG_0098.jpg" /></a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-56291042979467102342010-02-23T08:33:00.000-08:002010-02-23T08:36:00.615-08:00The BAFTAs; or London and Back Again - Part 1A few months ago,when I heard the date of the BAFTAs Film awards, I decided that it would a great adventure to go and join the throng of fans on the red carpet. I know people that have done this for the TV BAFTAs but lets face it... film is more my thing.<br />
<br />
I had no idea who would be attending when I made this decision, although of course, I was hoping that <a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk/">Michael Sheen</a> would attend, as I knew he had presented an award the previous year. Shortly after, the 'long list' of nominees was released, and I could barely contain my excitement to discover his name was listed. However, disappointment abounded when the 'short list' was finally released, and his name was sadly omitted.<br />
Oh well - the train tickets were bought, time booked off work, and the hotel reserved. I hoped that he would still attend, but never the less, there would be plenty of other actors for me to ogle.<br />
<br />
A few days prior to the event, I discovered that the day we were due to travel to London, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0700856/">James Purefoy</a> would be appearing at the Forbidden Planet on Shaftesbury Avenue, for a signing to promote his latest movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970452/"><i>Solomon Kane</i></a>.<br />
<br />
It was an opportunity too good to miss. Mr Madnad had already expressed a desire to go to Forbidden Planet, which I hadnt objected too but wasnt quiet as excited as him, but this news made the whole idea sound far more tempting.<br />
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When we arrived there was only a small queue, so we tagged ourselves onto the end. Would you believe it - 10 mins after we joined the queue, a guy came along and stuck a camera in our faces. 'EEK!' I cried, and immediately declined the kind offer to say a few words about Solomon Kane. Mr Madnad however, was willing to give it a go. <br />
<br />
Yes, he is the guy with the red hair.<br />
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<br />
That excitement over, we continued to await our turn to see the Purejoy (as he is known in our house).<br />
<br />
My copy of the Official Movie companion held tightly in my sweaty little mits, I finally got to the front of the queue. I sheepishly handed it over to James, who signed it with a smile, and kindly agreed when I asked if I could take a picture. He put on his best 'smoulder', as you can see from the picture below. Ladies, I dont know what it is that he has, but it exudes off him in bucket loads. It certainly had me dumbstruck. Desperate to say something quick, and witty, I only managed to mumble a thank you and shuffled off. Naturally, the further away from Forbidden Planet, the more ideas I had. 'Oh, I should have said... ' etc etc. <br />
<br />
<img alt="london baftas 2010" border="0" height="300" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/BAFTAs2010/IMG_0089.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
We had a good browse around the book section, and manage to walk out with only 3 books - which for us, was pretty good.<br />
<br />
We checked into the hotel and had a couple of hours taking it easy reading in our room, then went out for a walk and to grab some dinner. Our hotel was not far from Russell Square so there was plenty of restaurants around but in the end we plumped for something reasonably familiar and went with Pizza Express.<br />
<br />
After dinner we headed to a nearby pub and stopped off for a drink. We didnt exactly paint the town red, but we had gotten up pretty early that morning, and knew that we had a long day tomorrow and so decided an early night was probably a good idea.<br />
<br />
The hotel we had chosen was based on location, and cheapness. After the first few hours on a bed that had the thinnest mattress and was sat on floorboards that sloped upwards, and listening to the traffic that sounded like it was only a foot away, driving by the single glazed windows, I decided that it had been a bad move. At 6:30am, after a sleepless night for the both of us, we got up and dragged our tired asses down to the Theatre Royal to collect our wristbands.<br />
<br />
We got there just before 8am and was surprised at the number of people already queuing, in fact several were in tents and sleeping bags - quite obviously having been there ALL NIGHT!!! I admit, I was concerned that we would not get a wristband, but we joined the end regardless, and stood there waiting... and of course, it started to rain. Once the queue started moving, we only had to wait about another 45 mins before we got ours...... aaaaannnd relax. The friendly security guards gave us our numbered wristband, and directed is to return at about 1:30pm, and that they would not be allowing us access to the red carpet until 3pm, so we had a few hours to kill. <br />
<br />
By this time, the rain was pretty heavy, so we walked up to Covent Garden where we got a lovely breakfast at Tuttons. We spent the next few hours looking around the Garden, and hopping in and out of coffee bars, and pubs to dry off and get warm. <br />
<br />
At the appointed time, we returned to the Theatre Royal, and commenced queueing ... again. At 3pm they started letting us up to the barriers in number order. Unfortunately, there were 250 people ahead of us, so we didnt get a front row spot as I had hoped. To make matters worse we seemed to be surrounded by autograph hounds, the kind that get celebrity autographs just to sell on - make a quick buck. They guarded their positions fiercely, and basically made it impossible for genuinely interested fans to get close to their heroes.<br />
<br />
Mr Madnad and I tried to remain as positive as we could, and waited for another hour or so, before the first star arrived.<br />
<br />
To Be Continued in Part 2.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-67839666431470364232010-01-27T04:39:00.001-08:002010-01-27T04:46:03.444-08:00A 100 Reasons why I HATE Twilight.Actually, there is only 10, but I figured a 100 would get your attention. I am sure if I could be arsed to read more than the first two books I would probably make it to a 100 no worries. Do feel free to add your own in the comments.<br />
<br />
I also realise I have ranted about this subject before, and that what I might be doing is engendering you with an overwhelming desire to read it (if you haven't already) just out of curiosity, but I am just sick and tired of it just taking over everything.<br />
<br />
My inbox keeps filling up with supposed Michael Sheen google alerts. I open them excitedly, only to find old news relating to him being regurgitated by the endless stream of Twilight fan sites. Not surprisingly, most of the fans had no idea who Michael Sheen was prior to his (lamented) appearance as Aro in New Moon, and so I am subjected to constant remarks of surprise when they find him in something else – did they seriously think this was his first real job? All the others cast members were obviously hired because of their looks, (apart from Robert Pattinson who is actually an okay actor but not very braw – casting director must have been drunk that day). I think Michael was hired simply to give this one some much needed gravitas. On set, I imagine all the others watching Michael do his scenes thinking ‘wow – is that what real acting looks like – it looks hard’.<br />
<br />
More evidence of Twilights pervasive nature is for example Entertainment sites, where I would once would get information about the latest project of celebrity A or B, have basically become Twilight obsessees, and report on the dullness that is ‘OMG Kirsten Stewart has been spotted getting a coffee somewhere’... who gives a flying fuck?<br />
<br />
Granted, the books are quite addictive (some additive in the paper has been suggested) but I think that is because the tantalizing preface gives us the impression something really exciting is going to happen, but it kinda doesn't. During most of the climax of the first book, Bella is unconscious and so we miss out on all the action. Lazy writing?<br />
<br />
They are in a rough ascending order, the one I feel most strongly about being no. 1. Let me count the ways...<br />
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10. It seems to me that ultimately, this book is a great big fat 'Mary Sue' - a book primarily functioning as wish-fulfilment fantasy for the author. Not always a bad thing, but so blatant in this book - particularly due to her obvious recreation of her mormonistic views towards sex before marriage, and de-fanged vampires. <br />
9. The fans - I have to say, one of the things I find most repulsive (scary) about the books is the high level of hysterical obsession, it elicits from the fans. The books have such a hold over them. Why they fall for this poor quality pseudo-romance is beyond me. They are fiercely loyal, a trait I would normally admire, but to the point where they will form a witch hunt against any nay-sayers. Dear reader, I am taking my life in my hands by publishing this blog! It is not a romance - it is an obsessive crush based purely on (in Bella's case) ethereal good looks and that he sparkles, and (in Edward's case) because she smells nice. Not her wit or intelligence, or her humour or humanity, oh no… her scent. This kind of love does not exist, not to be called love anyway. One of many false ideals this book portrays.<br />
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8. Is it just me that finds it a bit paedo-creepy Edward is like a 100 years older than Bella? Or, to look at it another way, why would someone with the life experience he must have at 100+ years, entertain the idea of a romance with a teenager.<br />
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7. Badly written. There are holes in the plot the size of the O2 stadium. The book is also meant to be told from the perspective of a 17 year old girl, yet the internal dialogue is of someone MUCH older. Maybe this is a ploy by the author to signify that Bella is more mature than her age... but for me it is just too forced. It is not very well written, and it seems like the author went through the first draft with a thesaurus in hand, and put in as many 'big words' as possible, rather than ones actually used in common parlance.<br />
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6. No touching. No kissing. And definitely No Sex. Just lots of frustrating angst. Bella's scent is apparently just so intoxicating that Edwards fears he will lose control. This ties in with the first book's cover showing a women holding an apple in her hands - the symbology is quite clear. Women are evil and hold temptation in their hands.<br />
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5. Everyone is so nauseatingly beautiful, with perfect hair, and luscious lips, and alabaster skin. Another false ideal, and impossible goal for teens uncomfortable with their changing bodies to aspire to<br />
4. The Vampires are effete vegetarians with a tortured soul... and they sparkle. VAMPIRES DO NOT FUCKING SPARKLE (see a previous post - <a href="http://madnaduk.blogspot.com/2009/08/vampires-have-they-wussed-out.html" target="_blank">Vampires...Have they wussed out?</a>. Also, I have to say something about the fact they refer to other fantasy characters in this series - ie werewolves. I know my friends at <a href="http://werewolf-news.com/" target="_blank">Werewolf News</a> would not forgive me if I didn't point out that THEY ARE NOT REAL WEREWOLFS. I do believe that this is actually straightened out in a later book where is clearly states they are shape-shifters…but still.<br />
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3. Edward - This character is probably the most popular with the largely young, female audience, but I find him the most loathsome of all. He is so manipulative of Bella. He controls their relationship from the start, to the point where Bella - even when confessing her love for him to herself - is almost resigned to the fact, as if it wasn't her decision. He is attracted to Bella based purely on her scent, and behaves quite appallingly towards any other males that are (surprisingly) interested in Bella for reasons far more normal. He is jealous, and controlling. He decides when they take the relationship to the next level, he decides that he should perhaps leave as she is just too darn irresistible.... when does Bella get to have her say?<br />
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2. Bella - It terrifies me that girls as young as 8 or 9 are reading these books, and have Bella as a role model. She starts off a regular teenager, slightly introverted, reasonably intelligent, averagely good looking, not athletic in anyway, in fact extremely clumsy (to the point where she is a hazard to herself). Then she meets Edward, and becomes a spineless, weak willed, obsessive, who follows Edward around like a love sick puppy. She practically gives up on life when he leaves her, and becomes a ghost (see point 1). It is also made quite acceptable for her to lie to her family and ignore her friends in order to keep this love of hers.<br />
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1. Its ultimate sin is the portrayal of women, particularly the lead female, as some kind of weak-without-a-man creature who needs to be told what to do and is incapable of existing, or giving any value to themselves, without one in their life. Now, I realise that Twi-Tards (should they deign to stop by this blog) will defend it to the death. Don't bother - I have heard all your arguments. Supposedly, the story takes us back to a time where it was very important to be liked by a boy, and the feelings of first love, and how you just want a boy to obsess about you. It is just a fantasy so why should it live up to a feminist ideal? I don't think it is a 'feminist ideal' to not want our sisters, daughters and nieces to be exposed to something that is so dangerous. Don't forget Twi-Tards - that it is thanks to the feminists of previous generations that YOU are able to buy a book, by a FEMALE author, with your OWN MONEY, to read in your SPARE TIME, and that your biggest complaint in life is that someone on the internet doesn't like your favourite book.<br />
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I realise this work is considered a 'genre' piece, but because of this it does not mean that it must purely entertain, and does not exclude it from having a meaning beyond entertainment. This book is being read by (mostly) girls of an age that have yet to form opinions about love, life and themselves, and so is influencing them in a way that women of previous generations were not influenced. Yes, we had our fantasies growing up, but they were just in our heads - they were never realised into print, or the big screen to the same degree as the Twilight Saga, which serves to reinforce them to levels previously unknown.<br />
<br />
I genuinely believe that most teens will grow out of this, and hopefully will come out the other side reasonably unscathed. There will be a few unhappy souls however, that will 'become' Bella. That will be made to feel that it is okay to have your self-worth hinge on whether someone 'loves' you or not, and lose any self respect in order to keep 'their man'. There will also be those who spend many lonely days wistfully dreaming and waiting for their very own 'Edward' when unfortunately, impossibly good looking 100 year old immature vegetarian vampires don't exist. Sadly, controlling, manipulative and obsessive men do and they are out there looking for Bellas.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-62895955169766670782009-11-20T08:25:00.000-08:002009-11-20T08:27:56.013-08:00Michael Sheen no longer a twittererSo, our man Michael Sheen has confirmed that he has left twitter, for the time being at least. After toying with the idea for sometime, I have taken the decision to remove his twitter feed from the front of the site.<br />
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I must confess, I am devastated at the news but at the same time, appalled at the criticism that he has received on twitter from so called fans. <br />
<br />
When I started following Michael Sheen on twitter, he had less than 50 followers. At the time, I had been getting increasingly frustrated at a fake Michael Sheen for ignoring everyone's pleas to prove his identity. It just didn't ring true. The posts did not have his (sometimes) surreal sense of humor or his eloquent speech. As much as I yearned for it to be him - I knew in my heart that it wasn't. When Michael started posting it was easy for someone like me - who has watched his video interviews far too many times, and read all the press interviews until I practically know them word for word - to spot the real deal.<br />
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I would have been more than happy just to have an opportunity to read his posts, to hear his thoughts and comments. I consider us all very fortunate that he took some of his precious free-time from his busy schedule to actually reply to a lucky few.<br />
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I have listened to the interview with Simon Mayo a few times now, where he gives his reasons for his absence. The first reason he gives, and he has mentioned this in other interviews such as the Tavis Smiley show, is that he has a tendency towards narcissism. He is a man who is willing to admit his flaws, not just to himself but to others which should be applauded in my book. I can easily imagine that there would be a danger of a greatly inflated ego if you are being told by almost 60'000 people everyday how wonderful you are. I actually find it quite endearing, and am grateful that he has taken this precaution as I would hate for him to become as arrogant and conceited as a lot of his colleagues in the industry appear to be. His modesty is one of the things that I find most appealing about him.<br />
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He also mentions the fact that the press had gate crashed our little party and spoiled the intimacy of the relationship between him and his fans by basically regurgitating his tweets... along with a few embellishments. <br />
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He was then asked if he is missing twitter, and he agreed that he was, which means that at some level he is missing the interaction he had with his fans.<br />
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His final comment, which is the one that I gather has upset a few of his fans, was that he it now means that he has time to spend with his 'real friends'. Some people I believe have taken this 'real friend' comment as a bit of a slap in the face, as if it was meant as an insult. I actually think quite the opposite.<br />
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I am convinced that if Michael knew that he had upset his fans by this comment he would be devastated. I personally think that the reason he made the distinction was to mean his 'real life' friends as opposed to on-line friends.<br />
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Although, lets face it, none of us can really consider ourselves his friends so why should the comment upset anyone. Just because he has exchanged a handful of tweets with us does not mean we are his friends. To me, the definition of a 'real friend' is someone who I know in real life, and have met on many occassions and have a mutual love and respect for, or with online friends - at the very least shared long and heart felt conversations. <br />
<br />
What I am trying to say is we loved him before he was on twitter so why should him leaving make us love him even less? We should look back and cherish the time he was there as the special perk that it was, and although we may not have the direct conduit that we used to have, we can still show our love and support for Michael and his career the way we always have done - by going to the cinema and the theatre to see him perform, by buying the DVD's, by using his characters as inspiration for art and fiction, and by trying to convert every female that we know into appreciating his considerably talents!!!<br />
<br />
Anyway.... I am off now to cry into a large oversized pillow *sob*.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-79194891203658987672009-08-18T06:42:00.001-07:002009-08-18T06:43:50.567-07:00Sheffield – A Reverie<p align="justify">Part of my job here at the sunny University of Nottingham, is to organise workshops, conferences, that sort of thing.  I am in the process of setting one up for November and it will be held in Sheffield. </p> <p align="justify">I grew up in Sheffield. Lived in Hillsborough for a while, and went to infant school there.  My family moved when I went up to Junior school, so I went to Parson's Cross, and then onto Chaucer Comprehensive. </p> <p align="justify">I have never really felt any romantic need to reminisce about Sheffield before, in fact, when I moved away at 16, I actually felt it was a good thing.  It seemed to me at the time, what with the increased unemployment and the general degeneration of the city centre, that it was a dying city. Sure, I would have liked to have stayed a little longer - I wanted to go to college with my friends (family dictated that I move to Skegness with them after my step-father was made redundant).  Even if I had stayed for college, I knew that I would not have made a career or home there. Compared to other cities at the time (circa 1986/7) I felt Sheffield was dirty, and run down, which thinking about it now, with the eyes of an adult, it probably was.  </p> <p align="justify">I haven't really been back to Sheffield since about 1989.  I understand in that 20 years, there has been many changes. I have heard over the last few years that the local authorities have made an effort to revamp Sheffield and improve its appearance and reputation.  It now has a tram system, and a couple of Universities (they were only polytechnics when I was there). </p> <p align="justify">I don't remember a whole lot about my time there, as I had literally just finished high school when we moved, but there are a few lasting memories. </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The Sheffield Show</strong> - most large cities and towns have an annual fete or show at some point during the summer.  I remember going there as a kid, and wandering past all the stands and being give free stuff! Admittedly, a lot of this stuff was publicity and promotional items such as a pen, or hat or key ring sporting the logo of some local firm.  They used to have fair ground rides and a there was a display area that had the local dance/karate/scouts club or whatever doing some demo. There was a stage too, run by the local station Radio Hallam.  I remember one year being quite impressed they had Showaddywaddy on.  Okay - I was only about 8 at the time! </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Peace Gardens – </strong>Never really knew why they were called that.  It was a great place to have a seat and some lunch in between all the busy hanging out and chatting with pals.</p> <p align="justify"><strong>Rebels / The Wappentake –</strong> During my high school years – I discovered ROCK!!!  I fell in love with rock music, particularly of the heavy metal/punk/Goth variety.  Two of the coolest places to hang out if you like rock or alternative music was the Wappentake (or just the Wap to its friends) and then onto the Rebels nightclub.  Now, I was never really old enough to go into the Wappentake.  I tried to once, with some friend – all of whom were younger than me – and I was the one that got kicked out. The gift of looking younger than my true age that I treasure now, I hated back then.</p> <p align="justify">Rebels however, were not nearly as scrupulous about the whole age thing, and so in the last year of highschool I was a fairly regular visitor to said establishment.  It was a dark and dingy club with one bar and a sticky floor.  The seating round the edge of the room was interspersed with the occasional speaker which meant that the whole thing vibrated.  You had to climb several flights of stairs to get in, then bought your ticket (for a whole £1 if I remember rightly) then immediately turned to your left and handed it to the guy on the door who threaded it onto a string.  There was also a tv high in a corner that showed videos of Power Hour – a late night rock show.  When I went, it was the height of NWOBHM and bands like Def Leppard were kings, so a sea of denim and leather greeted you as you walked in.  There was also the cock rock queens – fans of Bon Jovi et al, and your thrashers in their Bermuda shorts a la Anthrax.  The strange and exotic goth girls with their crimped hair and lacy collars – what I desperately wanted to be – but I usually went in jeans and a t-shirt as I had told my mom that I was just spending the night at a friends.  </p> <p align="justify"> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:fb298b27-751b-4ea2-ac62-e78c0de63cfa" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/SoqvsgYv_rI/AAAAAAAAAE4/6YF6trvofm8/88raja-8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" title="A typical night at Rebels" rel="thumbnail"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/SoqvtO_r7eI/AAAAAAAAAE8/lX8uCVDW9r8/88raja%5B25%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="168" height="190" /></a></div> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:d03aa6dd-4816-481b-80f6-2fecab2777fd" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/SoqvtW1dScI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YS2bHbbECfI/Rebelstsht-8x6%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="" rel="thumbnail"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/SoqvtxW9pyI/AAAAAAAAAFE/d4fzBs226DE/Rebelstsht%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="148" height="170" /></a></div> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The Hole In The Road – </strong>or as it it officially known – Castle Square.  This was, to a young child, a strange and magical labyrinth.  It was built as a means of pedestrians being able to navigate from one busy shopping street to another, avoiding the dangers of the traffic above.  You would descend an escalator and then walk through the hole, the top of which was open to the sky, and ascend up to your desired destination.  I don't know how many times I attempted this but never seemed to get the right set of stairs the first time.  There was a few department stores above that had display windows round the edge, but the thing I remember most is the fish tank.  There was a large fish tank embedded into the wall on one side and was always a great meeting point for friends or lovers.</p> <p align="justify">In the later 80s it fell into disrepair, with damaged lighting, graffiti, and general refuse – it became a muggers paradise.  Sadly, in the mid 90s, they filled it in.  I do think that this was a big mistake and that the council could have found another way to have the tram navigate the city centre, and instead spent some cash renovating it, repairing the paving stones and creaky escalators.  It was a unique feature of Sheffield and the city and its residents are the poorer without it.</p> <p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:8cc102c9-1e2f-4de9-b473-6b0b26bbf756" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/SoqvuTbAdXI/AAAAAAAAAFI/_DQ5sNlEsrk/07-8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" title="The 'hole in't ground' back when it was new" rel="thumbnail"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/Soqvu1Qi0oI/AAAAAAAAAFM/H8LoIfvsvLY/07%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="378" height="329" /></a></div> </p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:8747F07C-CDE8-481f-B0DF-C6CFD074BF67:0e71aa6e-3f9b-4a67-9701-f5d9fe5129af" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/SoqvvQ29TcI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/octOPHgypWA/08-8x6.jpg?imgmax=800" title="A view from inside" rel="thumbnail"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_zJyT__uP0FU/Soqvv1qENVI/AAAAAAAAAFU/M_KKRsgZw_o/08%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="381" /></a></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Anyway, come November, I will hopefully get a chance to have a quick nosey around and will report back.</p> <div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:999c9518-34f7-413f-b025-8678c238f83f" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sheffield" rel="tag">Sheffield</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Rebels+nightclub" rel="tag">Rebels nightclub</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Wappentake" rel="tag">The Wappentake</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Hole+in+the+Ground" rel="tag">The Hole in the Ground</a></div>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-46477020118844102632009-08-14T06:32:00.001-07:002009-08-14T08:54:34.454-07:00Vampires... Have they wussed out?Yes, I know it has been a while. Meh... I figured I would come back eventually when I had something to say.<br /><br />I have something I wanted to get off my chests. There has been a lot of talk recently in the sci <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fi</span>/fantasy/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">horror</span> media, that Vampires have wimped out. I think, looking at the evidence, they may be right.<br /><br />When I was young, I eagerly devoured as many horror books as I could get my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mits</span> on without the parental units noticing. Back then, the vampire was a thing of horror. They were a veritable creature of the night, and a true Prince of Darkness. Books like Dracula, Pan Book of Horror, and the many Hammer films starring the enigmatic Christopher Lee, or the strange atmospheric Nosferatu were the staple reading/viewing of my youth. Of course, I also had a soft spot for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">werewolves</span> and mummies etc. too ... but the vampire always <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fascinated</span> and drew me in, while at the same time, made me afraid of the strange shadows cast by the Star Wars curtains in my room as the street light shone through from outside.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What drew me to the vampire I think, was the fact that even though they were a monster, they looked human, and could pass for human quite convincingly. They did not have our fear of death or disease. They had a freedom from the rat race and did not have the same petty concerns that rule most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">adult's</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lives</span>. They were more often than not wealthy, and lived a life of luxury and darkness. The Victorian vampire epitomised <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hedonism</span>. The sting in the tail, the horror, came from their animalistic, all encompassing hunger - their need to feed on the blood of humans. While on the one hand I would like to romanticise that I could consider humans as little more than cattle, but any truly non-psychotic person finds the thought of taking a human life – even for sustenance - as abhorent.<br /><br />Then... along came Ann Rice. Along came her vampires who were troubled, and tormented by their nature, and resorted to feeding from animals. We sympothised and empathised with them. The Lost Boys made them a bit rock n roll, but ultimately little more than misunderstood boys looking for a mothers love.<span style=""> </span>The vampire was further defanged by Buffy the Vampire slayer, who actually turned out to be more of a vampire layer. Her vampire beau had a soul, and fought evil in order to redeem himself for all the death & destruction he caused during his long.<span style=""> </span>He got his nutrition from stolen donations from the blood bank.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The vampires in the Underworld franchise had all the poise and grace that wannabe Vamps/Goths imagine a vampire to be, and I had hoped that they would prove to be the comeback that vampires needed, but they got their asses handed to them on a plate by the werewolves…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This trend continued with books like Anita Blake Vampire Hunter and all its copycats.<span style=""> </span>The final nail in the coffin is the Twilight series.<span style=""> </span>I tried… I really did try to like this series but there are so many faults with them, some previously discussed in this blog.<span style=""> </span>The thing that grinds my gears the most is the vamps of the Twilight-verse are nothing more than sparkly vegetarians. It is quite laughable really.<span style=""> </span>Talk about watered down.<span style=""> </span>Not real vampires in my opinion.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58SOMogJEYBRh0xWYic0NN46t2Ui_J__TMbzZ8zzqiWIotxg0JzDrav_zP6Lo2hkFfDzfRdSlWoX68gc9c0PK9Rh2-2-5NPSwR1zqctn5fjkIZn0lSLK-UjSSv0JD5v3g-4sKvcwjDqv/s1600-h/89b8nrvy.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge58SOMogJEYBRh0xWYic0NN46t2Ui_J__TMbzZ8zzqiWIotxg0JzDrav_zP6Lo2hkFfDzfRdSlWoX68gc9c0PK9Rh2-2-5NPSwR1zqctn5fjkIZn0lSLK-UjSSv0JD5v3g-4sKvcwjDqv/s320/89b8nrvy.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369847882440451490" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There have been a few glimmers of hope.<span style=""> </span>Let The Right One In for instance was heading in the right direction, although I am horrified to hear that they are making a US version – for audiences to lazy/ignorant to be bothered reading subtitles.<span style=""> </span>This will of course be an inferior offering because of it.<span style=""> </span>The graphic novel world has tried to stay faithful.<span style=""> </span>If you like gory you could check out 30 Days of Night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This examination began when I heard Neil Gaiman proposed that vampires go underground for a couple years and re-emerge as something different.<span style=""> </span>I quite agree Neil. <span style=""> </span>Go away you sparkly tortured souls, and make room for the new Count Orlak, Dracula or Richard Straker.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Okay… rant over {/rant}<br /><br /><span style="">In other news</span>, my tarantula Athena shed her skin yesterday. It is always a traumatic time for the spider and the owner. Thankfully, it all went swimmingly, and now she is all shiny and new. I have to wait a good 10-14 days for her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">exo</span>-skeleton to harden and her innards to sort themselves out before I can feed her again, then it will be a rampage on locusts.<br /><br />I have recently had one of my young nephew to stay overnight. He has been plaguing his mother & me for months to come to my house 'on holiday'. Mr Madnad & I <span style=""> </span>picked him up from his mums on Saturday morning, and he was so excited he did not shut up for the first hour in the car. Constantly talking absolute drivel and finding it all hilarious, in that slightly manical and hysterical way kids can be when they are excited. He fell asleep for most of the rest of the way. Phew!<br /><br />We took him to the castle for the rest of the afternoon but I think the thing he wanted to play with most was the sand pit - and this is a kid that lives on the coast.<span style=""> </span>Back at mine, he got to beat my husband at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">wii</span> bowling - and then got to top his own pizza. He all spent a good hour running up and down the garden ( in an effort to tire him out ). He was very good, and went to bed after his bath with no complaints or fuss. I look forward to his next stay.<br /><b><br /></b>Any of you that have had to tolerate me boring them about Michael Sheen will know that I am very excited at the recent news that he is to star in Tron 2. It has not been confirmed what role yet, but I am suspecting it will be the big bad replacing, or in a similar role, that David Warner held in the original film. This appeals to me on many levels as I loved the original and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">lurve</span> Michael Sheen – so win win!<br /><br />It also kind of makes up for him appearing in Twilight. *rolls eyes*</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeO8pOlvN9aagUDfsonBJDU868seUcr59NS6geqvYNE0z2JOivJu9ptequLN-jCm6VTEsfQ3UKpwOkETgG2NmfppMMhn44ZnOqDL1aeoDatY53RSUwn05UEFPZnWLUMrdiG_GsHv-azxof/s1600-h/89b8nrvy.png"><br /></a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-50592640257446683242009-05-11T13:54:00.000-07:002009-05-11T14:54:13.889-07:00Twilight?I realise the Twilight saga is very popular, but I had never really felt drawn to reading it. Partly because my time dedicated to reading had been reduced by college, revision, then the website etc, and what time I did have I was caught up in the very addictive <a href="http://www.markchadbourn.net/">Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chadbourn</span></a> novels. However, some weeks ago now it was announced that <a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk">Michael Sheen</a> would be appearing as a vampire named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aro</span> in the film of the second book in the series, New Moon.<br /><br />This has prompted me to give the books a go, and I have come to the following conclusions.<br /><br />I was correct in my first assumption, and that I am not the target demographic. The story is set in a high school and the main characters are around 17, or at least appear that age. <br /><br />This is probably the main reason I have a problem with the book. The female lead Bella is 17, okay, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">thats</span> fine, but the male lead Edward, looks 17 but is apparently about 90 years old. I then ask the question - what the fuck is he doing in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">highschool</span>?<br /><br />The book tells us he is from a family of vampires that do not drink human blood, and wish to live amongst humans. Maybe this is part of the pretence but it seems a bit much when they could simply say that he is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">homeschooled</span>.<br /><br />Also, why would someone who has walked this earth for so long be attracted to a 17 year old, let alone fall in love with one. I know that kids grow up faster these days but its all a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">peadophilic</span> really. Let's face it - all of us at 17 thought we were grown up and knew all there was to know, and then we faced the world and realised that we knew fuck all. These two would have absolutely nothing in common.<br /><br />Add to this that Bella seems to have fallen in love with Edward, simply because of his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">etherial</span> beauty. He is quite obnoxious with her for quite a while, yet she still finds her self falling for his, pretty none existent, charms. <br /><br />The reason for his behaviour and rudeness to her is explained by him being so drawn to feed off her, that he finds it almost unbearable to be around her - and this is her fault why exactly? If someone behaved and spoke to me the way Edward treats Bella initially, I would slap him upside the head and tell him to get lost - whatever he looked like.<br /><br />Have some self respect girl!<br /><br />The final annoyance is that their love for each other is demonstrated with lots of sighs and longing glances through eyelashes. There is the odd caress of the cheek, or brush of lips and although these two 'teenagers' are mad about each other, they show great restraint.<br /><br />I feel that in this, the book is appealing to its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">demographic's</span> false ideal of what exactly is love. Love is not really like this - certainly not between two horny <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">teenagers</span> who would be at it like jack rabbits lets face it. Even romantic love needs more than just a few glances from an Adonis across a cafeteria.<br /><br />I don't even want to start telling you how disturbed I am over the claustrophobic, obsessive and suffocating relationship they seem to have. For any two people to be so wrapped up in each other, almost to the exclusion of everyone else, it is far from healthy.<br /><br />I can fully understand now why Twilight is often referred to as the scariest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">fandom</span> on the planet - it undoubtedly consists of hoards of horny lonely teenage girls all over the world, sighing and dreaming that one day they will meet their own Edward.<br /><br />Sorry girls - it is just a fantasy. I suggest instead, you stop mooning over this impossibly unrealistically fantasy and go out an meet some real boys/men. They are intrinsically flawed creatures I will grant you, and will fall very short from the ideals that you have been led to expect from reading pulp like this - but then neither are we women perfect.<br /><br />I actually think that the book is reasonably well written, but just think that the content is pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">formulaic</span>. I think that if the mythology of the vampires and werewolves were a little more original, then this might have been a more interesting read.<br /><br />I will however, continue on to the second book. Only because this is when Michael Sheen's character Aro, makes his first appearance. <br /><br />Michael - if only you knew what I put myself through for you.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-92004300421720569382009-04-29T04:52:00.000-07:002009-04-29T05:35:55.380-07:00Bank Holiday Ahoy!The first of two long weekends is looming, and I confess, I cannot wait. I have not got any plans so far, but just enjoy the fact that I can enjoy my Sunday evening, without that usual dread of Monday morning.<br /><br />I am taking some steps to hopefully remedy this.<br /><br />I applied for a job the other day, and have an interview shortly. I am not going to get too hopeful, but it would be quite cool if I got this new job.<br /><br />In other news, Michael is continuing to twitter occasionally. When I started to 'following' <a href="http://twitter.com/michaelsheen">@michaelsheen</a>, he only had less than 50 followers and was still battling to remove the fake Michael. He succeeded in doing that, and now has over 4000. Great news that this is, it also sadly means that the chances of getting a response like in the early days are probably over. Oh well - I will occasionally look with fondness on the screen cap of the small virtual exchange we shared.<br /><br />The site has had a few updates. We now sport a small forum. There is only a small group of active posters at the moment, but it is early days yet. If any Michael Sheen fans stumble across this post, then please do feel free to join us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk/">www.michael-sheen.co.uk</a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-3776740465365432142009-04-23T10:23:00.000-07:002009-04-23T10:33:09.696-07:00May the Shinest Sheen win!And I think... he has!<br /><br />For those wondering what on earth I am Twittering on about, there has been an epic battle on Twitter between a Fake Michael Sheen and a Real Michael Sheen. <br /><br />The faker made the mistake of obsessing a little too much about New Moon (the Twilight sequel that Michael will shortly be filming) and this was picked up by the many Twilight blogs out there. News of the twitter account obviously got back to Michael, so our man joined Twitter and graciously offered the Faker a chance to back off, but the stupid idiot thought this was just another faker and decided to have a pissing contest.<br /><br />For us mere mortals it was amusing, the highlights were when the Real Michael posted that he was going to watch the ''making of'' docco on the Frost/Nixon dvd, which prompted the Fake Michael to tweet that the 'obsessed fan had just bought a dvd of his work'. <br /><br />Calls on both sides for the other to 'fess up were trumped when the Real Michael, who had mentioned he was at the Groundlings Event being held in LA, posted a picture of himself AT the event.<br /><br />To the Real Michael.... well played sir.... the fucker will rue the day he ever tried to tussle with you!<br /><br />To the Fake Michael (and the other fakers) ... EPIC FAIL !!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Details of the Real Michael Sheen twitter account can be found on the website <a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk">www.michael-sheen.co.uk</a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-71520045392905750662009-04-04T07:14:00.000-07:002009-04-04T07:42:22.053-07:00The Boat That RockedIt's official! <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0631490/">Bill Nighy</a> is <span style="font-weight: bold;">THE</span> coolest man in Britian. <br /><br />I have just been to see The Boat That Rocked, and it is laugh out loud 'till tears run down your face funny. Bill was superb in it, and he oozed cool in that way that he does. I love it when he dances, as he throws shapes that cry out to be frozen into a Warhol picture.<br /><br />There is a pretender to the throne however. The multi-talented <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0406975/">Rhys Ifans</a> stole scenes from the rest of the extremely talented cast as rock god Gavin, and he looked suitably dashing in his fine purple suit. Even the feathers in his hat did not make this man look silly.<br /><br />I can't let my post go by with out a nod to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000450/">Phillip Seymour Hoffman</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296545/">Nick Frost</a>.<br /><br />The film made me miss the halcyon days of pirate radio, even though it was all over well before I was born. I think it was the spirit of anti-establishment that pirate radio represented that I miss from modern radio. DJ's these days are well heeled and over paid, and when you do get one that does something a little reckless, the Big Bad Corporation bows to the pressure of the Daily Mail massive and bans them for 3 months.<br /><br />I think that <a href="http://www.seeafricadifferently.com/">Richard Curtis</a> has an uncanny gift and has proven true to form and provided a film that everyone that sees will walk away feeling good, and possibly even a little rebellious. I will confess, that when Iron Maiden came on the radio soon after I got in my car to drive home, I cranked up that baby and wound down the windows.... and I dont even like Iron Maiden! I actually consider them a little bit 'middle of the road'. Yes kids, I am that edgy, Maiden is middle of the road for me.<br /><br />In Michael Sheen news, I have found 2 fantastic videos on You Tube that shows the man is not frightened of poking fun at himself, or at least the press's opinion of him. It is in support of a worthy cause, <a href="http://www.seeafricadifferently.com/">See Africa Differently</a>, so please take a look at the vidz <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf5ry4bGiFI">here</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NIfzWr6L2U">here</a>.<br /><br />Of course, both are available to watch on my site <a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk">www.michael-sheen.co.uk</a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-7599129695956314182009-04-01T14:44:00.000-07:002009-04-01T15:03:31.800-07:00All things Michael SheenI have been very lax with this blog, but I make no apologies as I have been rather busy.<br /><br />It was mentioned in a previous post that I was finally getting off my arse and putting a website together, for Michael Sheen. It has been up now for a few weeks and I must say that I am blown away by the response.<br /><br />There has been so many visits, and registrations, that it proves to me this was the right thing to do. I am enjoying myself and learning a lot, which to be honest, was the plan all along. I have had one or two wrestling matches with my content management system, and html can be a bit of a bitch at times, but so far I think I have come out on top.<br /><br />It is quite addictive too. I find that once I have figured out one addition, instead of sitting back, I cannot help myself and start looking for the next . At the moment, I am trying to find a template that I like. Have you any idea how many there are out there? 1000's!!!<br /><br />Anyway, should you find yourself with a spare five minutes, please stop by - and it is worth registering for a free account, as it allows you into the gallery and fans corner. <br /><a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk">www.michael-sheen.co.uk</a><br /><br />Right, so back to the usual ramble on films.<br /><br />This weekend, we went to see Damned United. Okay... I hear you groan... we are back on to the subject of Michael Sheen, but - in my defence - it is a really good film. The plot bears only a passing resemblance to reality but I think it worked. Michael was channeling Clough, and managed to give a performance that was full of the ego and bravado that we all as Clough, but allowed a behind-the-scenes like glimpse to the man's fears, and weaknesses. All in all, I think it makes the man more lovable.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-56699889764485206742009-03-11T04:38:00.001-07:002009-03-11T04:49:33.312-07:00The Watchmen - my reviewWent to see this, with a very excited husband this weekend.<br /><br />I have heard complaints that it was slow, which is true to an extent I grant you, but I think this was to try and get over the complex 'messages' that Alan Moore always puts into his novels. My only complaint would be that at over 2½ hours, it is a bit of a bum-number. I enjoyed it nonetheless.<br /><br />Granted it could also be confusing for someone not familiar with the novel, for instance - the government bill banning 'masks' is very casually mentioned, but I do believe that you can enjoy it for what it is. Visually, it is splendid. Great use of colours, and I was quietly impressed with the acting.<br /><br />There is an obvious danger when making a film of something that has such a large and passionate cult following as The Watchmen, is that you are never going to be able to truly please the fanboys (or girls). <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434409/">V for Vendetta</a> I think suffered from the same amount of scrutiny. These kind of films always come under such fire as the fanboys always exclaim 'this character didnt say that!' or ' his hair is meant to be blond'. <br /><br />If you want 100% accuracy, stay home and read the book is my response!!<br /><br />As a fan of the Watchmen, the thing I was most pleased with is that they totally nailed the character Rorschach, who is definitely my favorite. The actor looked so much like the pics in the graphic novel it was spooky. Full marks also goes to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349166/">Jeffrey Dean Morgan</a> (big daddy Winchester to you <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349166/">Supernatural</a> fans) as he was amazing as the Comedian. Whatta Guy!<br /><br />Dr Manhattan aside, these are just a group of ordinary men and women with no special abilities that want to fight crime and make the world a better place, which is an admirable sentiment. The point that the film highlights though, is that behind the mask, they are as flawed, as contemptuous, and as misguided as the citizens they swore to protect.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-28903122910387125532009-03-06T12:02:00.000-08:002009-03-06T12:16:20.446-08:00Something to add to your browser favoritesOkay... so I know that I said I would finish my Lucian fanfic before I did this, but I got a bit excited and...<br /><br />I am now the proud owner of <a href="http://www.michael-sheen.co.uk/">michael-sheen.co.uk</a>. Yeay!<br /><br />It seemed such a shame that such an amazing actor only had one website that I could find. The existing website is also very badly organized (in my opinion) and infrequently updated.<br /><br />I have wanted to do a website for sometime now, but have been lacking in inspiration for the actual content. When I spotted that there was an obvious deficiency I resolved to do something about it.<br /><br />With some much appreciated (more than you will ever know girls ) technical assistance from the lovely <lj user="hedgeypig"> </lj><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVhUoS0McOl0Q3CP0D2nMXR4GdNX8asF9dbCkzGFxt6Dcp9AR11bKgqJ0e_QzWOjn9GVmOiF7EYyqBlCmwuME4sUcp7XN8RNLB76dVYBwqi5VOenRnx54xLqgwhqopY53DXOtppMhQAG5/s1600-h/ljtag.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 17px; height: 17px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVhUoS0McOl0Q3CP0D2nMXR4GdNX8asF9dbCkzGFxt6Dcp9AR11bKgqJ0e_QzWOjn9GVmOiF7EYyqBlCmwuME4sUcp7XN8RNLB76dVYBwqi5VOenRnx54xLqgwhqopY53DXOtppMhQAG5/s200/ljtag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310170111491395330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://hedgeypig.livejournal.com/">hedgeypig</a> <lj user="hedgeypig">and </lj><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qErEhoni9DElUZzbKryhrlho6doKVP1Rcu9cKSNpKKnEs2K6t-4inaWlpWZTzp1_Hh7xH1r1SWhOzj9znXX5jbPeXZjVKjOSH2E1r_OEjHVyv-WTIFfnEcNJ09ePc9hDkYjJXCcrE_x_/s1600-h/ljtag.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 17px; height: 17px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qErEhoni9DElUZzbKryhrlho6doKVP1Rcu9cKSNpKKnEs2K6t-4inaWlpWZTzp1_Hh7xH1r1SWhOzj9znXX5jbPeXZjVKjOSH2E1r_OEjHVyv-WTIFfnEcNJ09ePc9hDkYjJXCcrE_x_/s200/ljtag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310170344651571554" border="0" /></a><lj user="hedgeypig"><lj user="alicat1971"><a href="http://alicat1971.livejournal.com/">alicat1971</a> I have made some small progress.<br /><br />I will endeavour to get my fic finished as soon as - only a few more chapters to go I think - and then I will quite literally, throw myself at the website.<br /><br />I aim to include a theatre, TV and Film -ography, screencap gallery, news and also a fan art section. So all you Michael Sheen fans, get thee to photoshop, and send me any lovely graphics, wallpapers, banners, icons etc that you would like to share with the world. I intend to credit you all of course, with a link back to your LJ accounts (or other if you prefer).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></lj></lj>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-90186575459864146762009-02-27T01:10:00.000-08:002009-02-27T01:30:55.697-08:00DVD-athonSince my retro crush on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790688/">Michael Sheen</a> has been reactivated after my first (hopefully of many) viewings of Rise of the Lycans, I have decided to splash out on a few DVDs of his work outside the Underworld franchise.<br /><br />Last month, I managed to pick up <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323033/">Laws of Attraction</a>, which is a sweet and funny story and Michael looks great as the rock 'n' roller Thorne Jamison.<br /><br />Second purchase was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864944/">Ancient Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire</a> which I have not watched yet, although I have seen a few clips on You Tube which is what prompted me to buy it. I remember this being on TV, but missed the first few episodes and thought there was little point watching the rest. Just need to find the time to watch it now.<br /><br />Third DVD was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411291/">Dirty Filthy Love</a>. Michael plays the lead in this emotional drama about a man with OCD and Tourette's. Poor bastard.<br /><br />Final purchase was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295303/">Heartlands</a> which is about a man who goes on a journey to talk to his lover who has ran off with another man. The film is more about the journey and the odd characters he meets along the way. I am very much looking forward to seeing this, as I love odd quirky films.<br /><br />I just love films if I am honest. I love to read, and I love to listen to great music - but my real passion is movies. I would watch them, write about them, think about them all day if Real Life did not keep intruding.<br /><br />Anyway, all the above purchases were made for around £20 as it seems that a lot of Michael's back catalogue is a tad obscure and unbelievably, not much in demand. To be honest, this is one of the reasons why I admire him. Not just for his abilities, but for the fact he seems to actively shy away from movies that are about some handsome leading man, ROTL being the exception.<br /><br />Not that I am suddenly rolling in cash, far from it, but I have already selected this month's purchases. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106985/">Gallowglass</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117002/">Mary Reilly</a> should be winging their way to me as we speak dear reader, again for no more than £20.<br /><br />All these DVD's to watch may prove useful - as the amount of liquid cash I have is extremely limited these days, so I can happily sit and watch these, and hopefully figure out how to cap a DVD that has a menu, in order to plonk these caps onto my forthcoming site.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-52052215321097959552009-02-16T13:31:00.000-08:002009-02-16T14:03:25.489-08:00Success!Today I received a good email. Hidden away among the rest of the flotsam and jetsam that is my infrequently visited inbox, was an email from the <a href="http://www.aat.org.uk/students/">AAT</a>. It seems that I have passed my final exam, and am now eligible to apply for full membership therefore allowing the letters MAAT after my name.<br /><br />I will not be applying for membership as I feel the use of letters after ones name these days is considered slightly pretentious. I will however be updating my CV. Although I am reasonably happy with my job, I am not too happy with the environment I work in.<br /><br />I went out this weekend with my husband and a friend to a little event in town called 'The Ghoul Garden'. This is a monthly Goth night held at a city centre venue, <a href="http://www.themazerocks.com/listings.php">The Maze</a>, and they play old school Goth and Punk that reminded me and my friend of halcyon days. Everyone was very friendly, and even though I did not recognise large swathes of the playlist, there were very few that I did not enjoy.<br /><br />Now there is no fear of having to go back to night school, I have decided that once I have finished my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucian_%28Underworld%29">Lucian</a> fanfic, I intend to fulfil a long time wish of starting a website.<br /><br />I have always enjoyed tinkering and learning new skills, particularly IT related, but have always held off as I had no clue as to what content would fill my corner of the web. With my renewed interest in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Sheen">Michael Sheen</a>, and the discovery that there is only one badly laid out, infrequently updated site dedicated to such a fine actor, I have decided to do a Michael Sheen fansite and rectify the situation.<br /><br />I have some lovely friends who are far more tech savvy than me, and will harrass them mercilessy when ever I hit a bump in the road - of which no doubt there will be many in my first foray.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-46193577967389469762009-02-12T01:26:00.000-08:002009-02-12T01:35:24.136-08:00A few Michael Sheen iconsI had a small celebrity crush on Michael Sheen since the first Underworld film as, apart from Viktor, I felt Lucian was the most interesting character in the film. This crush has been stimulated after I went to see Rise of the Lycans a few weeks ago (off to see it again tonight actually ;) )<br /><br />It has inspired me to write a Lucian based fic, and to do one or two icons, which I will place below for your viewing pleasure. Anyone wanting to use the icons, please go ahead, but credit me at my <a href="http://madnaduk.livejournal.com/">LJ account</a>.<br /><br />01.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=sonja.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/sonja.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> 02.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=lucian.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/lucian.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> 03.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=lucian5.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/lucian5.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />04.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=lucian4.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/lucian4.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> 05.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=lucian3copy.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/lucian3copy.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> 06.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=lucian2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/lucian2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />07.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=thorne.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/thorne.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> 08.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=oliver.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/oliver.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> 09.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=michael.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/michael.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br />10.<a href="http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/?action=view¤t=michael2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/My%20Icons/michael2.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-76240672511366471732009-02-09T02:22:00.000-08:002009-02-09T02:27:05.351-08:00The Punisher: WarzoneWhen I first saw the trailer for this, some months ago now, I was quite excited. Ray Stevenson? Check! The Punisher (marvel hero)? Check! How could I lose.<br /><br /><br /><br />I was slightly apprehensive at first, as the last two film outings of this particular comic book character have not gone terribly well. The Punisher is dark, unremorseful, and headstrong. The other films fell slightly flat unfortunately. This film however, delivers 100%.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0829032/">Ray Stevenson</a> looks absolutely amazing I must confess. He is head to toe black-ops gear and brooding like there is no tomorrow. A look that I must say, does suit him very well. The Punisher delivers brutal and stylized hyper violence, with some fairly gross special effects. There is the odd bit of <em>very</em> black humor thrown in too, for instance when a mini rocket launcher and a free-runner collide mid air. Talk about overkill!<br /><br /><br /><br />Another film that stars a extremely macho alpha male hottie - always a winner with me.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300741769325664914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-ciJExG7fyTJxRbklgeCdSwntI5VfbdwAYoIKymGMeE8g43y3vgvYl8HUWRa-Z-a9md0-oHBeZl4EPbMwBbOqqC741DBCd51PKbxzrX6tpDQj7MZUxGNTHBVyHYMIm_O_CfAy5MZ4Yng/s320/2008_punisher_war_zone_004.jpg" border="0" />MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-2760021907156625452009-02-06T16:02:00.001-08:002009-02-06T16:47:51.684-08:00Lycan LoverToday, someone called me a Lycan-lover, and I actually think that it is an appropriate phrase.<br /><br />This is weird though, as I had always considered myself on the side of the vamps in the eternal Vampires v Werewolves struggle.<br /><br />I think the subtle influence of the furry started with Hugh Jackman in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/">X-Men</a> (2000). Hugh is a great actor, but the part of Wolverine was made for him. The wolfish quality that he brought to the big screen, was undeniably sexy.<br /><br />Further more, we had the tortured, misunderstood and fierce romanticism of Lucian in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/">Underworld</a> (2003), brilliantly played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/">Michael Sheen</a>. He has since reprised this role, in the recent Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, which I must say has confirmed me as a Lycan lover.<br /><br />It was the posting of some screencaps of ROTL and my reaction of 'bloody chuff!' that I think elicited the label of Lycan lover. Here is the reason for my exclaimation.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/Cafe%20Drool/Michael%20Sheen/sheen_lycans_2a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 630px; height: 347px;" src="http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/madnaduk/Cafe%20Drool/Michael%20Sheen/sheen_lycans_2a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well, dear reader, I now wear this badge with pride. Lucian, and all the others in the pack, have prompted me to write fan fic again. I am quite excited about it, and it is rattling along nicely.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-22701396995358589592009-01-29T03:30:00.000-08:002009-01-29T03:43:31.716-08:00Underworld:Rise of the LycansI am sure it would not come as a great suprise to you dear reader, if I said that I loved this film.<br /><br />I am a big fan of this franchise, and it was great to see the love story of Sonja and Lucian played out in full, which is previously only referenced to in the first Underworld film. The chameleon-like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790688/">Michael Sheen</a> is excellent, and not a whiff of Tony (Blair), David (Frost) or Kenneth (Williams) to be seen. His leather costumes, piercing eyes and flowing locks do make him very easy on the eye, and his performance as leader of the Lycans is wholly believable. <br /><br />If you are not a fan of this genre, or this franchise (which has suffered critisicm for having too much style over content, but I still like it) you may not like this film, but you can not deny the slick direction, the amazing sets, beautiful costumes, and special effects. I notice that Ms Mitra's lips seem to be poutier than ever. It is a shame if she has done this to herself as, IMHO, she has always been a very stunningly beautiful lady. She was the body and face model for the original Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider games many years ago and I fear that she is perhaps feeling the pressure of competing against younger actresses. This is totally unnecessary, as she has proved in this, and in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0483607/">Doomsday</a> last year, that she looks fantastic in a tight outfit. She has just been signed up to do a 'reboot' (this means that they re-do the story, discounting all previous versions of the film like they did with Batman Begins and Christian Bale) of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider, which I look forward to immensely.<br /><br />The ubiquitous Bill Nighy has enjoyed in the last few years, a hugh increase in screen time, which I must say I am loving as I think he is a superb actor. He has been on our TV's for many years, but really only in the last 10 has he seen commercial success on the big screen. He is inspired casting for the part of Viktor, and exudes exactly the right level of sinister power. This film was directed by Patrick Tatopoulos (Godzilla), where as the last two were directed by Len Wiseman (Mr Kate Beckinsale). Patrick has added a little more colour to the screen, and slightly diluted Len's blue wash that has become a bit of a signature of the franchise, but retained the look and feel of the two sequels.<br /><br />I think this film is more evidence too, of the continued British invasion of Hollywood, when the 4 lead members of the cast are of this sceptered isle. I hope they do more, personally. I believe that while the franchise continues to make money it will continue in some form or another. It's rumoured that they are going to try to bring it onto the small screen. Whether this will include any of the original cast... I doubt it, but we can only hope.<br /><a href="http://www.armydreamers.com/forum/phpBB3/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=57"></a>MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-6742995336819211332009-01-21T05:42:00.000-08:002009-01-21T05:50:57.365-08:00The WrestlerIn the absence of anything else interesting happening in my life, I decided to post a review of a film I saw recently - The Wrestler. I am a bit of a fan of WWE, and have been to see them live a few times. Me and dear half like to visit our local cinematic establisment on a reasonably regular basis, and this week we thought we would see what all the fuss is about with this film.<br /><br />This film is brilliant! Absolutely fab! At first, the filming style seems odd, as it's filmed with a handheld camera that follows the main character around, almost like a documentary, but this gives the film a kind of authenticity that brings the cast alive, allowing the viewer to see into the tortured soul of the main character. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000620/">Mickey Rourke </a>does a fantastic job, and I can't praise him enough. He dispenses with all vanity and gives the performance of his career. He manages to portray a character that initially appears sad, and slightly pathetic, and you feel almost embarrased for him, but with the brilliant acting and direction you realise he is actually very flawed -yet likeable, and charismatic. Rourke allows you to see the tough, but gentle man, that was only ever good at one thing - wrestling. Failed as a father, and as a lover, he feels his only success in life has been in the ring - and that the crowd are the only people in his miserable life that want him. His biggest battle is against the ravages of time, and although he sees its effects on his peers, he refuses to let this slow him down, to the detriment of his health. At times the film is brutal, and not for the squeamish, as it highlights the violence and damage that professional wrestlers subject their bodies to in order to give the audience the show they want. These guys are outside the big brands like WWE or TNA, and perform in the town halls and sport centres. They don't have the pyro and glamour that the large corporations bring to the game, and substitute this with extreme violence to get the crowds going. The crowd wants blood, and they get it in spades.<br /><br />I really do recommend that you go see this if you have an opportunity, and you don't even have to be a fan of wrestling to watch it, by any means. Guys will love it for the violence, and the emotions don't get too slushy but give a deeply moving portrait that deserves the award frenzy its receiving.<br /><br />Note to moms: Even if you kid loves wrestling - I would not advise you let them see this film when its out on DVD until you have seen it, as it contains extremely graphic violence, sex, and drug taking.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-72398877498410848442009-01-12T06:37:00.000-08:002009-01-12T06:44:53.820-08:00SanctuaryI am sure you are eager to hear of the events of Friday night. The show was brilliant. Despite Noel Fielding and Julian Barrat forgetting their lines once or twice, which descended in hilarious adlib, the Mighty Boosh team put a flawless show. We were seated on the left hand side of stage, and had an excellent view.<br /><br />On Friday, we had some of the items that had been stolen in a recent burglary replaced by the Insurance Company. Yes dear reader, we had to live with the unpleasantness that is the intrusion of one’s home & sanctuary. This, I believe, is the biggest effrontery, that some immoral imbecile had the gall to invade our privacy. The items that were stolen where, at the end of the day, just things, that are easily replaceable and no one, thank the gods, was hurt. Since this event, we have improved security somewhat, by having their point of entry, and old wooden kitchen door (an admitted weak spot) replaced by a shiny new double glazed door with multi point locking. Thanks to the kind folk at <a href="http://www.sherwoodwindows.co.uk/">Sherwood Windows</a>, who did a superb job, I am a little more confident that our unwelcome visitor will not make an even more unwelcome return.<br /><br />I have also considered the fact that when reporting this incident to the Police and Insurance Company that I was sadly lacking in information regarding our possessions. I have since determined to redress this situation with new purchases, and the replacements. It may appear a little tiresome, but should the unthinkable happen again, then we will be much more prepared and in turn, facilitate the jobs of the police and insurance companies. I urge you dear reader, to take note of all your possessions, particularly portable electrical items such as laptops and cameras. We have chosen to record the serial numbers, and other information on a word document. I have saved this to my hard drive, along with scanned copies of delivery notes/invoices etc. Once the task is complete, I will burn this onto a CD, to be stored securely in the new safe recently purchased.<br /><br />I have also being doing some investigation into <a href="http://www.smartwater.com/Home.aspx">Smart Water</a>. What a clever little invention this is! I am thoroughly amazed by it. I urge you dear reader, to invest in this. I fully realise, that no amount of protection would dissuade a determined thief, but as the police pointed out to me, you only have to throw enough obstacles in their path, for them to consider searching out a softer target nearby.<br /><br />I am reminded of an apocryphal tale of two camera men filming lions on the Serengeti. A male lion displays some aggression towards the intruders, then begins to walk towards them. The walk turns into a jog and he starts to get faster, as he gets closer. Both camera men drop their equipment, and turn to run. One starts to quickly put on his trainers. The other man says ‘you still won’t out run him’. The reply was ‘ as long as I outrun you….’.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2946450596488403190.post-36334884803142156602009-01-09T07:56:00.000-08:002009-01-13T02:34:45.290-08:00Maiden VoyageSo this is my first post on Blogger. I have tried many times before to maintain some kind of journal or blog about the mundane happenings and unusual notions that pop into my head from time to time, and sadly - although the intention was great - the will has proven to be weak. I can offer no promises to you that this will prove any more successful but one lives in hope.<br /><br />It seems, dear reader, that my online chronicle début is on an auspicious day, as this evening dear half and I will be going to the Nottingham Arena to see the <a href="http://www.themightyboosh.com/">Mighty Boosh</a> live. This professes to be a wierd and wonderful evening of surreal and uncommon humour.<br /><br />I firmly believe that comedy is the new Rock 'n' Roll, certainly in my life. Over the last few years, we have been to numerous stage performances of some of the country's best comedians, but I have not been to many music events at all. One reason I have surmised for this is that, on the most part, most of the music I like well enough to hand over hard earned cash to see live, is produced by bands that no longer tour. Yes, dear reader, I am a child of the New Wave. Although there are many new bands around that I like, particular favorites being <a href="http://www.keanemusic.com/">Keane</a> and <a href="http://www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk/">Kaiser Chiefs</a>, I just don’t feel the same passion about them as I did <a href="http://www.boomtownrats.co.uk/">Boomtown Rats</a>, or <a href="http://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/">Sisters of Mercy</a>. Maybe this is a symptom that I am hastily approaching a dreaded landmark in years, and that I would rather sit (not quite comfortably) in a theatre laughing at someone’s clever repartee than jumping about on a sweaty dance floor. Halcyon days they may be, but not ones I care to revisit.MadNadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14587485803220103916noreply@blogger.com0