A zippy adventure

Lets hear it for the boys

2010-08-28T16:01:00.003+01:00

First Love (Philip not Gordon)

then there was...

followed by (Dec not Ant)

then into my teens (RIP Stephen)

The constant

The "Yes I know I shouldn't but.."

The current crush

Review of 2009 - Music

2009-12-22T20:49:00.003Z

2009 may be primarily remembered as the year that Michael Jackson died. Sure it was sad, if not unexpected. I was surprised that Man in the Mirror ended up coming out as the song which we used most often to represent the man - was it the autobiographical apsect?

I was more saddened by the sudden death of Stephen Gately who died suddenly in October. I was a massive Boyzone fan back in the day, somewhere at home there's the banner I made for one of their mid 1990s concerts which proclaims my love for him in neon and glitter. I had a few little cries, and was sitting alone in a hotel room in Inverness when they showed footage of his coffin being carried into the church by his bandmates = lots of tears.

My top ten tunes of the year (or at least I think they were released this year):

10 - Cheryl Cole - Fight for this Love

Bit of a grower, a good choon to dance to.

9 - Shakira - She Wolf

Awoooooooooooooooooo

8 - Beyonce - Sweet Dreams

This reminds me of our holiday in Malia in the summer.

7 - Black Eyed Peas - I gotta feeling

Ditto this one. Mazel tov! L'achaim!

6 - The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Among the man y awesome songs on the soundtrack of 500 Days of Summer.

5 - JLS -Beat Again

Last years X-Factor runners up released this fab song, with slightly hilarious lyrics. I starting bossing people around at the work Xmas party to get them to do the dance moves to this.

4 - Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

I love me some Gaga, I think shes a great artist.

3 - Timbaland - Morning After Dark

Sadly I have the tendancy to sing it in a deep Timbaland style voice.

2 - Love Story - Taylor Swift

Forumlaic pop, right down to the air grabbing key change. But GREAT pop.

1 - Kelly Clarkson - My Life would suck Without You

Power pop, I can't play this too many times.

As for the slightly hyped race for the Xmas number 1 (does anyone actually care about this anymore?), well another year, another rubbish song at number 1. I miss the 1990s when we had quality novelty acts threatening the top spot like power rangers, Mr Blobby and the Teletubbies.

Stars of the year? - Lady Gaga & John and Edward. Not together of course - but theres a thought....

Review of 2009 - film

2009-12-21T16:40:00.005Z

So everyone else is looking back at the decade, the noughties (still wish there was a better name for the decade, but so be it), but thats just too much effort for me. So - the last 12 months - what was good, what was not? Lets begin with films. I've seen plenty of films this year. In fact I'm a total geek who kept a list. This year I've seen 135 films to date -well that explains why I haven't read as many books as I wanted to. My top ten (so theres a few films I've yet to see - like Nine and Sherlock Holmes but as they haven't been all that well reviewed, lets assume they won't trouble the list) is:

10 - Slumdog Millionaire

Oscar botherer of the year, it was hard not to start applauding as the film reached its triumphant conclusion. Just a great story, well told.

9 - 500 days of Summer

A rom-com where we know the outcome is bad. Lovely performances and an awesome soundtrack.

8 - The Hurt Locker

Oh the tension! Fingernails chewed down as Jeremy Renner dismantles bombs in Iraq.

7 - He's just not that into you

Star packed cast means that some didn't really get the time to make an impression, but the Jennifer Connelly-Bradley Cooper and Gennifer Goodwin-Justin Long stories were my favourite. Best film based on a self help book? Read the book on my holidays- and it makes a lot of sense, should be given to all women.

6 - Frost/Nixon

All about the performances, and they are GREAT.

5 - Away We Go

My favourite Sam Mendes film to date, and an excellent soundtrack from Alexi Murdoch. Relief that it was good after spending extra bucks to see it at the openning night of the Edinburgh Fim Festival.

4 - Gran Torino

Clint says this is his final on screen appearance. Well if so, what a way to bow out, there were tears aplenty at the end.

3 - Moon

Not usually into my sci-fi, but really enjoyed this.

2 - The Wrestler

Mickey Rourke woz robbed at the Oscars! Fabulous.

1 - In the Loop

Laughed my ass off the whole time. Especially the Jamie bits."Shut it Love Actually!" Hopefully Santa has put a copy of this in my stocking.

Honorable mentions to Fantastic Mr Fox, 17 Again and Bright Star.

The Worst

5. Terminator Salvation

Why? Why did they bother?

4. Funny People

Way way too long, didn't work as a comedy or a drama, although Eric Bana popping up stopped it being a complete mess.

3. Two Lovers

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. So. So. Boring. Wins record for watch checking to see how long was left to endure.

2. Knowing

Stupid. And the ending.....even more so.

1. Seven Pounds

When I worked out where the story was going I wanted to take a knife to the screen and start slashing it. I was the annoying girl laughing while others sobbed.

The Cusack Challenge

2009-12-02T12:27:00.002Z

John Cusack is probably my favourite actor - but yet there a good number of his films that I haven't got around to watching yet. So the challenge is to watch all of his movies, using the listings from imdb, begining way back in 1983. This is the year he made his first film appearance, and the year I was busy being a foetus/baby.

At the off I will say that it was a toss up between this and watching my way through the seven series of the West Wing again. But I've gone for the Cusack Challenge.

I'm not setting myself a time limit, and I have no idea if I'll track them all down (some kind of obscure ones in there) but to watch at least 80% of them would be great (that's a comfortable A in academic terms!) So its a fairly undemanding challenge, with flexible 'rules'. I'm totally selling it, I can tell.

There will be plenty I've seen many times before (Hello! High Fidelity) and some I really wasn't planning on watching again (ah Must Love Dogs, there you are). Also a good few I've never seen before. So, lets begin....

The Cusack Challenge

Bring on Winter!

2009-10-29T21:52:00.005Z

ooh the nights are fair drawing in, as your granny might say. I'm getting prepared for the big chill to set in. My big knitted blanket is finished, my jumpers have been moved from the bottom of the chest of drawers to the wardrobe for easy access, and I got some nice new boots today.

My unambitious but cosy blanket of knitted squares is finally done:

The future

2009-10-26T12:30:00.004Z

Today I'm wondering, 2010 = Twenty Ten or Two Thousand and Ten (or to Americanise it, Two Thousand Ten)?

Speaking of the next few years, the film 2012 opens soon, 2012 being the year we are all going to be swept to our doom etc. The poster says:

Can't help thinking "You were warned" would be a more apt title for this film, which screams 'rubbish' to me. Having said that, Woody Harrelson as the crazy guy who prophesizes it all and John Cusack as the limo driver/science fiction writer with all the answers, has some appeal. JC will almost certainly get all wet, a recurring theme for him (see High Fidelity, Say Anything, Identity, 1408, Being John Malkovich and others for further examples).

Point of disorder

2009-09-25T09:55:00.003+01:00

There was a good fiery debate on teacher numbers yesterday in the Scottish Parliament. Members were particularly irked that The Cabinet Secretary for Education did not attend, with the duty for closing going to the Schools Minister. The headlines are scary - 543 applicants for one job, teaching graduates getting by on odd bits of supply work, the promised wave of retiring teachers not yet having materialised. Luckily everyone I know who has gone into teaching has not found it too hard to come by a job so far, although some are in their probationary year.

The requests to make points of order in the chamber can sometimes read as a bit comical the next day in the Official Report - and here's an example from this debate:

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan): I call Keith Brown.

George Foulkes: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. Do you have the power to call instead the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, so that she can accept her responsibility and reply to the debate?

The Deputy Presiding Officer: I suspect that the member knows the answer to that question. I have the power to call anyone who wishes to speak. In this case, I call Keith Brown.

George Foulkes: Further to that point of order—

The Deputy Presiding Officer: Mr Foulkes, would you sit down, please? I have dealt with your point of order, which was not a point of order.

George Foulkes: This is a point of order.

The Deputy Presiding Officer: It had better be a point of order.

Jack McConnell (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): On a point of order, Presiding Officer.

The Deputy Presiding Officer: No. I will take Mr Foulkes.

Jack McConnell: Will Mr Foulkes give way to me first?

The Deputy Presiding Officer: There is no giving way on points of order, Mr McConnell. Mr Foulkes.

George Foulkes: You might pronounce my name properly from time to time, but that is another matter.

Is it not appropriate for you, as Presiding Officer, to exercise your power to call the cabinet secretary to accept her responsibility and reply to the debate? She was on "Newsnight" last night but she is failing to come along and answer the debate—

The Deputy Presiding Officer: Sit down. I choose from among the members who have indicated that they wish to speak in the debate.

Mr McConnell, do you still wish to make a point of order?

Jack McConnell: Yes. Perhaps the Presiding Officers collectively could reflect on the absolute need for the chair to recognise when a member wishes to make a point of order, regardless of what they personally think of that point of order. I wish you to reflect on that in the course of the day.

The Deputy Presiding Officer: We allow members to make points of order but once it becomes obvious during the making of that point of order that it is not in fact a point of order, we reserve the right to stop the member.

Blood money

2009-09-24T20:27:00.004+01:00

The Scottish Parliament this week discussed blood donation, both in a members debate and as the Public Petitons Committee held a meeting up in Alness.

Alness Academy pupils presented a pettion proposing that donors be paid for giving blood - increasing levels beyond the rather low 5% of regular donors Scotland currently has to the higher levels in coutries where you can get some cash for your claret. So would it work? The reasons for not donating are many and various - from squeamishness, medical and travel restrictions and lifestyle issues. Indeed another worthy petition proposed that gay men be allowed to donate, given that blood is screened for diseases such as HIV.

But I'd stick with the doing it for free side - I'd rather the NHS spent the money on other things - and allowing a private company to do so doesn't sit well. Also surely as many Tunnocks teacakes as you can eat is payment enough?

Also I liked that Committee convener, Frank McAveety suggested that teens might be a tad obsesed with blood:

"I do not know whether the issue is a morbid fascination for young people. I know from my own teenagers about the likes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Twilight" and the new show "True Blood"—which must be supervised, I hasten to add; it is a great show, but it is pretty wild"

The discussion did raise some good points about making greater use of technology to encourage donations - I'd probably be more minded to go along if I got an email saying stocks were low of my blood type. In the debate Rhoda Grant also proposed that people be allowed time off work to donate - akin to doctors and dentists appointments, another good idea.

Nice Slice

2009-09-19T16:31:00.001+01:00

Chocolate Pizza? Oooooh yes please,hungry now.

Child Bride

2009-09-01T12:36:00.004+01:00

Was having a flick through the new Argos catalogue the other day (surely the day when you don't head straight to the toys and jewellery is the end of your childhood) for bed sheets and the like (yes v.boring) when I reached the toys and came across these beauties:

Anyone else find them a bit creepy? As well as getting married, these babies also enjoy horse riding and riding mopeds.

I know theres concern over having sexy busty blonde dolls doing aspirational activities and these being bad role models for girls - but are these the solution?

Sweet dreams

2009-09-01T12:31:00.002+01:00

I have been fantasising about owning this (below) since I saw it in the window of 'And so to Bed' yesterday.

Does anyone have a spare £10,000?

Girl in the bubble

2009-08-27T22:11:00.002+01:00

I've spoken before about my hatred of umbrellas. I can't believe no one has come up with something better by now. After leaving my last umbrella (which was utterly useless anyway) in the cinema I bought a cheapish new one which promptly snapped out on its very first use. Scotland is just too windy for them to be practical. They've really got to my handbag sized, as I don't want to be lugging about a big golf sized one when it changes from rain to sun every ten minutes. Also they're bloody annoying for everyone else. I donned my mega waterproof yesterday to deal, which was ok – except, not so fashionable, judging by the looks I got on arriving at work – and also created massive wet patches on my jeans. Sigh.

So is the answer a Nubrella?

Yeah, probably not. And not just because its name is remiscient of Nutella.

Motion-tastic

2009-07-20T09:47:00.003+01:00

...and following on from that last cricket post - this is surely the best titled Parliamentary Motion is a while -

S3M-4598 Mike Pringle: I Don’t Like Cricket (Oh No), I Love It!—That the Parliament acknowledges the importance of cricket as one of Scotland’s fastest-growing team sports; further notes cricket’s proud history in Scotland, which dates back as far as the 1780s; further notes the rising profile of the Scottish international cricket team, which played its first match in 1865, beating Surrey by 172 runs, and became an associate member of the International Cricket Council in 1994; acknowledges the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in sport including cricket, both in terms of promoting healthy living and ensuring Scotland’s continued sporting success; further acknowledges the vital role that the media has to play in promoting sport and the importance of television coverage of elite-level team sport to that function; welcomes the continued success and growth of cricket in Scotland, and encourages young people to get involved in all forms of team sport.

All by myself

2009-07-17T15:18:00.001+01:00

In the office on my own today - sitting reading a report with itunes cranked up, playing on random. "All by myself" came on and someone choses that point to come in. *Blush*

Howzat?

2009-07-14T14:08:00.003+01:00

Sandra White MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament protesting at the "wall to wall" coverage of the Ashes on television.

That the Parliament is concerned at the almost wall to wall coverage of the Ashes Test Series by the media; compares this to the limited coverage of other sports in Scotland such as curling and, in particular, Scotland international football matches, and considers this to be further evidence that Scotland needs its own broadcasting channel.

I completely disagree - were it not for my brother being a massive cricket fan I probably wouldn't have even realised it was on, and as far as I know those with terrestrial TV just get an hour of highlights each night throughout the series on Five. I'm sure plenty of people in Scotland (Scottish, English, whatever) look forward to this international and historical fixture.

Notice she isn't complaining about Wimbledon coverage (a just as 'English' sport I'd say) - anything to do with the presence of a Mr A Murray?

As far as having a Scotland only channel I shudder to think, if the current output offered up by STV is anything to go by.

Red Car and the Blue Car

2009-07-02T20:39:00.002+01:00

I'm a big fan of the Milky Way Red Car and Blue Car Ad. And now people who didn't see it first time round have a chance as its back on TV for its 20th anniversary. (eeek!)

But its not quite the same...

Old

New

Smart old Blue has become Good Old Blue and instead of "not spoiling your appetite" its "something that tastes just right". They now travel from Playville to Lighttown, not Lunchville to Dinnertown. The sweet you can eat within meals without spoiling your appetite is now for you to 'lighten up and play'.

No scientific proof that little bar of chocolate doesn't totally fill you up then.

Edinburgh Festival of Film

2009-07-01T21:52:00.004+01:00

Last year the film festival moved from the madness of August to its own slot in June. It seems to have mightily successful, garnering a good amount of publicity (whatever Shrrr Sean seemed to think)

Its fun to see proper film stars in that same cinema where you go to watch Transformers and 17 again. (The latter was better than the former. I know I was surprised too..)

Away We Go

The opening night film was from Sam Mendes. Away we Go follows a couple expecting their first baby travelling across the country to try and find a place to settle. I think it might be an opinion splitter when it opens here in September, but I prefer it to some of Mendes other films. Theres a series of interactions with some 'characters' - the highlight being Maggie Gyllenhaal as a horrible hippy mother. John Krasinski and Jeff Daniels are also perfectly cast as father and son. Mmm John Kransinski. Not too sure about the ending but it had a nice soundtrack.

Darren Aronofksy in person

Aronofsky, the director of Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain and The Wrestler appeared to talk about his work. Well that was the idea – but he did the faux “oh I'm so embarassed by my films” and refused to talk about his future projects – widely reported to be a Robocop remake. It was even in the programme but he stayed zip lipped. It ended up being a love in for the Fountain, a film I don't rate. Never meet your heroes, right?

Outrage

This documentary looked at closeted US politicians who promote anti-gay legislation – with interviews with those who chose to 'out' them, men who came out of the closet and a look at the evidence that certain prominent politicians are gay. I found it interesting that there was a feeling that the mainstream media has a kind of 'leave it out' policy when it comes to gay rumours surrounding politicians – although they have no qualms about exposing heterosexual affairs. Plenty of room for debate about whether its right to out people.

The September Issue

Documentary following the team at US Vogue as they prepare the 'September Issue' – the big catalogue like issue (most of which is glossy advertising for luxury brands). Much of the focus is on Anna Wintour – the fur loving, friend of Roger Federer, presumed inspiration for Meryl Streep's character in the Devil Wears Prada (even the office look sthe same as that film!). Her exasperated and hugely talented fashion editor watches as Anna cuts beautiful clothes and photoshoots from the magazine; and the staff deconstruct cover star Sienna Miller: “the hair is a mess, she won't cut it”. “Too toothy” “Crinky neck”.

“ Jackets are the new coats”. I really enjoyed it.

Moon

Directed by Davie Bowie's Son, Moon won the Best British Feature prize and sold out all its performances. Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is close to the end of his 3 year posting on the dark side of the moon working for an energy firm. With only HAL-alike robot Gerty (Kevin Spacey) to keep him company, Sam is looking forward to getting home to his wife and daughter...

I can't really say anymore without pretty massive SPOILERS but its highly reccomended. There's a beautiful score from Clint Mansell and an amazing performance from Sam Rockwell - is it too early to start talking 'Best Actor' nominations for next years awards....?

Dude...

2009-04-24T11:14:00.002+01:00

Who'd have thought the star of Dude Where's my Car?, That 70s Show etc would be name checked in a Scottish Parliament Motion?

Mary Mulligan: Susan Boyle Shows West Lothian’s Got Talent—That the Parliament congratulates Susan Boyle of Blackburn, West Lothian, on her show-stopping performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables on the ITV show, Britain’s Got Talent; notes that Susan’s fabulous performance has now had a reported 50 million viewings on YouTube and has raised global interest with Susan’s performance being played on television around the world, including in the United States of America on NBC’s Today Show and with an interview with Larry King on CNN’s Larry King Live, and attracting support from Hollywood stars Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore; commends Susan for her lifelong devotion to her family, church and singing; recognises that Susan is an example to all of what ordinary people can do when they are given the chance; welcomes the fantastic support that Susan has received from her family and friends, the community of Blackburn and all those who have helped to develop and encourage her extraordinary talents; wishes Susan every success in the coming rounds of Britain’s Got Talent; encourages all of Scotland to show support for Susan, and looks forward to her future as a singing sensation.

Bru-haha

2009-03-17T21:08:00.002Z

Today I read that the current chairman of Barrs, manufacturers of our favourite sugary non alcoholic national drink will be standing down soon. It was interesting to learn that he mixes the 'essence' himself every month and that only he and one other person know the recipe.

I hope its like the State of the Union and they have to be in separate places to ensure the survival of the 'Bru.

The look of '93

2009-02-19T15:37:00.003Z

Yesterday I was out shopping and I saw body suits for sale, one of the staple items of my late primary school wardrobe. Now I was quite a fan of them at the time (my personal favourite being a black velvet number), and i see the point of not having to tuck your top in/have it hanging out; but I don't know if I need to go back to wearing something with poppers on my groin. And the fact that I can buy that and a pair of leggings (wet look are the leg covering of choice) quite easily at the moment is a little disturbing.

It really seems to be true that fashion goes round in cycles. I eagerly await the return of naf naf jackets and global hypercolour t shirts.

This is why you're fat

2009-02-10T12:10:00.002Z

Awesome website!

Who knew you could deep fry coca cola? And maybe its because its lunchtime but a lot of these things look disgustingly delicious...

R-Fed

2009-02-02T13:31:00.003Z

Don't cry Roger! I still love you and will happily dry those tears. Remember, you are much hotter than Rat faced Nadal.

BBF

2009-01-31T11:06:00.003Z

I have to say I lost a bit of respect for Martin 'President Bartlett' Sheen when I saw him appear on Paris Hilton's British Best Friend.

though probably not as much as the loss of self respect I felt watching it myself.

Sea Kittens!

2009-01-29T18:20:00.004Z

How did i miss this? Peta (People for the ethical Treatment of animals) have rebranded fish as sea kittens to make them more appealing, and people thus less likely to slaughter them for food or sport. Say what? So its for kids and kinda admirable in its own way but I'm firmly in the fish=food=fair game camp and I can't see how giving them a silly name helps. I went to the website and created my own sea kitten, Yummy.

Anyway I must dash, I'm having pink sea kitten and chips for tea.

Lip smackin

2009-01-21T13:47:00.002Z

I’m having a materialistic day, coveting expensive designer clothes, shoes and handbags and feeling grumpy that I am not wealthy enough to buy them all. I appeased myself by going out at lunchtime and spending £12 on a lipstick. Which for me, and should probably be for anyone, a ridiculous amount. Don’t tell my mum. It probably won’t be much better than a cheaper brand, but it came in a very pretty box, and the cold metal tube feels so expensive and luxurious. That’s all I can think of to justify it. That's just the way retail therapy is.

And obviously I bought a bright cherry red colour that I will only wear once in a blue moon, not a plain shade I can wear everyday and actually ‘get my moneys worth’. Thank god I used Advantage Card points and not real cash!

Most famous man in the world?

2009-01-09T11:46:00.002Z

From the debate on Homecoming 2009:

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):

Presiding Officer,

"Let me tell you that I love you and I think about you all the time."

Those are famous words from a famous song that are spoken, not sung, by Sir Sean Connery—007—possibly the most famous man in the world, in a good VisitScotland advertisement that should have stirred and shaken the emotions of women all over the world and sent them rushing to Scotland for a chance to see Sir Sean's knees during the year of homecoming.

Not sure if he means Sean or Bond, but i googled 'who is the most famous man in the world?' and the first hit was Michael Buble.

Not a big fan of the advert either, I don't know who some of the people in it are, and I'm from Scotland. What chance do overseas folk have?

Stoopid

2008-12-23T11:53:00.001Z

This has to be the stupidist advert on TV at the moment:

"They're in a bag which is amazing". Crisps? In a bag? Wow that is revolutionary!

Not a fan of Love Actually

2008-12-14T00:01:00.001Z

So its bound to be on over Christmas and I will try my best to avoid watching it. This film inspires levels of hatred in me. I like cheesy romantic films (I've seen and enjoyed plenty including The Notebook, Steel Magnolias, PS I love you etc etc), I also like christmassy films (home alone, its a wonderful life, muppet christmas carol) but this film just makes me want to put my foot through the television set.

and heres why (spoliers!):

1) Keira Knightley. She gets married at the start, gurns her way through that. The best man is hopelessly in love with this ironing board chested lass and so only films her in his video of the special day. She finds out later while viewing the footage "I look quite pretty" He later turns up to do a Bob Dylan with some cards to say "To me, you are perfect". *Barf* (For a proper declaration of love, see John Cusack in Say Aything) And then she gives him a kiss. Which will surely help him get over it....

2) Hugh Grant as the Prime Minister. God help us. He also gets the opening monologue which sets the sappy scene, all the messages of love on 9/11. The title of the film gets shoehorned into the first few minutes "If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspision love actually is all around". *sigh* He also dances about No.10 and falls for his tea lady. Nothing wrong with falling for the tea lady, but she is cockernee sparow Martine McCutcheon.

3) The only storyline I gave two hoots about - Laura Linney is in love with her coworker (the hot hot hot) Rodrigo Santoro. And then they kind of get together after her many years of lusting after him, but it doesn't work out for them. How come it doesn't work for them in this saccarine tale where most of the others find love in unlikely situations?

4) Bloody children singing and trying to be cute. One runs and jumps through airport security. If only they'd tackled him to the ground and shot him with a stun gun.

5) Colin Firth falls for his Portuguese housekeeper. Falling in love without being able to speak to each other. Fair enough if you're Mr Darcy, but otherwise *thumbs down*

Things which aren't totally awful:
Rodrigo Santoro
Gregor Fisher is pretty funny in it.

Xmas

2008-12-12T10:50:00.001Z

The Scottish Parliament is clearly in a festive mood. John Swinney was referred to as both Santa and Ebenezer Scrooge in separate debates yesterday….

Considering this answer to a written question, its probably more of the latter...

John Swinney: The Scottish Government has no corporate plans to celebrate Christmas.

ID

2008-12-08T17:45:00.004Z

Those signs in shops that say Please do not be offended if we ask for ID if you look under 25. Why would I be offended that someone thought i was younger than I was? For women this is a good thing!

Obviously it is silly when Grannys are refused a sale though.

X-Factor

2008-12-08T11:23:00.003Z

I love watching the X-Factor with my parents. My Dad is obviously a covert fan ("whens Orville on? Whens Orville on?"), and enjoys laughing at Orville aka Eoghan. (His tears on Saturday were hilarious, as was Harry Hill pointing out his scary voting face).
My mum just kept calling JLS JML. Bless.

I think I'm officially in the Christmas spirit..

2008-12-02T12:36:00.001Z

Someone in my office made everyone a CD of classic tunes so we can have a ‘silent disco’ and listen to them together. I do love to sing out loud to stuff though so stopping belting out ‘FEED THE WORLD!’ is proving very hard.

Every year I forget how many good Christmas tunes there are, but most of them seem to be from the 1970s and 1980s. Come on artists of today!

Some of my favourites are The power of love, Fairytale of New York, Santa baby, All I want for Christmas is you, Last Christmas – and remembering the ‘reason for the season’ : O Holy Night.

‘Christmas Wrapping’ reminds me of Christmas in Second Year Uni which we did in style at our fabulous Pleasance flat, and it seemed to go on for ages. Aside from the window breakages, best year ever!

I can’t be doing with the little drummer boy though. Drum on somewhere else please. Although the Bing-Bowie video is hilarious.

This years number one seems likely to be the X Factor winner singing ‘Hallelujah’. Like ‘Mad World’ 5 years ago, how very cheery.

Secret Plan...

2008-11-27T16:01:00.003Z

When I heard about the Government's "Secret plan to raise VAT" it made me think of Josh Lyman's 'secret plan to tackle inflation'...

Woolies

2008-11-27T13:19:00.003Z

If this is the end, say it ain't so. Their website is currently undergoing "essential maintenance". I feel terribly guilty for not buying more pick and mix now.

There are plenty of shops I wouldn't care a jot about if they ceased to exist, but Woolworths isn't one of them, and I suspect the general population feels the same.

I remember our local branch closing down (sometime in the 1980s I think) and getting a bit excited when I went to a town which had one, or to visit my Granny, where i would be treated to some tasty sweeties, a funky Ladybird outfit or a little letter writing set with little fake stamps etc. (Getting in some early practice for working in an office).

The great thing, and also the problem i suppose is the range of items stocked. While its cool to be able to buy pots and pans, a DVD, sweets, toys and newspapers in one place, you can also do this in big supermarkets. And you can also buy all your food for the week too.

But where am I going to get decently priced photo albums now?

Hunger

2008-11-25T22:41:00.002Z

This film looks at the hunger strike of Bobby Sands in the Maze Prison, as well as the situation in the prison at the time including the blanket and "dirty" protests.

This is an arty film, think close up shots of crumbs falling onto someones lap, lingering shots of piss being cleaned up in the hall (yes artful piss), but I'd say it was absorbingly arty rather than alienating. A basic knowledge of the story is probably required, as its not a biopic, more of a study.

And its pretty damn good. It draws you in, it's the perfect length and there's one scene where my jaw nearly hit the floor.

Lead Michael Fassbender obviously did the whole starving himself bit, because there's a doctor and nutritionist credited at the end. He's excellent, the whole cast is. The central point is an unbroken 20 (!) minute scene, the camera remaining fixed in the same place while Sands talks through the morality of his protest with a priest.

Financed by Film 4 so I'd imagine it'll end up on TV pretty soon and I'd recommend you give it a watch.

Unfortunate

2008-11-22T16:19:00.001Z

I love Failblog.

see more pwn and owned pictures

Parliamentary Question of the Week

2008-11-21T16:45:00.002Z

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive which members of the Scottish Government have received the services of a stylist since May 2007.

John Swinney: None.

Paging Gok Wan.....

Aaaaaaar

2008-11-21T15:58:00.004Z

From the Debate on Gaelic Language Development in the Chamber yesterday:

Alasdair Allan (SNP): Why, though, are we talking about Gaelic again? Why is Alasdair Allan bothering Parliament once more with this subject and, indeed, worse than that, why is he speaking in Gaelic itself? Recently, I heard someone in Parliament who shall remain anonymous making that very point. They said, "There's a debate next week on sailing. Should we all speak like pirates?"

Well obviously that sounds like a smashing idea to liven up an evening debate. (Pirate) hat off to whomever it was.

(Sadly there doesn't seem to be a Gaelic word for pirate)

New Star Trek

2008-11-17T20:09:00.001Z

A breakdown of the new Star trek Trailer.

Admitedly I am completely unqualified to judge this as a Star Trek film, I've never seen one all the way through. In fact I've never seen an episode of the TV show all the way through. Well, except for Enterprise, but I'm informed that doesn't count.

So I judge this merely as a film fan keen to see the new JJ Abrams project.

Lets take a look...

0.26 - Rather young looking kid nearly falls off a big cliff after being chased by someone.
0.30 - Oh, by a spaceship.
0.34 - Prepubescent chap speaks, ah tis our lead character as a young 'un.
0.36 - oooh Bad Robot logo, from the makers of Lost then.
0.49 - spacey sci-fi stuff.
0.50 - he looks a couple of years older now...
0.57 - ickle Spock
1.01 - Big Spock - aka Sylar from Heroes. No no no what have they done to you? (Sylar is the hottest thing in heroes I tell you, none of this Peter Petrelli nonsense. And Hiro is the worst thing in heroes. But anyway)
1.15 - Kirk seems a bit lame-o
1.24 - Simon Pegg brings out an awful Scottish accent. "Its exshiteing!" he gurns wildly.
1.30 - what the hell is the plot, some clues please?
1.32 - Theres at least one girl in it then.
1.39 - Yet another pretty face is messed with, I believe thats Eric Bana as the villain.
2.00 - May 8, 2009. Well I probably won't be queuing up...

Always check your emails...

2008-11-17T14:47:00.003Z

What I meant to write: The IT folks have worked their magic.
What I actually wrote: The IT folts have worked their music.

Have fun figuring out the secret language of Sara, recipient....

Parliamentary Question of the week

2008-11-14T16:19:00.003Z

For work I get to/ have to read through all the Parliamentary Questions and answers, and here's one that raised a chuckle on a Friday afternoon:

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many Saltire-branded space hoppers it has ordered for the purposes of celebrating St Andrew’s Day 2008; where they were manufactured; what the item price is, and what the overall cost was of production.

space hoppers? super.

Fizzy

2008-11-14T15:37:00.001Z

You Are Coke

A true original and classic, you represent the best of everything you can offer.

Just the right amount of sweet, just the right amount of energy... you're the life of the party.

Your best soda match: Mountain Dew

Stay away from:Dr Pepper

What Kind of Soda Are You?

Surprise of the day

2008-11-14T15:04:00.003Z

The wee Somerfield on Shandwick Place sells 16 different types of honey.....is such a wide range really necessary?

Yes we can!

2008-11-09T16:45:00.001Z

So Alex Salmond might have nicked it from Obama, but technically i suppose Bob the Builder and friends got in there first with this one...

Financial CRISIS

2008-10-13T13:53:00.003+01:00

In these times of banking woe I suggest we all take some advice from Lance Corporal Jack Jones and "Don't Panic!". (Also the fine advice of Douglas Adams in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy).

Retro Toys!

2008-10-08T20:28:00.004+01:00

Questron! Educational fun - put the electronic pen thing on the right answers in the work book and it lights up green and makes a happy noise. And when you get bored press it on your brothers head like some kind of weird medical examination.

Not a horsy fan but these things were fun. And you got little shoes although they were impossible to put on...

Skip-it! Hurt like hell when you smashed the big ball into your foots. I just had a cheapo version with a jingly bell attached to a plastic hoop. :(

Sylvanian Families - look at their little beaver teeth - so cute! I had lots of bears who lived in an awesome tree house.

The one I went to a friends for

Mall madness - electronic shopping game,learn how to blow lots of cash on clothes and use credit cards.

..and the one that got away

I always wanted a Mr Frosty to rot my teeth with sugary ice. sigh.

The one where my day is a bit like friends....

2008-10-08T20:25:00.003+01:00

In a meeting today the big boss got my name wrong, fair enough the sara/sarah thing has been going on for 25 years. It toally reminded me of this bit in Friends:

Rachel: Ugh, the worse day! Y’know, you think you’re making progress at
work and then your boss calls you Raquel.

Chandler: Hey listen, for the first four years of my work everybody called
me Sha-la-lap. (Awkward silence ensues.) Seriously.

Rachel: I believe you. So, it was right in the middle of a staff meeting
so of course no one else wants to correct her so everyone else is
calling me Raquel! By the end of the day, the mailroom guys were
calling me Rocky!

So yeah everyone else was all: "oh yeah Sara emailed me that, um Sara what do you think..."etc rather than correcting her. haha.

(Pronouncing it sahraaaaa rather than sarah y'see)

Dear George Clooney

2008-09-25T12:30:00.003+01:00

I hear you aren't going to return to ER for the last season when they roll out all the big names that made the show so good in its heyday. I barely watch it now, but its still alright, you wouldn't be embarassing or lowering yourself by going on it or anything.

I know you've won an Oscar and stuff, but that show made you! And you could come back with Carol and all your babies. Please?

Mark Greenes going to appear and he's dead for gods sake. In the show of course... I wonder if he'll be a ghost haunting the ER...

Anyway please change your mind! You can probably name your price, they pay you mega bucks and you can donate it to a charity, like your good chums Brangelina.

Lots of love,

Sara
xxxxx

Things to make you feel old

2008-09-25T12:11:00.003+01:00

I just read that 'Saved by the Bell' is celebrating its 20TH ANNIVERSARY (although imdb says 1989...who knows..)

here are some other things that may make you go 'ohhhhhh nooooo'

Crocodile Dundee 2 and the land before time were out 20 years ago, films i vividly remember seeing at the cinema.
People who don't remember a time when there weren't barcodes. Remember they used to have price stickers and type everything into the till when you were shopping in William Lows?
People who don't remember William Lows.
Being called 'the lady' not 'the girl' in shops. This one breaks my heart.

The milky way red car and blue car advert was on telly in 1989! And i can still remember most, if not all of the words!

And of course the classic, people who were born in 1990 can vote and legally drink this year.

Office Thoughts

2008-08-29T11:02:00.002+01:00

Wouldn't it be sweet if compliments slips actually had compliments printed on them?

"You look great today!"
"Have you lost weight?"
"Loving your work!"

Green eyed in the sunshine

2008-07-21T14:39:00.003+01:00

At lunchtime, sitting in (the sadly unusual) sunny sun, I was jealous of the following:

1. Dogs who can throw themaselves into ponds after balls and frisbees again and again. Looks fun.

2. People who have been on, are currently on, or are soon to be going on holidays to the sunshine.

3. Anyone who has the day off today. I bet its not like this next week when I'm off.

I really think the UK would be a happier place if thr weather was like this more and we could have a quick blast of sunshine at lunchtime.

Quote me happy.

2008-07-18T14:51:00.005+01:00

I love quotes. Little snapshots summing up an ethos, movie or person. Maybe I just have a short attention span.

Here are some that I am feeling today:

"I am looking for a dare to be great situation" - Lloyd Dobbler, Say Anything

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

"If you are going through hell, keep going" - Winston Churchill.

"I'm not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I'm not looking for the secret to life... I just go on from day to day, taking what comes" -Frank Sinatra

Josh: [looking at a note C.J. has given him] W.W.L.D?
C.J.: What would Leo do? - Da West Wing.

"The way I see it, If you want the rainbow sometimes you gotta put up with the rain" - Dolly Parton.

Of course I can't remember decent quotes for the life of me. Instead I can quote that Radio One cinema advert and do the voices.

"WESTWOOD!"

2008-07-17T15:38:00.000+01:00

You Are Peppermint Flavored Gum

You have a sharp mind that is always churning.

You are mentally hyper. You're always thinking of something.

And while your mind is always on, you're not the most physically active person around.

Some people make mistake you for being lazy, but the truth is: you never relax.

You tend to get so deeply into your projects that you ignore everything around you.

You are creative and cutting edge. You love telling people about your newest ideas and discoveries.

What Flavor Gum Are You?

Dear Visitor...

2008-07-12T15:24:00.003+01:00

Don't ask me where the cloakroom is. I have no way of knowing whether you mean the toilet or you need somewhere to stash your jacket. You look confused when i ask you to clarify, but i don't want to send you to the wrong place.

Nickelback

2008-07-12T10:49:00.003+01:00

So just when i thought they'd stopped playing 'Rockstar' every second of the day on the radio, its now on a bloody annoying sofa advert. Sofas are so damn rock and roll. You will never have my business now DFS!

Current radio irritants: 'Violet Hill' by Coldplay and 'Warwick Avenue' by Duffy.

Rugrat

2008-07-08T16:14:00.002+01:00

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have had a wee baby called Sunday Rose. What day was she born? Monday of course.

Politically tasty

2008-07-07T14:42:00.002+01:00

random thought of the day: remeber those chocolate lollipops Thorntons used to make for the general election? Do they still make them? I have vague memories of eating a Paddy Ashdown.

Euro 2008

2008-06-16T14:24:00.001+01:00

Really getting into Euro 2008 now, probably rooting for Portugal the most, but I really don’t mind who wins it. I would win £30 in a work sweepstake if Romania triumph though.....

Last nights Czech Republic-Turkey game was a good ‘un and even had one of my favourite things that happens in football.

Whenever they say “they’ve used all 3 substitutes” I always wonder, well what if something happens to the goalkeeper? And Turkey’s duly got sent off – the replacement dude looked tiny in his jersey too. Sadly he wasn’t called on to do anything, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d saved all the penalties in a shoot out given the way things turned around for them in that match.

Moonwalk 2008

2008-06-16T11:43:00.000+01:00

Well we did it! After months of (very little on my part) training we took on the challenge and made it!

I may not be very fit, but I think walking 26.2 miles around Edinburgh would leave most people with pretty sore feet, and mine are certainly in a bit of a state. I am also in dire need of some kind of sports massage I think.

We rolled up to the big pink tent in the meadows at about 8pm to feed up on some tasty pasta and flapjacks, stood in line for some temporary tattoos, took obligatory photos and faffed about with clothing and layers (to become a common theme throughout the night). After the warm up entertainment and work out, we were advised to pop on our see thru ’weather protectors’ (aka plastic bags), before we headed out into the ‘chilly for June’ night.

The off was at midnight and it was great to see so many people in the first few miles cheering everyone on. From the meadows it was up to and round Holyrood Park, up the Royal Mile, round the Castle (lit up pink!), along Princes Street and Regents Road before making a U-Turn along London Road and up towards Queens Street. Twas then a bit quieter. Long straight stretch and a few hours later we were in Silverknowes and I noticed my feet were starting to hurt a bit.

Then began the long trek along the waterfront towards Granton. Jo had urged my to call her when we got to Aidan’s flat so I duly did and she poked her head out of the window. I somehow got up the steam to run across and she dropped a large bar of Dairy Milk out of the window. STAR! A few miles later at Salamander Street a work colleague volunteering had some tasty flapjacks waiting for us.

After those highs it went a bit downhill at about mile 18 at Portobello beach where I “hit the wall”. I felt like I was going to be sick/faint/legs give way entirely. After that the conversation died down and it was one foot in front of the other for a long time. The walk made a U-Turn at Joppa and we headed back into town, through Piershill, back into the park and eventually along the Cowgate and Grassmarket. There were plenty of people on hand to cheer folks back in the meadows and towards the finish line to pick up the medal. Must admit there may have been a few wee tears shed on my part!

I’m not sure if I’ll ever do it again (might forget the pain as the months pass!) but it was a great night and very well organised, so I’d reccommend it as a great challenge to be part of. We’ve also managed to raise £430 so far, and a bit more is due to come in. They were aiming to make £2 million this year so hopefully we’ve helped do our bit!

ManBabies

2008-06-01T17:12:00.002+01:00

funny website switching the heads of men and babies: http://www.manbabies.com/

GET MORE AT ManBabies.com!

Gigs

2008-05-26T12:51:00.004+01:00

A few things that bother me:

1. When theres no audience interaction from the artist and they may as well have just played a CD.
2. When the artist professes their love for Scotland/Glasgow/wherever declaring it to be the best audience in the world. I don't buy it. I think you say it wherever you go ya bunch of liars.
3. Tall people. I know you can't help it but why does it feel like theres always a freakishly large person in front of you?
4. Couples who have to remain intertwined throughout.
5. Drink dilemas, its probably worth buying at least 2 drinks becuase of the queues, but how do you hold them, and clap etc?
6. Booking fees - how can they justify an extra £3 or £4 per ticket, and also charge delivery?

Can't beat seeing someone you really like live in the flesh though!

Shopping Basket

2008-05-22T22:38:00.002+01:00

one bottle of Rose
two bottles of diet coke
one bar of chocolate
one issue of cosmopolitan

I fear i may be a couple of cans of cat food away from a cliched girly existence. :D

Is nothing sacred?

2008-05-14T15:58:00.000+01:00

This is awesome though!

What goes around....

2008-05-13T14:53:00.002+01:00

Four weeks shy of my 25th birthday, I find myself with a remarkably similar bob haircut to that I had as a 5 year old child. The fringe is more cut to the side though, I have come some way in 20 (!) years...

Killing Time

2008-05-08T20:22:00.003+01:00

One of them shuffle your tunes and answer the questions blogs.

How does the world see you?
Map of the Problematic - Muse

(brilliant start)

Will I have a happy life?
I think we're alone now - Tiffany

(happy song, all good)

What do my friends really think of me?
Closer - Travis

"And when I see you then I know it will be next to me
And when I need you then I know you will be there with me
I'll never leave you... " :D

Do people secretly lust after me?
I can't help myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - The Four Tops

woop

How can I make myself happy?
Fall at your feet - Crowded House

?

What should I do with my life?
Don't fear the reaper - Blue Oyster Cult

ha

Will I ever have children?
Like I love you - Justin Timberlake

*drums*

What is some good advice for me?
Smile like you mean it - The Killers

How will I be remembered?
There is a light that never goes out - The Smiths

What is my signature dancing song?
Elephant Love Medley - Moulin Rouge

What do I think my current theme song is?
Actually its Darkness - Idlewild

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Open your eyes - Snow Patrol

erk

What song will play at my funeral?
Behind these hazel eyes - Kelly Clarkson

I have hazel eyes! not very funeraly mind.

What type of men do you like?
I'm a slave 4 u - Britney Spears

:D

What is my day going to be like?
Loco in Acapulco - The Four Tops

Jump a plane to Mexico? 2 songs from the four tops? strange!

that killed some time, now to watch me some more West Wing.....

Musings from a reception desk

2008-04-29T17:09:00.003+01:00

Despite large instructions to PRINT your name, 50% of people oblige with an illegible scrawl

No one but me and my work buds seem to know what a lanyard is

Ditto the word “ditto”, most would much prefer to write out the same information multiple times.

When asked the time, if my response is "5 to 5" or "25 to 3", a surprisingly high number of people pause for a moment before writing it down in the 24 hour clock format. I can see the cogs in their heads turning.

and now for some gentle humour...

2008-04-25T16:16:00.003+01:00

While First Ministers Questions may grab the majority of media coverage, the best stuff from the chamber is tucked away inside other debates. Here are my two favourite moments from yesterday:

Linda Fabiani: Members who are old enough will remember the approach being tried out—I think it was around about the late 1960s. I remember going to school in a transparent vest—[Laughter.] Excuse the memory—

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Fiona Hyslop): I think that the minister meant to say "translucent".

and

The Deputy Presiding Officer: Ted Bracklebonk—my apologies. Ted Brocklebank, to be followed by Iain Smith.

chuckle.

Going soft in my old age

2008-04-13T20:20:00.001+01:00

Saturday Cusack

2008-04-12T11:47:00.002+01:00

A 51 second clip (baby scene from Grosse Point Blank) that is awesome in many ways.

1. "Hows your life?" "In progress". Great line!
2. 'Under pressure' - The song always makes me think of this scene.
3. Cusack has never looked better
4. This clip is cut before Minnie Driver enters :)

Umbrella-ella-ella

2008-04-08T13:34:00.002+01:00

Umbrellas are annoying. Apart from the fact that you need to constantly hold them up they are just a nuisance. On a wet day the office will be littered with brollys drying out, and if its windy (frequently the case in Scotland) they are rendered ineffectual anyway.

The sharing of a brolly is also rather irksome, particularly when height difference comes into play. Everyone still gets a bit wet and poked in the eye with the spokes. I'm also sick of being the person who has to tilt my brolly when squeezing through a gap in the street. I suck at 'umbrella chicken' and always cave and let the other person and their unneccesarily large golf umbrella barge through.

Everyone should just have a hooded jacket. Or one of these:

I Love....

2008-04-08T13:24:00.000+01:00

....seeing dogs in the street wearing kerchiefs.

Acceptable in the 80s

2008-04-05T15:49:00.004+01:00

Watching Pretty in Pink last night I pondered what would have happened if I had been a teen in the 1980s? I think that I:

Would have a got a perm for sure. Thankfully poker straight is in fashion nowadays but i probably would have plumped for a spiral perm look. I defintely hankered after one as a child...

would have dressed a little something like the fabulous Robin Sparkles.......

or maybe like the girls in St Elmo's fire (which would also have been one of my favourite films and I would have lusted after Andrew McCarthy and Rob Lowe - both of whom have aged quite well!) Love the theme too.

New Shoes

2008-04-03T11:01:00.002+01:00

They make me feel so happy, for they are pretty and shiny and make a clip clop sound when i walk about.

Radiohead-haha

2008-04-01T16:41:00.005+01:00

Everytime I hear 'Street Spirit' by Radiohead I am reminded of the time that me and Jo tried to decipher the lyrics to use in a play for drama. Pre-everyone having internet access we did it the old fashioned way, replaying the compilation CD it was on over and over. We made a right hash of it, and nearly had someone sitting there singing our somewhat disasterous lyrics. Oh the shame.

Real Lyrics

Rows of houses, all bearing down on me
I can feel their blue hands touching me
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
And fade out again and fade out

This machine will, will not communicate
These thoughts and the strain I am under
Be a world child, form a circle
Before we all go under
And fade out again and fade out again

Cracked eggs, dead birds
Scream as they fight for life
I can feel death, can see its beady eyes
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
And fade out again and fade out again

Immerse your soul in love
IMMERSE YOUR SOUL IN LOVE

Sara and Jo's version

Rows of houses are bearing down on me
I can feel them, their hands are touching me
All these things are two positions
All these things are one big smoke
and fade out again and fade out

Dismal she ran, cannot communicate
these thoughts and ther pain i have on me
Baby I want you to form a circle
before we all go under
and fade out again and fade out again

Crackheads deathbeds
Scream as they fight for life
f**king feel death cos she experienced
All these things are two position
All these things are one big smoke
and fade out again, and fade out again

at last shes soooooooo relaxed
at last shes sooooo relaxed

2008-03-29T15:08:00.001Z

Which Character From The Office Are You?

More on The Office. Created by BuddyTV

Ah how I love The West Wing

2008-03-06T21:53:00.002Z

Wise words from the fabulous Leo McGarry to Josh:

This guy's walking down a street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep, he can't get out. A doctor passes by, and the guy shouts up, "Hey you, can you help me out?" The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along, and the guy shouts up "Father, I'm down in this hole, can you help me out?" The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by. "Hey Joe, it's me, can you help me out?" And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, "Are you stupid? Now we're both down here." The friend says, "Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out."

Hurray for Hillary!

2008-03-05T10:26:00.003Z

I'm glad Mrs Clinton has gained back some ground in the race to get the Democrat nomination and that she and Obama can continue their contest. Personally I'd like to see Hillary swing it, I like her speeches, whereas I find Obama's voice a bit dull.

The real person with the upper hand though surely is John McCain, he now has longer to put together his campaign, so I guess the Democrats need to choose the right person to take the fight to him later in the year.

Mummy

2008-03-04T10:37:00.002Z

A belated mothers day appreciation post and 3 reasons (there are hundreds!) why she rocks.

1. She let me indulge my weird eating habits (well to an extend, there were some arguments over vegetables), like when I decided I was going to have microwave pizza for breakfast. Remember those little round ones that come frozen in stacks of 10?

2. Taking me to the library so much. I loved that place and I loved to read so damn much. Also, she agress that money spent on books is never money wasted.

3. When I had friends over she would bring us up juice and biscuits on a tray. :)

Tuesday

2008-02-20T09:25:00.000Z

18.00 - Gave blood
20.00 - saw 'There will be Blood'

plasmatastic day.

That Feeling....

2008-02-19T10:47:00.002Z

You know that feeling you get when you remember something that had previously left your brain. Like when Gwen remembered Spot in the pub last week:

or when we started singing "When the Lights go Out" by 5ive. When the lights went out at work yesterday afternoon. Its a "Oh My God, I completely forgot about the existence about that, but now that I've remembered I'll be thinking about it all day and have a silly smile on my face" kind of thing.

Oldie

2008-02-18T13:21:00.003Z

So how long after you leave Uni are you still a "graduate"? It's a tad depressing that popular opinion seems to be that theres a limit of a couple of years on this particular label. I'm going to keep describing myself as one until my graduate account is prised from "my cold dead hands" (thank you Charlton Heston) in a few months.

Other sobering thoughts:
Only a few more months left on the Young Persons Railcard
I'm in my mid, rather than early twenties
A financial planner told me this week that I really should have a will and a pension

Mwah xxxx

2008-02-17T11:19:00.003Z

As a post Valentines treat, my favourite TV kisses. I could only think of four that really make me go "yay!" so its a top 4 rather than a top 5...

4. Doug and Carol in ER.

Even though Clooneys cameo wasn't a big surprise for UK audiences (bet Americans were screaming when they saw him) its still awesome.

3. Tim and Dawn - The Office

The christmas last episode of The Office was fantastic viewing and I cried my eyes out at this. Love the song too. Not too schmaltzy and American, it feels real.

2. Ross and Rachel - Friends

Well of course, but not the throwing open the doors at Central Perk first kiss. I like The One with the Prom Video. "He's her lobster!"

1. Pam and Jim - The Office (US)

Love it, love it, love it. Of course it helps that John Krasinski is pretty hot. This one gets me every time, he spills his heart, gets rejected but still goes back for the kiss. (Video has silly music over it which ruins it a tad, so WATCH THE SHOW! ;) )

Educating Sara

2008-02-07T12:30:00.000Z

So how much of what I learned at school has actually been useful?

English

Hell yes, I think I have reasonably good grammar and spelling (although I will probably make a bunch of mistakes in this to disprove that) and had an appreciation for reading instilled at an early age by Anne at Kirkcaldy Central Library, where I spent many an hour (woo!). I agree with the old folks who say that standards are really slipping in this area. I do wish we’d studied more inspiring novels and poems though.

Modern Studies

Undoubtedly my favourite and most useful subject to date, with the finest teachers in the land. American, British and international politics and current affairs and the ability to write super fast in exams.

Maths

Only up to a very early secondary level. I can count money, add, multiply and divide to the level required in everyday life. (I just used the calculator to divide 43 by 3 though – should I be able to do that in my head?) Have completely forgotten anything involved algebra, logarithms and the use of a scientific calculator. Long division – what was that about?

Biology

I wish I’d remembered more, but I really don’t. Especially Higher, I can only recall the now infamous ‘birds with 4 legs’ incident and mainlining those lemon Polos which tasted a bit like washing up liquid.

German

If I ever go there I’ll let you know.

Drama

Largely an excuse for messing about.

Music

Messing about again, this time on keyboards. I can’t even clap in time.

Office and Information Studies

Much maligned at the time, but actually useful now I work in an office, I can type away and file with the best of them. I have never actually encountered a telex machine yet though, nor am I very likely too.

Home Economics

As my dinner is pizza bagels and onion rings more often than it really should be, I would say no.

Things I wish I’d been taught at school:

How to cook a proper meal, instead of a ‘Sunshine Suzie’ (Bacon, Cheese and Pineapple on toast).

DIY and things like changing fuses.

Personal finance – I seriously think this is a big thing and I hope its something that’s being looked at. Pensions, mortgages, loans and banking are confusing, and with so many people in serious debt surely we should be doing something to try and prevent it through education.

Drivers Ed – always looked so fun in American films

The Early Bird....

2008-02-04T11:09:00.000Z

...lays an Easter Egg. My dad gave me one on Saturday - a whole 6 weeks early. Not that I'll complain about getting chocolate (Kitkat Chunky - yum!).

Lookielikeys #2

2008-01-31T13:18:00.000Z

Javier Bardem (left) (without his No Country for Old Men Crazy Hair).

and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (below) aka Denny Duquette (sob!) from Greys Anatomy and some other stuff.

Word of the day

2008-01-27T15:50:00.000Z

Ashley Coles alleged indiscretions earned him the "monstering of his life from Cheryl and her mum Joan Tweedy, who happened to be visiting the couple as the scandal broke" according to The Sun.

Monstering is my new favourite word, I don't think I've ever heard it before but apparantly its tabloid speak for a 'dressing down'.

I think a better meaning would be to get dressed up as a monster and go about terrorising the neighbourhood for kicks.

"What you up to tonight?"
"Dunno, might down some Buckie and go out Monstering"

Either that or it could be a less pleasant form of ravaging someone...

Signs that I may be going to the cinema too much

2008-01-27T14:38:00.001Z

Rolling my eyes when people laught at the Orange advert which has been on for AGES, (how can they not have seen it 50 times already like me?)

Starting to worry I might be attracted to Mr Dresden from said Orange adverts.

The Cineworld listings page comes up as one of my most visited websites.

Thinking £2.50 is probably a reasonable price to pay for a medium bucket of Coke.

One of my most visited pubs is the one next door to the cinema.

Knowing which screens are the 'cool' ones. (1 and 13).

Starting stories with "one time at the cinema". (Calum abandoning us at 28 days later because he was too scared is still funny though).

They must have either a really big workforce or high staff turnover though because I can't say I ever see the same old faces there, despite the constant visits....

Presidential Lookielikeys?

2008-01-16T14:37:00.001Z

Having finished watching the excellent Series 5 of 24 (Series 3 is still my favourite though!) I was struck by the resemblance of President Charles Logan (on the left)

to Republican Presedential hopeful Mike Huckabee (below)

Or does President Logan look more like President Nixon??

Things I find randomly hilarious #1

2008-01-14T22:05:00.000Z

The Lexmark Printers advert where they are all going to 'work'. The idea of printers commuting to work and zooming down the street cracks me up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjWqH1dpZLo

On the streets

2007-11-20T12:03:00.000Z

Why is half of Edinburgh being bloomin dug up at the moment? I seem to walk half my journey to work on the road surrounded by crash barriers and I have come pretty darn close to being hit in the head by a digger at least twice now. Fountainbridge, the Grassmarket and Holyrood Road are all in total disarray at the moment.

I suppose I am less inconvenienced than a driver would be, but conversely the roadworks will probably benefit them more than me anyway.

My conspiracy theory is that its all punnishment for the resounding 'No' that everyone answered to the congestion charging a few years ago. That had to be why the High Street was shut for over a year a while back...

Big game

2007-11-16T16:34:00.001Z

is just over 24 hours away. Eeek, getting nervous already. Slightly perturbed as last time we went into a big important game back in 2003 we got walloped 6-0 by Holland. Preparing myself for hearing 500 miles by The Proclaimers numerous times tomorrow too.....

Farewell beloved E!

2007-10-04T17:31:00.000+01:00

The sillyheads at Virgin Digital have decided to take my beloved E! Entertainment network channel away from us. Its now only available on their supersize package of channels rather than the piddly selection we get on the £5 a month dealio. Gone are the days of automatically punching in 173 to the digibox and there always being something I’d happily watch.

Oh E! how we loved and will miss you, let me count the ways.

1. Girls of the Playboy Mansion Perhaps the jewel in the crown of E!’s schedule was the exploits of Hugh Hefners 3 live in girlfriends: Holly, Kendra and my favourite, Bridget. Kendra, the youngest, had the craziest laugh, Bridget was a bit depressed that she’d never be a proper playmate in the magazine and Holly was basically trying to get a high powered job out of it.
The show didn’t make the mansion look all that sleazy although there were quite a lot of boobs on display (although they got blurred out during the day). We are left forever questioning – do they seperately “entertain” Hef? In turns? Alltogether? Also had a fantastic theme song – “come on to my house, my house, I’m gonna give you caaaaaaandy”.

2. The Daily 10
Edging out E! News as the better of the daily gossip roundups, the top 10 stories of the day. Only usually there were more than 10 stories, and they would start with the biggest news as being number 10 and then go kinda random from there. Presented by the dream team of Debbie, Sal and Cat who were all a wee bit kerazy. Ideal bite sized entertainment. They also had the best/ creepy looking ‘pundits’ and ‘experts’. AND on a Friday they have the ‘Hollywood Rap Up’ where Infinte-1 raps the weeks gossip! Amazing!

3. E! True Hollywood Story
A generally quite sanitised and kind version of the “truth” in many cases and usually heavily reliant on one or two interviewees for insight and the ‘true story’. My favourites were THS Friends, Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives, as they included some excellent before they were famous pictures and clips and some alternate casting choices. My ambition of seeing them all, is now sadly, on hold.

4. Top 20/50/100 celebrity bodies/latin hunks/sexy brunettes etc etc.
I can never get bored of this kind of ‘trash’. Plus there is the potential for “but she/he/its so much better than her/him/that”. This is the real chicken soup for the soul.

Sarah Howden, writing in the Edinburgh Evening News sympathised with my plight. I emailed her to let her know I felt the same.

There are ways I can attempt to fill the gap, magazines, gossip websites like Perez Hilton and TMZ, the odd programme on TMF. But they will never be as good as E!

Goodbye my beloved.