Christmas is nearly here. How wonderful. The weather is abysmal, people are running round town like lunatics trying to do their shopping, Santa is in his grotto, mince pies and festive tunes are making there rounds. And we are all anticipating stuffing ourselves with Christmas dinner, to the point of morbid obsesity only to 'exercise' it off in the New Year. Oh, wait, there is something I've forgotten. Jesus. Yeah, that's it. We have to remember what the 'true' meaning of Christmas is. It's all about Him, supposedly. "I'm not religious/ follow another religion", you say? Just sit in a dimmed corner of the sitting room and read the xmas bumper issue of this week's Heat. It is actually a gospel. Thus, reading it will make you more in touch with Christianity then you ever were before. In this week's issue, Torso of the Week is Steve Jones, Jordan's out on the lash in LA and there's an interview with TOWIE's Lauren Goodger about spliting with Mark. You see, GOSPEL.
In all seriousness, though, I do love Christmas. I like the fact that everyone can find some kind of meaning from it, even if it's not religious, and how that changes over time. Particularly, I remember the Christmas when my mother returned after 6 weeks in America. Upon her arrival, yes I was happy to see her, but I wanted those presents: Polly Pockets, Barbies and a baby (doll). When I opened them, it was a fleeting acknowledgement that they were acceptable, an 'OH WOW' and a move onto the next gift. Like a conveyor belt. I had no soul (or rather, I was too young to attach a real meaning to Christmas.). My sister really was more grateful (she being the older sibling). She got given a 'Olympic' tracksuit, you know, like the American team wore? It had the colours of the flag and 'USA' stitched onto it. Expressing her gratitude through terrible whooping cough or 'whoopers' as me and her termed it, she loved everything about the outfit, even if it was XXXXL large, because it was something given to her by mother (She understood that Santa was not real, by this stage, or at least I hope she did.). I don't know what's happened to it, I think we still do have it or it has been incinerated. Either way, she eventually realised that, even though it was given to her by mum/Santa, she could not wear it out in public without Social Services being alerted.
Still, this Christmas was all about the presents for me and most significantly, not being thankful for them. We whacked on a mix-tape of Christmas tunes. We thought we'd go with the whole Christianity thing, notably 'Gaudete', a sacred 16th Century Christmas carol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=447ZTXdDODQ
As you get older, I do think it becomes more about family. The gifts are not as important as spending time with loved ones. Now, it's just really nice to be together. Eventhough, this year, it will be just me, dad and my sister with the mother away. This won't deter us from laughing, watching old family videos and, most of all, enjoy eachother's company.
I'm very much looking forward to it all. And yes, we will have that copy of Heat by our side, not to be used in any religious circumstances, but purely for celebrity news and entertainment.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Steph xxxxx
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Sunday 4 December 2011
World Disability Day 2011
Here's a blog that I've written as part of the World Disability Day coverage on the university website I work for. It's about my personal experiences as a disabled student studying in university. Hope you like it.
As a student, you become accustomed to all that university life has to offer: Your course, meeting new people, hardcore partying and living away from home. However, as a student with a disability, it can seem all the more daunting.
I started at LJMU in 2009 on the Journalism degree course. I have the physical disability Cerebral Palsy which means that I use an electric wheelchair and I stammer. Despite having these impairments, I am one of those people who does not see them as an issue, contrary to what others might think.
In my first year, I really did try and relish the university experience. I had to adjust to life as independent adult, which was difficult at first, because as well as meeting new flatmates, I needed to arrange a personal assistant (which isn’t as glamorous as it sounds!) to help with my physical needs whilst in halls. Once all that was in place, however, I was ready to make some friends and get stuck into my course.
Socialising was one of the main things I was looking
forward to at university. Although, for us, it can seem
harder to approach people and make those connections.
No matter what your impairment, you need to be the one to
participate and actively involve yourself in forming
friendships just like anybody else.
The fruits of my efforts have produced a great, close- knit
group of mates, every one of which I’m happy to say are
genuine friends.
Before university began, I undertook a Needs Assessment
which meant that I would be allocated the relevant required
support. I was given support workers, who assisted me
physically and who acted as notetakers in lectures and
seminars if I needed them and I received mentoring,
which I use even now, to talk through any anxieties I have
about my course.
If I had any additional issues, the Journalism department
was fantastic and very supportive of me, this positive
attitude, I think, is something that can be applied across
the university. Failing this, the Disability Co-ordinator
(DiSCo) was on hand to help. I even started to contribute
to the JMU Journalism website and my efforts were
recognised by Editorial Director John Mathews, who
appointed me as an Entertainment Reporter.
I made the decision to transfer to English at the end of my
first year. It was a difficult choice to make but I knew
personally that it was the right one. I’m now in my second
year and loving it. One of the reasons, I think, I chose to switch, was due to my disability, particularly my stammer and the fact that it was difficult to conduct interviews because of it.
Still, I am pursuing my journalistic ambitions even though I’ve left, as my one-year experience left me with a taste of what I could be. I am gaining work placements, such as the Liverpool Echo, next February.
As a student, you become accustomed to all that university life has to offer: Your course, meeting new people, hardcore partying and living away from home. However, as a student with a disability, it can seem all the more daunting.
I started at LJMU in 2009 on the Journalism degree course. I have the physical disability Cerebral Palsy which means that I use an electric wheelchair and I stammer. Despite having these impairments, I am one of those people who does not see them as an issue, contrary to what others might think.
In my first year, I really did try and relish the university experience. I had to adjust to life as independent adult, which was difficult at first, because as well as meeting new flatmates, I needed to arrange a personal assistant (which isn’t as glamorous as it sounds!) to help with my physical needs whilst in halls. Once all that was in place, however, I was ready to make some friends and get stuck into my course.
Socialising was one of the main things I was looking
forward to at university. Although, for us, it can seem
harder to approach people and make those connections.
No matter what your impairment, you need to be the one to
participate and actively involve yourself in forming
friendships just like anybody else.
The fruits of my efforts have produced a great, close- knit
group of mates, every one of which I’m happy to say are
genuine friends.
Before university began, I undertook a Needs Assessment
which meant that I would be allocated the relevant required
support. I was given support workers, who assisted me
physically and who acted as notetakers in lectures and
seminars if I needed them and I received mentoring,
which I use even now, to talk through any anxieties I have
about my course.
If I had any additional issues, the Journalism department
was fantastic and very supportive of me, this positive
attitude, I think, is something that can be applied across
the university. Failing this, the Disability Co-ordinator
(DiSCo) was on hand to help. I even started to contribute
to the JMU Journalism website and my efforts were
recognised by Editorial Director John Mathews, who
appointed me as an Entertainment Reporter.
I made the decision to transfer to English at the end of my
first year. It was a difficult choice to make but I knew
personally that it was the right one. I’m now in my second
year and loving it. One of the reasons, I think, I chose to switch, was due to my disability, particularly my stammer and the fact that it was difficult to conduct interviews because of it.
Still, I am pursuing my journalistic ambitions even though I’ve left, as my one-year experience left me with a taste of what I could be. I am gaining work placements, such as the Liverpool Echo, next February.
I have continued my role as a reporter on the site because of the team and the invaluable experience it provides. I’m doing this in the hope of doing a postgraduate diploma in Journalism with a view of becoming an established entertainment journalist.
All in all, I think being a disabled student in university is what you make of it. I think what this experience teaches is that it doesn’t matter what your disability is, if you work hard then you can achieve what you set your mind to.
All in all, I think being a disabled student in university is what you make of it. I think what this experience teaches is that it doesn’t matter what your disability is, if you work hard then you can achieve what you set your mind to.
Another lesson I have learnt is that rather than trying to lessen the issue, it is important to be able to become more self-aware. Because, after all, you do have a disability so make sure you get the support that you are entitled to.
And most of all, enjoy it. As I know I have!
Monday 7 November 2011
It's Britney, bitch!
Britney Spears was back with a bang as she took to the stage of the MEN Arena in Manchester last night.
Back promoting her seventh album, Femme Fatale, that very sadly has been under the radar, although it is one that has a stomping selection of dance floor tracks which easily makes it one of her best records to date. Spears put on a highly entertaining show which brought together sexiness, powerhouse hits and pyrotechnics. It proved, now more than previously, that she is a musical force, pop royalty. Evidently, that after 13 years in the industry, she’s still got it.
The theme centres around Britney as a femme fatale being tracked down by this handsome looking policeman/ secret agent guy. Did anyone really give a toss? No. But it was still nice to see that. Emerging from behind two screens whilst sitting on a silver chair, Britney made her entrance. The roar of the crowd ensued. Dressed in a white and glittery leotard, her figure was not overly toned but very feminine. She blasted us all with the lead song from her album, ‘Hold It Against Me’ determined to get a party started. And she sure did.
The great and one of the most undeniable things about Spears is that her music is awesome. She has managed to churn out hits throughout her long standing career and that’s what she is loved for. Femme Fatale was produced by the formidable Max Martin and Dr Luke, the former wrote her debut ‘Baby One More Time’. Britney has worked with fantastic songwriters and who have produce her songs, many of which she included in her 20 plus strong set , which featured ‘Piece of Me’, ‘Slave 4U’, ‘Boys’ and ‘3’.
Spears costume changes were pretty good too. All very sexy and short. She rocked her two leotards, a gold glitter underwear combination for an Egyptian inspired ‘Gimme More’ and an oriental inspired kimono for ‘Toxic’. Does it matter that she is nearly 30 and is a mother of two small children? Of course it doesn’t. She’s one hot mama.
It seemed that she lipsynced most of the set although it the vocals sounded pretty live, maybe with a bit of enhancement, a definite live performance was ‘Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know’ which she sang while suspended on a swing, whilst an acrobat was doing a routine below her. In honesty, it was hard to tell. Britney’s dance moves looked a little laboured and half arsed but even that didn’t really seem to make much of a difference. With everybody constantly trying to compare with her young and innocent 20 something self, before her public breakdown, it is easy to come with criticism. But, the fact is, that she has changed and it is something that the world must learn to accept.
The best thing about the whole show was to see how genuinely happy Britney was. She shouted out to the audience numerous times, brought her fans on stage and even gave a lucky guy a saucy lap dance. She finished with ‘Til The World Ends’ and as she left the stage, the whole arena was up in raptures. And rightly so, after all: It’s Britney, bitch!
Friday 16 September 2011
TV Pick: The Great British Bake Off
Cookery shows. Television seems to be saturated with them nowadays, especially ones featuring celebrity chefs, who like to preach to us about the importance of cooking and how it has the capability to enrich our lives. There’s Jamie Oliver who cooks his food in the most awkward places (There we are guys! A chocolate soufflé baked in this cave I happened to have stumbled across. Beautiful!). He also tends to put great emphasis on presentation, telling us that we must drench all our food in the finest extra virgin olive oil, so it looks great but the taste is effectively ruined by an overpowering and frankly unnecessary condiment. Gordon Ramsay tries to instil within us the ability to produce quality dishes. To make sure of this, he gives viewers looks and hints as if to say: IF THIS ISN’T F**KING PERFECTION THEN IT’S GOING UP YOUR F**KING ARSE, YOU PATHETIC PIECE OF SH*T. Some of us can accept this way of teaching, whilst others secretly can’t help but giggle at the deep- set wrinkles in his face, which make it look like the scrotum of a 70 year old man. And lastly, Ms Nigella Lawson is all about indulgence and excess. She softly encourages us to gorge ourselves on an entire lemon drizzle cake as a ‘treat’. She gently points towards the fact that we can buy bottled truffle oil from Sainsbury’s. But, we just can’t do either of these things. We can’t.
But celebrity chefs aside, a (relatively) new show has come as breath of fresh air. It focuses on the individual and their cooking skills, its main theme is baking, features the esteemed cookery writer, Mary Berry and professional baker, Paul Hollywood as judges. And, mostly importantly is hosted the quirky Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. What am I harping on about? The Great British Bake Off, of course.
The show which began in 2010, has been given a second series and I’ve been hooked since it started. This year has seen twelve keen food enthusiasts compete against each other, in the hope of being crowned Britain’s best amateur baker. Over a weekend, they are tested by various challenges from a signature bake (when they get to showcase their own personal recipe) to the technical bake (cooking to a recipe were they need to fill in the gaps). At the end of the round, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood decide on a ‘star baker’ and who will be eliminated. A guy called Edd Kimber was victorious last series. He now has written his own cookbook ‘The Boy Who Bakes’. See? It’s like X Factor but for bakers. Don’t worry though, the show isn’t produced by Simon Cowell. Extending his ‘talents’ to cookery would be a travesty. And besides, it’s on BBC 2. Cowell can’t actually make millions for a TV channel. In ya face, Si.
However, the thing I really like about the show is that it’s very heart- warming. As you are drooling in front of TV restraining yourself not to make loafs of bread and batches of macaroons, you sit there thinking ‘God, this is nice. No psychological damage, no expensive ingredients. Just a wholesome cookery show’ (An exhale of satisfaction).
This week, the remaining seven contestants tried their hand at pies. Truth be told, I’ve never actually eaten a pie. A pasty, yes, but never a pie. I quite like the idea of steak and ale. Their first bake was the signature bake. They had 2 hours 30 minutes to make a pie that has a scrumptious filling with a case of either rough puff or flaky pastry. Judges were looking for well baked pies with a good filling but most importantly did not feature the dreaded soggy bottom. Holly, a young and enthusiastic woman with small children, came out with a smashing one: Potato, caramelised onion and stilton. Without doubt she seemed to impress the judges the most. Holly was really happy as she blushed at their praise, telling them: ‘You don’t know how happy you’ve made me!’ Bless.
Onto the technical bake of six miniature pork pies. Another good aspect of this show is that it’s actually educational (in a very light hearted way, I hasten to add). We are not just watching various delicious morsels being baked but are also being informed about the history of baking in Britain. We learn that pork pies date back to the early 18th century and originate in a little place known as Melton Mowbray. Smallholders in the area would slaughter their pigs in the winter and preserve the meat in pies typically to be eaten by local farmers working on land. By the 1820’s, Melton became famous for hunting, during this time rich ladies and gentleman started scoffing them. And now? Melton Mowbray has protected geographical status because of what it has produced. Face it, they are cases of disgustingly fatty pastry with miscellaneous pig bits in them. But, they are delicious all the same. Thank you baking programme for letting us know where they’ve actually come from!
Here, Janet wins. Rob comes third. A young photographer who’s a bit dishy. He has problems with his timing though. A shame.
And finally, ‘The showstopper’. The contestants were asked to make a sweet meringue pie. We’ve got 19 year old Jason with a fresh plum pie, Jo with apple and raspberry and Janet with a rhubarb pie.
After the tasting, the verdicts were reached. The ‘star baker’ award was presented to Janet for consistent standards of baking. While, heartthrob Rob was sent packing. Next week then, sees an all-women’s quarter final between Holly, Jo, Janet, Mary- Anne and Yasmin. With a pork pie in one hand and a Swiss roll in the other, I’ll be tuning in. And I hope will be too.
The Great British Bake Off: Tuesdays, BBC 2 at 8pm.
But celebrity chefs aside, a (relatively) new show has come as breath of fresh air. It focuses on the individual and their cooking skills, its main theme is baking, features the esteemed cookery writer, Mary Berry and professional baker, Paul Hollywood as judges. And, mostly importantly is hosted the quirky Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. What am I harping on about? The Great British Bake Off, of course.
The show which began in 2010, has been given a second series and I’ve been hooked since it started. This year has seen twelve keen food enthusiasts compete against each other, in the hope of being crowned Britain’s best amateur baker. Over a weekend, they are tested by various challenges from a signature bake (when they get to showcase their own personal recipe) to the technical bake (cooking to a recipe were they need to fill in the gaps). At the end of the round, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood decide on a ‘star baker’ and who will be eliminated. A guy called Edd Kimber was victorious last series. He now has written his own cookbook ‘The Boy Who Bakes’. See? It’s like X Factor but for bakers. Don’t worry though, the show isn’t produced by Simon Cowell. Extending his ‘talents’ to cookery would be a travesty. And besides, it’s on BBC 2. Cowell can’t actually make millions for a TV channel. In ya face, Si.
However, the thing I really like about the show is that it’s very heart- warming. As you are drooling in front of TV restraining yourself not to make loafs of bread and batches of macaroons, you sit there thinking ‘God, this is nice. No psychological damage, no expensive ingredients. Just a wholesome cookery show’ (An exhale of satisfaction).
This week, the remaining seven contestants tried their hand at pies. Truth be told, I’ve never actually eaten a pie. A pasty, yes, but never a pie. I quite like the idea of steak and ale. Their first bake was the signature bake. They had 2 hours 30 minutes to make a pie that has a scrumptious filling with a case of either rough puff or flaky pastry. Judges were looking for well baked pies with a good filling but most importantly did not feature the dreaded soggy bottom. Holly, a young and enthusiastic woman with small children, came out with a smashing one: Potato, caramelised onion and stilton. Without doubt she seemed to impress the judges the most. Holly was really happy as she blushed at their praise, telling them: ‘You don’t know how happy you’ve made me!’ Bless.
Onto the technical bake of six miniature pork pies. Another good aspect of this show is that it’s actually educational (in a very light hearted way, I hasten to add). We are not just watching various delicious morsels being baked but are also being informed about the history of baking in Britain. We learn that pork pies date back to the early 18th century and originate in a little place known as Melton Mowbray. Smallholders in the area would slaughter their pigs in the winter and preserve the meat in pies typically to be eaten by local farmers working on land. By the 1820’s, Melton became famous for hunting, during this time rich ladies and gentleman started scoffing them. And now? Melton Mowbray has protected geographical status because of what it has produced. Face it, they are cases of disgustingly fatty pastry with miscellaneous pig bits in them. But, they are delicious all the same. Thank you baking programme for letting us know where they’ve actually come from!
Here, Janet wins. Rob comes third. A young photographer who’s a bit dishy. He has problems with his timing though. A shame.
And finally, ‘The showstopper’. The contestants were asked to make a sweet meringue pie. We’ve got 19 year old Jason with a fresh plum pie, Jo with apple and raspberry and Janet with a rhubarb pie.
After the tasting, the verdicts were reached. The ‘star baker’ award was presented to Janet for consistent standards of baking. While, heartthrob Rob was sent packing. Next week then, sees an all-women’s quarter final between Holly, Jo, Janet, Mary- Anne and Yasmin. With a pork pie in one hand and a Swiss roll in the other, I’ll be tuning in. And I hope will be too.
The Great British Bake Off: Tuesdays, BBC 2 at 8pm.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
SlutWalk 2011
Back in April, a Canadian policeman told students studying at a Toronto Law School to ‘…avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised’. The comment made by PC Sanguinetti (who has since been disciplined but remains within the police force) sparked uproar amongst young women causing them to protest with their own ‘SlutWalks’. Thousands took to the streets in Toronto, Boston and other cities across the US in their underwear, parading the message that your choice of clothing does not give men the right to sexual assault nor does the word ‘slut’ need to be associated with marginalisation.
Due to the popularity of these ‘SlutWalks’ they have been brought to the UK with the largest and most publicised in London on June 11th with over 5,000 women expected to attend.
As for my stance on the subject, young women are right to protest about this. I think that if a woman were to dress in a particularly provocative way then you are looking for some form of attention, usually from men. The automatic assumption is because a woman wants attention; she wants sex and means it should lead to rape or abuse. However, no matter what you wear, no matter how provocative it seems you are certainly not ‘asking for it’.
Calling a woman a slut, like many derogatory words, wasn’t always seen pejoratively as it is today. In fact, it was used in ‘playful sense’, in the 17th-19th century, without focusing on the negative qualities of a young girl or woman. For example, a 17th century author by the name of Pepys in his work ‘Diary’ included highlighted that ‘Our little girl Susan is the most admirable slut and pleases us mightly.’ Although, now the word is defined to mean ‘a woman of low or loose character’ and is something that has been driven into influencing our social attitudes and perspectives. Reclaiming slut is definitely the most obvious symbol of empowerment, as is say doing the same for something like retard or spastic. But then, I still think it is ludicrous to get angry over a word or more specifically, the connotations that it presents. Really, for me, it just doesn’t seem worth the bother.
Essentially, though, the way women are portrayed in the media is demeaning. The simple fact of the matter is: sex sells. Whether it is songs, magazines or anything else- it’s very much exploitative. Some young children and people, it seems, have become sensitised to the idea with control of the media and the lack of individual ability to question it, means they fail to recognise how wrong it is.
Examples from popular music:
A four year old girl singing along to Britney’s ‘Hold It Against Me’ (A song with the lyrics: ‘Cos you feel like paradise/ I need a vacation tonight/ So if I said I want your body now/ Would you hold it against me?).
Snoop Dogg featuring David Guetta ‘Sweat’.
When I first saw this I was shocked and I still am. The girl seductively dancing on a sofa with a bra and knickers on. Snoop Dogg as pimp sitting on some kind of throne chair while this poor girl is all over him. Snoop, mate, you have three kids and a wife. Enough said.
If these are anything to go by, they show that women are shown in a position which highlights that they are asking for sex. What is apparent is that, if you want sex, it is not just what you wear but actions that you take to engage in it. Although, really, most of the time, it’s not what we want.
All in all then, this a great cause. An opportunity to resist against the constraints of society and the exploitative nature of media and just to stand up for what we believe is right.
J
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Celebrity Juice.. Contains 99.9% celebrity and 0.1% juice. Mmmm.
Today, I feel that both you and I must quench our celebrity thirsts. So I present to you my rundown of the top celebrity stories that have emerged in the past week or so....
1) Billboard Awards 2011: After a four year hiatus, this award ceremony is back. OMG! Errrrm... seriously, did you know that this existed? Because I didn't. It was held in Las Vegas last Sunday and stand out performances were courtesy of : Rihanna dueting with Britney and Beyonce. How did they perform? Like this...
S&M (Remix) Rihanna feat. Britney Spears
Rihanna wows in a white corset and stockings with pretty sexy red locks. She is singing LIVE, have you noticed that? Not one of best vocals of hers but still it is LIVE. Cut to over halfway through and behold yours truly: Ms Spears. She is sitting on a chair with a feather mask on her face, she stands, we observe her in a near identical black corset creation. Oh, hang on, what's that? IS SHE MIMING? Can we all recognise that the voice that sounds like she has a badass sinus infection that has attempted to be pathetically remedied with heavy autotuning? Is that the exact same vocal as the track? Is it? By golly, it is!
Britters you know that I love you as do many others, however, if you fail to sing live our respect towards you is something we regrettably must surrender. 'Til then we wait under this faithful day will come... if it ever will.
As for the dancing... Rihanna and Brit take to their respective poles. Rihanna is better, she's much more polished even if she does undertake quite minimal body popping. As for Brit, even I could do that wiggle thing she does because it's not even dancing. That's saying alot because, as you know, I have physical limitations. Hell, just give me a walking stick and pole. (The stick so I can stand, the pole so I can dance- obviously...) SORTED. You know, I don't mean to brag, but I was fairly good at the Liberty X 'Just a Little' stick rountine. I owned it. Don't know about it now though. My legs aren't as co-operative and I would probably do my back in. That's not good for me... even if I did dress up in latex.
Saying this, however, both Brit and Rihanna are hot. An interesting performance.
Run The World (Girls) Beyonce
YES. Queen Bee is BACK! Her first single from her anticipated release '4'. She gives an amazing performance of this track with her beautifully toned figure, flawless dance moves and effortless singing. No wonder she won a Millenium Award for her contribution to the music industry. She is a true legend. As for the song? I detest it even after listening to it a few times. Nope. I'm surprised it wasn't produced by her husband Jay-Z because it sounds like it could have been. Definitely a Sweet Dreams/ Halo girl at heart.
2) Giggsy revealed as the love rat in the superinjunction scandal: One of the worst kept secrets when it comes to superinjunctions, definitely. He was finally outed by an MP. This was shocking, notably due to the fact that Ryan Giggs is known for being a really professional footballer who stays out of glare of the public eye. Still, I was unaware of who it was until the official announcement was made. Oh dear. This has sparked a huge debate about role of the superinjunction and an individual's right to privacy. Is it right that high profile celebrities can protect themselves in this way, especially with the other party (in this case Imogen) having to take all the backlash? Hmm.
3) Krusty fails to be reunited in Japan: Katy Perry thought it would be a great idea to bring husband Russel to the first show of her California Dreams Tour in Japan. This seemed a lovely idea because as rumour has it their marriage seems to be dangerously on the rocks. (This coming from Heat- it's supposedly down to the long distance aspect of their relationship). However, due to offenses from more than 10 years ago, he was deported just as he touched down. Ah well, better luck next time hey, mate?
4) Fearne Cotton breaks off her engagement: OMG! It's over! Cotton split from her skater boyfriend Jesse Jenkins for GOOD! Maybe this will mean that she will stop presenting every music/ entertainment show in existence, for a while at least...
5) Natalie Cassidy's fiance gets arrested for domestic violence: Also known as Enders' Sonia, Natalie was devestated when her fiance was charged for beating her. That's is really awful because they did look blissfully in love on that reality show they had. Can't remember what it was called. It was on E4 and acted as a pregnancy diary. I didn't realise she was pregnant. I just thought overindulged with the cream cakes. Still, the baby was very cute indeed.
:-)
1) Billboard Awards 2011: After a four year hiatus, this award ceremony is back. OMG! Errrrm... seriously, did you know that this existed? Because I didn't. It was held in Las Vegas last Sunday and stand out performances were courtesy of : Rihanna dueting with Britney and Beyonce. How did they perform? Like this...
S&M (Remix) Rihanna feat. Britney Spears
Rihanna wows in a white corset and stockings with pretty sexy red locks. She is singing LIVE, have you noticed that? Not one of best vocals of hers but still it is LIVE. Cut to over halfway through and behold yours truly: Ms Spears. She is sitting on a chair with a feather mask on her face, she stands, we observe her in a near identical black corset creation. Oh, hang on, what's that? IS SHE MIMING? Can we all recognise that the voice that sounds like she has a badass sinus infection that has attempted to be pathetically remedied with heavy autotuning? Is that the exact same vocal as the track? Is it? By golly, it is!
Britters you know that I love you as do many others, however, if you fail to sing live our respect towards you is something we regrettably must surrender. 'Til then we wait under this faithful day will come... if it ever will.
As for the dancing... Rihanna and Brit take to their respective poles. Rihanna is better, she's much more polished even if she does undertake quite minimal body popping. As for Brit, even I could do that wiggle thing she does because it's not even dancing. That's saying alot because, as you know, I have physical limitations. Hell, just give me a walking stick and pole. (The stick so I can stand, the pole so I can dance- obviously...) SORTED. You know, I don't mean to brag, but I was fairly good at the Liberty X 'Just a Little' stick rountine. I owned it. Don't know about it now though. My legs aren't as co-operative and I would probably do my back in. That's not good for me... even if I did dress up in latex.
Saying this, however, both Brit and Rihanna are hot. An interesting performance.
Run The World (Girls) Beyonce
YES. Queen Bee is BACK! Her first single from her anticipated release '4'. She gives an amazing performance of this track with her beautifully toned figure, flawless dance moves and effortless singing. No wonder she won a Millenium Award for her contribution to the music industry. She is a true legend. As for the song? I detest it even after listening to it a few times. Nope. I'm surprised it wasn't produced by her husband Jay-Z because it sounds like it could have been. Definitely a Sweet Dreams/ Halo girl at heart.
2) Giggsy revealed as the love rat in the superinjunction scandal: One of the worst kept secrets when it comes to superinjunctions, definitely. He was finally outed by an MP. This was shocking, notably due to the fact that Ryan Giggs is known for being a really professional footballer who stays out of glare of the public eye. Still, I was unaware of who it was until the official announcement was made. Oh dear. This has sparked a huge debate about role of the superinjunction and an individual's right to privacy. Is it right that high profile celebrities can protect themselves in this way, especially with the other party (in this case Imogen) having to take all the backlash? Hmm.
3) Krusty fails to be reunited in Japan: Katy Perry thought it would be a great idea to bring husband Russel to the first show of her California Dreams Tour in Japan. This seemed a lovely idea because as rumour has it their marriage seems to be dangerously on the rocks. (This coming from Heat- it's supposedly down to the long distance aspect of their relationship). However, due to offenses from more than 10 years ago, he was deported just as he touched down. Ah well, better luck next time hey, mate?
4) Fearne Cotton breaks off her engagement: OMG! It's over! Cotton split from her skater boyfriend Jesse Jenkins for GOOD! Maybe this will mean that she will stop presenting every music/ entertainment show in existence, for a while at least...
5) Natalie Cassidy's fiance gets arrested for domestic violence: Also known as Enders' Sonia, Natalie was devestated when her fiance was charged for beating her. That's is really awful because they did look blissfully in love on that reality show they had. Can't remember what it was called. It was on E4 and acted as a pregnancy diary. I didn't realise she was pregnant. I just thought overindulged with the cream cakes. Still, the baby was very cute indeed.
:-)
Sunday 22 May 2011
Liverpool Everyman Theatre: Macbeth Review
As the final production before the Everyman undergoes major redevelopment, Gemma Bodinetz's Macbeth was one that provides a fitting farewell. The audience are presented with a dark, disturbing and capitvating interpretation of the tragedy which sees Macbeth's unlawful and blood thristy efforts to secure the throne as King of Scotland with the help of his manipulative and vindictive wife, Lady Macbeth.
The cast includes the Liverpool born and critically acclaimed actor David Morrissey. His role as Macbeth has been highly anticipated due to his attachment to the city and the fact that began his acting career through the Everyman Youth Theatre. Lady Macbeth is played by last minute replacement, Julia Ford, who took the role after Jemma Redgrave was forced to withdraw due to 'personal reasons'.
As the play begins, the set design and lighting creates the perfect atmosphere: an instant sense of doom and distress. A winding staircase with a hidden room is used for Macbeth to commit the murders of King Duncan and his men whilst accomodating Lady Macbeth as she descends into her insanity. There are rusty doorways and leaking pipes as well as a frequent flashes of lightning when we encounter characters in outside scenes, such as The Three Witches. As for costumes, in an effort to update the play for the modern audience, characters were dressed in what seemed to be an intriguing choice of WW2 inspired clothing.
David Morrisey certainly does live up to expectation. Having worked as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he really executes the words of Shakespeare with conviction and passion, particularly during the many soliloquies he has to contend with. Morrisey's Macbeth allows for the audience to feel sympathy for a man who has to endure the domineering and merciless nature of his wife. Essentially, we see him as a victim of influence even though he is a criminial. The internal suffering and torture that Macbeth experiences is played really well by the actor.
Julia Ford as Lady Macbeth is less convincing. Surely one of the more powerful female characters that Shakespeare has written, in contention with Cleopatra perhaps, there just is something missing. Bodinetz's seems to place her as parasite, sometimes lurking in a corner ready to trap her beloved. This was fair enough but Ford is just too soft and feminine. If Shakespeare was trying to challenge the weak, submissive female stereotype with Lady Macbeth, then Ford didn't seem to embrace it as fully as she could. The agression is what lacks from her performance. It seems like she needs to be much more rougher and tougher with her physical actions and how she speaks. Even her descent into madness was disappointing. It's a shame that she doesn't cut it.
Overall, though, a really striking and provoking production- one that the theatre can be really proud of as it begins a new era.
Macbeth runs until 6th June 2011.
The cast includes the Liverpool born and critically acclaimed actor David Morrissey. His role as Macbeth has been highly anticipated due to his attachment to the city and the fact that began his acting career through the Everyman Youth Theatre. Lady Macbeth is played by last minute replacement, Julia Ford, who took the role after Jemma Redgrave was forced to withdraw due to 'personal reasons'.
As the play begins, the set design and lighting creates the perfect atmosphere: an instant sense of doom and distress. A winding staircase with a hidden room is used for Macbeth to commit the murders of King Duncan and his men whilst accomodating Lady Macbeth as she descends into her insanity. There are rusty doorways and leaking pipes as well as a frequent flashes of lightning when we encounter characters in outside scenes, such as The Three Witches. As for costumes, in an effort to update the play for the modern audience, characters were dressed in what seemed to be an intriguing choice of WW2 inspired clothing.
David Morrisey certainly does live up to expectation. Having worked as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he really executes the words of Shakespeare with conviction and passion, particularly during the many soliloquies he has to contend with. Morrisey's Macbeth allows for the audience to feel sympathy for a man who has to endure the domineering and merciless nature of his wife. Essentially, we see him as a victim of influence even though he is a criminial. The internal suffering and torture that Macbeth experiences is played really well by the actor.
Julia Ford as Lady Macbeth is less convincing. Surely one of the more powerful female characters that Shakespeare has written, in contention with Cleopatra perhaps, there just is something missing. Bodinetz's seems to place her as parasite, sometimes lurking in a corner ready to trap her beloved. This was fair enough but Ford is just too soft and feminine. If Shakespeare was trying to challenge the weak, submissive female stereotype with Lady Macbeth, then Ford didn't seem to embrace it as fully as she could. The agression is what lacks from her performance. It seems like she needs to be much more rougher and tougher with her physical actions and how she speaks. Even her descent into madness was disappointing. It's a shame that she doesn't cut it.
Overall, though, a really striking and provoking production- one that the theatre can be really proud of as it begins a new era.
Macbeth runs until 6th June 2011.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
HELLO!
You know what I like about having my own blog? It provides me with the perfect opportunity to dig deep into my soul, pour every aspect of my being out to you because I CAN! For instance, I am currently thinking about nothing in particular. To be honest, I am slightly bored and am craving those Marks and Spencer Viennesse chocolate biscuits that I have in my cupboard downstairs. They have delicious and delectable melted chocolate centre. I am now hungry.
Riveting, aren't I?
No, seriously, this blog allow to share with you all that interests me, the main of which include:
- English: Huge fan of William Shakespeare. He is just a wonderful man. Really enjoying my English degree at uni. Reading texts from such diverse range of authors and historical periods is pretty awesome. I love interpreting texts, thinking about your own thoughts, the author's intention, symbolism, language etc. It is what makes me happy. Ah, and the more scientific and mechanical aspects of language from word classes, grammar and sentence structure. I studied it at A-level and I'm sad about the fact that I haven't continued with it... Erm, I think I need to move on before I experience some sort of English induced orgasm.
- Theatre: Really got into this ever since I've started my student life. Some great theatres are here in Liverpool: the Everyman, Playhouse, Unity and LIPA. Although, I must say, sometimes, I'm not the biggest fan of musicals. I'd like to try my hand at acting, not for fame or success purposes, but rather as a way to build my confidence. And confidence= the opportunity to court handsome men.
- Music: Pop, electro pop and rock. I like GaGa, Britney, Katy Perry and Beyonce at the moment. Oh, and... Cheryl Cole. Feel free to hurl abuse at me, I will understand. Although I do own both of her albums and am beyond envious of her looks, even if her voice is awful. Britney is the queen though. Have you heard her new album? So what if she hasn't written or produced it? So what if her voice is autotuned and she mimes and can't dance live? I LOVE HER (And have done since 'Hit Me Baby...' FACT).
- Disability: It's not really an interest but since I am in a wheelie and have a stammer, I may as well share that with you. You can appreciate how 'brave' and 'inspirational' I am. (And anyone who knows me, understands just how much I LIKE that). How I'm breaking down barriers and tackling adversity etc etc etc. That'll be good, won't it? I hope to educate you more about what living with a disability is like because I feel that's important in the grand scheme of things.
-News and entertaiment: I feel that it's very important to report hard news and know how to write a good story as a journalist. Defintely a sucker for showbiz news and celebrities too. Like every aspiring journo, I have the delusion that I'd like my job to consist of interviewing the rich and famous. We'll see..
-Comedy: I like to believe I'm quite a sarcastic woman. In fact, I am. I think one of my other ambitions is to write a comedy because I am extrodinarily funny. I really like, as follows: The IT Crowd, Miranda, Alan Partridge and Alan Carr. I enjoy laughing too, at my own jokes (obviously).
-Men: I like them. I have a thing for actors. They must be beautiful, intellectual, kind and generous. For now, however, I am aiming to become a spinister in a house with a shitload of cats, smelling of pee. It's a great aim.
So, with you all knowing a little more about me, I can now really 'think out loud'.
Until next time. x
Riveting, aren't I?
No, seriously, this blog allow to share with you all that interests me, the main of which include:
- English: Huge fan of William Shakespeare. He is just a wonderful man. Really enjoying my English degree at uni. Reading texts from such diverse range of authors and historical periods is pretty awesome. I love interpreting texts, thinking about your own thoughts, the author's intention, symbolism, language etc. It is what makes me happy. Ah, and the more scientific and mechanical aspects of language from word classes, grammar and sentence structure. I studied it at A-level and I'm sad about the fact that I haven't continued with it... Erm, I think I need to move on before I experience some sort of English induced orgasm.
- Theatre: Really got into this ever since I've started my student life. Some great theatres are here in Liverpool: the Everyman, Playhouse, Unity and LIPA. Although, I must say, sometimes, I'm not the biggest fan of musicals. I'd like to try my hand at acting, not for fame or success purposes, but rather as a way to build my confidence. And confidence= the opportunity to court handsome men.
- Music: Pop, electro pop and rock. I like GaGa, Britney, Katy Perry and Beyonce at the moment. Oh, and... Cheryl Cole. Feel free to hurl abuse at me, I will understand. Although I do own both of her albums and am beyond envious of her looks, even if her voice is awful. Britney is the queen though. Have you heard her new album? So what if she hasn't written or produced it? So what if her voice is autotuned and she mimes and can't dance live? I LOVE HER (And have done since 'Hit Me Baby...' FACT).
- Disability: It's not really an interest but since I am in a wheelie and have a stammer, I may as well share that with you. You can appreciate how 'brave' and 'inspirational' I am. (And anyone who knows me, understands just how much I LIKE that). How I'm breaking down barriers and tackling adversity etc etc etc. That'll be good, won't it? I hope to educate you more about what living with a disability is like because I feel that's important in the grand scheme of things.
-News and entertaiment: I feel that it's very important to report hard news and know how to write a good story as a journalist. Defintely a sucker for showbiz news and celebrities too. Like every aspiring journo, I have the delusion that I'd like my job to consist of interviewing the rich and famous. We'll see..
-Comedy: I like to believe I'm quite a sarcastic woman. In fact, I am. I think one of my other ambitions is to write a comedy because I am extrodinarily funny. I really like, as follows: The IT Crowd, Miranda, Alan Partridge and Alan Carr. I enjoy laughing too, at my own jokes (obviously).
-Men: I like them. I have a thing for actors. They must be beautiful, intellectual, kind and generous. For now, however, I am aiming to become a spinister in a house with a shitload of cats, smelling of pee. It's a great aim.
So, with you all knowing a little more about me, I can now really 'think out loud'.
Until next time. x
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