An update...

So.. these past few months have been pretty darn busy for me, to say the least. I finished my degree and got my results in early June. After three years of blood, sweat and a whole lotta books, I got, wait for it...

A FIRST!

In that moment, boy, was I happy. So happy that I gave my cat, Dee-Dee, the biggest hug possible (after my dad, of course). I think she was pleased for me, although I couldn't really tell because she had that face of a cat which is like: WTF/CBA.  My cat went for the former expression. Actually, thinking about it, I may have cut off her ability to breathe for a few seconds, she wasn't cool with that. Or maybe she was just really confused because she is, after all, an animal.

But yes, anyway, I got what I worked very hard for and it was such a wonderful feeling. I graduated in July and it was a lovely day. Scorching hot, but one that I'll remember despite that because it was such a great celebration of everybody's achievement.

Went to Glasgow for a week's holiday to visit my sister. Really enjoyed myself.

And now? Well, I'm gearing up to start my NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, which I'm looking forward to and which I start next week. Recently, I've been thinking that my blog needs a bit of a shake up, a change of direction, if you will. So, I've decided that while I still want to write about entertainment, I'd also like to blog about my experience on my NCTJ course. This is going to be an intense 18 weeks and who better than to share it with you? I want to give you a taste of what doing one is really like. Also, I hope that I can help people who are thinking about this as a potential path to get into the field, make a decision as to whether it is sutiable for them.  Alternatively, if you are on a course like this (or something similar) you can hopefully be assured by reading my blog that there are other trainee journalists who are going through what you are. I'll be there, to praise, to comfort you, as a shoulder to cry on etc.

Of course, my humour will be here. Healthy doses of that. To make it is more bearable for both you and me. And talk of my disability, will feature when I think it'll be necessary, really. I'll give you my insight into how I'm progressing with my course and how I hope to develop myself as a journalist whilst also taking the whole 'wheelie woman' thing into account.

And the best thing about all of this? It will be weekly. HOORAH.

Oh, and if you have been rather perceptive whilst reading, you'll see that I've added a function that allows you to subscribe to this blog, so that you will get updates. HOORAH x 2.  Don't forget, if you have anything to say about my posts, drop me a comment or even an email!

S.

Katy Perry: 'Roar' (Single review)

Katy Perry's new pop offering 'Roar' has dropped. This is the first single from her third album Prism due for release in October. She has given fans clips that have hinted the track would mark a new era, one seemingly more mature and darker than the candy coated days of Teenage Dream (As we saw her lay down her TD persona to rest in its own funeral). Now that its offically out, does the song live up to the hype and expectation?

Sort of.

'Roar' does signal a change in musical direction for Perry, someone who previously released 'California Gurls'.  I mean, really? She was trying to be 'edgy' by being all grammatically incorrect on us. And then 'Last Friday Night (TGIF)' which was song about getting shitfaced and having threesomes. So, yes, this song is indeed one which shows growth. Perry sings about finding a strength in who she is after being submissive for a long time. A self- empowerment anthem, one could say.

I got the eye of the tiger/ The fire/ Dancing through the fire/Cos I am a champion/ You're gonna hear me roar

She goes on to proclaim that she's louder than a lion. She's thunder and she's gonna shake the earth beneath your feet.

Perry's trying to be fierce, she's taking a stand, she ain't accepting any crap. Is she really louder than a lion, though? That's up for debate, isn't it? A very interesting debate that would be.

It's everything a Katy Perry song should be. Catchy, poppy and one that's sure to do well in the charts. But the fact that is such a trademark KP song, might just be the problem.

Perry has teased us with the darkness of her new material. But it doesn't seem to come across in this song much at all. From the clips, it looked like there would be more of a deviation from her usual sound, but by being too different she could have risked alienating her current demographic. And, Perry, doesn't really want to be doing that, I'm sure. Maybe the change in direction is something to expect as we get more offerings from the album.

Verdict: 7/10.

Listen to 'Roar' here: http://www.vibe.com/article/katy-perry-roar

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa- Film review

Alan Partridge is back in the hotly anticipated Alpha Papa. Steve Coogan is on top form as Partridge, a man who, most would say, has had a colourful life.  He fronted his own TV show,  had a nervous breakdown was gripped by chocolate addiction and attempted a comeback with his autobiography ‘Bouncing Back’ which was subsequently pulped. Here we meet Alan as a local radio broadcaster for North Norfolk Digital, a station which has undergone a revamp as ‘Shape’.  As part of this new image, bosses require one of the older DJs to be sacked. To save himself, Alan suggests late night DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney). Farrell loses his job and takes revenge by holding the station at gunpoint.

Alan works well on the big screen helped by the action heavy plot (with a sprinkle of romance) and a script that is written by Coogan, Armando Iannucci and brothers Neil and Rob Gibbons who collaborated to produce Mid-Morning Matters. For fans, this is textbook Alan. Laughs come by the minute with one-liners you can add to your Alan repertoire (‘Tonight we’ll be asking have you ever met a genuinely clever bus driver?’) and the welcome return of old favourites: PA Lynn (Felicity Montagu), Geordie friend Michael (Simon Greenall) and radio nemesis Dave Clifton (Phil Cornwell). If that is not enough then the film has plenty of slapstick humour with Alan awkwardly finding himself inside a portaloo and getting caught by the police with his trousers down.   

However, this does work for those who have not seen Partridge before. Coogan emphasises the ego-centric and desperate nature of Alan as he uses the siege as an opportunity to relaunch his own career. This film is a testament to how well Coogan and the team have developed him over the years.  We can laugh at Alan and his exploits but we cannot help feeling sorry for him, as after all, he is just trying to make it, like the rest of us. And it seems that by the end, he does get a happy ending, as he drives off into the sunset with his hostage love interest and her two children.‘ Spiceworld’.  

All in all, this film is worth the watch for fans and newcomers alike, Alpha Papa is ‘Back of the net!’

Click below to view the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yecg8vrvZ8

Life beyond studenthood...

HELLO. Do you remember me? I'm that girl in a wheelchair who writes about what is going on with celebrities/entertainment and her own life sometimes. It's good to back. I have been incredibly busy recently. What with coming to the end of my degree and having to actually contemplate my transition into adult life, one which doesn't feature education. I actually have to grow up, you know. Really. Properly. No more student life. No more reading books and writing about them. No more university. By the time it all offically ends in two weeks, many of us will be clawing at the side of the Dean Walters building, wailing and pleading with our lecturers to let us stay. Little do we know that have been given permission to tame us with a tranquilser gun, in case it all gets too much for either side to take. And I'm turning 22 soon too. I'd rather not go there, thank you. It's hurtful. Physically hurtful.

Well, you know, I'm planning to enjoy some time off after finishing, which as you can imagine I'm really looking forward to. Thinking about nothing, spending time with the family, thinking about nothing. A trip to Glasgow possibly to see my sister.  Oh, and seeing Beyonce. The greatest female performer of the 21st century. I've seen her twice, yeah. This will be third time. It's completely out of greed and the fact that I've been studying ever since I left my mother's womb (sort of), so I think I deserve some kind of treat. I'm SO EXCITED.

After a relaxing summer, I'm looking at starting my NCTJ course in autumn. You might remember that I was debating whether to go to London or Liverpool. But after much consideration, I've decided to stay in Scouseland to complete my diploma and then see where life takes me. ;)

'Til next time.

 S x

X Factor USA: The panel is announced

Finally, US X Factor has announced the judging line up for series two: Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Demi Lavato and BRITNEY SPEARS.

After debuting the show with less than impressive viewing figures last year, there's not much surprise that Cowell roped in such a heavyweight like Spears. This may be an opportunity for her to regain confidence and continue her comeback as the Princess of Pop. 10 years in the industry, kids. She's a legend.

And Demi can, I guess, move forward from singing about skyscrapers and such. No, really, she does seem quite sweet and enthuastic. I'm sure she'll do well on the panel.

Totes looking forward to the new series.

Britney: 'Til the World Ends'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzU9OrZlKb8&ob=av3e

Demi: 'Skyscraper'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_8ydghbGSg&ob=av2e
TOL.

BGT 2012: The Final

Here we are again, it's the BGT final. With all due respect, it has turned out to be a pretty good series something which has impressed more than BBC One rival, The Voice. Yes, everyone got really excited about the swivel chairs in the blind auditions. But then behold the battle rounds and live shows. It has just become another X Factor. It has lost its appeal to me as it has for other members of the public as viewing figures have dropped substanially since the live shows began. Not even Will.i.am saying 'Dope' five billion times in a sentence, can save the show now. (I believe 'dope' means 'good' (just double checked with the Urban Dictionary, don't want to look stupid).

I digress. BGT has had a great selection of talent this year and the live finals have been really entertaining. The banter between the judges has been funny. The 'my Simon' quips from Walliams to Cowell. Walliams making references to Simon's sexuality. Simon getting really uncomfortable. Us all laughing at Walliams' comedy. Alesha Dixon's dirty laugh has made us chuckle too. She has been a stand out judge this year. Watching her on BGT, she just seems much more confident when giving her comments to the contestants, more so, I think, than in Strictly. I really do like her. And Amanda Holden? Well, she's just Amanda Holden.

And the acts? AAAAAAAH IT'S PUDSEY!!! THAT REALLY CUTE DOG THAT CAN WALK ON IT'S HIND LEGS. AND DO LOTS OF TRICKS. IT'S LIKE REALLY CLEVER. IT'S LIKE A LITLLE HUMAN BEING BUT WITH FUR. OMG, HOW CUUUUUTE. Oh, it is though, right? It's amazing and it must win this competition. The queen would love it. That dog has bloody loads of talent. Unlike my dog, who eventhough she is cute, has only two exclusive 'talents', whining for attention and licking her arse. I think if Pudsey doesn't win then the whole nation will be sorely disappointed. Other contenders this year are Jonathan and Charlotte, Aquabatic and Ryan O' Shaughnessy. Of course, J and C did well in the audition stages and were impressive during their semi- final with Charlotte stepping up to the mark, showing that she is a talented singer. Even if they don't win Simon will probably sign them anyway. No worries. Aquabatic are different and an act that we haven't seen before on the show. They have a strong back story, they couldn't qualify for the Olympics, apparently. I didn't think they were that good, to be honest. They're quite restricted to the rountine that they can do being in a tank, so my interest waned quickly. And finally, Ryan. Cute for writing a song about his love interest. However, the song that he sung on the semi put into question whether he really is a good songwriter. Great for writing your own songs but when there are lyrics such as: 'Every story has a beginning, middle and an end' and 'When you move in for the first kiss/ make sure you don't miss. Well, mate, most of us know what the basic structure of a story is and most know how to kiss. It's like he's insulting the general public's common knowledge. Tsk. Still, he could win.

Who's going to do it tonight? I'm backing Pudsey. You? Tune in tonight at 7.30pm on ITV 1 to find out.

TOL.

Pick of the Box: The Voice, Britain's Got Talent, We Won't Drop The Baby.

Good evening, readers. Before I proceed, I must apologise, for not updating this sooner, it really isn't acceptable. I've been so busy with university and turning the big 2-1 (I'm old now, this is unfair, just waiting for the day that I wake up with grey hair and my tits around my ankles). I celebrated with a joyous party. I got 'a bit' drunk and then ended up feeling like death when I went to bed. No hangover the next day though. I deserve an award for that alone.) that I've forgotten to inform/ entertain you and show my deep rooted interest in my beautiful readers, as after all, you are 'boss'. Going to talk about TV picks now, mainly because I've missed entertainment things like Whitney's death, Adele putting her finger up at the BRIT Awards, Queen of Pop Madge headling Superbowl and Stacey Soloman being stripped of her 'Foxy Bingo Mum of the Year' award because she was papped smoking a silk cut while preggers.


So yeah, TV. 


The Voice


After weeks of hardsell, the BBC unleashed 'The Voice' to us all as their new Saturday Night TV show was up against ITV heavyweight, BGT. It's an interesting concept, isn't it? Four superstar judges, sitting in chairs that are not facing the contestants, having to listen to their voices only. If a coach likes them, they press a button to turn around and get that singer as part of their team (of ten, all together) but if several turn around it becomes up to the contestant to choose who they want to work with. The winner gets their hands on a recording contract with Universal music. The coaches are: Jessie J, Tom Jones, will.i.am and Danny O' Donoghue. Yes, FOUR superstar coaches. FOUR. I mean EVERYONE knows who Danny O' Donoghue is, don't they? He's like a singer of some band, think he's Irish, released that music video with a girl writing a postcard. Anyone? At all?

Besides the BBC's choice of coaches, it was refreshing to see something that wasn't X Factor. A show that has become more about entertainment, downright stupidity and the judges raising their own profiles than actual singing talent. It doesn't mean that this show doesn't have the potential to do the same over time, but it was just pleasant to see contestants sing and be reasonably good at it, such as J Marie Cooper who performed a rendition of Jessie J's 'Mama's Knows Best' or Sean Conlon fromerly of Five. Of course, there was competition amongst the coaches if they both liked the same act, who would press the button to turn their chair around first with the audience screaming wildly in the background. It was really gripping. So gripping, in fact, that I want a swivel chair to try and recreate that tension inducing atmosphere with. It would be cool. 


BBC 1, Saturday 7pm. 


Britain's Got Talent 


Simon's BACK! Hoooraaaay! He's returned with his bitches (judges) on his arm. A great selection this year: Amanda Holden and newcomers Alesha Dixon and David Walliams. No doubt Si's return is to boost the show after viewing figures slumped last series. We had the usual acts: dancing girls, a poetry recital with a man dancing in the background, a young lad playing his teeth. Without question the 'best' act was Jonathan and Charlotte, the plus size 17 year old boy belted out opera supported by his friend. Simon and co were very much impressed by his abilities but wanted to him to go through on his own because they thought he was 'world class' and unbelievable'. Jonathan wanted to go through as a duo, which he was allowed to do, and they are now one of the early favourites to win the show. 


ITV1, Saturday, 8pm. 


We Won't Drop The Baby

This documentary was part of the 'Beyond Disability' Season on BBC One and followed disabled couple Laurence Clark and his wife Adele, who both have Cerebral Palsy. I had the pleasure of interviewing Laurence last year, about touring stand up comedy show. (A great man, he's coming to the Unity theatre in May to do a gig, go and see him!). Both Laurence and Adele campaign tirelessly for disability rights. This programme, brought to the forefront how disabled parents cope with having a family. The couple already have a six year old son called Tom and now we see that Adele is pregnant with their second child. It was a great insight into their family life as we saw Adele adamant to give birth naturally despite her condition. Unfortunately, her birth faced complications and she opted for a C- Section but she did manage to give birth to a little boy, Jamie. What was especially good about this programme was how they made us aware of the negative perceptions surroundings disabled couples, relationships, sexuality and family. Despite this, they have managed to raise two healthy children without the help of PA's, completely on their own terms. A fantastic programme part of an equally great series, which you can catch up with on i player.

More soon. Writing about babies has made me broody for the next installment of 'One Born Every Minute' which is another splendid bit of TV. Who doesn't love the miracle of life? A woman wailing horrifically as she pushes a tiny human out of her vagina, whilst being watched by a father to be whose either really supportive or a waste of space. Can't wait. 

TOL. x