I've been back from holiday since Sunday now, and I'm trying to get my life back in order before returning to work. I've returned to a long list of jobs: many of which are linked to buying a house, some of which involve trying to get rid of fleas (gross), but my car also needs some attention.
I haven't had anyone look at my car since the MOT last year, but due to living in Leicester and working in Corby and Kettering, I do a lot of mileage in the little thing. It's recently been making a tapping noise which it only seemed to used to make when I was running low on oil, but now seems a bit more consistent. Anyway, I'll spare you the details. The reason I'm writing this post is to reveal something to you all, and hope you feel the same way. Here's what I have to say. I am a woman. I don't know anything about cars and I'm not interested in learning. I'm scared of garages. Perhaps that's a little strong, but the chore of phoning garages and asking for services makes me feel a little nervous. I don't really know what I'm asking for and every time I say something, or ask a question, I feel like they are thinking 'another dumb female' or even 'great, let's rip her off'. Do other women feel like this? Or maybe even everyone feels like this, regardless of whether they're male or female.
The thing is, I don't feel the same when talking to builders or other male-dominated areas. I guess because I know more about houses than cars - I know what stairs are, I don't know what a combustion engine is.
The solution? I either learn as much as I can about cars - which with a Psychology MSc and full time job may be pretty difficult, or garages make themselves more female-friendly. This might mean training workers to appear less condescending, or employing female mechanics. If I had a lot of money, I would probably try to open a garage designed to be particularly female friendly. I definitely think that's an area of the market not currently being explored. Until then, I will bravely suffer the perils of going to the garage and hope that I'm not seen as an 'easy target'.
I was looking around on the internet (when I was supposed to be doing my essay, standard) and stumbled across a money-making venture. Apparently women are making good money selling used underwear to people online. The draws are that you don't have to show your face so it is anonymous, and it's money for old rope (well, old pants).
I genuinely couldn't bring myself to include some of the photos I found.
Basically all young women need to do is set up an account and advertise through websites like ebay or gumtree (although I'm yet to see any evidence of it for sale). There are also websites set up especially for women to sell their underwear through them. Apparently after loading the advert many women are bombarded with emails from men desperate to buy their soiled items. People also apparently want to purchase used socks too (why?), and even more intimate used feminine hygiene products (yuck!). According to women who have sold their underwear, men often ask for photos of them wearing the underwear, or ask for specific requirement, such as the underwear having been worn for a certain amount of time.
I'm sorry to gross you all out, but if you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know I have a morbid fascination with weird things. However, this is going too far for even me. Although no-one is being harmed and this kind of practice doesn't put anyone in any real danger, it just seems disturbingly perverse. I was well aware that some people are into weird things, but I can't actually see any reason they would enjoy this. The thought of my boyfriend's smelly boxers does not make me excited. Instead I think, ugh, wash day again.
If you want to read more about selling underwear (that is definitely not a recommendation to do it) from the point of view of someone who does it, you can read a fairly comprehensive article about this here.
What do you think of women selling their used underwear?
Another phone blog post. I'm currently sitting in the garden sipping beer. There are worse ways I have spent a Monday lunch time!
As I sit here, Kate middleton is in the throws of giving birth. I can't help but wonder how scared the nurses and doctors must be who are assisting. Probably the biggest moment of their career.
When thinking about the new baby, and future monarch, I can't help but hope it might be a girl. Not that it matters as much as these days, but historically the first male born would be king unless no boys were born. Now it is purely the first born regardless of gender and it'd be nice for a baby girl to take advantage of these new rules. However, by the time she or he is on the throne I imagine sexual equality will be even greater than it is today. It's only going to keep getting better and women are only getting more vocal.
So good luck to Kate and her giving birth. The only criticism I have for her is that she isn't using the NHS. You live in this country, you live on tax payer money. Why can't you use the healthcare that everyone else uses? It does seem a bit hypocritical. If it's good enough for us, why isn't it good enough for you?
Another new show that I'm loving (I really do spoil you don't I) is a YouTube sensation called Kids React.
If you're old enough to remember, think of It'll Be Alright On The Night where kids were interviewed watching videos and saying what they thought was happening. This is basically the same idea, but with updated issues. The children watch videos about the Harlem Shake, The Beatles, Honey Boo Boo and even touch on racism. The children have some really grown up ideas and tend to make a lot of sense, but with a few child-like quirks.
If you want to see something similar but a bit more pithy and in-depth, Teens React is exactly the same premise but the subjects tend to be a little more adult. The teens tend to have some very intelligent responses. It is a little disheartening that some of them state that they don't ever read out of school-time though. They look at topics like the Newtown Shootings but also lots of a silly Viral Videos. They do tend to get to the heart of the matter and come out looking intelligent.
Some commenters have stated that these children inspire them with hope for the next generation. Although it is a great show and the children do make good points, remember that these children have been chosen for a reason. They only portray a very small demographic of American children, and all seem to be fairly well-spoken and liberal. It is reassuring to know that there are children in America that already make a lot of sense though - someone's gotta lead the country, right?
If you can't stand kids, there are some variations involving YouTubers, and Elders.
For a long time I have wanted to go to a cheese festival. I love cheese, and trying new types in the sun while drinking cider or wine is pretty much my idea of a well-spent afternoon. Here are some festivals around the UK I would like to visit given half the chance.
Glastonbury Festival
Obviously, the king of festivals, Glastonbury is an experience I am yet to have. I was intitally worried about the shoddy toilet facilities, drug-taking and crowds (I hate big crowds of people), but I think it would be worth it, and I've since realised you don't have to spend the whole day trying to get as near to every stage as possible, like when you were a teenager at gigs. Perhaps next year I'll grab myself a ticket.
Sausage and Beer Festival
It sounds like a man's dream, but I'd like to get in on this. It's held at Jimmy's Farm in Suffolk and the festival is on the 27th and 28th of July. Sounds good to me!
Cheese and Cider Festival
On this weekend! Somerset's Cider and Cheese festival is held at Crickiter Farm in Somerset and the name says it all - cider, yum, and cheese, double yum. I only found out about this one today and I'm visiting my Mum at the weekend, otherwise I would have dragged the boyfriend (and dog) down there for some cheese in a field!
The Chocolate Festival
If there's one way to overcome the winter blues in December, it's sipping award winning hot chocolate by the Thames. The Chocolate Festival is on on Friday 13th- Sunday 15th December and the photo alone is enough to make me want to visit!
The Yorkshire Pudding Boat Race, Brawby, North Yorkshire
And now for something completely different... no, it's not just a name. People do actually sail in boats made from Yorkshire Puddings at this festival in Yorkshire. The festival is held in June.
Great Glen wheelbarrow race
And finally... in the village where I live, every year they hold a wheelbarrow race. It'll be my first summer living in the village, and I'm really excited for the big day! There's a small one on Saturday the 13th of July, but the big event is on the 31st of August. There'll be a bar and stalls, and then I can roll home (or be wheeled home) drunk as a skunk. Excellent!
Have you heard of the Westboro Baptist Church? They're the church that Louis Theroux visited in his documentary programme 'The most hated family in America'. watch it here
They've also been interview by Russell Brand watch it here
They're a church group who claim to be the only religious group to truly follow the Bible. They are known for their token statements, like 'God hates fags', and for openly rejoicing over horrific acts, such as the shooting in Newtown. They go to funerals of soldiers and well known people and hold up signs stating the deceased was a 'fag-lover', has gone to hell and they are rejoicing in their death, because of a bible passage that states '
The church itself is mostly made up of one family: The Phelps family. The leader, Fred Phelps, has been accused,by those that have left the church of being violent to his children and instilling fear in those around him. Members of the church claim to preach exactly what the bible asks of us, and states that those who leave the church have turned their back on the Lord and will burn in the hottest part of hell for walking away from God.
As someon who does not believe, this type of philosophy is so beyond me. To knowingly hurt others and cause pain, knowing that so many people are against you seems fundamentally unChristian. However, to members of the church, they see it as evidence that they are a minority of true believers surrounded by a sinful population who has turned their back on God. I guess if they are only ever seeing the anger they cause, the outside world must seem like a less loving place than it really is, and seem all the more unworthy of their sympathy. Yet, the reason they are confronted with such agressive and angry behaviour is because people are so disgusted with the teachings of Westboro Baptist Church.
The good news is, the church is slowly falling apart. Fred Phelp's son left the church years ago and speaks openly against his father's teachings. Recently, Megan and Grace Phelps, grandaughters of Fred Phelps recently walked away from the church. This came as quite a shock as Megan featured in a number of documentaries about the church and was very vocal about the message of the church. Here is a video of her answering questions at a funeral picket. With younger members leaving the church, the church is losing its ability to grow and continue through new members. Others speculate on the ability of the church to continue once Fred Phelps passes away. He is currently in his 80s.
If you are not yet convinced of the controversial nature of the Westboro Baptist Church, here are a few of their most recent tweets (oh yes, they're into using modern technology)
'Praise God for sending this shooter! God has taken your campus peace!'
'Praise God! Two kids were among the three dead in Maryland house fire!'
'God sent the shooter to the Las Vegas Strip'
'You faux christians don't stand a chance. God has a hold of your jugular!'
Westboro also refers to horrific tragedies as 'God Smacks', claiming they were sent by God to punish people who don't follow his teachings.
It seems to me, after being taught how forgiving and loving God was meant to be, how can a church believe God is such an angry entity. How can it rejoice in seeing pain and suffering? All we can hope for is that more young people leave the church, and allow themselves a life away from these teachings. I can't imagine being brought up being taught their beliefs and it must take courage to walk away. The more people who leave, the fewer children who will potential be subjected to these beliefs!
Not everyone likes terrible TV. Lots of people will watch something and think 'this is truly awful...' and then change the channel! Not me. Sometimes it's the terrible TV that is really the most entertaining. Even for just the opportunity to sit and watch it whilst saying things like "Oh my goodness!" or "This is ridiculous!".
That doesn't mean I will just watch anything. I watch very little TV. I am selective in my own way. I also do watch things that have required thought and are well-written, such as Girls. Sometimes though, you do just want to turn your mind off and let the nonsense TV wash over you. So here are my top, crap TV shows.
America's Next Top Model
I am aware this programme is total trash. Basically the premise is- put a lot of wanna models in a house, make them compete in challenges and photoshoots, film every moment, edit it to make them all look like mean girls. It's bitching at it's best. It has about the right proportions of following the politics and the drama, and looking at fashion and photoshoots. Overall it's pretty addictive and it's the relationships between the girls that makes the show worth watching. The best of trash TV! There's also a British version but it's just not the same.
Bridalplasty
The whole premise behind this show is unbelivable. About 15 above-average looking girls who are getting married are invited into a house. They then compete in challenges to win plastic surgery for their wedding day. It's disgraceful for a number of reasons. 1) It virtually accepts these girls 'need' surgery- when they clearly don't. 2) It completely underminds what a big deal having surgery is. It presents it as a 'prize'. 3) It makes the girls work against each other to achieve a 'perfect wedding'. Saying that, it is car-crash TV. I watched it because I couldn't help saying "OH MY GOD!" each week. The politics between the girls were hilarious. They were devious and clever in their tactics and that made it amazing telly! The Love Machine
I've not seen much of this show as it's a new one, and I refused to watch it for a while (like I'M above it... right?!). The contenstants on this show want a date. They are given a randomly generated man out of around 6 men, and must decide whether to ditch or date the man (like stick or twist in cards). They either date the man (or woman), or spin again. It's cutting, the contenstants are brutal and very hard to please (when they're not always that great themselves). It's not a programme I will be hooked on like the others because it doesn't have an ongoing plot and it is fundamentally pointless, but it is a way to switch your brain off for half an hour. Fool Around With My Girlfriend
This is an old programme I recently rediscovered. You can find it on youtube (click here).4 girls are put into a house, 3 of which are in a relationship, and the other is single. They must all prove to the fairly attractive man in the house that they are single so that he chooses them as 'the single one' and they get £10,000. If he guesses correctly himself and the single person get £5000 each. The boyfriends are in a secret next door room watching all the action. Although it is crap, it's much better than big brother because it has a point to it, and it's edited to show relevant pieces, rather than just general editing showing any old conversation. I'm a little addicted, and after seeing how many series are on youtube, a little bit worried. Even so... it's great TV for watching on a Ipad in bed before going to sleep. There are more series I could write about, such as Take Me Out, or Snog, Marry Avoid, but I don't watch them much anymore. They've lost their appeal to me. I expect the same will happen with these programmes before long, and that's the downside of trash TV.
Every now and then, a woman will see a dress that makes her think "if I had that dress, all my problems would be solved". Clearly no dress can do that, but the mind is an odd thing. I have found THE dress. I don't actually know who it is made by, and I know I can't have the exact dress as it's clearly a designer amazing beautiful cost-the-earth number, but I'm looking for a good rip-off. I've even willing to push the budget higher than I usually would and go into three figures to get the perfect one. Basically, I watched the film Priceless (Hors de prix in French) two days ago. Audrey Tautou is physically one of the most beautiful women ever, and she looks gorgeous in anything. But she looks even more gorgeous in the dress I have been lusting after. Priceless is a French film. It has a vintage style to it, and has a fairly simple plot that wouldn't be out of place in an Audrey Hepburn classic, or even a light-hearted Doris Day movie. A gold-digger meets a barman who she thinks is very rich, as he has access to the best suite in a hotel (because he works there). He fools for a while, until she realises he is actually poor. Unsurprisingly, love conquers money at the end and it is a lovely, heartwarming, but also deliciously stylish film. Here are some images from the film.
I loved the film. I love the dress. What more can I say.
Halfway through the evening, my boyfriend turned to me from his iPhone (which he is invariably absorbed in) and said "there's been a shooting in America". Quick as a flash I turned on the 24 hour news, to find every channel reporting the story. Up to 30 people have been killed by a gunman in a school in Connecticut. To make things worse, many of these were children under 11.
At times like these, after the initial shock and appalled expressions, we start to ask questions. Should guns be illegal in America? I can't help but think that if guns were not as easily accessible, there would be fewer shootings. However, it would take a lot to convince Americans to give up their guns; much more than this.
Why are young people feeling like this is an option? Just this year, another young male shot a number of people in a cinema. There have been numerous school shootings in the last twenty years. Being at University, I can remember feeling annoyed by the people around, particularly spoilt students, and I did think "I hate them all, can't they all just sod off." I'm not saying I sympathise, but I understand how people can feel isolated and frustrated, and potentially bitter. To take it to this level though is inexcusable and disgusting.
The most frustrating thing is the murderer always shoots themselves. There is no resolution, no reason for them to do this. They could have just committed suicide if they want to end their life.
All we can try to do is learn from this, make it more difficult for young people to access guns and step inside a school. Yet, without making guns illegal in America it's difficult to ensure this will not happen again. Sometimes I'm glad I live in England. We still have crime, but I'm glad I know my neighbours don't have firearms.
Anyway, musing
on this won't help anyone. My thoughts are with the families that were
affected today. I can't imagine what they are going through. It's a
terrifying thought and it must be hell for them. It's such a senseless
waste and so selfish. There's nothing else the rest of us can say but...
we're sorry.
My friend came over last night for drinks and take away. It was really nice, we chatted and caught up on things that had been going on. We were going to play Dream Date (a retro board game a bit like cluedo) but my other friend bailed. It upsets me when people bail on plans last minute, it's such a let down. I'd rather they just said no when I asked them!
Anyway, we were talking and TV was on in the background. Sex and the City came on and we were talking about the different films. I have a lot of love for Sex and the City: it's thoughtful (some of the time anyway), it makes women the main characters, it's about being liberated and free and it presents different stages in life that people go through: dating, marriage, children, being single and break-ups. However, it was when the second film came out that the writers got it wrong. So I know this film is years old, but I felt compelled to document for all to see why I HATE the second Sex and the City film. The characters changed
Samantha was always a strong, independent woman who enjoyed being free and being liberated. However, although she was slightly crude, she didn't cross the line to pathetic and offensive. In the second film Samantha has sex in public in a culture where covering up is respectable and mouths off about it in an extremely uncivilised way. The character became of a characature of itself in this film and Samantha is no longer the woman we grew to love. Before this film a lot of time had been spent developing her character, through overcoming cancer and becoming close to a younger man, and all this was undone by making her one dimentional.
It was ignorant and offensive I'm not pretending to know a lot about middle Eastern cultures, but I'm fairly sure implying that all the women who cover up in burkas are doing it because they are being forced to, and secretly wanting to dress like American women in tacky designer clothes is inaccurate. I can't believe the writers didn't read through their ideas and think, that could be seen as slightly offensive. Suggesting a whole country of women secretly wish they were American and are being forced into their traditional roles is an ignorant Westernised way of viewing things. At one point Carrie starts screaming in disbelief that a woman is eating chips and wearing a burka. If treating people like they are in a zoo because they dress differently isn't offensive, I don't know what is.
It's upsetting
Putting the highly offensive content aside, they film is still poor in comparison to the series. All the series have had a huge build up to Carrie and Big getting together, and now they are finally living the fairy tale, and, they're miserable. Ok, you can argue that this is realistic for many people, but she almost cheats on him with her ex and seems unfullfilled with her current life. The film just makes me sad. Considering it was designed to be an uplifting girly movie, it sure makes me worry about my future relationships. Have you seen the Sex and the City films? What did you think of them?
When I drive to work, I mostly listen to music. Sometimes you're not in the mood for music, and want to hear something you can become absorbed in to make the time pass faster. At times like these, I listen to the Ricky Gervais podcasts.
You may have seen them animated on Channel 4 and marketed as the Ricky Gervais Show. I do like these, but I was fan before all the hype. It's always nice to think you were there in the beginning rather than just jumping on the bandwagon. More often than not, I listen to even older stuff. Before the Ricky Gervais Show, Steve Merchant, Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington had a show on XFM which was similar to the podcasts but in which they played music and recorded live. In some ways these are funnier because they are unedited, and you hear the stories for the first time. A lot of the stories are repeated again on the podcasts, so Ricky and Steve's reactions are slightly forced to make it seem like they haven't heard it all before. If you haven't heard of the shows, they basically involve Ricky Gervais (the British comedian who wrote the Office... if you haven't heard of him WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?), Steven Merchant who co-wrote the office with Ricky, and Karl Pilkington. Karl was discovered by the two when they were given him as their producer on the XFM shows, and they quickly discovered he was comedy gold.
Karl appears to be a fairly simple bloke from Manchester. He is academically bright, but despite his gormless expression and apparent stupidity, he is fairly quick witted. He is stubborn and has his own opinions but is in no way arrogant. It is Karl that makes the recordings so funny and interesting, from his incredible upbringing (his stories could be out of a fairy tale), to his alternative views he is pure hilarity. It is when you find yourself agreeing with things he has said that you start to get worried. Ricky and Steve alternate from being engrossed by Karl, to telling him to shut up and stop being an idiot. There comedy banter keeps the shows rolling and provide endless entertainment. If you haven't heard the shows, you can find Series 1 Episode 1 here, or download any of the series from Itunes. You may be able to catch the animated versions on 4OD.
I'll leave you with some of my favourite quotes from the show: Karl: A jelly fish is 97% water. Why don't we just give it another 3% and make it water. Ricky: I love the fact that we've just talked about him asking me nicely not to squeeze his head when people are around and the girl who ages so quickly she should be served in Oddbins but he goes "we've got some weird stuff coming up".
Karl: You never see an old man eating a twix
Ricky: Be careful with the language. Screw, damn, and bloody do not a sermon make.
Ricky (about Karl): His head is perfectly round.
Steve: Rick I sometimes get off the tube at Tottenham Court Road if I want to look at the record shops before I come into XFM and I always cut through Chinatown, and every time I come through Chinatown the same thought always strikes me, I always feel like I want to gather all the little locals, all the little Chinese fellas, just gather them round and just go "guys, in what way is this a town?"
Ricky: (laughs) It's not is it.
Steve: At best what you've got here is a novelty street.
There has recently been massive hype about Prince Harry partying in Vegas. Pictures such as this...
have been sprawled across websites and newspapers suggesting Prince Harry is a dirty dog and brings shame on the royal family. There are also some nude photos of Prince Harry apparently going to take a skinny dip at a pool party.
The trouble is, if this apparently brings the Royal family into disrepute, then I dread to think what people would say if they could see mine or half my friends' Facebook photos. Most teenagers are captured in far more degrading photos than these on a weekly basis.
I'm slightly sick of the Royal Family pretending they are not people at all and never make mistakes and never act their age. To put yourself on a pinnacle is setting yourself up to fail. Of course much of this is tradition and comes from the times when the Royals were regarded as chosen by God. Yet, if people think this is a Royal behaving badly, think back to Henry VIII who married six women and killed two of them, and supposedly cheated on a number of them with others. Prince Harry is nothing compared to them.
He is a young man, and although he probably doesn't wish to shove his partying in people's faces, he is entitled to enjoy himself now and then. He didn't chose to be a member of the Royal family and he is not in line for the throne assuming William has children. He should be granted privacy and these photographs were clearly unwanted. As if the duty expected of him wasn't enough pressure to place on someone so young, but not letting them enjoy themselves with friends is unacceptable. I think he will find most people aren't interested, or don't mind that he enjoys himself. As long as he doesn't try and make an embarrassing documentary about his life like The Osbournes, or star in a porno movie, he's doing OK by me.
What do you think about the Prince Harry photographs?
There is a television channel in America called Dateline NBC, which hosts a television programme called To Catch a Predator. This programme involves using adults posing as children (usually a 13 year old boy or girl) on chat websites, making arrangements to meet up with adult men in their 'home'. The address given to the men is actually a house filled with hidden cameras, and the host, Chris Hanson.
The men arrive at the house, usually in a car, with condoms, alcohol, and the intention of partaking in sexual acts with a young person. The decoy, an 18 year old actor or actress, dressed to look younger than they are, invites the men into the house. Chris Hanson then strolls out at the right moment and quizzes the men about why they are at the house. He also has the chat log and quotes this back to the men.
Almost every single man who wanders into the house repeats the words "I've never done anything like this before, it's my first time", "I wasn't going to do anything, just hang out" and "I've been stupid." As an entertainment show, this starts to get boring after a while. It also is hard to believe this is the first time for all the men. Unless there aren't actually any real young people willing to meet up with strange men at night. However, you do have predators who break the usual behaviour, by getting naked, bringing a gun, or even one who brought his 5 year old son with him.
Morally, the show is a bit dubious. The men are charged with intention to have sex with someone they believed to be underage. They all have shown intent by arriving at the house, many after having sent photos of themselves naked to the decoy. Also, some of them seem truly dangerous, talking about liking rape, having had previous convictions or who actually already work with young children.
The issue I have with the programme is these men actually haven't committed a crime yet. If you've seen the film Minority Report, the idea of arresting people for crimes they are about to commit has it's issues. These men haven't actually done anything wrong yet. However, what they were planning to do was pretty worrying, and a man who will travel a long way to spend time with a 13 year old girl obviously needs to be watched. Yet, the decoys are actually over 18, and therefore it is perfectly legal for the men to want to have sex with them. This is where the show hits a gray area. The decoys have been criticised for being too persistent and sexual, making it harder for men to refuse. It's hard to know what really is being said in these conversations.
The other issue is the programme actually makes me feel sorry for the men involved. It's hard to watch a person's life completely ruined in a few moments, and watching the realisation of this on the men's faces is almost heartbreaking. Perhaps if I had a 13 year old daughter or son who goes on chat rooms, I wouldn't be so concerned for the men.
The men seem to have rationalised their actions by thinking that the young person wants to partake in sexual activities with them. As Chris Hanson rightly points out, they are 13 (or so they believed) and it is still wrong. Some of the men seem genuinely sorry, but many are just upset they got caught. For some, it isn't their first time meeting young people on the internet.
The absolute worst part of the series is an episode where a well-known district attorney, Bill Conradt, was found engaging in sexual talk with a decoy. He stopped the conversations suddenly and ignored messages from the decoys, but due to his position, the producers decided to go to the man's house and confront him. Bill realised that members of the programme were outside, and the crew heard a gunshot. Bill had taken his own life. To me, this is wrong. People should be given the opportunity to amend their behaviour, and this man had clearly done this. He may in fact have been told he was being watched by the show, but this still doesn't give them the right to ruin his life.
They did in-fact try to copy the series in the UK, but it didn't take off. I think it's just too extreme for British television.
If you like this kind of programme, but the topic is too sensitive for you, you might like Cheaters, a show where private detectives find cheating partners and confront them. It's a lot easier to watch!
Have you seen To Catch a Predator? What do you think of it?
I used to go to church when I was growing up. It was a way to have a social life while still being a bit of a geek, a community to feel part of, and a place to meet with friends through a youth group. I sort of believed the things they said in church, but I never stopped doubting. I always wasn't sure.
I did a religious gap year, and on my gap year I wasn't very well taken care of. I was the only one my age in the church, was living with an 81 year old woman while I was 18 at the time, and had to get myself to different places all over Manchester. I made friends with a boy, not at church but someone who used to be religious. He questioned me about my beliefs a lot and I started thinking about why I believe the things I believe, and what happens if I don't.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I stopped believing in God. I called out for a sign, but didn't get one, and that was that. There not being a God made more sense to me than there being one. The way I thought of it was, if I had pet gerbils, and they were in their cage and started fighting, I would bloody well put my hand in and stop them from killing each other. Sod 'free will', I would do what I could to protect them and stop suffering. I think if there was a God, he would stop suffering too. The free will argument just doesn't wash with me. Neither does the idea that if you don't believe, you are condemned to eternal suffering. It just doesn't seem fair or right to me, therefore it must be wrong.
I feel awkward when I talk to religious friends. I can't explain the way I think now because it directly undermines what they believe. There is no debate with someone who is religious, because there answer is always "because the bible says..." or "I leave it to God..". These things mean nothing to me. I've also heard all the arguments, "It's about a relationship with Jesus", whereas I think it's more about hyping yourself into a state where your senses are overwhelmed.
Anyway, I started to discover there are a lot of intelligent people that share my views about religion and who I look up to. Ricky Gervais is one. Tim Minchin is another. It was also a relief to not have to try and 'convert' others all the time. These people challenge the idea that if you are not religious you have nothing to live for, or no reason to be nice to others. People shouldn't just not kill each other, or feel there life is pointless just because there is no reward at the end of their life. They should not kill each other because it's wrong and causes pain to others. And there is even more reason do good and take care of each other because there is no afterlife. It makes me sick thinking of these young people who have thrown their lives away because they believe in a reward afterwards.
I thought I would share a song with you that I really enjoyed. Well, less of a song and more of a poem. I warn you, if you are religious, or 'new age', you probably won't enjoy it. But I enjoyed it. It makes sense, it's funny, and I think it has truth in it.
It might make people feel better to believe in an afterlife, but to me, that's not a good enough reason to believe. Just because it's easier doesn't make it true. I don't think people live on somewhere, just as animals don't. It would be nice to think that my Dad was out there somewhere watching over me, but he's not.
It's the hatred and destruction done in the name of religion that angers me the most. All this hurt for something that I don't believe to be true but that has been constructed out of a fear of death. Of course, there are good things from religion, such as beautiful buildings, or acts of kindness, but to me, there doesn't need to be religion to have these and these are even more extraordinary when not done out of potential rewards in heaven. At the moment I'm in Barcelona, wandering around, enjoying the beautiful cathedrals and churches. I can't deny they're lovely, but not because of God, because of people and the amazing talents we have.
I know this is a bit of a heavy post, but I think it's important to keep up the religious debate. It's a massive part of people's lives, not just religious, but non-religious and needs talking about.
I recently read the second book of the Hunger Games called Catching Fire. I thought I would share my views on the book to any of you thinking of either continuing with the trilogy after reading the first book, or giving the books a go.
We finished the last novel with Katniss having won the Hunger Games with Peeta after almost sacrificing herself in order not to let The Capitol force one of them to kill the other. Even typing that sentence seems a bit ridiculous to me, unless you have read the books it means nothing. I like the way the books have created their own little world though, and they are incredibly easy to follow.
Katniss is now living in the victor's houses of District 12. She shares out her supplies as best she can, and the book focuses on her experience back home in some detail. She is then visited by the leader of The Capitol and he reveals there has been unrest due to her behaviour in the Hunger Games, and she should do nothing to increase that. On her tour of the districts, she accidently does just the opposite and it soon emerges that the districts are turning against their treatment by The Capitol and beginning to rebel.
This takes up a large part of the book, and then suddenly it is revealed that Katniss is returning to The Hunger Games due to change in the rules for the 75 year anniversary of the games, where past victors are being sent back in. The book soon becomes very rushed and before we know it, she is back in the arena and fighting for her life.
The book is still gripping, and offers a realistic reaction to an unrealistic situation, but the pace seems to be out of proportion to the events in the book. Some parts are dragged out for too long, and some are barely even touched on before we skip on to the next concept. The book in itself isn't a masterpiece, but does offer enough interest to keep readers going. It is suitably different to the previous book so that it doesn't seem to be treading old group, which is a relief as it could have become monotonous.
Katniss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence
The book sets up the final in the trilogy well and I would be surprised if people didn't keep reading after finishing this text. It does also make me hopeful that the film is going to be something really special. I imagine they will skip a lot of the beginning of the plot as it is more about the character relationships, and will cut to the action. Be prepared for something really exciting. I hope they use many of the same actors as appeared in the first film as they really seemed to fit the descriptions in the books, and I found them distinctly not annoying which is important. The only thing that would stop me wanting to see the films is if they change the lead actress to Keira Knightley. That's a sure-fire way to ruin a good plot.
I went to see the film Ted with my friend last night. I chose the film because I love love love Family Guy. I was however a bit on edge because my friend does not love love love Family Guy, and I think the mood of the person you see a film with does reflect on your own opinion of the film. She didn't absolutely hate it though, or at least she didn't say she did.
The film uses the usual Family Guy, American Dad dynamic. A normal group of people, with something weird thrown in to change it up. In Family Guy it's a talking dog (and baby), and in American Dad it's a talking goldfish and an alien. In this film it's a talking teddy bear.
The bear starts off being incredibly cute. Inevitably he becomes foul-mouthed, sexual and pretty funny. He ends up being a fairly selfish character, much like Peter in Family Guy, and using the same voice too.
Cute Ted
Rude Ted
The film is fairly tame compared to Family Guy, and follows the conventional pattern of plot, rather than trying to be unique in any way. It has a good balance of rude moments, funny moments, sweet moments and action, although some of the fight scenes seem a bit arbitrary, like Peter fighting a chicken in Family Guy for a good part of some the episodes. It does seem accessiable to non-Family Guy fans, but they might not appreciate some of the jokes, and there are a number of 'cut-aways' that seem fairly random.
I enjoyed the film, and I'm glad I saw it, but it isn't the kind of film I would choose to watch again and again. I love Family Guy and re-watch the episodes over and over, and this film just didn't seem as consistently funny or tongue-in-cheek to me. It does have something that Family Guy and American Dad don't offer, which is believable characters and tender moments. In this way it does not disappoint and may appeal to a young audience, although I wouldn't recommend taking your kids!
It's a good choice if you want to see a film with your boyfriend, but I can imagine it won't appeal to many all-girl groups. Mila Kunis as stunning and excellent as ever, but she alone is not enough to steer this off teenage-lad-humour territory. If you watched the trailer and thought 'that looks funny', you'll probably like it. If you thought 'that looks stupid', you probably won't be open-minded enough to enjoy it. That's not an insult, it isn't for everyone.
To conclude, the film is essentially a Hollywood version of an extended episode of Family Guy, where you find yourself thinking "I know that voice". It is good, but not great. It is possibly to extreme for your average cinema goer, and not extreme enough for cult fans, and in this way I'm not sure anyone will be raving about it. Go and see it, and let me know what you think.
I love the show New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel. It's quirky and adorable, and very easy to watch. However, watching it, I started to get a funny feeling. Like looking in the mirror. Wait... that's my life!
Numerous friends have also said to me "you're Jess from New Girl" confirming my suspicions. Have the producers secretly been tailing me? Here are the reasons why I have concluded New Girl is me.
1. I moved to a new town, I am a 'New Girl'.
Ok, this isn't evidence on it's own, but it's a start. But wait, there's more...
2. I live with 3 boys.
When I moved in, it was two boys and a girl, but she moved out and was replaced with another male. The rapport between us is bordering on the kind of rapport Jess has with her housemates, although I'm not quite as good friends. However...
3. I lived with Schmidt.
I had a housemate who was Schmidt. My friend loves New Girl, and recently met him, and said "He's Schmidt". He used to walk in my room with his shirt unbuttoned and say "what are we doing tonight then?". He was into the ladies, but secretly wanted a girlfriend. He is confident and cocky, but underneath has a good heart. Plus he looks a lot like Schmidt. Unfortunately my landlord kicked him out for sleeping with one of her friends.... the kind of thing Schmidt might do!
4. I am a teacher
Ok, Jess taught in a comprehensive school, I teach in a college, but come on! I also make weird little jokes and do little dances for my classes. I recently tried to teach them this... but they ended up just watching me do it on my own. Acceptable for junior school, a bit weird in a college.
5. I sing everything.
Well not everything, but now and then a little song creeps in. It's fricking weiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrddddd. Like the time I went on a boat trip with my friends and insisted on singing this the whole time. I like to think I added another dimension to the experience.
6. I wear embarrasing pyjamas.
And I don't give a damn.
7. I look a bit like her.
I don't want to put a photo up on this blog so my students find it and start quoting bits while I'm teaching and send me into some sort of breakdown, but I have long brown hair that is slightly curly, vintage- cutesy style, and I'm fairly little. I'm also a big fan of the dark eyeliner look and have been championing it for years. Zooey is undeniably much prettier than me, but there are some similarities. My ex even said to me "you look like the girl out of hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy" before I even knew who she was.
We are also leg-twins. She's thin with slightly stocky legs, I'm thin with slightly stocky legs. We wear short skirts anyway, cos we're cool right.
8. I'm fairly awkward in social situations.
I'm mostly pretty confident, but I often feel a bit stupid, and have been known to put my foot in my mouth more than a few times (the worst being when I implied my colleague was a bit of a slag without meaning to). Not something I want to share with Jess, but unfortunately I do.
Therefore, I conclude, I AM JESS. What to do about it? Carry on buying cutesy outfits and making a fool of myself? Done.
