tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73424283638612773092024-03-14T00:28:27.597-07:00ChameleonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-77251921478943010862014-10-22T01:34:00.000-07:002014-10-22T01:34:36.858-07:00The Meaning of JihadContrary to what some media outlets would like us to believe, 'jihad' does not directly translate to 'holy war'.<br />
To many, the word means 'struggle' - an 'inner spiritual struggle', and is in no way a military term.<br />
It has only taken on negative connotations with the rise of extremist groups.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-75744160352912574252014-03-06T14:06:00.000-08:002014-03-06T14:27:03.383-08:00current favouriteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTNLz1Hf-cM<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6zuVNEqIus<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkSmLh2Hbi0<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLaJkbkG5NI<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afeAUndotas<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACRIrMcjBXY<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUVh3x3-I-s<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeJDyIkzqKE<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSHY1_ux8rs<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HZZQBDK3N4<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLSj3NAjGdo<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-71446106665123546222014-01-20T09:16:00.001-08:002014-01-20T09:16:25.191-08:00One of my current favourite songs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/k_0U3DlLFSU/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/k_0U3DlLFSU&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/k_0U3DlLFSU&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Not a truer word was spokenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-77767096910819289192014-01-11T13:45:00.001-08:002014-01-11T13:45:49.573-08:00William Blake - Auguries of Innocence extractTo see the world in a grain of sand,<br />
And heaven in a wild flower,<br />
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,<br />
And eternity in an hour.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-67438776307937907582013-12-30T16:23:00.001-08:002013-12-30T17:00:54.406-08:00My song picks of 2013Happy 2014 to everyone I love and here's my soundtrack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3ldsF65cLM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
1. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uY6mqE9JCjE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
2. Slumville Sunrise - Jake Bugg<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5NV6Rdv1a3I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
3. get lucky - daft punk<br />
<br />
4. my colleague's band The Downpage Liberation - Underpass<br />
<br />
https://soundcloud.com/the-downpage-liberation/underpass<br />
<br />
5. Go your own way - Fleetwood Mac<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ul-cZyuYq4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
6. the 1975 - chocolate<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FfBKqaVk2Co?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
7. Bastille - Pompeii<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/F90Cw4l-8NY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zcjqGgx38fQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
8. Empire State of Mind - Jay Z<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BWtrHrW6bSo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
9. Ho Hey - Andrea Begley<br />
(The Voice!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/J9XwFecNXyU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
10. Jake Bugg - Two Fingers<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d0TZZZcC9l4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
11. What Difference Does It Make - The Smiths<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QaBhyuBbROk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
12. Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/r8Gb1OMSxQE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
13. The National - Beautiful Head<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/gG_dA32oH44/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/gG_dA32oH44&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/gG_dA32oH44&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
14. Jay Z & Kanye - N*ggas in Paris<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pc0mxOXbWIU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
15. (For Sarah!) Cee Lo Green - Forget you<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFZP8zQ5kzk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
16. Aloe Blacc - I need dollar<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/IcrbM1l_BoI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/IcrbM1l_BoI&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/IcrbM1l_BoI&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
17. Wake me Up - Avicii (for Becci)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UxxajLWwzqY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
18. Icona Pop - I love it (for Marien!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1H-Y7MAASkg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
19. The Eagles - Get Over It (for Daisy)<br />
<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOJN5VY1xYc<br />
<br />
20. Rhinestone Cowboy - Glenn Campbell<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3w2kL_4vplU/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/3w2kL_4vplU&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/3w2kL_4vplU&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
21. Eat Sleep Rave Repeat - Fatboy Slim<br />
<br />
<br />
22. (tribute to some spectacular dancing) I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vNoKguSdy4Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
23. On Top of the World - to Marien - Imagine Dragons (The day the car broke down)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8PrTzLaLHc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
24. best song ever - One D (had to be done)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/o_v9MY_FMcw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/o_v9MY_FMcw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/o_v9MY_FMcw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
25. Foals - My Number<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bAsGFnLl2u0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TKKMfJ8cZoQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
26. Everything everything - Kemosabe (the alone in wetherspoons song)<br />
<br />
27. Lana del Rey - summertime sadness<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nVjsGKrE6E8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
28. Clean Bandit - Mozart's House (the washing up and baking song)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rd0cT7Dnpt8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-59795924336407858972013-12-19T12:37:00.002-08:002013-12-19T12:41:33.890-08:00'Write what you know' - Book review of The Post Office by Charles BukowskiSynopsis: a short novel about the mundane realities of working in an American post office.<br />
Set in the 50s and 60s, the story is said to be autobiographical.<br />
<br />
I can't quite remember how I happened on this book, but I had heard the author's name before and I tend to be a big fan of this kind of contemporary American literature, mainly because it is so readable and satirical.<br />
It opens 'It began with a mistake.' which very much sets the tone for the rest of the book. The writing style is conversational and you feel you are being invited into the protagonist Henry Chinaski's life.
<br />
<br />
Whether you want to go there or not is your decision, but I don't think you should be afraid of a 'depressing' read once in a while, in fact in failure there is often a good story to be told.<br />
<br />
In summary, Chinaski spends much of his life working for the post office in various roles, sleeping with women he doesn't seem to have a great deal of respect for and betting at the races.<br />
<br />
The story concludes somewhat miserably with Chinaski having quit the postal service, and still being no further forward in his life than where he began, and just about to embark on a meaningless relationship with two individuals he met whilst in a drunken stupor.<br />
<br />
Although the protagonist is relatable, part of me wants to say get on with it, move forward, instead of stewing away in the same old chair filing mail and going home to women he obviously has no real regard for (though he claims to be more knowledgeable than they about how their life will go - spoiler: when his long term partner leaves him for another man, he tells her that he will be no good, which turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy.)<br />
<br />
He seems to have trouble identifying with other people, and an apathy as to where life will next take him.
His disregard for work, yet the ability to remain in his position is a questionable judgement on his workplace and I believe Bukowski was trying to draw a parallel to what he had found to be true throughout his own working life.<br />
<br />
“The streets were full of insane and dull people. Most of them lived in nice houses and didn’t seem to work, and you wondered how they did it.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Em3zbRj1AEs/UrNZ0Z6RohI/AAAAAAAAAL8/a8DbQMx-Tcc/s1600/bukowski1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Em3zbRj1AEs/UrNZ0Z6RohI/AAAAAAAAAL8/a8DbQMx-Tcc/s320/bukowski1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(Charles Bukowski)<br />
<br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #353535; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“To not have entirely wasted one’s life seems to be a worthy accomplishment, if only for myself.” - Charles Bukowksi</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-65561503706943294802013-12-05T15:47:00.001-08:002013-12-19T13:16:46.615-08:00Spanish adventureMy favourite part of flying is take off, that bit when nervous flyers feel like they might die.
Ryanair it was, with its eye-watering navy blue and mustard yellow colour scheme, sardine-packed seats and hostesses offering the minimal possible social interactions to pass as customer service.
It was short and sweet on the way out, and it was no time before we were swooping over the sea, on our right a Mediterranean city with a thrilling looking stretch of beach.
Worlds away from home.<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
One of the first things you notice when you arrive in Southern Europe is the warmth that touches your face when you step out of the conditioned aeroplane air. It reminds you that you don't need that bulky coat or various knitted garments any longer.<br />
<div>
So you tie the weighty materials to your already overfilled rucksack and await patiently your turn to get through customs, sweating in jeans and boots, unaccustomed to the beautiful climate as the sun beats down through the floor-to-ceiling glass panes.<br />
<div>
The panoramic view of jets awaiting take off is to be seen through tinted glass, protecting foreign humanoids from Spanish sunshine. </div>
<div>
I'm on holiday!<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
I walk purposefully towards the exits marked Sordida like I know where I'm going and head for the desk marked Aerobus where there is no queue, wondering at the heaps of tourists piled around the information point with their baggage. Does no one have a clue where they're going? Does anyone need that many bags?<br />
<div>
I buy my ticket for the centre of town - five euros ninety and embarrassingly speak in English to the woman behind the desk.<br />
<div>
I always feel bad not understanding the language of a new place, but I am reliably informed by my Spanish friends that the Catalonian dialect would be pretty difficult to get to grips with even if I did learn Spanish, it's a whole different kettle of fish.<br />
<div>
I enjoy a bus ride through the suburbs inside an air conditioned coach and notice huge billboards displaying international brands, the gleam of the Nissan plant and row upon row of flats with bicycles and washing draped in their cage-like balconies.<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
I reach the Placa di Catalunya, it's different to how I expected.<br />
<div>
It's a huge square, the buildings not exactly beautiful, and it's teeming with people, criss crossing in every direction and going about their business, whether that be work, selling souvenirs or holiday making.</div>
<div>
The low sun bounces off the gleaming ground in the square and I find it difficult to get my bearings.</div>
<div>
I want to linger but I am conscious that the sun is going down and I don't know where my hostel is.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zmtbqiTRkHk/UqJdO53DJ5I/AAAAAAAAALY/gZyblYgOhVE/s640/blogger-image--1045328905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zmtbqiTRkHk/UqJdO53DJ5I/AAAAAAAAALY/gZyblYgOhVE/s640/blogger-image--1045328905.jpg" /></a></div>
(Placa di Catalunya in daylight)<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
Upon arrival, I am given a key card for a sixth floor dorm by the relaxed duo behind the check in desk.<br />
<div>
I dump my stuff in a crisp white top bunk and descend the break neck ladder.<br />
<div>
I grab a 'hippy burger' in the hostel bar which is the wild mushroom flavoured vegetarian offering and have a wander round the gothic quarter which is stunning in the twilight.<br />
<div>
A mish mash of street artists are by the cathedral including a classical ensemble and some street dancers performing stunts to please a large crowd.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TTT_KG8GdqE/UqJdIYMA3rI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Vz9uqJYHhqQ/s640/blogger-image--1482531475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TTT_KG8GdqE/UqJdIYMA3rI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Vz9uqJYHhqQ/s640/blogger-image--1482531475.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
(Orchestra in front of the cathedral at dusk)</div>
<br />
<div>
The streets are wide and at night are packed with streams of shoppers, as post siesta is prime time to hit the shops.<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
Back in the hostel bar I soak up the atmosphere and eventually get chatting to a Polish guy and an Italian guy. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8Tjnrdtc1qY/UqJdHf6CStI/AAAAAAAAAKg/sOZn9o-ukB8/s640/blogger-image--1758355014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8Tjnrdtc1qY/UqJdHf6CStI/AAAAAAAAAKg/sOZn9o-ukB8/s640/blogger-image--1758355014.jpg" /></a></div>
(The hostel bar "welcome to the melting pot")<br />
<div>
We drink a LOT of sangria, by which point my head is spinning, and head to the Hard Rock Cafe where cocktails are consumed including a rather revolting watermelon margarita and then jump on the metro to Barceloneta where we are promised a beach party.<br />
<div>
Note to English travellers, the measures are much larger here than in the UK; I watched with incredulity in the beach bar as I ordered the free vodka and coke which came with the club cover charge and watched the bar maid pour about a glass' worth of vodka with a splash of coke.<br />
<div>
The Italian tells me he is a photographer and works in Mexico.<br />
<div>
The Polish guy tells me he has been living in Scotland for the last six years and works in a factory.<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
On the beach at 2 in the morning, the bay curves right round as far as my dizzied mind can see.<br />
<div>
I feel euphoric yet a sense of total calm in the slightly cooler night air.<br />
<div>
The curvature of the bay seems to mirror a building perched right at the end of the beach which is a hotel.
The architect designed it in a half moon shape, it looks like a sail.<br />
<div>
It's the middle of the night and we're on the beach and I can feel the Spanish sand between my toes - it's magical.</div>
<div>
I'm not totally Spanish yet as I am too tired to party until sunrise and I make my way back at 3.<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
I have obviously missed my free breakfast.<br />
<div>
I wasn't expecting to go out on my first night, then again I wasn't expecting to befriend strangers immediately either.<br />
<div>
The hostel atmosphere means its pretty easy to talk to new people. </div>
<div>
It's half past ten and it feels nice to take my time and get ready slowly instead of the usual mad rush for work.<br />
<div>
Head banging, I navigate the metro to the Sagradas Familia where I experience my first taste of Gaudi.<br />
<div>
I'm getting better at the metro - London, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona over the last few years have helped me on this one though I am conscious of the the warnings everyone gives about Barcelona pickpockets.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v7Zof4lCVio/UqJdDWLv6LI/AAAAAAAAAKA/OUyQ9yYdbvM/s640/blogger-image-1464360956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v7Zof4lCVio/UqJdDWLv6LI/AAAAAAAAAKA/OUyQ9yYdbvM/s640/blogger-image-1464360956.jpg" /></a></div>
(Sagradas familia)<br />
<div>
<br />
*<br />
<br />
I buy some tropical fruit for three euros for the amazing variety of colour in one little box. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q2_JaXLiNxY/UqJdFNq-CDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/BUERv0004n0/s640/blogger-image--87255179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q2_JaXLiNxY/UqJdFNq-CDI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/BUERv0004n0/s640/blogger-image--87255179.jpg" /></a></div>
(Delicious)</div>
<div>
I hover on the pavement opposite the cathedral with the other tourists and wonder at the intricacy of the designs.
Gaudi's work is just phenomenal. Crazy, but totally brilliant.<br />
<div>
What stuck in my mind was that it was still a work in progress.
It took so long for him to create his masterpiece that it outlived him! </div>
<div>
He was a perfectionist.</div>
<div>
I listened in to a tour guide talking about the religious symbols on the front facade. </div>
<div>
It was an incredibly busy design, which took some getting used to. </div>
<div>
I then bought some over-priced noodles - note to self I do not like Udon noodles which have a worm-like texture - and headed across town on the metro to take a trip up the Montjuic cable car which promised stunning views across the whole city, getting horrendously lost in the process.<br />
<div>
Several coffees and awkward encounters later, it did not disappoint. </div>
<div>
The thin wire that against all odds attaches the cable car to the line looks like it shouldn't and the little cars are buffeted about in the wind as we bob across the sky above the city.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TtikOvRftco/UqJdKPsdWpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/pA0LRVtEHMo/s640/blogger-image-2118995855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TtikOvRftco/UqJdKPsdWpI/AAAAAAAAAK4/pA0LRVtEHMo/s640/blogger-image-2118995855.jpg" /></a></div>
(Nervous heights)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B2OiMoJOwhA/UqJdJBnNOXI/AAAAAAAAAKw/G2K4PGblmhM/s640/blogger-image--965677980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B2OiMoJOwhA/UqJdJBnNOXI/AAAAAAAAAKw/G2K4PGblmhM/s640/blogger-image--965677980.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
(At the top!)<br />
I watch people take photos of each other with ridiculously sized cameras and then ask a kind German couple to take mine for me.<br />
On the way down I chat to an Austrian backpacker and then realise I have lost my metro two day pass. What an idiot!<br />
*<br />
<br />
First thing.<br />
<div>
I wander in and out of shops on Las Ramblas soaking up the atmosphere.<br />
<div>
I also wander down the many ribbons of alleyways that weave in between the main streets which include an eclectic mix of touristy shops and the more unusual - I happen across a shop where you can rent a rainbow of different coloured bicycles, a legal highs shop, a sweet shop with a medical theme and various places you can buy paella.</div>
<div>
<div>
The one shop that sticks in my mind from Las Ramblas is Desigual. </div>
<div>
It's colourful fashions and patterns entice me inside and I am wowed by the crazy designs, though the price tags deter me from taking a little item home with me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*<br />
<div>
<br />
During the Art Nouveau period, buildings started to be designed as 'living organisms' to be functional over the purely decorative styles of the Baroque era and nothing brings this more to mind than the Casa Battlo.</div>
<div>
One of the absolute highlights of my sightseeing excursions about the city, this house, designed for a Mr Battlo I believe, encompasses the wild originality that is the Art Nouveau design.<br />
<div>
A revolutionary design, the facade of the house is a pattern of delicate mosaics made from glass shards and balconies in a somewhat anthromorphic design reminiscent of skulls.<br />
<div>
I can't begin to describe the wonderful experience I had inside the building but would suggest any visitor to Barcelona take the tour and support the preservation of the place. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y5uDgc2qhUM/UqJdMw8YUxI/AAAAAAAAALQ/sFiTmOlCv3Q/s640/blogger-image--1653342790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y5uDgc2qhUM/UqJdMw8YUxI/AAAAAAAAALQ/sFiTmOlCv3Q/s640/blogger-image--1653342790.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L1IfNRQFQyk/UqJdLN-1P5I/AAAAAAAAALA/0RZKHrazrKY/s640/blogger-image--1011520632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L1IfNRQFQyk/UqJdLN-1P5I/AAAAAAAAALA/0RZKHrazrKY/s640/blogger-image--1011520632.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
*</div>
<div>
I don't have a set plan for the rest of the day so I consult my map and head for the arc de triomph, having seen the Paris one a few years earlier I want to know how they compare!</div>
<div>
Easy in theory, but this is where my total lack of direction comes in and I end up wandering the maze of streets in between the two main stretches for a good hour.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L9bzN5pwPM8/UqJeyt4nxmI/AAAAAAAAALs/HM2tYcybNzs/s640/blogger-image--269710946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L9bzN5pwPM8/UqJeyt4nxmI/AAAAAAAAALs/HM2tYcybNzs/s640/blogger-image--269710946.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Here it is!)<br />
(Salamanders everywhere, another Gaudi reference)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NHR8N9ipV7M/UqJex2qSEeI/AAAAAAAAALk/HoeuPl9qojY/s640/blogger-image-1602754943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NHR8N9ipV7M/UqJex2qSEeI/AAAAAAAAALk/HoeuPl9qojY/s640/blogger-image-1602754943.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's my last night and by about 9 I'm in the hostel bar planning a relatively relaxed night socialising with whoever as I'm catching an early flight the next day.<br />
<div>
I try Vegas bombs with the barmen which are basically a mix of peach schnapps and red bull. </div>
<div>
I then order myself a mojito and start watching a film on my tablet when I am approached by a bar man who has informed me he hails from Codsall, Staffordshire and used to 'catch chickens in Uttoxeter'.<br />
Small world!<br />
<div>
He says "You're in Barcelona, you're drinking a MOJITO, it's your last night, how dare you watch a movie!"<br />
<div>
He has a point.<br />
<div>
I'm invited to join a string of hilarious drinking games by a lovely Finnish girl and an eclectic bunch of folk from Australia, America, Poland, Sweden and Finland.</div>
<div>
We are taken by the locals down some side alleyways to a music bar called Nevermind, which offered popcorn and had a skate ramp inside it. </div>
<div>
We ordered 'jack the stripper' flaming shots and a delicious shot of chocolate and coffee liqueur mixed together with cream on the top which you had to drink without hands.</div>
<div>
I'll let you guess it's name.</div>
<div>
We have a bit of a drunken conversation about American politics while we follow the locals down some seedy side streets to get to the next bar.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MxtK2c_xswk/UqJdL2uDRNI/AAAAAAAAALI/Npo9a4lc3v0/s640/blogger-image-2125652506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MxtK2c_xswk/UqJdL2uDRNI/AAAAAAAAALI/Npo9a4lc3v0/s640/blogger-image-2125652506.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qyWp0phfhFg/UqJdEDlv38I/AAAAAAAAAKI/dUu-6Dq5rzc/s640/blogger-image--1621807798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qyWp0phfhFg/UqJdEDlv38I/AAAAAAAAAKI/dUu-6Dq5rzc/s640/blogger-image--1621807798.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
* </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next bar was bright and full of mirrors. </div>
<div>
I learned the art of 'beer pong' which I was predictably awful at after a few drinks, in that I couldn't get a single ball in the beer. </div>
<div>
We sat outside, swopped travel stories and shared a sorry looking cigarette between the three of us.
We were approached by the same old man several times trying to sell us his wares. </div>
<div>
We also get a bucket of what is hopefully water chucked over our heads for being too noisy, from a top floor window somewhere in the winding streets we explored that evening. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Picasso.
I wake up four hours later eager to see the final stop on my Barcelona wish list - the Picasso museum, a gem buried in the side streets of an unassuming area of Barcelona.<br />
<div>
Picasso is an artist which I have always classed as someone I admire, a modern artist who I want to find out more about.</div>
<div>
I don't believe I fully appreciated the diversity of his works before I spent some time at the Picasso museum.<br />
<div>
It costs 8 euros to get in, it's difficult to find (especially with a hangover) and there's a bit of a queue, during which we are entertained by some of the best street artists I have seen in a while.<br />
<div>
I wander round trying to take in as much as I can in the short time I have.<br />
<div>
What stands out to me are the Las Meninas series, 45 paintings of different views of one Velazquez work.<br />
<div>
I feel that his work often takes a second look to get to the heart of his thought patterns.</div>
<div>
I feel I have only scratched the surface of his work.</div>
<div>
Which is how I feel about Barcelona - four days wasn't enough to find out everything, I have merely scratched the surface and I will definitely be back for a second look.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzeNi5Vjd1M/UqJdGPb4JCI/AAAAAAAAAKY/By2F9HIIItc/s640/blogger-image--13113065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzeNi5Vjd1M/UqJdGPb4JCI/AAAAAAAAAKY/By2F9HIIItc/s640/blogger-image--13113065.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
(A park I happened upon with palm trees)</div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-17143823509001438042013-09-07T07:25:00.000-07:002013-09-07T07:25:12.043-07:00SyriaI am not in favour of immediate military action. It's not that I think that there should be no action in the future. It's just that I doubt their intentions. I can't see that certain MPs are looking at the larger picture, they are focussing more intensely on Britain's authority on the world stage.<br />
What are the motivations behind stepping in?<br />
I consider that atrocities are committed against people on a daily basis all over the world. How do you quantify at what level you should step in as a country who are not directly affected by the conflict?<br />
Where do you draw the line at for pain and suffering - how are chemical weapons worse than shooting somebody and watching them die a slow painful death?<br />
Why the hypocrisy? Is Bashar al-Assad a war criminal? If so, who else is?<br />
<br />
Russia have put their views for America's action as being strongly against any movement without UN approval. Surely this will create turbulence on the world stage - will this defeat the object of stepping in if this will just provoke tensions?<br />
<br />
What is the alternative? The Syrian rebels will take over. Who are these rebels and should we be encouraging them into power? Should we even be interfering in another country's political affairs?<br />
<br />
What makes our system so much better than a dictatorial style of government? Considering that many people don't vote or make the most of their freedom of speech in democratic countries. Is it worth them having it? Or is it a case of knowing it is there.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-32035070365648968372013-08-19T12:53:00.002-07:002013-08-19T13:03:24.427-07:00What is funny about numb?Someone told me that comedy is only comedy if it has meaning.<br />
I think Simon Amstell hits the nail on the head with underlying messages and dark humour.<br />
I really enjoyed 'Numb' and 'Do Nothing', the first which is on iPlayer at the moment and the second which is on Youtube.<br />
Very very funny.<br />
Though I do wonder about what I find funny. Often the quite wacky (Family Guy), the resigned, brutally honest and hilarious (Peep Show), the 'making-fun-of-public-figures' Have I Got News For You, then silly things like an infectious laugh or sharing old jokes with friends.<br />
<br />
It used to be more the blatant and exaggerated (Big Bang Theory) and the silly (The Simpsons) and the mundane made funny (Michael Mcintyre). However they rarely make me crack a smile any more. I guess tastes change as life happens and certain things become much more comic, especially when you've experienced them yourself.<br />
<br />
I also think that the atmosphere at a comedy gig might make certain jokes more funny. Isn't it true that laughter is 'infectious'?<br />
<br />
I enjoy all kinds of stand up comedy, and particularly like finding new comics that I can relate to, though if it's done badly then it really does make you cringe. I think you'd have to be very self assured to make a living as a comic but I suppose your audience gets used to your humour and knows what to expect!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-40215843477245797502013-08-19T12:46:00.001-07:002013-09-07T07:10:31.932-07:00Instagram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WGrqqZ64IU/UhJ16s3lvXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Q1tltKgQ8wQ/s1600/instagramfunny.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WGrqqZ64IU/UhJ16s3lvXI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Q1tltKgQ8wQ/s320/instagramfunny.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-69197880439506881662013-08-12T03:28:00.000-07:002013-09-07T07:10:19.809-07:00Banana bunsThe great thing about banana buns is that they can be eaten at any time of the day.<br />
<br />
I'm not really a wannabe Mary Berry, but I do love to create things, and they will come out with the 'home-made look' and not the polished look.<br />
These aren't too sweet for a breakfast treat, especially if you don't add icing.<br />
<br />
I was really excited how these turned out because they had exactly the right texture so I think the ratios in this recipe are just right.<br />
<br />
Several friends found the topping quite hilarious in my photo - will say no more.<br />
<br />
WARNING: Very addictive<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">200g self raising flour</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">3 large, ripe bananas mashed</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">150g caster sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">75g butter</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">Method</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">Pre-heat oven to 180C. Place 12 baking cases in muffin tin.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and mashed bananas and combine.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Fold in flour and mix until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Spoon into muffin cases. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">Optional</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">Combine icing sugar and water and drizzle over cooled muffins.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Leave to set.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbrYddvgnu0/Ugi4lZcNGBI/AAAAAAAAAJU/IxrdSeMI6Ho/s1600/banana+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbrYddvgnu0/Ugi4lZcNGBI/AAAAAAAAAJU/IxrdSeMI6Ho/s320/banana+muffins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-90116923581242694012013-08-12T03:02:00.001-07:002013-08-12T03:02:44.049-07:00Enduring Love - Ian McEwan<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I MUST admit, this book was a slow starter for me. Though it plunged you straight into the story at the start, I found I didn’t fully relate to the characters until I got about halfway through, by which time I was hooked on the storyline and couldn’t stop reading.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
With beautiful prose being a key asset of McEwan’s writing, this is a short novel for light readers to get their teeth into, offering quality writing over quantity.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The synopsis describes the book as a story of relationships, and this is definitely the key theme, as well as death and mental illness. The main storyline follows Joe Rose and his ‘stalker’ Jed Parry, who we eventually find suffers from de Clerambault’s syndrome, and the effect this has on Joe’s life with his other half Clarissa.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Following a traumatic event, the book keeps you guessing until the end whether Jed is a figment of Joe’s imagination or whether he is the sane one.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.75em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
An original storyline and a compelling read, this is one to add to your summer reading list.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-77934933113584349362013-05-21T16:24:00.002-07:002013-05-22T11:30:44.641-07:00Youtube picks this week1. Jose Gonzales - Put your hand on your heart<br />
<br />
One of the best acoustic artists ever!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ucOjx01zwrE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
2. KT Tunstall - Other Side of the World<br />
<br />
I've loved this song for years, and this is my favourite rendition. Sometimes live recordings spoil a song, but I love the crowd singing back at her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cPnXPotqFjM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
3. Jessie J cover of Rihanna<br />
<br />
I've recently started listening to Jessie J's acoustic sessions on Youtube. Very beautiful songs from the heart. I love Jessie's stage presence, full of attitude!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_X4pwCs28a0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_X4pwCs28a0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_X4pwCs28a0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
4. National Anthem - Lana del Rey<br />
<br />
I admit it, I was wrong about LDR, sorry Becci and Steve...<br />
Actual song begins at 1.44.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/60cvtxwlJr8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
5. Passenger - Let Her Go<br />
<br />
This is in the charts at the moment. Love it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RBumgq5yVrA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-1480939682616718112013-05-01T13:15:00.001-07:002013-09-07T07:11:26.343-07:00Music reviewsHello blog!<br />
<br />
I have been neglecting you for a while. I think that's how it is with blogs - you get a few weeks of inspiration then forget to write for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I've been catching up with some new music on YouTube recently, getting annoyed with my local radio stations en route to work because of the quantity of inane ads in the middle of the programmes. It's got so bad that I actually thought of Confused.com before I heard YMCA at a party.<br />
<br />
Here's the first song I love at the moment.<br />
<br />
1. Kemosabe by Everything Everything<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TKKMfJ8cZoQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you haven't heard this already, you need to give it a listen! I love the chord changes. Every time you think his voice can't get any higher, he somehow manages it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The video is pretty good too. It matches the erratic nature of the song especially at the start. Eerie, but somehow optimistic. This track is always surprising, and I think quite complex compared to some tracks that are out at the moment. I like the unexpected in music.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Pompeii, by Bastille is the second song up for review. I really quite liked it the first time I listened to it. But don't over listen to it, because it is quite repetitive and gets old quite quickly. I would turn the radio up if it came on though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/F90Cw4l-8NY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>O<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The video is okay. I get what they're trying to do with the dead eyes, but its been done before! Think they've copied Black Mirror! And various music videos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Full Circle by Half Moon Run</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/azV0Y7v6wsg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this track. I know that it has been out a while now but I have to review it because I got recently recommended it. I feel the references are to drugs and/or getting wrapped up in your own head and thoughts. A feeling of inevitability permeates every word.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. #thatPOWER ft Justin Bieber - will.i.am</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A bit of a joke track really, the video's best bit has gotta be when JB's face appears on a giant billboard, while multiple will.i.am's dance below him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like the bass and it is definitely dance-able. But also pretty funny. And a little bit creepy, especially with so many Wills. I guess there is something quite eerie in general about power gravitating towards a small group or an individual.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though, if I could sing and I was on the Voice, I would probably choose Will. I also love Jessie J, so if she chose me I would have a hard decision, especially seeing as she is a female coach. I don't know why I'm even wondering about this as I really can't sing. Apparently you can train yourself to become a better singer though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here it is:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DGIgXP9SvB8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a side note, does the title have reference to JB's number of Twitter followers? ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or is it all about money and fame? Or power behind the scenes like criminal gangs? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think the latter, as power is often in the hands of someone who is not in the public face - so you have a puppet acting on behalf of #thatpower.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-55439539277556903092013-03-20T05:24:00.001-07:002013-05-22T11:20:14.770-07:00A Deliciously Zingy Recipe by Mary BerryToday's post is a simple recipe for the best lemon cupcakes I have tried.<br />
This one is from the wonderful Mary Berry.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
125 g soft butter<br />
125 g self-raising flour<br />
125 g caster sugar<br />
2 tbsp milk<br />
2 large eggs<br />
Finely grated zest of 1 small lemon (I used two for an extra zing.)<br />
<br />
<div class="bottom_line">
Mary Berry suggests a lemon buttercream icing, but I used standard glace icing with a sprinkling of lemon zest for decoration.</div>
<div class="bottom_line">
<br /></div>
<div class="bottom_line">
Icing sugar - as much or as little as you like.</div>
<div class="bottom_line">
Lemon zest</div>
<div class="bottom_line">
<br /></div>
<div class="bottom_line">
Method:</div>
<div class="bottom_line">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Pre heat the oven to 180 degrees.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Cream together butter and sugar.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Add beaten eggs a little at a time along with the milk.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Grate the zest of the lemon into the mix and if you want an extra zing to your recipe, squeeze some lemon juice in at this stage.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Fold in the flour with a metal spoon.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Spoon evenly into twelve cupcakes (use cupcake cases in trays.)</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Bake for 20-25 minutes until a light golden brown.</div>
</li>
<li><div class="bottom_line">
Leave to cool and then decorate with your icing mixture and lemon zest.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="bottom_line">
<br /></div>
<div class="bottom_line">
The extra lemon makes for a wonderfully moist cake which will give a little lemony kick which is absolutely delicious when combined with the sweetness of the icing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyS5WK_aURs/UUmq2m3np7I/AAAAAAAAAIs/frsNbjpvlXk/s1600/lemon-cupcakes-and-lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" psa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyS5WK_aURs/UUmq2m3np7I/AAAAAAAAAIs/frsNbjpvlXk/s320/lemon-cupcakes-and-lemons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-82238648051930348152013-02-01T03:04:00.000-08:002013-02-01T03:07:28.629-08:00Thoughts On The Doping Scandal<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One news story that I have been following with fascination
recently is the Lance Armstrong doping scandal. Having read both his
autobiographies, I was inspired by his passion for cycling and focus on his
sport through adversity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With family I watched the Tour de France religiously every
summer, and as I was growing up and getting into the sport myself, Lance was
consistently the hero for my brother and I. Cycling is a brilliant sport and
one which has sadly suffered so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously, following the recent revelations, I was
incredibly disappointed in the true accounts of events. I believe that once he
got himself into the cycle of lying that it became habit. Inexcusable, but it became
for him part of his sport, something he HAD to do to further his chances.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that he took the mentality that doping had to be a
part of cycling to win, that cycling professionally was like playing a chess
game – you had to take care of all the pieces, both opponents and doping
regulations. Winning was a personal achievement for overcoming all obstacles,
legal regulations and physical barriers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doping increases the inequality of sport, and for this
reason many people are incredibly angry. Added to this that there was a great
deal of manipulation and blackmailing going on with regard to the doping. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The essence of sport is that those with focus and drive win,
and that you have to be an incredibly dedicated individual to be top of your
field, no matter what sport you’re in. You have to practise for hours daily. In
addition to that, you need natural aptitude, you need motivation, you need
physical potential. For the last reason, sport will never be fair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched the Olympics to see people who have seized their potential
and gone the whole way to make something of it. I watched the Paralympics to
see people who had seized their potential despite living each day facing physical
barriers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neither of these events are “fair” or “equal”, but only as equal it is possible to regulate. The Olympics
are about a celebration of human spirit, team work and perseverance. This is
the case for sport in general. For most people, chemical enhancements are a
complete contradiction to the “perseverance” aspect of sport, and are widely
seen as taking the easy route to success. But was success easy for cyclists
whilst taking these drugs? I would still say, no it wasn’t. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People will argue that there is doping in every sport as it
is easy to evade drugs tests. We can’t get too paranoid or the regulations will
be so strict that people will be deterred from taking part. But no one wants a
cheat to win. Personally, I would never want doping to become a part of winning
at high level sport, as I believe it takes the achievement out of it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winning is about glory, winning is about money, winning is
about fame, winning is about being top of your game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cliché, but taking part must be the real
personal achievement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should the fact that Lance used chemical enhancement to
improve his body immediately disqualify him from all future events? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yes</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He lied and cheated for years, took the easy way out, acted
selfishly towards family and team mates, manipulated people to achieve personal
ends. The doping in sport has stopped hundreds of “clean” sportsmen and women from
having a better shot at coming top.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But no…</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He dedicated years of his life to his sport, inspired
millions as well as using winnings to support Livestrong. He is passionate
about sport, he has not stopped with his sport since all of this made headline
news.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Livestrong has been condemned by some cynics as a vanity statement,
one which simply highlights Lance as an undeserved hero. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But
if we’re looking at this from a moral standpoint, surely the fact is Livestrong
has done so much good for so many people. It’s an organisation which offers support to cancer
patients. This is a fantastic cause.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A controversial question which has been at the back of my
mind is “Do performance enhancing drugs cause cancer?” There, I’ve asked it.
There’s various articles out on the web with contradicting views on this, though
one I recently read suggests there is no evidence to support this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lance was my childhood sporting hero. I had little interest
in football, but when the Tour de France was on, I would watch for hours. His
autobiographies, however much fact and however much fiction still gave me a lot
of reading enjoyment and inspiration to encourage my cycling hobby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t believe in never forgiving people, and the same
applies to my “heros” turned sour. I respect Lance for those words to Luke, “Don’t
try to stick up for me anymore, tell people that your dad says he’s sorry.”
Heart-breaking, and I can’t imagine how this whole situation must affect the
kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no easy answer to these questions. I believe that
being a liar and cheat in the eyes of the public is quite possibly the worst
kind of punishment, and Lance just can’t have believed that he would get away
with it forever. I think back to times when I have “cheated” on a small scale
at board games when I was a kid. On one hand it takes all the pleasure out of
achieving something under your own steam, but you still get to enjoy winning. I
didn’t truly believe Lance took part in doping until the final confessions from
team mates. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Food for thought indeed! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-3699439254894875362013-01-31T04:06:00.002-08:002013-01-31T04:13:47.589-08:00A Brief Introduction to Giorgio de Chirico<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Giorgio de Chirico is an Italian painter, often thought to
be the founder of the Metaphysical art school and Surrealist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His work has always appealed to me, with it's deceptively simple scenes evoking intense feelings of apprehension. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the first work by Giorgio de Chirico that I
encountered in the book 30,000 years of art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3bL8f56FDA/UQpeFZX0u9I/AAAAAAAAAHc/BC7ynheZ6xQ/s1600/mystery-and-melancholy-of-a-street-1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3bL8f56FDA/UQpeFZX0u9I/AAAAAAAAAHc/BC7ynheZ6xQ/s320/mystery-and-melancholy-of-a-street-1914.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This work is entitled Mystery and Melancholy of a Street.
The main features of the painting to look at are the little girl playing and
the shadowy figure with the spear. The shadow appears to suggest that perhaps
all is not well here. To me, it suggests the contrast of contentment and fear, with the metaphor of potential shadows just around the corner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following this, I became interested in finding out more
about de Chirico, and led him to become one of my favourite contemporary
artists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first painting in this “Metaphysical” style painted by
Giorgio de Chirico was “The Enigma of an Autumn Afternoon”. Giorgio de Chirico
marks this painting as a turning point in his perceptions of objects around
him. He was sitting in a square in Florence and noted how everything around him
seemed somewhat alien and surreal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo3fESodbqs/UQpeLIOOwWI/AAAAAAAAAHk/eHLCFUcJwT0/s1600/gc-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo3fESodbqs/UQpeLIOOwWI/AAAAAAAAAHk/eHLCFUcJwT0/s320/gc-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This inspired this new style of painting.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-18108711707873971532013-01-31T03:44:00.000-08:002013-01-31T03:46:12.850-08:00Brilliant Banana Bakes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The great thing about the banana is that it is versatile as
well as affordable. Bananas are the ideal fruit for economic baking so without
further ado, here are two of my favourite banana recipes I’d love to share with
you!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Banoffee Pie</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a big indulgent dessert for a special treat. I was
really pleased with how mine turned out in the end. The whipped cream made for
a pretty finished product! Each slice is deceptively filling but this makes a
great treat to share with friends!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>300g Hob Nobs</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>60g butter</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>397g tin Nestle Carnation Caramel</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>3 large bananas</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>350ml double cream</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>100g milk chocolate (or dark if you prefer!)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>1 tbsp icing sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Steps:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Set the oven to 180C.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Crush the Hob Nobs (This is fun by hand though
if you have a food processor it’s less effort.) I suggest using a largish bowl
so bits don’t go flying everywhere and the end of a wooden rolling pin for your
controlled crushing! Take time to make sure the pieces are nice and crumbled.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Add melted butter to “stick” the mixture
together and transfer the butter and biscuit mix to a 24cm baking tin.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Cook for 10-12 minutes until lightly toasted.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Leave it to cool then transfer the base to a
serving plate.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Spread caramel over the cooled base and chill it
for an hour at least.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Slice your bananas and arrange them over the
caramel base.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Whip cream and sugar to form soft peaks and add
the cream to your biscuit, caramel and banana. You can be artistic with this
bit!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Melt your chocolate and drizzle it over the top.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>Refrigerate until serving.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tips:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>The whipped cream will hold until serving for a
few days, however it’s best to add it just a few hours before serving if it is
for a special occasion as it will gradually sink!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>The 60g butter is just a guideline – use as much
as required to fully stick the base together.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Banana Bread</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There’s a few things about banana bread that you need to
know. Firstly, riper bananas are the best, even over ripe bananas if you have a
few going spare.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a few little secrets for my banana bread recipe. To
give it an extra layer of flavour, add some quality darker milk chocolate. My
favourite bar for this is Green & Black’s Butterscotch milk chocolate.
Being a bit of a chocolate connoisseur, this is THE bar to go for, or something
similar to give your banana loaf a delightful crunch.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>285g self raising flour</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>1 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>½ tsp salt</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>110g butter</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>225g caster sugar</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>2 free range eggs</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>4 ripe/over ripe bananas</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>85ml buttermilk (or normal milk mixed with 1 ½ tsp
lemon juice)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>1 tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>(optional 100g Green & Blacks butterscotch
milk chocolate)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Steps:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Preheat
the oven to 180C.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Sift
flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Cream
the butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Put
to one side and mash your bananas in a separate bowl.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Add
your eggs, mashed bananas, buttermilk and vanilla extract to the butter and
sugar mixture and mix well.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Fold
in the flour mixture.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>If
you’re using the chocolate, at this point, break it into little chocolate
chunks and add to your mix, as little or as much as you like.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Grease
your loaf tin and add baking paper.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Pour
the cake mixture into the tin and bake for approximately an hour until well
risen and golden brown.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Inserting
a knife or skewer into the centre of the cake can help you check whether its
done, if it’s still a bit gooey in the middle, the knife or skewer won’t come
out clean.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Remove
from the oven and leave to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cool until
serving.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tips:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">* </span>
</span></span>This cake goes perfectly with a dollop of crème fraiche!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> *
</span></span>Don’t over mash the bananas.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brilliant Bananas</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Following an attack of the mosquitoes, I used banana skin on
my bites to sooth the itches. This worked to an extent but I would recommend
anti histamine cream over the dubious banana skin remedy any day for stubborn
bites. However, bananas are used in many <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/home-remedies-using-bananas-banana-peels-6718510.html">remedies</a> including treatment of the
skin condition psoriasis, wart removal and even for a soothing facial! The
power of the banana is great! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finally, here’s <a href="http://asiancorrespondent.com/71107/strange-fruit-ten-weird-facts-about-bananas/">ten interesting facts about bananas</a>… Did you
know bananas contain radioactive potassium? That the banana tree is considered
a herb? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Credits
for my recipes go to the BBC Good Food site – thank you!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-52802165214630000482012-12-17T08:37:00.001-08:002013-01-31T03:47:01.502-08:00My current favourite artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1zRO5WLkqI/UM9KNP5BM1I/AAAAAAAAAG0/qxlCIjTZ1UM/s1600/edward+hopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1zRO5WLkqI/UM9KNP5BM1I/AAAAAAAAAG0/qxlCIjTZ1UM/s320/edward+hopper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Edward Hopper.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-49322374960204302462012-12-13T03:25:00.000-08:002012-12-13T03:25:19.953-08:00Who Is Dean Moriarty?"There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars."<br />
<br />
"On The Road" is an American novel written by Jack Kerouac. I loved this
book. I found the storyline fast paced and the language clever yet
incredibly readable. The style of writing I really appreciated as it
made it easy to dip in and out of the book, I don't have loads of spare
time for reading at the moment and this is something which I require in a
good read!<br />
<br />
The theme of the story is essentially in the title, being "on the road".
The protagonist Sal and his crazy friend Dean, travel all over America
in search of something missing from their lives staying in one place. <br />
<br />
I think the key quote of the book is "We know time." This simply refers
to the sensation of realising mortality, realising how little time there
is to do everything you want to, how Sal & Dean pack as many
sensations into every day as they can, how they go about this by
travelling. The book is set in post depression America. I've never been
to America and it was fascinating to get a brief snapshot of each city.<br />
<br />
Dean ends up having kids and several wives, whereas Sal looks on this
with a rather detached viewpoint, and we as the reader have empathy for
these women that he leaves scattered across the continent to bring up
his children. He never has time for them, and pursues the endless
horizon impatiently in search of new things, carelessly ignoring his
dependents and instead using all his money on a car.<br />
<br />
Jack Kerouac sums up the loneliness of life on the road succinctly in
this novel, following the story firsthand from Sal's viewpoint of the
ups and downs, the near misses with death, the desperate moments, the
excitement, the variety of people, the unpredictability and the
adventure. In one sense it makes you want to throw in everything and
take off with your dreams, on the other it makes you incredibly
apprehensive about all the bad parts! <br />
<br />
Human relationships and hedonism are key themes, with "looking out for
yourself in desperate situations" trumping friendship in certain cases
throughout the book. It makes you think deeply about friendship and
travels.<br />
<br />
I haven't seen the film but I believe it is also a film now... However, I
think the film would have to be brilliant to live up to expectation! A
great read even if you have a hectic schedule, you can pick up this book
in between things. Five stars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOirH40PmZg/UMm6_KoOV-I/AAAAAAAAAGA/A4RAKIjaFUE/s1600/ontheroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOirH40PmZg/UMm6_KoOV-I/AAAAAAAAAGA/A4RAKIjaFUE/s320/ontheroad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-42062319182890623682012-12-11T04:33:00.000-08:002012-12-11T04:33:16.685-08:00Seasons GreetingsWhat are your favourite ways to prepare for the festive season?<br />
<br />
Christmas decorations are out in force and I'm feeling incredibly festive now, which is nice as it's only two weeks away. What I did this year was leave my Christmas shopping until December, which really helps to get me in the mood. I absolutely love choosing gifts for special friends and family. Doing it on a budget forces me to be creative.<br />
<br />
It's also my other half's birthday just after Christmas and I'm really excited about his present this year. It's his 21st birthday, and I'm happy with what I chose, I just have to wait to see if he does! Photos to follow...<br />
<br />
Our tree went up last night, my housemate, a conservationist, got it from Cannock Chase where she works free of charge. We've chosen a gold and red colour scheme, just the present wrapping to get done now!<br />
<br />
Christmas pantos I love, being a kid at heart. I don't think I'll be going this year but you never know. I also love a Christmas carol service in the week before Christmas Day.<br />
<br />
It's going to be Festive Friday in our office, I really want to be a Christmas fairy, but we shall see!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Passionfruit xo <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-29874746952219912972012-11-26T05:09:00.002-08:002012-11-26T05:09:51.793-08:00Black Friday ApplesFriday 23rd November was Black Friday in the USA. Shopping online meant you could take
advantage of “special deals” on selected products from anywhere in the
world with an internet connection. One of the big news was that <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/andrefaria/steve-jobs-lessons-learned#btnPrevious">Apple</a> shaved a few pounds off their classic iPad and iPod touch. The
16GB iPad boasted a £31 discount. Now perhaps this looks like a better
saving in terms of American dollars but it didn’t seem like a great
saving to me, in comparison to the hefty RRP of £368 with discount!<br />
<br />
This is a smart move by Apple. The “one-time-only” <a href="http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Apple+news/news.asp?c=46814">deal</a>
causes customers to make rash decisions in the space of a day, over an
item they have perhaps been looking at for a little while. Apple are
well known to keep products at full price, so this really is a one off!<br />
<br />
Apple have carefully manipulated the technology market in recent years,
following the creation of their iPad. The fact that they are the
original creators of the tablet has given them a head start where the
technology is concerned. The tablet computer has of course exploded onto
the market in various forms, with other brands leaping through the
window of opportunity, but none have quite matched the standard and
cleanness of the Apple design or indeed their desirability to consumers.<br />
<br />
The psychological marketing of Black Friday in producing one time must
buys correlates with Apple’s fast paced market for technological
products. Black Friday aims to sell products at slashed prices, yet rely
on the volume of consumers coming through the doors to make a profit.<br />
<br />
Another item has been in the news recently, about supermarket
promotional discounts. The article suggests that supermarkets are in
fact manipulating the buy one get one free prices, so that no discount
is actually to be had on the product. How do they do this? They simply
raise the standard price to cover the unit cost of two and then slap a
promotional label on it. Customers are drawn to any kind of discount,
especially those watching their pennies.<br />
The result of this manipulative pricing is that people end up buying
more than one of something which they didn’t particularly need in the
first place, and the supermarkets make a larger profit. The article also
highlighted the interests of the supermarket in getting us to buy in
bulk.<br />
<br />
Apple are the greatest success story in terms of brand image. The clean,
fresh look of each product helps us make that decision between the
futuristic, minimalist gimmick and the clunky, two toned copy from HTC.
Don’t forget to start saving for the next Apple gadget! Why? Because, of
course, in a few months time, your shiny new iPod touch will be
obsolete in anticipation of the next big thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZhg3IEfukU/ULNpu8oAdHI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ch-DiUu3-4g/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZhg3IEfukU/ULNpu8oAdHI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ch-DiUu3-4g/s320/apples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-35522151849480120582012-10-13T14:34:00.001-07:002012-11-26T05:11:42.053-08:00Perks of Being a Wallflower - The Film of the Book that came to life!So myself and a good friend went to see Perks film on Friday night. I was bowled over by the way the book was accurately filmed. Of course it helped that the author, <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2012/10/qa-stephen-chbosky-perks-of-being-a-wallflower">Stephen Chbosky</a> was also the director of the film, making the book alive in my eyes.<br />
<br />
Yes, some of the initial scenes were a little cheesy with Charlie's whole naive attitude to everything. However, this is my <u>only</u> negative.<br />
<br />
1. The actors chosen were perfect.<br />
<br />
2. The soundtrack was amazing.<br />
<br />
3. You related to the characters at every twist of the tale.<br />
<br />
4. I laughed and cried as I knew what was coming next, for example during the scene when Charlie deliberately doesn't kiss his girlfriend.<br />
<br />
5. The parts about Charlie's mental illness come alive in a way they didn't in the book, due to the use of flash backs.<br />
<br />
6. Emma Watson was nothing like Hermione, and played the role of Sam perfectly, despite my reservations.<br />
<br />
7. I want to see it again...<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you, Stephen Chbosky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCSJ0yR6Jx0/UHnedJkwHdI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UcDhVc8D3MY/s1600/movies_perks_of_being_a_wallflower_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCSJ0yR6Jx0/UHnedJkwHdI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UcDhVc8D3MY/s320/movies_perks_of_being_a_wallflower_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-86398239132669426642012-10-13T14:13:00.000-07:002012-11-26T05:18:29.234-08:00Kafkaesque"Surreal distortions, often marked by impending doom".<br />
<br />
So the Kafka museum got me thinking... Here's some notes.<br />
<br />
- The Hunger Artist<br />
<br />
The man feeds mentally off the crowd's appreciation for his physical starvation. It is easy to starve, no mental effort for him once he has got in the swing of things. The point is that he has to feed off something, whether it be physical or mental. The point when he is past help is marked by the time when he starts to feel sick when offered food.<br />
<br />
Agile big cat at the end of the story. Complete contradiction to the cage's previous inhabitant.<br />
<br />
Notes on the Kafka museum:<br />
<br />
- Inspired by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism">Taoism</a><br />
- More observational than pessimistic. More realistic than pessimistic.<br />
- Apart from his observations on the city being a cage.<br />
- Wrote a very long letter to his father. This has some significance.<br />
- The Castle (Questions on perception and a rather modern art style interactive exhibit which I wasn't sure what to make of.)<br />
- Prague undergoing huge change. Anti semitic views.<br />
- Died of hunger then of thirst due to TB. It's interesting to note that in the hunger artist he actually says that it is easy to die of hunger intentionally. He wrote the hunger artist during his period of illness.<br />
- "Conversation with the drunk" - oh I still really want to write my own version of this!!<br />
- Lived just opposite the Astronomical Clock.<br />
- Spent time organising a Philosophical Circle.<br />
- Time period when concepts such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity">Relativity</a> and psychoanalysis were being developed (eg. So much Freud)<br />
- The endless office... the six hours a day in his law firm office "interminable" as he dedicated all his time to writing, his passion.<br />
- Disgusted by his own clothing.<br />
- Broken relationship with his father.<br />
- Leaders and famous writers - Kafka was always good at organising excursions for his friends. I think this was an important thing about his personality.<br />
<br />
I also enjoyed the composer Smetana very much on the main video of the Kafka exhibition, though I am yet to discover that particular song I enjoyed again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xs7ENMYgNI/UHnesBwC8uI/AAAAAAAAAEo/DZtK8M8tTDk/s1600/Orloj11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xs7ENMYgNI/UHnesBwC8uI/AAAAAAAAAEo/DZtK8M8tTDk/s1600/Orloj11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7342428363861277309.post-39223071614892323422012-09-20T09:22:00.002-07:002012-10-13T14:40:41.840-07:00Starting out in SEOI started out in SEO six months ago now, completely new to the field, armed
only with a confidence using computers and a little creative writing aptitude.<br />
<br />
Search Engine Optimisation is the art of promoting business online. In
simple terms, it lifts your search engine ranking, so your business gains
higher ground on <a data-mce-href="http://www.google.co.uk" href="http://www.google.co.uk/">Google</a>.<br />
<br />
When you first become an SEO analyst, it is drummed into you that “content
is king” and this is SO true! I thoroughly believe in an SEO approach of quality.
There are various “black hat” techniques which can be used, including forum
posting, social bookmarking and blog commenting and it is true that a certain
degree of <a data-mce-href="http://www.blackhatworld.com/" href="http://www.blackhatworld.com/">black hat SEO</a> is unavoidable.
I am all for the power of networking and quality content to get businesses up
and running online, as these are the things which are likely to be valued in
the long term. By networking, I don't just mean <a data-mce-href="http://www.linkedin.com" href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>
and <a data-mce-href="http://www.facebook.com" href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>,
which undoubtedly offer huge potential for businesses, but a whole host of
other networking opportunities which may not initially spring to mind. I will
write more on this topic later in the blog as it is a key controversy
surrounding SEO.<br />
<br />
Search engines value quality websites over anything. There are certain
shortcuts and people try to get round these in smart ways. However, algorithms
are in constant flux and search engines do not disclose details of these to the
general public so it is the role of the SEO analyst to keep up to date with
these on behalf of their clients.<br />
<br />
If you are a small business owner and want to get your business online, it
is worthwhile consulting an SEO analyst to see what they can do for your
website.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAlfl_gN_Qo/UECxsCtZbAI/AAAAAAAAAEE/dmKLp4k_gbU/s1600/content-marketing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAlfl_gN_Qo/UECxsCtZbAI/AAAAAAAAAEE/dmKLp4k_gbU/s320/content-marketing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302997028240295248noreply@blogger.com0