Time

I've been thinking about time a lot lately.

Finding time for blogging has been difficult in the last few weeks.  I'm working harder than I ever thought was possible but at least I feel like I'm getting somewhere.  It's also nearly time for a couple of weeks off and so more of  my time can be spent doing things I've been missing out on.  Simple thing like reading a book!


Whilst it's true that every day is a time in history, when big things happen it's easier to recognise their significance.  In America, the long awaited healthcare Bill was passed.  It's easy to recognise this as another defining moment in America's history but some of the controversy that played out alongside it made me feel a little as though we had gone back in time.

Shouts of "baby killer!" from the floor of the house; black Democrats, who fought so hard for Civil Rights, being spat on and called the 'N' word on their way up the Capitol steps, and Barney Frank, who has been an openly gay member of the House of Representatives since 1987, being taunted with homophobic insults.  All of this, coupled with broken windows at political offices and Sarah Palin tweeting "Commonsense Conservatives & lovers of America: "Don't Retreat, Instead - RELOAD!", makes this a scary time. 

The complexness of America has always fascinated me but it's times like this that make me remember that, for some people, complexness isn't a positive attribute.  Things must either be black or white; you are fighting for the rights of honest Americans, or you are the devil.  Who knows what will happen next. 

Time Out

But on to some cheerier fayre.  First, if you don't read this blog Margaret & Helen, you really should.  It's between 2 ladies who have been best friends for 60 years.  It's hilarious!

I've been introduced to some great YouTube channels recently.  Of course there are the amazing Vlogbrothers.  Wheezywaiter is a guy who makes surreal comedy vlogs.  Also, mysteryguitarman who uses amazing editing and sound looping to make music videos.  I know these guys have all been pretty well known for a while now but, well I guess I'm just a bit slow! 

Time to Write

Erm, I have a confession to make.  I'm thinking of doing scriptfrenzy this year.  It's the only way I'm going to get the main bulk of this script idea I've had for a while now down on paper.  Sometimes you just have to make time.  It might kill me but it'll be worth it!

Anyone else considering this torture?

This post could probably have done with a little editing but... no time!

Films & Fashion & Stuff

So it’s the Oscars tonight and I’m excited.  It’s got all the ingredients of a good year.  Some of the categories actually seem pretty close which always makes it more fun to watch.  Plus the Alec Baldwin/Steve Martin hosting team HAS to be funny right?  We’ll see.  As long ass Avatar doesn’t win one of the big two then I’m a happy woman.

I’ve watched 2 great films in the last week, the first being The Hurt Locker.  I figured I should see what all the fuss is about and I wasn’t disappointed.  All the performances are excellent and the random, brief, star cameos didn’t distract from the central characters.  The odd thing about it is that, if you try to explain the plot to someone else, it’s a really difficult task.  Things happen, but not in the usual ‘exciting bit, followed by exposition, followed by exciting but’ kind of way we’ve come to expect.  The stakes are as high as they can be at the start, and stay that way until the credits roll.   It’s all about the people and not the action, which seems odd for what you assume, from the trailer, is an action movie.  And all this is a long-winded way of saying I really hope Kathryn Bigelow wins the Best Director award.  None of the reason I think that is because she’s a woman.  She’s simply the best director in the category, based on these films.  (In my humble, not actually seen all the films, opinion of course!)

The second film I watched was Moon.  It’s just wonderful.  I’ve been excited to see it since it came out but seeing Duncan Jones’ acceptance speech at the Baftas reminded me to buy it.  It’s extraordinary.  Everyone should watch it.  I can’t begin to understand how Sam Rockwell hasn’t been nominated for his amazing performance.  He’s brilliant in everything but this should have brought him the recognition he deserves.  I think the Academy are a bit allergic to sci-fi films… unless they cost $500 million to make of course!

The fashion weeks are coming to an end and I’ve kept up with just some of the millions of column inches that have been written on the subject and there seem to have been some great shows.  And then I saw this picture. 

Isn't this just the most bored looking bunch of women who need a sandwich you've ever seen?  Fashion should be about art and fun and beauty and this sort of scene just perpetuates it's reputation as being pretentious and silly.  Of course, some of it is pretentious and silly but not this.

Or this.

Or even this.

This is walking art that should make us smile and laugh and sometimes think.  It should never be boring.

2 more things. I knew John Mayer was an arse but oh my god, this interview is hilariously bad.  Do you guys think he knows how he sounds?  Is this an act or how he really speaks?

http://www.playboy.com/articles/john-mayer-playboy-interview/index.html?page=2

Last, an image for the ladies that made me happy, but then I have slightly odd taste!

  Sorry the picture is so small.  Better than nothing!