Hello Again

I'm back from the abyss.  The abyss of procrastination.  I haven't blogged in.... a year and a half.  Flip!  I am however going to 'endeavour' to be a (relatively) regular contributor, as much for myself as anything else, if only to focus thoughts and share the shiz I find inspiring.  When I logged back on again I was pretty astounded at how many people have visited this little cog within the great machine that is the internet, even in my absence.  Does anybody actually read anything or just merely stumble across it when looking for something more interesting?  Who knows. Probably. But hey ho, welcome all the same wayfaring stranger x

Borgen

On the surface, a Danish political drama about a prime minister's rise to power, and how that power changes, doesn't sound like the most enthralling TV viewing, however,  "Borgen" is most definitely one of the best TV dramas (and best acted) that I've watched in quite some time (apart from 'Friday Night Lights', but I'll save that for another time).   The title "Borgen" seems to be a play on the nickname for 'Christiansborg', the home of the Danish parliament and prime minister's office.
Yes, there's subtitles, (unless you speak Danish already, then you're flying) but it doesn't detract from it at all. (If you still need convincing it's by the same people who made "The Killing").
For those in the UK, BBC iplayer (as of now) are streaming the full season 1 - here . Definitely worth checking out. 

2012 We Meet At Last

So 2012 is here at last. It wasn't so long ago the thought of the year 2012 seemed incredibly space-aged and now we're here. Eek. I started 2011 with a massive 'to do' and resolution list.  Did I do any of them?  Did I bugger.  This year my New Year's resolution is not to make any resolutions.  I seem to inadvertently make it my personal mission to break as many as possible in as short a time as possible.   'Dear Diary, this year I resolve to go on a diet and exercise. Lots. [written whilst semi-comatosed on the sofa with a kitkat in one hand and a mouth stuffed full of crisps]'  So no, this year, no resolutions. 

I love a new year though, it feel's new.  It brings the promise of new beginnings. I read somewhere that:' Life is like a roll of toilet paper - the closer it gets to the end the faster it goes'.  I was going to add: then you're left in the shit. Literally. But, I won't...  Although, it did get me thinking about how quickly it all whizzes by and how we deserve to live a life we truly love for the short time we're here and while still able.  How easy it is to stagnate.  So many people have opinions on how the lives of others should be and alas if we don't shape our own lives, no-one else will. Continuing to beat the drum of what's gone wrong, only plays the sound of past regrets. Someone once said: " You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore" So maybe I'll make a resolution after all - that this year, I'll lose sight of the shore.


Wishes for all to have a joyful and healthy 2012 x

Now Why Didn't I Think of That

The other day I went to an art exhibition, where a clay "sculpture" of used teabags (yes, used teabags) was displayed alongside a fantastic portrait by Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson (albeit the portrait was of Brian Kennedy but I'll overlook that. This time.) Now, I'm as fond of a PG-tip as anyone but mon dieu, sacre bleu (and other words of astonishment French speakers never actually use) this is just silly.  Isn't it?  I imagine if I had created this mortification would have me skulking in the corner to see it displayed alongside such a skillfully painted portrait.  Art, pah.  What do I know.

Although... on second thought, perhaps I should empty out the contents of my bin, throw in a bit of cement, slap a £1000 price tag on it and name it "Rhapsody des ordures" (that's 'Rubbish' in French. In case you were wondering. I google translated it. Too. Much. Time. On. Hands)

(FYI the pic above is part of the series New Math by Chris Damrauer. Absolutely love them.)

Erato - My Version is Better Than Yours

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon a video of the Swedish vocal group, Erato, doing a cover of fellow Swede, Robyn's, "Call your Girlfriend".  The girls sing acapella whilst clapping hands in synchronous beat all the while tapping margarine tubs on the table. You know, as you do.  Of course, I've often wondered what it would feel like to write a song only to have some young buck come along with a margarine tub instrumental and be all kinds of wonderful, making your version look, quite frankly,'meh'.  

Naturally, after watching this, I immediately went into full on tupperware excavation mode and promptly decided I was going to learn an instrumental by rote with my dulcit tones rocking out some cool, unknown cover. My newly acquired skills would then be deployed whilst lanquishing at some hipster party.  I would start humming while some drunk dude lazilly strummed on the guitar, then some random chick would be all "ooohh sing something" and I'd be all "no, no, I couldn't possibl.... oh ok then".  Then I'd belt out my well rehearsed vocal, complete with hand gymnastics and everyone would be all "omg that was soooo amazing, seriously, you should record that" and I'd be all "oh,it was nothing".

Alas, then I remembered that a) I couldn't sing and b) I couldn't be arsed practicing any weird and wonderful synchronized moves.... So instead, I ate a crunchie and watched the video again.  Enjoy