![\"William](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4My68h63O8hfTO3B8ABNc7/d237fc45db4fd76d7087d3e79abe9239/star_wars.png\")
\n![\"William](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3DlhBR123sHkWtD8x6R2NW/2b2768c5a7ba5ad808a963615c66246c/star_wars2.png\")
\n![\"William](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/IWOYcMqqToPmL7pL3dYTj/5f472c4b58f7fbc19906dd47b5bc682f/star_wars3.png\")
That chap had some imagination; thinking up the idea of space, life on different planets, light-speed travel, lasers, lightsabers…you get the picture.
\nBut of course, he didn’t write Star Wars - that was George Lucas. However Ian Doescher has in fact adapted Lucas’ films in the style of Shakesperian plays - with great success.
\n\n\n
I found the first book in this series - Star Wars: Verily, a New Hope - at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust gift shop, when my girlfriend treated me to weekend break in Stratford-upon-Avon.
\nBeing a fan of both Lucas’ iconic saga and the bard’s plays, I couldn’t resist buying it. I admit, it was a bit odd reading Star Wars in iambic pentameter, but I soon picked up the flow. Ian Doescher even incorporates some of the more iconic verses from Shakespeare’s plays. I picked up on: Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet and Henry V.
\nOne thing I particularly enjoyed is the way in which Ian Doescher gives R2-D2 an interior monologue, providing an insight into this quirky little droid. Throughout, Doescher is fantastic at using stage direction, asides and soliloquays to give depth and meaning to key scenes and characters.
\nI’m pleased I found these books and would recommend them to any Star Wars fan. They’re not very long and are great fun, even if you’re not the biggest bardolater.
\n\n\nDODONNA: –Go ye then, and Force be with you all!
\n
\n(William Shakespeare’s Star Wars: Verily, a New Hope Act 5. Scene 4. Line 105)
![\"Legend](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6HRYGrnHnH42pc2mA5OOsB/2aa824f8413af5c28394a96ea7d8bce7/legend.jpg\")
A Fantasy / Adventure film by Ridley Scott.
\nStarring Tom Cruise as Jack, Mia Sara as Lili and Tim Curry as Darkness.
\nIn a world where magic, fairies, goblins and unicorns exist, Jack a child of the forest is visited by Lili a Princess in the human world. Lili is fascinated with the world that Jack lives in and wishes to be a part of it.
\nElsewhere evil is plotting… Darkness, the once ruler of the world in a time before light and love, grows tired of his confinement and wish to rule again. He sends out a goblin to destroy the protectors of light, Unicorns.
\n\n\nPrincess Lili: Are you afraid to kiss me, Jack?
\n
\nJack: I’m afraid you’ll break my heart.
\nPrincess Lili: Then still your heart, for you are dear to me as life itself.
One of the more famous films for having multiple versions and 2 separate soundtracks. The original soundtrack was created by composer Jerry Goldsmith, but during the initial test screenings, Universal Pictures chose to remove the original score and commissioned Tangerine Dream to create a replacement in an effort to appeal to a young audience. Also during the screening Ridley decided to cut the film from 150 minutes to 98.
\nOverall there are at least four versions of this film:
\nI don’t really have a preference, but if I was to watch a version now, it would be the Director’s cut version followed by the American theatrical release. I do enjoy the soundtrack by Tangerine Dream, but would always prefer the original soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith.
\nTim Curry’s performance along with his make-up is amazing, I can’t imagine any other actors fitting the role so well.
\nThere are lots of scenes where you can tell that Ridley Scott took inspiration from Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film is trying to be a fairy-tale for adults (darker with more intensity), which I find it achieves, but is still suitable for all ages to enjoy.
\n\n","excerpt":"Legend - Is Your Love Strong Enough? Legend A Fantasy / Adventure film by Ridley Scott. Starring Tom Cruise as Jack, Mia Sara as Lili and Tim Curry as Darkness. In a world where magic, fairies, goblins and unicorns exist, Jack a child of the forest…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"4aeead88-f2d3-5b35-ae62-06fd631e4f1b","title":"Dr Hannibal Lecter","slug":"dr-hannibal-lecter","date":"February 10th, 2014","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5OMzdv5MGjrYNsFoXgDLKv/c0953b9b932b35311e70dfb51e5dd36f/Hannibal_Mask.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"The Lord of Darkness: What is light without dark?
\n
![\"Hannibal](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5OMzdv5MGjrYNsFoXgDLKv/c0953b9b932b35311e70dfb51e5dd36f/Hannibal_Mask.jpg\")
Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter\nPsychiatrist and Psychopath Sociopath.
He uses his immense mental ability to manipulate and frighten, you could say he has a colourful way with words.
\nMost Famous Quote:
\n\n\nHannibal Lecter: A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
\n
Hannibal does not kill for pleasure or necessity, he kills only those who exhibit poor taste or bad manners. He throws dinner parties where he lays on elaborate feasts serving up his victims.
\nplayed by Brian Cox\n![\"manhunter\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/7RGNa7rq1x3Ce2kpKrJwg/4b313804b11107d7f6ae61b3c5e9e667/manhunter.jpg\")
While incarcerated in the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Hannibal receives a visit from his old friend, the person that caught him, FBI special agent Will Graham.
\nDuring conversations with Hannibal, Will discovers the identity of a serial killer he is pursuing.
\n\nplayed by Anthony Hopkins\n![\"silence](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/61581SSsYFUXTlQBJgOkvI/aefd3f63fcab1e17eb24a64ba30200a8/silence_of_the_lambs.jpg\")
A few years later, Hannibal is visited again. This time by FBI trainee Clarice Starling. The FBI sends Clarice to gain information on the current case of a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill.
\nHannibal becomes interested and gives Clarice cryptic clues in return for painful memories of her childhood. The clues once understood by Clarice enable her to discover the identity of the killer.
\nSilence of the Lambs IMDb page
\nplayed by Anthony Hopkins\n![\"hannibal\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/20EvqO009dCokZsSlJdyJC/69eaf403d08fd4ad497fd079a1949d9c/hannibal.jpg\")
Hannibal reappears in Florence, Italy, using the name Dr Fell. He positions himself as a prominent but reclusive historian and lecturer.
\nHannibal is discovered by a local policeman, who attempts to sell him to Mason Verger (Hannibal’s only surviving victim). Hannibal escapes and returns to America to seek out Clarice Starling. Clarice had never given up on her hunt for the renowned psychopath.\nLost within his games with Clarice, Hannibal becomes captured by Verger. Now Clarice has a choice to leave Hannibal to his fate or rescue him in order to bring him back to prison.
\n\nplayed by Anthony Hopkins
\n--- Remake of Manhunter ---\n![\"red](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3jic6d6v1L6iSY18iS2Ttl/48293fab55310615a2537edb661a7527/red_dragon.jpg\")
While incarcerated in the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Hannibal receives a visit from his old friend, the person that caught him, FBI Special Agent Will Graham.
\nDuring conversation with Hannibal, Will discovers the identity of a serial killer he is pursuing.
\n\nplayed by Aaran Thomas (8yrs) & Gaspard Ulliel\n![\"hannibal](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2PndWdHiEfVRcWKmhND63R/4cca62ef8699b05fac333fec4cf927fa/hannibal_rising.jpg\")
Hannibal was born on August 7, 1944 in Lithuania at the end of World War II. When the war was ending, Nazi turncoats sort to hide on the vast estate his family owned. Hannibal and his younger sister Mischa were kept as hostages.
\nDuring the harsh winter, running out of food, their captors lured Mischa away from Hannibal, killed her and cannibalised the flesh. Upon realising what had happened to Mischa, so distraught that he had failed to protect his sister, Hannibal was rendered mute. He later escaped and hid in an orphanage.
\nHis Uncle and Japanese wife, Lady Murasaki discovered Hannibal and took him into their home to raise him. Obsessed with revenging his sister, Hannibal decides to hunt down, torture and kill every man who caused her death.
\n\nplayed by Mads Mikkelsen\n![\"hannibal](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4JVlMB8sgtOBAqLxqaAPCA/f7a3718a3dbad186ab28e3827b00b252/hannibal_tv.jpg\")
Hannibal the now prominent psychologist, living in Baltimore is approached by the FBI to evaluate a young agent, Will Graham.
\nInterested in Will’s special ability of getting into the minds of serial killers, Hannibal passes Will’s evaluation and suggests that he monitors him.\nUtilising the insight that he receives from Will and the FBI, Hannibal resumes his cannibalistic ways.
\n","excerpt":"Hannibal Mask Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter\nPsychiatrist and Psychopath Sociopath. He uses his immense mental ability to manipulate and frighten, you could say he has a colourful way with words. Most Famous Quote: Hannibal Lecter: A census taker…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"435a677c-c612-58cd-9434-ff8ef10dd48c","title":"Some F**K Called John Hughes","slug":"some-f-k-called-john-hughes","date":"December 5th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2bFEFp8417DHQ1eLbd5ddf/5f4f09f6ad048c626b9c9d1632064644/john-hughes.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"john](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2bFEFp8417DHQ1eLbd5ddf/5f4f09f6ad048c626b9c9d1632064644/john-hughes.jpg\")
John Hughes happens to be the Writer, Director and Producer of one of my favourite 80’s films Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Not seen it, What! You seriously need to sort out your priorities (It’s Amazing).
\nErm, let me explain the title of this article for some sensitive readers. It’s a quote from another amazing film titled: Dogma. There is a scene with Jay and Silent Bob, you’ve got to know who these guys are, No? Damn, you need to get studying…
\nJason Mewes, Kevin Smith, View Askew
\nClerks (1994), Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Clerks II (2006).
\nSo during the scene in Dogma, Jay is explaining that he and his silent life-partner had went on a sort of pilgrimage to Shermer, Illinois (a fictional location where John Hughes movies are set). Check out the complete quote on IMDb.
\nAnyway, I kind of drifted slightly away from topic. My favourite John Hughes films are: The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Uncle Buck and The Great Outdoors.
\nHe often uses actors from the Brat Pack: Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy. Some of his movies have hidden ending after the credit-roll Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Seriously, watch it!).
\nBelow I have listed some of movies that John Hughes was involved with:
\n| Movie | \nWriter | \nProducer | \nDirector | \n
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixteen Candles (1984) | \nx | \n- | \nx | \n
| The Breakfast Club (1985) | \nx | \nx | \nx | \n
| Weird Science (1985) | \nx | \n- | \nx | \n
| Pretty in Pink (1986) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) | \nx | \nx | \nx | \n
| Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) | \nx | \nx | \nx | \n
| The Great Outdoors (1988) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| Uncle Buck (1989) | \nx | \nx | \nx | \n
| Home Alone (1990) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| Curly Sue (1991) | \nx | \nx | \nx | \n
| Beethoven (1992) | \nx | \n- | \n- | \n
| Dennis the Menace (1993) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| Baby’s Day Out (1994) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| Miracle on 34th Street (1994) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| 101 Dalmatians (1996) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
| Flubber (1997) | \nx | \nx | \n- | \n
Well Love them or Hate them, they will be playing constantly for at least a month.
\nThis year I started hearing Christmas Songs on 19th November in the office. In my opinion they should not be played until the 1st December at the very earliest. A few years ago, I got into Christmas way too early, by 10th December I had run out of Christmas cheer :(.
\nWith X-factor finals very close to Christmas, it seem likely that the winner is going to be the Christmas No. 1 (with something terrible like “That’s My Goal”).
\nBelow I have sorted a few Christmas Songs in to my Love / Hate lists:
\nChristmas songs I can stand
\nChristmas songs I can’t stand
\n![\"The](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/7sJOiPq2hs85TIFcfCGXfZ/218be12fe62b24221aff1219ff8fed40/the-gunpowder-plot.jpg\")
\nThe Gunpowder Plot - Robert Catesby, John Wright, Thomas Wintour, Thomas Percy, Guy Fawkes, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, Robert Wintour, Christopher Wright, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Sir Everard Digby and Francis Tresham
It’s the 5th of November, but has the real meaning behind this night been lost amongst the festivities?
\nThe Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was a conspiracy of treason, where 14 men planned to assassinate King James I of England during the State Opening of England’s Parliament on 5 November. They had planned to blow up the House of Lords using 36 barrels of gunpowder — enough to reduce the building to rubble.
\nAround midnight on 4th November 1605, a search was carried out at the House of Lords and Guy Fawkes was discovered in the cellars guarding the barrels of gunpowder. Fawkes was arrested; and although many of the other conspirators fled to London, they were later all either killed or arrested.
\nAt their trial on 27th January 1606, eight of the survivors (including Fawkes) were convicted of high treason and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered.
\nDays before the execution, Parliament passed the Observance of 5th November Act 1605 to mark the king’s apparent deliverance by divine intervention. That date would henceforth be held as a day of thanksgiving.
\nRemember, remember!
\nThe fifth of November,
\nThe Gunpowder treason and plot;
\nI know of no reason
\nWhy the Gunpowder treason
\nShould ever be forgot!
![\"The](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/38zcJWOPPjhQ6sBLng3KYH/0ac47f9887a12006ee5500b084f08ade/the-line-of-henry-viii.jpg\")
Henry VIII has to be one of the more widely-known Kings of England. The Tutor line ended almost 100 years after Henry became King at the age of 18.
\nDuring his rule he:
\nLike most kings, Henry wanted a male heir to ensure that his line stayed strong after his death. He tried very hard to get a male heir, as he believed that a female heir would not be strong enough to lead the country. Unfortunately, only three of his ten (possibly eleven) children survived: Edward, Mary and Elizabeth.
\nBelow I have attempted to piece bits of history together, spanning not only the life of Henry VIII, but also his children.
\nHenry VIII, born Henry Tudor, was the third of seven children of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York. Henry was never intended to be king, his older brother Arthur, Prince of Wales was being groomed to be his father’s successor. Henry VII wanted to strengthen his kingdom, so when Arthur was two years old, he arranged for his son to marry Catherine of Aragon - creating part of the treaty of Medina del Campo. The two betrothed did not meet until 13 years after this arrangement, however they had been sending formal letters to one another. Ten days after they finally met they were married at Old St Paul’s Cathedral. Not even a year into the marriage, the couple fell ill and Arthur died. Henry VII, eager to keep the alliance with Spain, arranged for his next oldest son (Henry) to marry Catherine of Aragon.
\nIt is believed that Henry was not happy with the arrangement. It wasn’t until after his father was buried that he agreed to the marriage, stating that it was his father’s dying wish.
\nHenry’s wedding to Catherine was held privately at a church in Greenwich. On 23 June 1509, Henry led his bride from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey for their coronation.
\nThe couple’s marriage became strained; mainly because of their failed attempts to produce an heir.
\n31 January 1510
\n1 January 1511
\nNovember 1513
\nDecember 1514
\n18 February 1516
\nNovember 1518
\nHenry believed that the marriage was cursed, as Catherine could not bare him a son. He sought to divorce Catherine on the grounds that his brother had consummated the marriage before he had died.
\nThis sparked the English Reformation, the process of transforming England from a Catholic country to a Protestant one. Henry also created the Church of England and spilt England from papal supremacy.
\nOn 23 May 1533, Thomas Cranmer ruled on the validity of Henry’s marriage to Catherine and declared the marriage illegal.
\nIn 1535, Catherine was transferred to Kimbolton Castle. She was forbidden to see her daughter Mary, but was permitted some visitors. Mother and daughter were also forbidden from writing to each other, but a few sympathisers delivered letters between the two. Catherine died on 7 January 1536.
\nDuring Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, he took a number of mistresses. Elizabeth Blount was the first undisputed mistress of the king. On 15 June 1519, Blount bore the King an illegitimate son - the only illegitimate son whom Henry VIII acknowledged as his own. After the child’s birth, the affair ended for unknown reasons.
\n15 June 1519
\nAfter Elizabeth Blount, Henry found a new mistress named Mary Boleyn - one of Catherine of Aragon’s ladies-in-waiting. In 1525, Henry (increasingly frustrated that Catherine had not produced him a male heir) turned his affections to Mary’s sister Anne Boleyn, a young woman in the Queen’s entourage. Anne resisted his attempts to seduce her, and refused to become a mistress as her sister Mary Boleyn had.
\nHenry was now determined to find a dynastic successor and had three options available: legitimising Henry FitzRoy; marrying off Mary and hoping she would bear a grandson to inherit; or somehow rejecting Catherine and marrying someone else of child-bearing age.
\nThe third option was the most attractive to Henry, and it soon became the King’s absorbing desire to annul his marriage to Catherine.
\nHenry VIII and Anne Boleyn were married on 25 January 1533 at Westminster Abbey.
\n7 September 1533
\nSeptember 1534
\n29 January 1536
\nBy now Henry VIII was furious that he had no male heir, and declared that he had been seduced into the marriage by means of “sortilege”. Anne was accused of adultery, incest, and high treason. On 14 May 1536, Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage dissolved.
\nAnne Boleyn was beheaded on 19 May 1536.
\nAfter Anne’s execution, Henry became engaged to Jane Seymour, who had been one of Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn’s ladies-in-waiting. They were married at the Palace of Whitehall ten days after the execution. Interestingly Jane was never crowned, as a plague spread through London where the coronation was going to be held.
\nDuring her time with Henry, Jane tried to restore his daughter Mary to the line of succession, as Jane was sympathetic to the late Queen Catherine.
\n12 October 1537
\nThe birth was difficult, and the queen died two weeks later from an infection. Jane was the only wife of Henry to receive a queen’s funeral and was buried in Windsor Castle.
\nHenry wished to marry once again, and was told of Anne - the sister of the Duke of Cleves. Henry believed that having an alliance with the Duke of Cleves would help prevent a Roman Catholic attack on England.
\nHenry sent a painter (Hans Holbein the Younger) to paint a portrait of Anne of Cleves, and upon receiving this he agreed to marry her. The couple were married on 6 January 1540, however it was not long before Henry wished to annul the marriage as he had fallen for Catherine Howard.
\nAnne did not argue against the annulment, and confirmed that they had not consummated the marriage. The marriage was annulled on 9 July 1540.
\nHenry VIII and Catherine Howard were married on 28 July 1540. Soon after the marriage, Catherine had an affair with Thomas Culpeper. She also employed Francis Dereham - with whom she had previously had an affair - as her secretary.
\nHenry originally refused to believe the allegations, but when presented with proof and confessions, went into a rage. The two men were executed, and Catherine Howard was beheaded on 13 February 1542.
\nHenry married Catherine Parr, a wealthy widow, in July 1543 at Hampton Court Palace. Catherine helped convince Henry to reconcile with his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. In 1543, an Act of Parliament put Mary and Elizabeth back in the line of succession after Edward.
\nHenry VIII died on 28 January 1547, aged 55. He was interred next to Jane Seymour in St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
\nAfter his death, his only legitimate son, Edward, inherited the Crown to become Edward VI.
\nEdward was born on 12 October 1537, the only male heir of Henry VIII to survive infancy. Throughout the realm, the people celebrated the birth of their future king. However, celebrations were short-lived as Jane Seymour (Edward’s mother and Henry’s queen) fell ill on 23 October from presumed postnatal complications. Henry VIII wrote to Francis I of France that “Divine Providence … hath mingled my joy with bitterness of the death of her who brought me this happiness”.
\nEdward VI succeeded his father on 28 January 1547. As Edward was only nine years old, he could not exercise actual power. Henry made clear in his will that the future governing of England (until Edward was old enough to rule) was to be overseen by 16 designated executors serving on a council of regency. The executors chosen were Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford, Edward’s eldest uncle on his mother side, to be Lord Protector of the Realm and was appointed Duke of Somerset.
\nLater, during the reign of Edward VI, Edward Seymour became power, war and money mad. He was eventually stripped of the title and executed. In February 1550, John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, became Lord Protector of the Realm.
\nEdward became ill in January 1553 with a fever and cough that gradually worsened. On 6 July 1553, at the age of 15, Edward died at Greenwich Palace.
\nMary was born on 18 February 1516 - Henry VIII’s first child to survive infancy. Her parents’ marriage was troubled, and on 23 May 1533 they divorced. The marriage was declared illegal, meaning Mary was deemed illegitimate and was thus removed from the line of succession.
\nMary’s mother, Catherine of Aragon, was sent Kimbolton Castle. Communication between mother and daughter was forbidden, however some letters were couriered by trusted sympathisers. Mary refused to acknowledge that her father’s new wife Anne was a Queen of England or that her half-sister Elizabeth was a princess.
\nTowards the end of her father’s life, Mary and Henry reconciled their differences and Mary was reinstated into the line of succession.
\nMary succeeded her younger brother on 19 July 1553, after nine days of complications that saw Lady Jane Grey Queen of England.
\nAt the age of 37, Mary turned her attention to finding a husband. Her cousin Charles V suggested that Mary marry his only son, Prince Philip of Spain. The idea of a marriage between Mary and Philip was not a welcomed one, as the people feared that Philip would become the King of England and retain the title if he lived longer then Mary. After a thwarted attempt to depose her, Mary settled these fears by creating a Marriage Act that meant that Philip would only be King of England while he was married to Mary, and so long as he did not out-live her.
\nMary and Philip were married at Winchester Cathedral on 25 July 1554 - just two days after the couple’s first meeting.
\nIn September 1554 it was believed that Mary was pregnant, however this was a false pregnancy (perhaps brought on by Mary’s desire to have a child).
\nIn 1555, Mary earned her nickname ‘Bloody Mary’ when she began permitting the burning of Anglicans for heresy, and up to her death she had around 220 men and 60 women executed.
\nMary became very weak and ill in May 1558, and died on 17 November 1558 at the age of 42 during an influenza epidemic.
\nElizabeth was born at Greenwich Palace on 7th September 1533. She was named after both her grandmothers - Elizabeth of York and Elizabeth Howard - and was the only child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn to survive infancy. On 19 May 1536, Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn was executed. Just two years old at the time, Elizabeth was declared illegitimate and removed from the royal succession.
\nIn 1537, Edward was born and became the undisputed heir to the throne. Elizabeth attend her brother’s christening carrying the baptismal cloth, and after her fathers death in 1547, Edward became king. Elizabeth was sent to live with Catherine Parr - her father’s widow who was newly married to Thomas Seymour, the uncle of Edward VI. While there, Elizabeth experienced an emotional crisis that is believed to have affected her for the rest of her life.
\nWhen Edward VI died, his will prevented both Mary and Elizabeth from the succession. It instead declared his heir to be Lady Jane Grey, granddaughter of Henry VIII’s sister Mary, Duchess of Suffolk. Lady Jane was proclaimed queen, but was deposed after nine days by Mary.
\nDuring Mary’s reign, the Protestant faith that Elizabeth had been educated in was becoming dominated by the Catholic faith that Mary followed; Elizabeth had no choice but to outwardly conform. In January 1554 the Wyatt rebellion broke out, but was soon suppressed. Elizabeth was suspected of conspiring to de-throne Mary, and on 18 March she was imprisoned in the Tower of London. On 22 May she was moved to Woodstock under house arrest for almost a year. Elizabeth was allowed to return to court to attend the final stages of Mary’s apparent pregnancy in April 1555; the reason being that if there were complications that caused Mary and her child to die, Elizabeth would then become queen. When Mary fell ill in 1558, King Philip started to plan for Elizabeth to succeeded her sister, and on 6 November 1558 Mary recognised Elizabeth as her heir. 11 days later, Mary died and Elizabeth became queen at the age of 25.
\nIt was expected that Elizabeth would marry now she had became queen, but she famously never did. She received many offers for her hand but always declined - the reasons for this are believed to be that Thomas Seymour had put her off sexual relationships. In the spring of 1559 it became clear that Elizabeth had fallen in love with Robert Dudley. The two of them would have married, but William Cecil, Nicholas Throckmorton, and a number of other conservative peers made their disapproval unmistakably clear.
\nElizabeth I died on 24 March 1603 at Richmond Palace, and was interred in Westminster Abbey in the same tomb as her half-sister, Mary.
\nAs Elizabeth I was the last of Henry VIII’s descendants, James VI - the great-grandson of Margaret Tudor (Henry VIII’s oldest sister)- succeeded her to the English throne.
\nI hope you enjoyed it too.
","excerpt":"The Line of Henry VIII Henry VIII has to be one of the more widely-known Kings of England. The Tutor line ended almost 100 years after Henry became King at the age of 18. During his rule he: Married six women (Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"05af802d-3eef-5679-8108-f38f7118d60e","title":"Rollright Stones","slug":"rollright-stones","date":"October 17th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5p9DInkGkmnrHrERrftgVG/d1e82828eb757c3662f69df96dc944dd/rollright-stones.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Rollright](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5p9DInkGkmnrHrERrftgVG/d1e82828eb757c3662f69df96dc944dd/rollright-stones.jpg\")
The Rollright Stones are a set of three monuments located very close to the village of Long Compton. The three monuments are known as The King’s Men, The King Stone and The Whispering Knights.
\nA single standing stone set across the road from the other two monuments. I could not find any information about this monument at the location.
\nI visited the Rollright Stones because I heard that people were having problems with their camera’s while attempting to take photos in the stone circle.
\nThe King’s Men, is a stone circle of different sized and shaped stones. Apparently it’s impossible to count the number of stones in the circle.
\nDuring my visit, I when was taking photos with my camera, the battery went from full charged to empty in a matter of seconds. When I got back home I turn the camera on and had 100% battery life. This was very odd, however I am glad it happened because that was one of the reasons I visited.
\nThis monument seems to be a burial chamber with 4 upright stones and a fallen capstone. During my visit I spotted a few coins and rings that I can only assume were left in tribute.
\nThere is a story of a king and his troop traveling through the countryside, where on this spot they meet a witch. The witch spoke to the king and told him that if he could take seven strides and see the village of Long Compton he would be the true king of England.
\nHe sent his men to a nearby field to make camp, then attempted the strides. Upon failing to see the village, the witch turn the king to stone. She then turned his troop to stone: the group of men that had now formed a circle around a fire and the group of conspiring knights is the distance.
\n\n\n“Seven long strides thou shalt take, says she
\n
\nAnd if Long Compton thou canst see,
\nKing of England thou shalt be!”“As Long Compton thou canst not see, King of England thou shalt not be! Rise up stick and stand still stone, For King of England thou shalt be none; Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be, And I myself an elder tree!”
\n
Read more about the Rollright Stone on official website
\nLocation of Rollright Stones\n[map center="-1.568513,51.976263" zoom="16" type="satellite"]
![\"Is](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/20RhVEgelYgZLzoC0DrLvQ/a673c7a14dd8243a6aa7e8112d95eb62/is-there-anyone-out-there.jpg\")
Sometimes I wonder if there is life on other planets and if I would ever meet an extra-terrestrial.
\nThe question is would they really want to me us?
\nThink about it, we broadcast lots of information. All those films about alien life forms that are set to destroy the earth and we then attempt to kill them. Doesn’t paint a pretty picture to potential visitors.
\nSomeone once told me an alternate version of our creation.
\nHuman life is just an experiment of aliens, they found a habitable planet then created us. Let us grow and develop in accordance with their experiment (every now and again they sometimes have to intervene and change a path that they believe would be detrimental)
\nI do like this idea. However I don’t think we are an experimental race created by alien beings.
\nI believe that there are aliens out there, whether they’re more advanced or not. It’s just going to take time for us to finally make contact.
","excerpt":"Is there anyone out there Sometimes I wonder if there is life on other planets and if I would ever meet an extra-terrestrial. The question is would they really want to me us? Think about it, we broadcast lots of information. All those films about…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"79dadfd0-8542-5bbb-acc3-0b6ff29ded81","title":"Are You in the Mood for a Slasher Film?","slug":"are-you-in-the-mood-for-a-slasher-film","date":"September 13th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2x8uZkgL0Z7MT66STciqvK/7851e9e3ae28dbcd20c92d1f4d86217e/thumb.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Are](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/19gHDA7S8qExi9xhXvs752/76d7e670469d21e08225b3a162d6b209/slasher_film.jpg\")
The name of this horror sub-genre gives a bit of a hint as to what you can expect in the films it classifies. They tend to focus on a psychopathic killer on a serial rampage, with the weapon of choice usually some sort of knife or cutting weapon.
\nHalloween is amongst the first slasher films, laying down some of the elements that are now staples of this cult sub-genre.
\nLikely elements within such films include:
\nSlasher films peaked in around 1984 with the release of ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. Later, the sub-genre was revived by Wes Craven and spawned some new films and re-makes.
\nI personally hate spoilers, but the films listed below have been around for a while and the characters are well established. Forgive me if by reading this blog your enjoyment of watching these films is spoilt - but you can’t say I didn’t warn you…
\n![\"halloween\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4gCfucSZTFRuidMYzOVMR5/35f0bf195c9aaa99070969cead8fa87e/halloween.jpg\")
No one is quite sure what triggered Michael Myers to turn into a homicidal maniac, hell-bent on killing his family. On Halloween 1963 in Haddonfield, Illinois, the 6-year-old Michael Myers flipped, brutally killing his older sister by stabbing her repeatedly with a kitchen knife. Michael then spends the next 15 years locked in a hospital in Smith’s Grove, only to escape on October 30th to hunt down and kill his younger sister on Halloween.
\nThe series then continues with Michael trying to kill almost every member of his family, along with anyone that gets in the way.
\nSince his first kill Michael’s choice of weapon has been a large kitchen knife. After his escape from hospital Michael steals a Captain Kirk (William Shatner) mask and blue overalls – his now infamous signature outfit. As an adult Michael is effectively mute. He moves slowly, appears to be immortal and has been shot many times. Whether this is because he is immune to pain and deals with the damage between Halloweens is anyone’s guess.
\nDuring ’Halloween: Resurrection (2002)’ the house where Michael Myers grew up is being kitted out with video surveillance cameras. When one of the crew goes to adjust a camera Michael appears and uses the tripod leg to impale the guy. As Michael puts the camera and tripod back into place he chillingly takes care to set it up at a perfect angle.
\n![\"friday-the-13th\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5PPltdcUVmMPaNyH9yqhLm/a8fd04dc96978c3593647151cc098f26/friday-the-13th.jpg\")
Upset by constant teasing from the other children at Camp Crystal lake, Jason went out to the water to prove to himself that he could swim. With the camp counselors neglecting their duties, Jason was never recovered from the lake and was presumed to have drowned. On the 23rd anniversary of his demise, however, it is implied that Jason returns as a grown man only to witness his mother being beheaded following her murderous rampage in revenge for his supposed death.
\nWe first see Jason wearing a sack over his head with only one eye hole. It’s not until the third film that he trades up to his now iconic hockey mask. He prefers to use a machete, however he doesn’t mind using whatever weapon he finds readily available.
\nJason is another antagonist that seems to be immune to pain / invulnerable - except for an almost pathological fear of water.
\nMy favourite Jason Voorhees kill has to be one of the more recent ones. Featured in ’Freddy vs. Jason (2003)’, Jason is hiding in the bedroom of a couple that have just had sex. While the girl goes to the bathroom Jason decides to fold the bed in half while it is being occupied by the unsuspecting guy - with grisly consequences.
\n![\"A](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/3cVmFJRAy9IlV3rAsLLps3/9e12905d74db9fed3e87fd233e6b02d0/a-nightmare-on-elm-street.jpg\")
It’s the stuff nightmares are of made of. Fred ‘Freddy’ Krueger was a child killer working in a steel mill on the outskirts of Springwood, Ohio. After being acquitted of kidnapping and murder charges because of an administrative error, he was chased down and burned to death by an angry mob of parents. Freddy now haunts the dreams of the children of Springwood, turning them into nightmares they do not return from.
\nFreddy has a hand-crafted glove with blades running down the fingers - giving him a very sharp handshake. He wears a grubby red and green sweat shirt and a dirty brown hat.
\nLater we learn that his mother was a nun who became trapped inside a wing of a mental hospital during Christmas. She was beaten and brutally raped by the inmates, and when finally rescued she was barely alive and pregnant. Freddy was thus bestowed the nickname of ‘the bastard son of 100 maniacs’.
\nMy favourite Freddy Krueger kill is in ’A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)’ when a sleep-deprived teenager in hospital is trying to stay awake while watching late-night TV. Inevitably she falls asleep, and Freddy lures her towards the TV by making the picture appear fuzzy. The TV then sprouts Freddy’s arms, claws and head before he picks the girl up and smashes her head through the set. “This is it Jennifer, your big break in TV, fuck the prime time bitch”.
\nOut of the three characters described above my favourite anti-hero has to be Freddy Krueger - I love some of the lines he comes out with as he kills people. Yes, I know that some of the films were a bit silly and sometimes didn’t really make sense, but Freddy’s irreverent and macabre humour always make the films worth a watch.
\nIt has to be Halloween. The films follow a very defined storyline - Michael Myers trying to eliminate his family. I say this with the exception of Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), which seems to be a slapdash attempt at maintaining the release of a horror film every Halloween (this film actually features Halloween (1972) on TV).
\nHopefully this has wet your appetite for some horror. If that’s the case, I’ve listed a few other films that fit within the same classification:
\n![\"The](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/ZvPvfsb2wSrz4Os7vxmKQ/e50ea108504538ae54b0a367fd286839/the_movie_quote_quiz.jpg\")
I have been thinking about posting a little quiz for a while. I could not work out how to format it. I believe that this way, its not really a quiz but should be easy to use.
\nSo here is it… A little quiz of some of the movie quotes that I remember. Can you?
\n(click the quote to reveal the movie)
\nNotting Hill
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Ghostbusters
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Dirty Dancing
Apollo 13
Pulp Fiction
Die Hard
Back to the Future
Independence Day
The Italian Job
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Lethal Weapon
Brokeback Mountain
Wizard of Oz
Jerry Maguire
The Breakfast Club
Batman
Predator
Forrest Gump
Jaws
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Judge Dredd
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
The Lost Boys
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Tremors
Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark
Kill Bill Vol. 1
Planet of the Apes
Pirates of the Caribbean
Demolition Man
King Kong
Dracula
Fight Club
Silence of the Lambs
Saw
How did you do? Did you get them all right?
","excerpt":"The Movie Quote Quiz I have been thinking about posting a little quiz for a while. I could not work out how to format it. I believe that this way, its not really a quiz but should be easy to use. So here is it… A little quiz of some of the movie…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"9013c2d3-3886-5ec8-8621-e074334b1397","title":"Mythbusters - Failure is Always an Option…","slug":"mythbusters-failure-is-always-an-option","date":"August 9th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2arcIO2PtmmerbqNnx3GEz/fb96458860713774cf2bd314950908fc/mythbusters.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Mythbusters\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2arcIO2PtmmerbqNnx3GEz/fb96458860713774cf2bd314950908fc/mythbusters.jpg\")
Adam Savage
\nJamie Hyneman
Joined by:
\nGrant Imahara
\nTory Belleci
\nKari Byron
And don’t for forget Buster
\nThis crack team of special effects masters don’t just tell the myths they put them to the test. The team try to find any truth in myths, often these are trying to see if a stunt in a movie or on internet can be achieved.
\nMost of the episodes involve destroying cars, blowing stuff up (with an array of substances) and trying to find out what’s bulletproof (excessive gun/cannon use).
\nBiscuit Bazooka
\nAlcatraz Escape
Duct Tape Hour
\nDuct Tape Plane
\nDuct Tape Island
\nI can’t wait for the next season to be available on Netflix
","excerpt":"Who are the Mythbusters? Mythbusters Adam Savage\nJamie Hyneman Joined by: Grant Imahara\nTory Belleci\nKari Byron And don’t for forget Buster This crack team of special effects masters don’t just tell the myths they put them to the test. The team try…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"3aaeac79-a0e2-5acc-83d3-d105fae5c87d","title":"Who are the Justice League of America?","slug":"who-are-the-justice-league-of-america","date":"July 29th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6b8Dg1B3Yjz74oZgxoAejj/e432cba094a38183ab97942049ae324c/the-justice-league.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"With the announcement of the upcoming Superman and Batman movie, it seems that we will not be waiting long before The Justice League has formed.
\nThe League is formed of several crime fighting super heroes aligned for one purpose protecting the world from evil doers. The group originally included Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter. But has also expanded and other super heroes have joined the cause.
\nI have provided a bit of the back story of each member below, but please remember over the years some origin stories have been change, amended or redacted. (Earth-One and Earth-Two, what’s all that about).
\n![\"meet-superman\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/XM6MmH72aYwlmJYVAh8s3/df287b4bd8c60831d0c910018f62dc58/meet-superman.jpg\")
Sent from his home planet Krypton by his mother and father moments before its total destruction, baby Kal-El crash lands in rural United States. Jonathan and Martha Kent find and adopt baby Kal-El, giving him the name Clark Kent.
\nDuring his adolescence Clark starts to realise he is a lot different from other people. Learning of his what happened to his home planet, he became obsessed with protecting mankind and Earth.
\n![\"meet-batman\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/368k6fkeChsWeO6wZmzzr/6d2b68d84e78db21d28370d80b9bcacb/meet-batman.jpg\")
Witnessing his parents being murdered, kind of messed Bruce Wayne up a bit. Growing up and being a bit of an eccentric billionaire, Bruce decided to put a stop to all crime and underhand political dealings in Gotham City.
\nHe chooses to instil fear in to the criminals of Gotham as a creature of the night, black, terrible… As Batman.
\n![\"meet-wonder-woman\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2NlAFUawmIzLVLTJrT0kZ2/fade22de2a9723b04c706055325b7244/meet-wonder-woman.jpg\")
Diana, the Amazon Princess of Themyscira only goes and falls in love with the 1st man to set foot on her homeland of Paradise Island.
\nWinning the competition she was forbidden to enter, that meant she would be the one to take the man back to the world of men. She travels to America, takes the name Diana Prince a.k.a Wonder Woman and starts kicking the butts of Adolf Hitler’s buddies.
\n![\"meet-flash\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6EZJzuhUj42zE3CE49za3K/b5a4b4b3faefbafbf9c12e1981fb2820/meet-flash.jpg\")
Barry Allen can’t really be late for anything again…
\nAfter a lightening bolt hits a case of chemicals soaking Barry, he soon discovers that he can run at tremendous speeds and has the reflexes to match.
\nSo what to do with my new found speed? How about a speeding crime fighter that sometimes can travel back in time…
\n![\"meet-green-lantern\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/WQ8OCbG2Ngge0L3CcKh7s/5b0ccd1535b5d28406ec8ba78d9af4e0/meet-green-lantern.jpg\")
This risky test pilot took a risk that changed his life completely. He witnessed a glowing green alien ship crash land, rushing to the crash site he found a dying alien Abin Sur. Knowing he was about to die Abin Sur gave Hal Jordan a ring and a lantern, telling him he had been chosen.
\nNow being a member of an interstellar organization of police, he had a pretty big beat to walk (not only our Solar System but many other planets; full list of planets in Space Sector 2814 ).
\n![\"meet-aquaman\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/36GiQPxNtnPzqWbx8pkyMf/507b0c0a6d84c38c6ca482e19a3b9299/meet-aquaman.jpg\")
It must have been hard for Arthur Curry growing up. Half human, half Atlantean and also being heir to the throne of Atlantis.
\nAt least he could breathe when the older kids flush his head down the toilet.
\n![\"meet-martian-manhunter\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/7CNHMJyvyRhMmgR0aIIKPE/3d5ba51041610aa174f1f3974aed0145/meet-martian-manhunter.jpg\")
J’onn J’onzz was living the life of a care-free Martian, completely unware that about 6,778km away Dr. Saul Erdel was messing around with his communication device. Something kind of went a bit wrong… Causing J’onn J’onzz to be pulled to Earth by an experimental teleportation beam. “Err, whoops”.
\nWith no way of returning home, J’onn J’onzz decided to become a private sleuth (a green-skinned extraterrestrial humanoid, not very sleuthy). Just don’t leave him alone with a box of Oreo cookies…
\n![\"Labyrinth\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/7DPTa4D3F0vLwsOdWAN5k9/c69e9855a4be4e3a4678609d9c57f033/labyrinth.jpg\")
I haven’t fought my way through the Labyrinth, but have seen the film an unknown number of times. More than once I have watched this film to the end, left the credits rolling and then allowed the film to restart and watched it a second time.
\nSarah (played by Jennifer Connelly), like a lot of 16 year old girls loves to play dress-up and submerge herself in to a fantasy world. Arriving home late, her parents leave her to watch over her baby brother Toby.
\n“That’s not fair”
\nAnnoyed with her parents and that someone had been in her room and taken her toy bear. She finds the bear in her parent’s room with her screaming brother Toby. As Sarah begins telling Toby a story to calm him back to sleep, she makes a wish for goblins to take the baby far away.
\n\n\nSarah: “Say your right words,” the goblins said, “and we’ll take the baby to the castle, and you will be free!” But the girl knew, that the Goblin King would keep the baby in his castle for ever and ever and ever, and turn it into a goblin! And so the girl suffered in silence. Until one day, when she was tired from a day of housework, and she was hurt by the harsh words of her stepmother, and she could no longer stand it…
\n
\nSarah: I can bear it no longer! Goblin King! Goblin King! Wherever you may be take this child of mine far away from me!
\nGoblin: That’s not it! Where did she get that rubbish? It doesn’t even start with “I wish!”
We then meet Jareth (played by David Bowie), The Goblin King. He takes Toby away to his castle at the center of the labyrinth, setting Sarah the task to get to the castle within 13 hours to save Toby.
\nAlong the journey Sarah meets an array of characters that either help or hinder her progress.
\n\n\nHoggle: Oh don’t act so smart. You don’t even know what an oubliette is.
\n
For those that wish to know…\nAn oubliette (from the French oubliette, literally “forgotten place”) was a form of dungeon which was accessible only from a hatch in a high ceiling. The word comes from the same root as the French oublier, “to forget”, as it was used for those prisoners the captors wished to forget. - Extract from Wikipedia
\n\n\nJareth: So, the Labyrinth is a piece of cake, is it? Well, let’s see how you deal with this little slice…
\n
Sarah’s journey becomes slightly more challenging and confusing: The Bog of Eternal Stench, A Masked Ball inside a Crystal Ball and The Battle of the Goblins.
\n\n\nSarah: Give me the child.
\n
\nJareth: Sarah, beware. I have been generous up ‘til now. I can be cruel.
\nSarah: Generous? What have you done that’s generous?
\nJareth: Everything! Everything that you wanted I have done. You asked that the child be taken. I took him. You cowered before me, I was frightening. I have reordered time. I have turned the world upside down, and I have done it all for you! I am exhausted from living up to your expectations. Isn’t that generous?
\n\nJareth: I ask for so little. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.
\n
The Labyrinth is one of my favourite films. Jim Henson has made fantasy a reality in this film. His goblin creations are amazing and the puppetry is simply mesmerising. I even love the songs that David Bowie contributed.
\n![\"Vampires-on-Film\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/266QUxzDWTMCPV4u4bzLEz/d11af4a7aceb055b29d60f71060577ff/Vampires-on-Film.jpg\")
I’m not too sure which film I watched first but I believe my first vampire film was probably either Interview with a Vampire (1994) or Dracula (1992).
\nSince then I have became a fan of horror films especially the vampire sub genre.
\nI think the thing that drew me into the vampire world is the mysteries that engulf them. Hiding in the shadows, stalking their prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. To survive the vampire must drink blood, in doing so the life and vitality of their prey passes over, enriching the vampire.
\nI had heard that Whitby - a small harbour town on the Yorkshire coast, had become a bit of an attraction for Bram Stroker Dracula fans.
\nIn the story the Count travels to England aboard the ship ‘Demeter’ which makes port at Whitby harbour.\nI have visited Whitby, mainly to see the impressive ruined abbey. I was gladly surprised to find a small museum dedicated to the novel/films.
\nMy next step in the vampire world is probably to read The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice.
\nBelow is a list of films that feature vampires:\n(the ones I have seen are in bold.)
\n![\"Flux](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/49Z5E7v7hmb2Pfbkjtsbak/b879d1dab08e631a04f894b6aed93352/Flux-Capacitor.png\")
This is something that most people have thought of at least once: To go back in time and change something…
\nYou have the chance to go back to any point in your past, change one choice or decision that you made.
\nEveryone has at least one thing that they regret, or believe that their life would turn out different only if…
\nFor any one that has seen “Back to the Future”, you will know that there are a few certain rules you must adhere to:
\nIf I was given the chance to go back and change anything, I believe it would be to change a choice I made during secondary school.
\nAbout a third of the way through my 3rd year, I had to make a choice of which direction I would like my education to go.
\nI had to choose 2 subjects that I would like to continue to take along with the regular curriculum. I chose to continue studying: Art and Information Technology.
\nI really enjoyed the drama lessons that I was involved in. One of our assignments was to partner up and acted out the riddle scene from The Hobbit, I played the part of Gollum. We worked very hard learning the lines, and were told we gave the best performance in the year.
\nI was also included in a day of learning the art of puppeteering. A guest teacher came to our school with an array of puppets. We were shown how to bring them to life and setup a few scenes.
\nHistory and Geography also interested me. I enjoyed learning about the Tutors and Stuarts, the Black Death, the Great Fire of London, volcanoes, tectonic plates, earthquakes and reading a map / using a compass (orienteering).
\nBut at that age I had no idea of what career path History or Geography would lead me. So the change I would make would be to swap Information Technology for Drama.
\nHey you never know, you could see me in the next blockbuster.
","excerpt":"Flux Capacitor This is something that most people have thought of at least once: To go back in time and change something… Well lets say we have the technology You have the chance to go back to any point in your past, change one choice or decision…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"d6703a84-83b0-5c19-aaeb-39ecca6d7c57","title":"Tomb Raider: Review","slug":"tomb-raider-review","date":"March 28th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2EXIktFaUamxpBs8z13sbX/7398b893b2ab03384a170efc3569d5d5/tomb-raider-2013.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Tomb](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2EXIktFaUamxpBs8z13sbX/7398b893b2ab03384a170efc3569d5d5/tomb-raider-2013.jpg\")
The new Tomb Raider game has now been out for a few weeks.
\nI would have liked to say that I sat playing the game all day until completion, sadly I did not have the time to do this. Having now completed the game, I feel comfortable writing this review about Tomb Raider (2013).
\nRight from the start we know that this is a Lara we have not seen before. She is embarking on her first expedition into the Dragon Triangle, a vicious storm tears the ship in two. Along with other survivors Lara is washed up on the shore of a strange island. Separated from her party she get forced to survive the environment and an array of enemies.
\nThe gameplay is a big step from what we have experienced in the past games, literately throwing Lara around the environment; climbing onto building and jumping from rooftop to rooftop.
\nDuring the game Lara explores the island hunting for her friends. along the way she has a few artifacts that she can find scattered around; relics, GPS signals and documents from the past. Each area that Lara visits has at least one hidden tomb that she can raid. These are a bit of a let down compared to the ones in Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Last Revolution, they are too simple to solve and enabling the new ‘Survivor Vision’ make it even more easier.
\nBy collecting artifacts, finding tombs and killing enemies silently (head shots / sneaking), you earn point that can be used to improve Lara’s skill level and upgrade weapons. To do this you will need to find one of the campsites, there are a few in each area.
\nI found some of the slow-motion user action sections a bit annoying but they don’t seem to be as bad as they used to be in the last 3 games. At least this time it only seems to use one focus button.
\nI would give Tomb Raider (2013) a rating of 7/10. If your an avid Tomb Raider fan then you should get this one and experience the new feel to the game along with the new look Lara. If your not to bothered about this new generation of Lara/Tomb Raider then I recommend waiting a while for the game to become a bit cheaper.
","excerpt":"Tomb Raider The new Tomb Raider game has now been out for a few weeks. I would have liked to say that I sat playing the game all day until completion, sadly I did not have the time to do this. Having now completed the game, I feel comfortable writing…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"b41b0dc0-f607-5bf6-a2d7-af769f2c6a86","title":"Footloose vs Footloose","slug":"footloose-vs-footloose","date":"March 17th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2e3qvpfXYVU7GWdpkTw43O/9922d6cbde46104092826de0bf99f2e4/footloose-vs-footloose.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"footloose-vs-footloose\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2e3qvpfXYVU7GWdpkTw43O/9922d6cbde46104092826de0bf99f2e4/footloose-vs-footloose.png\")
Yesterday I watched Footloose and today I watched Footloose (2011). I had not planned on writing a review / comparison of the two versions but here it is.
\nIf you have read my blog before (Not Another Remake), you will know that I’m not a fan of remakes. That said Footloose (2011) does hold true to the original. The story is basically the same with a few slight changes, a few of the more iconic outfits are reprised and cover versions of the original songs are used.
\nThe more memorable scenes are included but changed in a way that I don’t think they should have:
\nThe diner scene
\nI hate the current wave of dance movies that include one of these dance-off scenes to show off dancing styles.
The chicken-dare scene
\nFootloose (1984) version is a lot better, at any point Ren could have chickened out.
The out-of-town dance scene
\nYee-Haw let’s have a Barn Dance.
Willard’s learning to dance montage
\nThis just seemed very cheesy, I prefer the original version.
Dennis Quaid as Rev. Shaw Moore and Andie MacDowell as Vi Moore were very good casting decisions, I think that they played the characters very well. However Kenny Wormald as Ren MacCormack and Julianne Hough as Ariel Moore were not very good.
\nIn the original film Rev. Shaw Moore played by John Lithgow had a much bigger role. The 2011 version seems to have streamlined the story cutting out a lot of scenes showing how big a part Rev. Shaw Moore plays in the community. Even the book burning scene which I believe to be a turning point in the reverends character has been cut.
\nOverall if you have never seen Footloose (1984), why not? Footloose (2011) will at least clue you in to the story and be a good enough representation of what everyone that has seen the original has experienced.
","excerpt":"footloose-vs-footloose Yesterday I watched Footloose and today I watched Footloose (2011). I had not planned on writing a review / comparison of the two versions but here it is. If you have read my blog before (Not Another Remake), you will know that…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"9511de9d-81f0-5466-bf74-d43bf6c0b434","title":"Tomb Raider","slug":"tomb-raider","date":"March 4th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/31CFXozdccvrihiZBDaJOg/7f690d58da8ece543d31fcaabacdb73c/thumb.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"tomb-raider\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2yd7Liex7hgvqowb5C7zIq/6f1b9928e5db7bfea8acdebeea266bb5/tomb-raider.png\")
Eight games, two films, one spin-off game and an updated release of the original game. This year, we are due to see a completely new Lara Croft.
\nWith the imminent release of the Tomb Raider reboot, I decided to take the time to write this article about my experiences of the franchise.
\nI wasn’t aware of the first Tomb Raider game and have never played the original. I started my Tomb Raider adventure playing Tomb Raider 2, however I later played the updated version of the first game Tomb Raider Anniversary.
\nThis one, for me, is the most memorable as it’s the first one I played. Featured locations include Croft Manor, the Great Wall of China, Venice, Tibet and an underwater sunken shipwreck. I was addicted to this game for a long time; playing it continually, collecting all the secrets along the way and trying to complete each level faster than my previous play-though.
\nThe game was filled with hidden locations, dangerous enemies (sometimes dinosaurs) as well as traps and puzzles. I really enjoyed it and was hooked.
\nThe main focus of this game is to collect four artefacts which form part of a meteor that landed in Antarctica Millions of years ago. The game follows the same gameplay as the previous instalment, however this time Lara travels to India, South Pacific Islands, London, Nevada and Antarctica.
\nFrom what I remember, I don’t think I enjoyed this one as much as Tomb Raider 2. That said, it is still a very good game.
\nThe fourth instalment is set in Egypt, with the exception of the first level which is in Cambodia. Here we see a young Lara finding her taste for adventure.
\nFor me, this is what Tomb Raider is all about - hunting for artefacts in a ancient setting, intertwining myth with fact.
\nI probably liked this game a bit more than Tomb Raider 3.
\nFollowing the events in Tomb Raider 4, this game focuses on a few of Lara’s past adventures and gives us more insight into her character.
\nTo be honest, I don’t really remember much about this game apart from the level in Rome. I think I only played this game through once as I was in a rush to find out what happened at the end.
\nAngelina Jolie stars as Lara Croft. The film has everything that you would expect to find within the games: action, adventure, puzzle solving and a lot of female grunting.
\nTo tell the truth, I’m not a big fan of this film. I would say it barely passes as watchable.
\nDid they really have to make a second film? Surely Angelina’s first outing as Lara was bad enough…
\nA lot of people I have spoken to about the Tomb Raider games say this is the one they dislike the most. The game developer decided to take a different approach to the gameplay in this game, letting the gamer make the choice as to which path to take (this was mainly through interactive conversations between Lara and other characters). This instalment was also the first time the gamer played as a different character (Kurtis Trent) during parts of the gameplay.
\nI did enjoy playing the game, although I still rate it as the worst in the series.
\nThis one is my second favourite Tomb Raider game. It has a completely new look and feel, and there is also a new selection of weapons and tools available to Lara. The concept is based around the King Arthur/Excalibur legend. During the game we find out about Lara’s mother and what seems to be a repressed memory of Lara’s first explorations.
\nThis is the first Tomb Raider game re-release using the Tomb Raider Legend game engine, giving the original game a new and fresh look. I really enjoyed playing this game as I had missed the opportunity to play it when it first came out.
\nAgain, I have to say I have only played it once. This is why my explanation of the game is so short.
\nThis game is basically a sequel to Tomb Raider Legend. It continues along the same storyline and expands to include Norse mythology.
\nI really enjoyed playing this game. I like the way the story unfolds and links back to Lara’s past, and I also enjoyed the inclusion of the Norse myths.
\nThe game did seem to take on a darker tone and felt like it was closing a chapter in Lara’s life.
\nThis game is a spin-off of the Tomb Raider series, and I have to say I didn’t like it. It is played from a top-down perspective, which left me disorientated and led to frequent instances of me accidentally killing Lara by allowing her to fall off things or enter traps. There were also cut scenes to this game which took the form of comic book strips, however in my view they failed to entertain or tell the complete story.
\nI don’t recommend this game at all.
\nI can’t wait to play this new version of Tomb Raider. Lara is aboard a ship during a violent storm that rips the ship in two. Along with other survives, Lara finds herself stranded on a tropical island and forced to toughen up and survive.
\nI have heard rumours that there is a new Tomb Raider film to be released in later this year, which is currently in pre-production and awaiting the release of the game. It would be good to see a new version of the film, hopefully without Angelina Jolie.
\nReview to be written
\nReview to be written
\nI am excited to find out that there will be a remaster version of the original three games, i can’t wait to replay them all over again. (hoping the release will mean we will be getting a new Lara Croft game soon)
","excerpt":"tomb-raider Eight games, two films, one spin-off game and an updated release of the original game. This year, we are due to see a completely new Lara Croft. With the imminent release of the Tomb Raider reboot, I decided to take the time to write this…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"f51b18dd-1800-5413-8fa8-134937235f86","title":"A Bit of Shakespeare","slug":"a-bit-of-shakespeare","date":"February 14th, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/uFvdRkCnoxWt3G4lzZtrx/9f9fc4b5196512cb737ef01a6657d629/thumb.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"William](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4TQ59akeuIgHMDo1jzc39I/bdd5975ebf9b855c60b5f2d3611041f7/william-shakespeare.jpg\")
William Shakespeare is my second favourite writer.
\nLike many people, my first experience of Shakespeare was his eponymous tragedy Romeo and Juliet. During an English class at school, the teacher handed out copies of the play and told us to study the text and write an essay about it. In order to encourage us and help us understand the narrative, we were shown two film adaptations:
\nWilliam Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
\nDirected by Baz Luhrmann, Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes
I really enjoy the modern setting of this adaptation. While it features a lot of action and violence, this doesn’t ever distract from the story or its main themes.
\nRomeo and Juliet (1968)
\nDirected by Franco Zeffirelli, Starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey
This version stays very true to the original text, and anyone that knows me will know that is how I like stories to be told.
\nAfter Romeo and Juliet, the class went on to study Julius Ceaser. This was a bit heavy-going for me at the time. Again, we were shown a film adaptation of the play:
\nJulius Ceaser (1970)
\nDirected by Stuart Burge, Starring Charlton Heston, Jason Robards and John Gielgud
I found this film a bit long-winded. I have recently watched it again and fell asleep halfway through, but in all honesty I find this to be the case with most of Charlton Heston’s films.
\nI believe the essay I eventually wrote was something like: ‘How Cassius manipulated Brutus to be the figurehead in the plot to bring down Ceaser’s tyrannus rule’ (in their opinion).
\nMore recently, I have decided to actually watch some of Shakespeare’s plays performed in a theatre. The first one chose had to be Romeo and Juliet, which I saw in December 2008. The production was amazing, and again it took a slightly modern angle. This performance really awoke the Shakespeare fan within.
\nThe next play I went to see was Twelfth Night. I had no idea what to expect as I hadn’t read it (to this day i still haven’t got round to reading it). I found this play a lot more comical in comparison to Romeo and Juliet, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it featured a few songs.
\nA few months back I watched The Taming of the Shrew on TV. I really wanted to see this play for two reasons:
\nThe Taming of the Shrew (1967)
\nDirected by Franco Zeffirelli, Starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
This was very good. I really liked seeing Katherina being humbled and then rising back to become a better version of herself.
\nWell that’s about enough from me… Here are a few bits from Shakespeare I really like:
\nSonnet 27
\nWeary with toil, I haste me to my bed,
\nThe dear repose for limbs with travel tired;
\nBut then begins a journey in my head,
\nTo work my mind, when body’s work’s expired:
\nFor then my thoughts, from far where I abide,
\nIntend a zealous pilgrimage to thee,
\nAnd keep my drooping eyelids open wide,
\nLooking on darkness which the blind do see
\nSave that my soul’s imaginary sight
\nPresents thy shadow to my sightless view,
\nWhich, like a jewel hung in ghastly night,
\nMakes black night beauteous and her old face new.
\nLo! thus, by day my limbs, by night my mind,
\nFor thee and for myself no quiet find.
Sonnet 18
\nShall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
\nThou art more lovely and more temperate:
\nRough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
\nAnd summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
\nSometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
\nAnd often is his gold complexion dimm’d;
\nAnd every fair from fair sometime declines,
\nBy chance or nature’s changing course untrimm’d;
\nBut thy eternal summer shall not fade
\nNor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
\nNor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
\nWhen in eternal lines to time thou growest:
\nSo long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
\nSo long lives this and this gives life to thee.
Romeo and Juliet
\nROMEO (coming forward)
\nHe jests at scars that never felt a wound.
\n(Enter Juliet above)
\nBut, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
\nIt is the East, and Juliet is the sun!
\nArise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
\nWho is already sick and pale with grief
\nThat thou her maid art far more fair than she.
\nBe not her maid, since she is envious.
\nHer vestal livery is but sick and green,
\nAnd none but fools do wear it. Cast it off.
\nIt is my lady. O, it is my love!
\nO that she knew she were!
\nShe speaks. Yet she says nothing. what of that?
\nHer eye discourses. I will answer it.
\nI am too bold, ‘Tis not to me she speaks.
\nTwo of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
\nHaving some business, do entreat her eyes
\nTo twinkle in their spheres till they return.
\nWhat if her eyes were there, they in her head?
\nThe brightness of her cheek would shame those stars
\nAs daylight doth a lamp. Her eyes in heaven
\nWould through the airy region stream so bright
\nThat birds would sing and think it were not night.
\nSee how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
\nO that I were a glove upon that hand,
\nThat I might touch that cheek!
\nJULIET
\nAy me!
\nROMEO
\nShe speaks.
\nO, speak again, bright angel! for thou art
\nAs glorious to this night, being o’er my head,
\nAs is a winged messenger of heaven
\nUnto the white-upturned wondering eyes
\nOf mortals that fall back to gaze on him
\nWhen he bestrides the lazy, puffing clouds
\nAnd sails upon the bosom of the air.
\nJULIET
\nO Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
\nDeny thy father and refuse thy name.
\nOr, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
\nAnd I’ll no longer be a Capulet.
\nROMEO (aside)
\nShall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
\nJULIET
\n‘Tis but thy name that is my enemy.
\nThou art thyself, though not a Montague.
\nWhat’s Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,
\nNor arm, nor face, nor any other part
\nBelonging to a man. O, be some other name!
\nWhat’s in a name? that which we call a rose
\nBy any other name would smell as sweet;
\nSo Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d,
\nRetain that dear perfection which he owes
\nWithout that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
\nAnd for that name which is no part of thee
\nTake all myself.
\nROMEO
\nI take thee at thy word:
\nCall me but love, and I’ll be new baptized.
\nHenceforth I never will be Romeo.
\nJULIET
\nWhat man art thou that thus bescreened in night
\nSo stumblest on my counsel?
\nROMEO
\nBy a name
\nI know not how to tell thee who I am.
\nMy name, dear saint, is hateful to myself,
\nBecause it is an enemy to thee.
\nHad I it written, I would tear the word.
\nJULIET
\nMy ears have not yet drunk a hundred words
\nOf that tongue’s utterance, yet I know the sound.
\nArt thou not Romeo, and a Montague?
\nROMEO
\nNeither, fair saint, if either thee dislike.
\nJULIET
\nHow camest thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?
\nThe orchard walls are high and hard to climb,
\nAnd the place death, considering who thou art,
\nIf any of my kinsmen find thee here.
\nROMEO
\nWith love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls.
\nFor stony limits cannot hold love out,
\nAnd what love can do that dares love attempt.
\nTherefore thy kinsmen are no let to me.
\nJULIET
\nIf they do see thee, they will murder thee.
\nROMEO
\nAlack, there lies more peril in thine eye
\nThan twenty of their swords! Look thou but sweet,
\nAnd I am proof against their enmity.
\nJULIET
\nI would not for the world they saw thee here.
\nROMEO
\nI have night’s cloak to hide me from their eyes.
\nAnd but thou love me, let them find me here.
\nMy life were better ended by their hate,
\nThan death prorogued, wanting of thy love.
\nJULIET
\nBy whose direction found’st thou out this place?
\nROMEO
\nBy love, who first did prompt me to inquire.
\nHe lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.
\nI am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far
\nAs that vast shore washed with the farthest sea,
\nI would adventure for such merchandise.
\nJULIET
\nThou knowest the mask of night is on my face,
\nElse would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
\nFor that which thou hast heard me speak tonight
\nFain would I dwell on form - fain, fain deny
\nWhat I have spoke. but farewell compliment!
\nDost thou love me? I know thou wilt say ‘Ay.’
\nAnd I will take thy word. yet if thou swearest,
\nThou mayst prove false. at lovers’ perjuries,
\nThen say, Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo,
\nIf thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.
\nOr if thou thinkest I am too quickly won,
\nI’ll frown, and be perverse, an say thee nay,
\nSo thou wilt woo. but else, not for the world.
\nIn truth, fair Montague, I am too fond,
\nAnd therefore thou mayst think my ‘havior light.
\nBut trust me, gentleman, I’ll prove more true
\nThan those that have more cunning to be strange.
\nI should have been more strange, I must confess,
\nBut that thou overheardest, ere I was ware,
\nMy true-love passion. Therefore pardon me,
\nAnd not impute this yielding to light love,
\nWhich the dark night hath so discovered.
\nROMEO
\nLady, by yonder blessed moon I swear
\nThat tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops-
\nJULIET
\nO, swear not by the moon, th’inconstant moon,
\nThat monthly changes in her circled orb,
\nLest that thy love prove likewise variable.
\nROMEO
\nWhat shall I swear by?
\nJULIET
\nDo not swear at all.
\nOr, if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self,
\nWhich is the god of my idolatry,
\nAnd I’ll believe thee.
\nROMEO
\nIf my heart’s dear love-
\nJULIET
\nWell, do not swear. Although I joy in thee,
\nI have no joy of this contract tonight.
\nIt is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden;
\nToo like the lightning, which doth cease to be
\nEre one can say ‘It lightens.’ Sweet, good night!
\nThis bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath,
\nMay prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.
\nGood night, good night! as sweet repose and rest
\nCome to thy heart as that within my breast!
\nROMEO
\nO, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?
\nJULIET
\nWhat satisfaction canst thou have tonight?
\nROMEO
\nTh’exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine.
\nJULIET
\nI gave thee mine before thou didst request it:
\nAnd yet I would it were to give again.
\nROMEO
\nWouldst thou withdraw it? for what purpose, love?
\nJULIET
\nBut to be frank, and give it thee again.
\nAnd yet I wish but for the thing I have.
\nMy bounty is as boundless as the sea,
\nMy love as deep. The more I give to thee,
\nThe more I have, for both are infinite.
\nI hear some noise within; dear love, adieu!
\nNurse Call within
\nAnon, good nurse! - Sweet Montague, be true.
\nStay but a little, I will come again.
\nExit Juliet
\nROMEO
\nO blessed, blessed night! I am afeard,
\nBeing in night, all this is but a dream,
\nToo flattering-sweet to be substantial.
\nEnter Juliet above
\nJULIET
\nThree words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed.
\nIf that thy bent of love be honourable,
\nThy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow,
\nBy one that I’ll procure to come to thee,
\nWhere and what time thou wilt perform the rite,
\nAnd all my fortunes at thy foot I’ll lay
\nAnd follow thee my lord throughout the world.
\nNURSE (within)
\nMadam!
\nJULIET
\nI come, anon - But if thou meanest not well,
\nI do beseech thee-
\nNURSE (within)
\nMadam!
\nJULIET
\nBy and by, I come -
\nTo cease thy strife and leave me to my grief.
\nTomorrow will I send.
\nROMEO
\nSo thrive my soul -
\nJULIET
\nA thousand times good night!
\nExit Juliet
\nROMEO
\nA thousand times the worse, to want thy light!
\nLove goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books:
\nBut love from love, toward school with heavy looks.
\nEnter Juliet above again
\nJULIET
\nHist! Romeo, hist! O, for a falconer’s voice,
\nTo lure this tassel-gentle back again!
\nBondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud,
\nElse would I tear the cave where Echo lies
\nAnd make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine,
\nWith repetition of ‘My Romeo!’
\nROMEO
\nIt is my soul that calls upon my name:
\nHow silver-sweet sound lovers’ tongues by night,
\nLike softest music to attending ears!
\nJULIET
\nRomeo!
\nROMEO
\nMy nyas?
\nJULIET
\nWhat o’clock to-morrow
\nShall I send to thee?
\nROMEO
\nBy the hour of nine.
\nJULIET
\nI will not fail. ‘Tis twenty years till then.
\nI have forgot why I did call thee back.
\nROMEO
\nLet me stand here till thou remember it.
\nJULIET
\nI shall forget, to have thee still stand there,
\nRemembering how I love thy company.
\nROMEO
\nAnd I’ll still stay, to have thee still forget,
\nForgetting any other home but this.
\nJULIET
\n‘Tis almost morning. I would have thee gone.
\nAnd yet no further than a wanton’s bird,
\nThat lets it hop a little from his hand,
\nLike a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
\nAnd with a silken thread plucks it back again,
\nSo loving-jealous of his liberty.
\nROMEO
\nI would I were thy bird.
\nJULIET
\nSweet, so would I.
\nYet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
\nGood night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow,
\nThat I shall say good night till it be morrow.
\nExit Juliet
![\"egg\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4T7C1eBPquqUdSBfBomjPI/a0c09bbe73e5d0f9684ce8c57d2b6547/egg.jpg\")
Yes someone did ask me this once. When I participated in a ghost hunt one of the spiritual mediums told us how to protect ourselves from unwanted negative ghostly goings on.
\nThe practise is known as Grounding or Protecting. It is not just used in ghost hunting, it is also using in meditation and pagan/wiccan practises.
\nBelow are a few example of how this can be used:
\nVisualisation
\nImagine you are sitting in an egg of light. The base of the egg is sitting just below the floor (so you are grounded) and you are surrounded in your egg by a protective colour (Gold, Silver, Violet or Blue). Ensure that your eggshell is solid so that no negative energy can penetrate it. Any negative thoughts/emotions that you may have will not get out and no negative thoughts/emotions from others will be allowed in.
\nWear protective colours
\nGold, Silver, Violet or Blue
\nWear or carry crystals with a protective quality
\nAmethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Sugilite, Laramar, Gold Tigers Eye and Hawks Eye (blue tigers eye) for psychic protection.
\nWear or use protective symbols
\nThe Egyptian Ankh, Rune symbol, Star of David (six pointed star), Circle, Egg, Pentagram (five pointed star, especially for Wiccans/Pagans), Pyramid or Cross. Symbols are very personal things, so only wear or carry what feels right for you and what you are comfortable with.
","excerpt":"egg Yes someone did ask me this once. When I participated in a ghost hunt one of the spiritual mediums told us how to protect ourselves from unwanted negative ghostly goings on. The practise is known as Grounding or Protecting. It is not just used in…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"1c211204-1b44-5255-9446-06faf800b07b","title":"The Walrus and The Carpenter","slug":"the-walrus-and-the-carpenter","date":"January 1st, 2013","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6ZFpZfhHY41puHC2tSiOJw/2b95d9eeb32b132c2aa390ae091df36b/Walrus-Carpenter.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Walrus](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6ZFpZfhHY41puHC2tSiOJw/2b95d9eeb32b132c2aa390ae091df36b/Walrus-Carpenter.jpg\")
I will at some point this year read of the adventures of Alice. I do however know of this poem, that is contained within Through the Looking-Glass.
\nAt the beginning of the film Dogma, one of the main characters the Angel Loki compares this poem to organised religion. I however see it for what it is, a poem that is enjoyable to read.
\nI hope you think so aswell.
\nThe sun was shining on the sea,\nShining with all his might:\nHe did his very best to make\nThe billows smooth and bright—\nAnd this was odd, because it was\nThe middle of the night.
\nThe moon was shining sulkily,\nBecause she thought the sun\nHad got no business to be there\nAfter the day was done—\n“It’s very rude of him,” she said,\n“To come and spoil the fun!”
\nThe sea was wet as wet could be,\nThe sands were dry as dry.\nYou could not see a cloud, because\nNo cloud was in the sky:\nNo birds were flying over head—\nThere were no birds to fly.
\nThe Walrus and the Carpenter\nWere walking close at hand;\nThey wept like anything to see\nSuch quantities of sand:\n“If this were only cleared away,”\nThey said, “it WOULD be grand!”
\n“If seven maids with seven mops\nSwept it for half a year,\nDo you suppose,” the Walrus said,\n“That they could get it clear?”\n“I doubt it,” said the Carpenter,\nAnd shed a bitter tear.
\n“O Oysters, come and walk with us!”\nThe Walrus did beseech.\n“A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,\nAlong the briny beach:\nWe cannot do with more than four,\nTo give a hand to each.”
\nThe eldest Oyster looked at him.\nBut never a word he said:\nThe eldest Oyster winked his eye,\nAnd shook his heavy head—\nMeaning to say he did not choose\nTo leave the oyster-bed.
\nBut four young oysters hurried up,\nAll eager for the treat:\nTheir coats were brushed, their faces washed,\nTheir shoes were clean and neat—\nAnd this was odd, because, you know,\nThey hadn’t any feet.
\nFour other Oysters followed them,\nAnd yet another four;\nAnd thick and fast they came at last,\nAnd more, and more, and more—\nAll hopping through the frothy waves,\nAnd scrambling to the shore.
\nThe Walrus and the Carpenter\nWalked on a mile or so,\nAnd then they rested on a rock\nConveniently low:\nAnd all the little Oysters stood\nAnd waited in a row.
\n“The time has come,” the Walrus said,\n“To talk of many things:\nOf shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax—\nOf cabbages—-and kings—\nAnd why the sea is boiling hot—\nAnd whether pigs have wings.”
\n“But wait a bit,” the Oysters cried,\n“Before we have our chat;\nFor some of us are out of breath,\nAnd all of us are fat!”\n“No hurry!” said the Carpenter.\nThey thanked him much for that.
\n“A loaf of bread,” the Walrus said,\n“Is what we chiefly need:\nPepper and vinegar besides\nAre very good indeed—\nNow if you’re ready Oysters dear,\nWe can begin to feed.”
\n“But not on us!” the Oysters cried,\nTurning a little blue,\n“After such kindness, that would be\nA dismal thing to do!”\n“The night is fine,” the Walrus said\n“Do you admire the view?
\n“It was so kind of you to come!\nAnd you are very nice!”\nThe Carpenter said nothing but\n“Cut us another slice:\nI wish you were not quite so deaf—\nI’ve had to ask you twice!”
\n“It seems a shame,” the Walrus said,\n“To play them such a trick,\nAfter we’ve brought them out so far,\nAnd made them trot so quick!”\nThe Carpenter said nothing but\n“The butter’s spread too thick!”
\n“I weep for you,” the Walrus said.\n“I deeply sympathize.”\nWith sobs and tears he sorted out\nThose of the largest size.\nHolding his pocket handkerchief\nBefore his streaming eyes.
\n“O Oysters,” said the Carpenter.\n“You’ve had a pleasant run!\nShall we be trotting home again?”\nBut answer came there none—\nAnd that was scarcely odd, because\nThey’d eaten every one.
\nLewis Carroll, 1872
","excerpt":"Walrus and the Carpenter I will at some point this year read of the adventures of Alice. I do however know of this poem, that is contained within Through the Looking-Glass. At the beginning of the film Dogma, one of the main characters the Angel…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"cef53610-555b-537b-9540-f3a0975b0b87","title":"The Raven","slug":"the-raven","date":"December 16th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1KXwoXkBnkeKThJtTBuVMr/ae6707e27dae4bc2a247b9bf7f51c247/The_Raven.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"The](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1KXwoXkBnkeKThJtTBuVMr/ae6707e27dae4bc2a247b9bf7f51c247/The_Raven.jpg\")
I’m not sure of when I first came across this poem, as it is one of my favourites. I’m quite sure I had read it well before The Simpsons did a parody of it on one of the Halloween Specials.
\nKeep in mind I am not one of those people that read a lot of poetry, or try to find meaning in the authors words. I simply enjoy the content and flow of this poem.
\nSo enough of my babbling, here is the poem. I do hope you enjoy.
\n\n","excerpt":"The Raven I’m not sure of when I first came across this poem, as it is one of my favourites. I’m quite sure I had read it well before The Simpsons did a parody of it on one of the Halloween Specials. Keep in mind I am not one of those people that…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"889cb020-1d23-565c-b260-679ae290a0b6","title":"Batman Graphic Novels","slug":"batman-graphic-novels","date":"December 11th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1ldceywt5f4r1vS6ZYmetY/f5e3f0f89200f752b4a434c640cf8b5e/Batman_Graphic_Novels.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"I.\nOnce upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,\nOver many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore;\nWhile I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,\nAs of some one gently rapping — rapping at my chamber door.\n“‘Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door;\nOnly this, and nothing more.”
\nII.\nAh, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December,\nAnd each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.\nEagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had sought to borrow\nFrom my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore—\nFor the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore—\nNameless here for evermore.
\nIII.\nAnd the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain\nThrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;\nSo that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating\n“‘Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door—\nSome late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;\nThis it is, and nothing more,”
\nIV.\nPresently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,\n“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;\nBut the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,\nAnd so faintly you came tapping—tapping at my chamber door,\nThat I scarce was sure I heard you:” here I opened wide the door:—\nDarkness there, and nothing more.
\nV.\nDeep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,\nDoubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;\nBut the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,\nAnd the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore!”\nThis I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, “Lenore!”\nMerely this and nothing more.
\nVI.\nBack into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,\nSoon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.\n“Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at my window lattice;\nLet me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore—\nLet my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore;\n‘Tis the wind and nothing more!”
\nVII.\nOpen here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,\nIn there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.\nNot the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;\nBut, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door—\nPerched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door—\nPerched, and sat, and nothing more.
\nVIII.\nThen this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling\nBy the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,\n“Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said, “art sure no craven,\nGhastly, grim, and ancient Raven, wandering from the Nightly shore;\nTell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore.”\nQuoth the raven, “Nevermore.”
\nIX.\nMuch I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,\nThough its answer little meaning, little relevancy bore;\nFor we cannot help agreeing that no living human being\nEver yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door—\nBird or beast above the sculptured bust above his chamber door,\nWith such name as “Nevermore.”
\nX.\nBut the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only\nThat one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.\nNothing farther then he uttered; not a feather then he fluttered;\nTill I scarcely more than muttered “Other friends have flown before;\nOn the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.”\nThen the bird said, “Nevermore.”
\nXI.\nStartled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,\n“Doubtless,” said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store;\nCaught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster\nFollowed fast and followed faster, till his songs one burden bore—\nTill the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore,\nOf ‘Never, nevermore.‘”
\nXII.\nBut the Raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,\nStraight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust, and door;\nThen, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking\nFancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore—\nWhat this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore\nMeant in croaking “Nevermore.”
\nXIII.\nThis I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing\nTo the fowl, whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core;\nThis and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining\nOn the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o’er,\nBut whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o’er,\nShe shall press, ah, nevermore!
\nXIV.\nThen methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer\nSwung by seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.\n“Wretch,” I cried, “thy God hath lent thee—by these angels he has sent thee\nRespite—respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!\nQuaff, O, quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!”\nQuoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”
\nXV.\n“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!—prophet still, if bird or devil! —\nWhether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,\nDesolate, yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted—\nOn this home by horror haunted — tell me truly, I implore—\nIs there—is there balm in Gilead?—tell me, tell me, I implore!”\nQuoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”
\nXVI.\n“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!—prophet still, if bird or devil!\nBy that heaven that bends above us—by that God we both adore—\nTell this soul, with sorrow laden, if within the distant Aidenn,\nIt shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named Lenore—\nClasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore?”\nQuoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”
\nXVII.\n“Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!” I shrieked, upstarting—\n“Get thee back into the tempest and the Night’s Plutonian shore!\nLeave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!\nLeave my loneliness unbroken!—quit the bust above my door!\nTake thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!”\nQuoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”
\nXVIII.\nAnd the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting\nOn the pallid bust of Pallas, just above my chamber door;\nAnd his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,\nAnd the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;\nAnd my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor\nShall be lifted—nevermore!
\nEdgar Allan Poe, 1845
\n
![\"Batman](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1ldceywt5f4r1vS6ZYmetY/f5e3f0f89200f752b4a434c640cf8b5e/Batman_Graphic_Novels.jpg\")
A while ago a friend sent me a list of Batman graphic novels. I started off by buying the first 3 in that list. I got into them very fast however I quickly started to find incomplete storylines and missing introductions to charactors. So I started to look on the internet for a complete list of Batman graphic novels that is chronicalised accurately.
\nHere is the list I have so far:
\nGraphic Novels/Comics from the Elseworlds Collection:
\nNote: Titles in bold are the ones I own
","excerpt":"Batman Graphic Novels A while ago a friend sent me a list of Batman graphic novels. I started off by buying the first 3 in that list. I got into them very fast however I quickly started to find incomplete storylines and missing introductions to…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"9aae84bb-3296-5945-9ffe-feec4b17ca72","title":"Yeah Roy…","slug":"yeah-roy","date":"November 28th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/4idaR4v4vT27SO59niLwuI/819d57ae6b11b80dd7650abd39ea42ab/thumb_yeah-roy.jpg?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"hot](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/2QMctbBkAwUOie4QF9H9s0/4d78079fe047ef010568f657aa88c1c3/hot_fuzz1.jpg\")
For those who don’t know… “Yeah Roy” is a quote from an amazing comedy film staring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, Hot Fuzz…
\nA highly motivated, addicted to the job London cop is transferred to a small town. Upon his arrival he is partnered up with a witless new partner. While going about their police duties in a more tranquil environment, Police Sergeant Angle Angel stumble upon a series of suspicious accidents.
\n![\"hot](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1vJFJmJV42alXrEF4OEO8J/4c890d10b6354bbb37d8f95b86d3a569/hot_fuzz2.jpg\")
\n\nDanny Butterman: Point Break or Bad Boys II?\nNicholas Angel: Which one do you think I’ll prefer?\nDanny Butterman: No, I mean which one do you wanna watch first?
\n
I’d like to point out the array of DVD’s on the shelves, I remember a time when I could display my DVD’s like that. Sadly they are now case-less in storage boxes because the collection has grown extremely eclectic.
\n![\"hot](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/6xR2kQmneK0w5eCr8Xmnx9/02860b20405a35b8d4b85c371bc14b2c/hot_fuzz3.jpg\")
With a cast full of recognisable stars, a bit of a who did it and a finale that would make Point Break and Bad Boys 2 proud. This movie will not only have you laughing, it will also make you want to sign up to the police force service to learn of the place in a man’s head that if shot it will blow-up.
","excerpt":"hot fuzz1 For those who don’t know… “Yeah Roy” is a quote from an amazing comedy film staring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, Hot Fuzz… A highly motivated, addicted to the job London cop is transferred to a small town. Upon his arrival he is partnered up…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"cff0c11c-aa4e-56d5-a461-bbfd67c563e2","title":"Tarot Cards","slug":"tarot-cards","date":"August 13th, 2012","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/27dmsSSF3iD6k7a9rYkdho/508194d8bb90d93ed99c8758a68d10b5/noimage.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"I own a Vampire Tarot Deck by Natalie Hertz. Its stacked full of elegant vampires, bloodied fangs, full moons and desolate landscapes.
\nThe Fool, numbered 0, represents the beginning and the end, this bat is extravagant, he represents eccentricity. He dislikes well established principles such as biting his victims. Instead, he likes to kill them with his claws, with no regard for their eternal life. The Fool Epitomizes disdain for convention.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Unexpected events, freedom, hazards, new experience, adventure, the unknown, spontaneity and intuition.
\nReverse Meaning: Irresponsibility, uncertainty, immaturity, neglect, rash behaviour, madness.
\nThis shaman bat’s menacing look embodies energy, attraction, power, ability, dynamism, vital force, and rebirth. In the background, wrought iron represents the for Minor Arcana figures: the cup symbolizes water and wisdom; the sword symbolizes air and bravery, the wand symbolizes fire and action, and the pentacle symbolizes heart and stability. The figure 8 over his head represents the infinity of time, and his soft black and blue dress symbolizes the depth and mystery of his being. Skilful and brave, this bat controls his own destiny.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Boldness, independence, optimism, luck, success, good news, and presence of mind and key attributes.
\nReverse Meaning: Shrewdness, bragging, lack of will, frustration, disarray, vanishing love, obstacles.
\nA mysterious bat woman, dresses in black, embodies out hidden strength. The High Priestess represents everything that grows slowly. She is the guardian of truth, and brings a message from your subconscious. Listen carefully to yourself.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Wisdom, concentration, thought, study, knowledge of deeper things, internal communication, divination, listening.
\nReverse Meaning: Laziness, impatience, lack of constructive results, inaccurate intuition, criticism, plots, selfishness and refusal to help others.
\nThis noble bat woman represents charm, grace and feminine energy, which are symbolized by the rose she holds. Her clear but penetrating glace reflects acumen, dynamism, acquired knowledge, perception, inner strength , and authority.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Cleverness, a solution to a problem, stability, good advice, arts, literature, communication and harmony.
\nReverse Meaning: Weariness, apathy, superficial intelligence, cool attitude, vanity and subterfuge. A false friend or a bad counselor.
\nA proud bat emperor, direct and determined, show a great inner force, order, rigor, and will. The blood flooding down is lips represents his male energy. A powerful king, he keeps everything firmly under control. Influential, he represents power and leadership.
\nDivinatory Meaning: A stable, mature, and positive person or a well-defined situation. Control of one’s own mind, strong relationships, and solid associations. Action; a goal attained through will.
\nReverse Meaning: Immaturity, weakness, failure, weak will, hesitation to act, selfishness, impatience, aggressiveness, and an overbearing attitude.
\nAustere and restrained, this bat hides his eyes under a hood. He represents deep feeling, spiritual authority, and high power. His open book releases a drop of blood, denoting a thirst for knowledge. A very influential mediator, he is an able reconciler. He masters spirits and souls.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Protection, positive influence, good will. Comprehension, knowledge and perception. Permanent alliances, and a willingness to forgive and forget.
\nReverse Meaning: Incomprehension, vulnerability, closed mindedness, lack of self-confidence, a need for help, unwillingness to face difficulties, disagreements.
\nThis young vampire bat and his victim represent beauty, youth, and lust of living. The young girl, her head lowered, shows indecision towards the future. She is plagued by thoughts of mortality, old age, and eternal rest versus life and eternal youth. Some sacrifice will be necessary.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Meeting with a kindred soul; love for two persons, a choice must be made; hesitation about an important decision; beauty and youth, influence over future events, trust in one’s own intuition, options.
\nReverse Meaning: Unpleasant encounter, temptation, betrayal, duality, jealousy, difficult choices, internal conflicts, subordination, unappeased desires.
\nIt’s a full moon, and the chariot driver is chauffeuring his master bat in his quest for blood. The red curtained coach symbolizes action and movement. The driver guides the chariot confidently to the destination; always in control of his instincts and emotions. Dauntless, he looks for the future victims.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Free will, vitality, luck, triumph, thrilling adventures, professionalism, success, glory, and travel.
\nReverse Meaning: Lack of self-confidence and courage, defeat, hindrances, professional troubles, debt, conflict, and arrogance.
\nThis bat woman is the model of strength and bravery, and helps us regain control of our internal beast. He companion, the black panther symbolizes the destructive and overwhelming strength of primary and carnivorous instincts.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Self-control, ambition, bravery, accomplishment, passion, sincerity, and great sexual energy.
\nReverse Meaning: Going backwards, weakness, impulsive force, excess, violence, pride, pride, selfishness, and a possessive relationship.
\nThis bat, immersed in meditation, embodies slow, deep, and secret evaluation. He is draped in dark, plain clothes, seeking quietness; it is a slow and constant internal search. Two stone gargoyles hovering above his head give him spiritual wisdom to comprehend mystery and be at one with his ideals.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Isolation, wisdom, patience, restraint, sensibility, secrecy, telepathy, hidden protection, spirituality, and good advice.
\nReverse Meaning: Inertia, decline, fear of reality, celibacy by choice, stumbling blocks, pessimism, mental troubles, and lateness.
\nRuling the cyclic aspect of things, this card connotes movement, both positive and negative. Everything is fluid, always moving and changing. Embracing the top wheel, the bat embodies constructive energy and renewal. His blood-red tattoo symbolizes evolution and life.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Luck, hazard, a sudden change for the better, success, travels, rewards, pleasant surprises, accomplishment, good news, victories, a new love, and opportunities with quick turnaround times and positive results.
\nReverse Meaning: Negative outside influences, unpleasant surprises, missed opportunities, losses, and dispersion of that which is valued.
\nThis bat, with her cold and ruthless stare, thrusts that the straight and narrow laws of the blood kingdom will triumph. Her sword will give reward or punishment by blood, balancing good and evil.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Double-edged sword, getting what is deserved. Laws, administration, duties, general balance.
\nReverse Meaning: Option, conflict, disorganization, false charges, wrongful judgement, and harsh punishment.
\nSleeping, this mystic bat has a certain spiritual power and nobility. Left to his dreams but still aware, his clever conscience makes him receptive to visible and invisible vibrations. He typifies freedom of soul and an ability to go beyond reality.
\nDivinatory Meaning:\nGreat sensibility, meditation, ability, patience, acceptance, a forthcoming and enriching event.\nReverse Meaning:
\nPerplexity, illusion, sacrifice, sadness, trouble, separation, painful, trial, dejection, self-destruction, lies, and doubt.
\nThough frightening, fate requires that this dead and immobile bat must be acknowledged. Death is a symbol of metamorphosis and rebirth. With her scythe behind her, she tells us to forget old habits, and to look ahead into the future. Death occurs because the former is unable to cross from one state to another, and teaches us how to be born again.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Freedom from past, a new life; changed perspective, evaluation, new desire, questioning out own principles. Grief and mourning.
\nReverse Meaning: Despair, anguish, and pain; hard-to-break habits, the end of a sentimental relationship, a great price to pay.
\nThis bat woman, with an intent gaze, harmonizes with the environment by moderating blood flow. A vital fluid energy source and life component, blood follows a slow but regulated course of regeneration and healing.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Harmony, serenity, fulfilment, sympathy, sweetness, true friendship, good news, a happy transformation.
\nReverse Meaning: Unfocused thought, lack of modesty, incomprehension, instability, and lack of communication.
\nPrince of blood, this devil is ready to jump at any moment. He is charismatic, bestial, and passionate. Powerful instincts are his weapon. He personifies forbidden pleasure.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Soul, power, magnetism, accomplished desires, boldness, attraction, a passionate and explosive relationship, wild sensuality and sexuality, luxury, money, and hidden power.
\nReverse Meaning: Complete change, abuse of confidence and power, dangerous temptation, vice and perversion, lies, tyranny, violence, ruin, and a black period.
\nA castle standing in the middle of lightening depicts destruction, conceit, and intense power. The bats give it a gloomy atmosphere, warning us not to dawdle. The card shows that evil is the necessary complement of good, and that humankind is but one part of the universe.
\nDivinatory Meaning: A warning of unexpected events, explosive situations, painful but necessary changes, instant love or crisis in a relationship, self-criticism and doubt.
\nReverse Meaning: Terrible defeat, an irreparable situation, despair, catastrophes and destructive events, excess, mortal wounds, hate, breakdowns, explosive quarrels, and ruin.
\nThis calm-faced bat woman exemplifies charm and perfection. She is there to guide. Her crystal star beams down towards the blood in her hands and she creates a delicate balance between spiritual and material: subconscious revitalization.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Luck and protection, good influence on destiny, intuition, communication with nature, hope, joy, tenderness, sincerity, prosperity, subtle beauty, and creativity.
\nReverse Meaning: Defrauded hopes, fancies, unsettling dreams, mistrust, laziness, insensibility, coolness, lies, lack of compatibility, bad luck.
\nThis sensual bat woman is mysterious and dream-like. She, like the moon, is a symbol of womanhood and exploration. Yet she also has certain darkness and informal nature. Queen of the night, and aware of hidden forces, she implores us to face the depths of our inner world, and to pay attention to our intuition and instincts.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Subconscious, intuition, imagination and dreams, hidden desires, remembrance, childhood, clairvoyance, a new life, voyages, withdrawn attitude.
\nReverse Meaning: Fancies, hallucinations, obsessions, touchiness, worries, confused feelings, hypocrisy, and lies.
\nThe brightness of the sun bears down upon this bat, making him one of the worst enemies of the bat kingdom. Like the others, he hates its light, but the sun represents the vital male principles of pride and nobility. The glow warms human hearts and dispels darkness. Under its protection, man become invincible against bats.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Second only to The World card, this is the luckiest card in the deck. Serenity, optimism, charisma, total success, a thriving profession, well-deserved rewards, harmony, long-lasting romantic relationships, good health, generosity, glory, and happiness.
\nReverse Meaning: Contrary events, restlessness, unwanted love, squandering of money, lies, failure, selfishness, and loneliness.
\nThis bat, half man/half angel, looks as if he is about to swoop down and consume his prey. Instead, he is the messenger, the judge; he brings the truth. He symbolizes the unexpected, showing us that we must awaken out consciousness; that we must accept the truth, and learn how to be aware.
\nDivinatory Meaning: A change, an important turn in life, positive events, good news, interesting meetings, love at first sight, independence, success, and protection.
\nReverse Meaning: Difficulties in renewal, intricacies, uncertainty, lack of awareness, bad news, and stress.
\nThe best tarot card. The world is dominating and triumphant. His bloody teeth symbolizes time and eternal life; he will teach his future victims how to perpetuate themselves and accomplish glory in the world. They will know the apotheosis, the fulfilment of creation, the thrill of conquest of universal life. These female prey are symbols of fertility; a source of rebirth through blood for their predator.
\nDivinatory Meaning: Luck, divine protection, victory, fulfilled desires, protection, fertility, a lasting, happy union, wealth, and travel abroad.
\nReverse Meaning: Obstacles to success, stagnation, hostility, imperfection, unpleasant relationships, trouble, and reversal of fortune.
\nThis is a spread you can do each morning, as a way to be attuned to your personal vibrations for the day ahead. Using only the 22 Major Arcana cards, shuffle and cut them, then choose 3 cards to be placed in the pattern shown below
\n![\"Drawing-of-the-Day\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5TgIbKjep7IwgJWjkX2fHq/e0c988bfc20665cb45f085f20e59fcdf/Drawing-of-the-Day.jpg\")
With this spread, you can govern yourself accordingly throughout the day, and avoid conflicts, if necessary)
\nThis is the most popular spread. It’s purpose is to answer a definite question (regarding love, profession, money, or health).\nShuffle and cut the 22 Major Arcana cards, then select 4 cards, and place them as shown in the image.
\n![\"Cross-Drawing\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/1uvaJWPlmBbuFsNtuvZ7V4/bd46ed4abd4f9977c5af0fe9da69e574/Cross-Drawing.jpg\")
There is a fifth card, called the synthesis (it can be the key to the situation). If you want to know which card it is, add the face values of the cards you have drawn. When it is greater than 22, you must reduce it to a single figure. Here is an example of how to do it:
\nIf the first card is The Fool, the value is 0
\nIf the second cards is The hanged Man, it’s value is 12v\nIf the third card is The Star, it’s value is 17
\nIf the fourth card is The Devil, it’s value is 15
\nYou add 0 + 12 + 17 + 15 = 44; then 4 + 4 = 8
\nSo, since the number 8 corresponds to Justice, thus is your fifth card.
If adding the cards give you an exact total of 22, it is considered to represent the Fool card.\nIf you are unsure about one or several cards, you can put one Minor Arcana card over each of them, to be chosen after shuffling and cutting the Minor Arcana cards. The additional cards can further explain the situation and it’s meaning.
\nThis spread is used to learn the evolution of a particular situation. Shuffle and cut the deck, then place ten cards as shown in the image.
\n![\"Celtic-Draw\"](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/65PVGw1UKvTkH5H1vnq6Ge/df9ae5cd65153f32d096627aefe4cdee/Celtic-Draw.jpg\")
Card 1 - represents the presnet situation of the questioner.
\nCard 2 - shows the vibrations and the immediate influences.
\nCard 3 - represents the opportunities to attain your goal (destiny).
\nCard 4 - shows the recent past.
\nCard 5 - indicates the ditant past (what happened previously).
\nCard 6 - shows the furture inflenes.
\nCard 7 - show the current state of mind of the questioner.
\nCard 8 - identifies the surroundings influencing the questioner.
\nCard 9 - represents the imtimate emotions of the questioner.
\nCard 10 - gives the final answer.
![\"Image](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/QBmEMkun6Pp7DuU7T9udf/87973aeaf0a25cd2e3eb3f1f3169c65f/witton-lake.jpg\")
I heard this story when I was about 9 years old, I used to live in Perry Common and attended Perry Common Junior & Infant school. I am not sure how the subject came up, but it might have been during one of the school visits to the park/lake.
\nThis is what I was told…
\nAbout 10 years or so ago a boy named Daniel was feeding the ducks on Witton Lake, he was somewhere between 8 and 10 years old. Daniel had become so engrossed in watching the ducks that he didn’t notice a gang of boys were walking up behind him.
\nThe gang of boys grabbed Daniel’s bag that he had left behind him and they started to toss it around the group. The sudden commotion and laugher of the boys draw Daniel’s attention, he started to lunge after his bag attempting to get it back. The gang of boys soon got bored with the bag and started to pushing Daniel around. One of the boys got a bit too ruff and pushes Daniel a bit too hard, Daniel falls over and bangs his head pretty hard. The gang pull Daniel back up and continue pushing him around. This time Daniel stumble and falls head first into the lake.
\nThe ducks scatter, the gang start laughing but quickly realise Daniel has not surfaced. One of the boys panics and runs off, another grabs a life belt and tosses it in. One of the other boys jumps in after Daniel, but the water is too murky for him to see under. With all the shouts of panic from the boys some adults that were passing by ran over. A man jumps in thinking the boy in the water is the one needing saving. He begins pulling out the boy that attempted to rescue Daniel.
\nDaniel’s body was never found…
\nNow it’s said that on the date of his death, if you speak his name in front a mirror at mid-night. He will appear and show you a vision of how he had died.
","excerpt":"Image of Witton Lake I heard this story when I was about 9 years old, I used to live in Perry Common and attended Perry Common Junior & Infant school. I am not sure how the subject came up, but it might have been during one of the school visits to…"}}}},{"node":{"id":"5ee178e2-07fe-5531-96c4-cd2d63d5eb6f","title":"The Grey Lady","slug":"the-grey-lady","date":"December 14th, 2011","featuredImage":{"fixed":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/69II96AtSXOkgqAgnFBfHf/58c3da75970faf395d918b604d5cba33/thumb.png?w=300&q=50"}},"body":{"childMarkdownRemark":{"html":"![\"Sketch](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/5dA3ODA8d1FQm9PS2DwkOV/a2b6a88f0edfe2a6218a9a1322241f84/greylady.jpg\")
When you learn the story of the Grey Lady, you will understand why her ghost lingers around the grounds of Dudley Castle.
\nHer name was Dorothy Beaumont she once lived at the castle and died there at the time of a siege during the English Civil War in 1646. She was married to Second in Command of the Royalist that occupied Dudley Castle, they had a son but he had died only months after birth. Dorothy was maddened with girth and had become convinced that she had put the child down somewhere in the castle grounds, and all she had to do was to find that spot and there she will find her child.
\nDorothy pasted away about a year later, her dying wish had been that she would be buried next to her child and for her husband to be allowed to attend the funeral.
\nHer wish was not granted, for the castle was under siege by the Parliamentarians and they had torn down the church where Dorothy child was laid to rest, her husband was not permitted to attend for fear of assassination, as one of his men had shot a enemy solider under a banner of truce.
\nThere have been many sightings of The Grey Lady throughout the castle grounds, she is said to appear as though searching or pointing in the direction of the church where her child is buried.
\nThe most well known sighting was when a tour guide had paid an actress to portray The Grey Lady during a tour. Before the tour had started the actress was told her cue and at that point she would walk out and down some steps. During the tour the confused tourists had pointed out to the tour guide that there are two ladies walking down the steps.
\n\"Amy saw a glow, as though a light was on, on the top window level. On zooming in we noticed on the bottom, inside an arch, there was a lady and what appears to be a girl, too. Neither of us are ghost hunters but we do wonder if this could be the Grey Lady ghost – the picture is quite clear.\"\nDean and Amy Harper.\n
![\"Dorothy](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/fLXQXMzSEk7PYW4OpXvgW/367d1d921204e95f18d59ce321f5f2ac/castle-ghost.jpg\")
The image was taken from the top of Dudley Castle Tower using a Samsung Galaxy, and shows the courtyard of the Sharington Range - buildings erected within the castle in the mid-1500s.
\n![\"Go](\"//images.ctfassets.net/uvlx0f9w0mlv/o8ZGika4TNdb7ybM844Fa/3da4590ff4a735a371267367d97526b3/gotosleep.jpg\")
Don’t you just hate it when your lying in bed trying to fall asleep but all your brain wants to do is replay your day or worse all the moments in your life your not to pleased with.
\nSleeping is out of the question for at least 3 hours!
\nUnless…
\nCounting Sheep!
\nDon’t make me laugh!
\nThis method of putting yourself to sleep has never worked on me. In fact if this has ever work on anyone the reasoning is because they have got so bored they simply drift away.\nHow about a nightcap?
\nWhy not try getting smashed, drink enough vodka to pass out. This is an option that I don’t partake in but on the occasional night out when I get back home I tend to hit the bed and I’m out. Likely side efforts are a hangover.
\nGetting Bored Theory!
\nThere is one way that has successfully made me fall asleep twice in the past.\nGladiator (yes the movie). I watched this for the first time with a couple of mates, I was told I got halfway into the film when I fell asleep.
\nThe same thing happened a second time when I watched it alone, I fall asleep halfway into it.
\nI must watch the film again sometime, maybe I will see it to the end or maybe I will fall sleep again.
","excerpt":"Go To Sleep Don’t you just hate it when your lying in bed trying to fall asleep but all your brain wants to do is replay your day or worse all the moments in your life your not to pleased with. Sleeping is out of the question for at least 3 hours…"}}}}]}},"pageContext":{}},"staticQueryHashes":["2841359383"]}