Dirty Dancing was one of THE iconic films of the 80s. No doubt about it.
It had everything a teenage girl wanted to believe. They were Baby; uncool, family orientated but wanting to explore the world. Then came the family holiday, where they were introduced to the rougish dance teacher, and the rest is history.
And you thought something like this wouldn't ever come along again? Well you're probably right.
But I bet I can come close.
The 2010 film HeartBreaker (L'arnacoeur) is an example of French film at it's best. Alex (Romain Duris) and his sister Mélanie (Julie Ferrier) break up couples for a living. But when a client asks them to break up his daughter Juliette (Vanessa Paradis) and her fiancé (Andrew Lincoln), they have the challenge of doing this within a week. With not only do they have such a short amount of time to deal with, but also the fact that Juliette is one tough cookie. An absolutely fabulous and effortlessly classy film made complete with a superb cast and a humour us Brits will love. Definately in my top 5.
But what does this have to do with Dirty Dancing I hear you ask? The only key information Alex has is that Juliette likes Wham! and Dirty Dancing.
And that's all I'm telling.
So go on. Watch it.
And have the time of your life.
Monday 28 March 2011
Sunday 20 March 2011
Wombling Free.
Tired of seeing gum stuck to the pavement everywhere you step? Bored of seeing the same old plastic bottles on motorway verges? Annoyed at the sight of MacDonalds packaging everywhere you turn?
Then you need...
THE WOMBLES.
The simple solution for a big problem.
Then you need...
THE WOMBLES.
The simple solution for a big problem.
Thursday 10 March 2011
To Tweet, Or Not To Tweet?
Last week, I decided to take a BIG step in the social networking world: twitter.
I'd always thought about it, but I knew it'd turn out to be another site which I'd develop an addiction for and that it would become a hinderence for doing well in my A levels, therefore leaving me with no education and no real hope for a decent career.
But I decided to take the plunge.
Now I have it, I've discovered it's purpose is yes, to ruin my education and turn the me into an addict, but also stalk. Don't act surprised, we all do it even if we don't like to admit it. My current number of followers is 5 (will probably stay the same or decrease) and I'm following 20 (will undoubtedly increase). And the person I stalk the most? 3 guesses (I've written a post about him). If you're reading this Mr, don't think I'm a crazed superfan (please!).
And so in ten years time, it's more than likely that I'll have crap grades, no social life and a blog with countless posts that no one reads. All thanks to twitter.
I'd always thought about it, but I knew it'd turn out to be another site which I'd develop an addiction for and that it would become a hinderence for doing well in my A levels, therefore leaving me with no education and no real hope for a decent career.
But I decided to take the plunge.
Now I have it, I've discovered it's purpose is yes, to ruin my education and turn the me into an addict, but also stalk. Don't act surprised, we all do it even if we don't like to admit it. My current number of followers is 5 (will probably stay the same or decrease) and I'm following 20 (will undoubtedly increase). And the person I stalk the most? 3 guesses (I've written a post about him). If you're reading this Mr, don't think I'm a crazed superfan (please!).
And so in ten years time, it's more than likely that I'll have crap grades, no social life and a blog with countless posts that no one reads. All thanks to twitter.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
The One They Call Brian...
Professor Brian Cox is the "Master of the Universe" says the Telegraph.
And I agree.
Not just because he knows a pretty large amount about our world, how it works and the rest of the universe, but also because he knows how to explain it so that it's easy for everyone to understand.
Being a student who has a passion for wanting to understand the world, Prof Cox is a God sent.
Ok, so maybe the fact that Brian's more (quite a lot more) aesthetically appealing than the stereotypical old, big-haired, white lab coat scientist, plays some part in it. But it's also the way he explains everything in that voice of his; I don't know why, but it's a voice you want to listen to. He doesn't drone on or overcomplicate things.
However, I think the thing that really makes people interested and keep wanting to learn more, is because of the use of the figurative metaphors used in his programmes: one minute he'll be in America, comparing the landscape of the Grand Canyon to that of Mars; the next, Tromsø in Norway and explaining the occurance of the Northern Lights. It's this new, but simple way of learning, that has got Britain hanging off the Professor's every word.
Brian's first series, Wonders of the Solar System, was brilliant. I was finally able to understand some of the ways in which our planet works. But Wonders of the Universe, series two, is set to be bigger and better. I would say out of this world even. But a sentence can only have so much cheese.
I can definately say- and speak for a large majority of students when I say this- that Professor Brian Cox is a true inspiration and a figure in the public eye who we should look up to. After all, he did get a D in A level maths and went on to become Master of the Universe.
And I agree.
Not just because he knows a pretty large amount about our world, how it works and the rest of the universe, but also because he knows how to explain it so that it's easy for everyone to understand.
Being a student who has a passion for wanting to understand the world, Prof Cox is a God sent.
Ok, so maybe the fact that Brian's more (quite a lot more) aesthetically appealing than the stereotypical old, big-haired, white lab coat scientist, plays some part in it. But it's also the way he explains everything in that voice of his; I don't know why, but it's a voice you want to listen to. He doesn't drone on or overcomplicate things.
However, I think the thing that really makes people interested and keep wanting to learn more, is because of the use of the figurative metaphors used in his programmes: one minute he'll be in America, comparing the landscape of the Grand Canyon to that of Mars; the next, Tromsø in Norway and explaining the occurance of the Northern Lights. It's this new, but simple way of learning, that has got Britain hanging off the Professor's every word.
Brian's first series, Wonders of the Solar System, was brilliant. I was finally able to understand some of the ways in which our planet works. But Wonders of the Universe, series two, is set to be bigger and better. I would say out of this world even. But a sentence can only have so much cheese.
I can definately say- and speak for a large majority of students when I say this- that Professor Brian Cox is a true inspiration and a figure in the public eye who we should look up to. After all, he did get a D in A level maths and went on to become Master of the Universe.
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Pancakes Galore
So. Pancake day is upon us! If you haven't made any pancakes yet or, heaven forbid, you don't know how to make them, here is a very simple recipe for you to follow.
Put in a mixing bowl: 100g plain flour, pinch of salt and 1 egg.
Measure out 300ml of milk and add gradually to the mixing bowl, while stirring with a balloon whisk.
The liquid should be fairly runny. After most of the lumps have gone, whisk like crazy for about 3mins (hurts your arm but it makes the mixture a bit more frothy). Leave to sit.
While the mixture is sitting, melt some butter in a non-stick pan (don't let it burn!), and ad a small amount of mixture to the centre of the pan. Swirl the pan so the mixture sperads evenly. Cook until brown underneath. Then, either using a spatula or not, toss the pancake and allow it to brown on the other side.
Serve either rolled with a blob of nutella or golden syrup inside or folded drenched in lemon juice and sugar.
(once again) YUM.
Put in a mixing bowl: 100g plain flour, pinch of salt and 1 egg.
Measure out 300ml of milk and add gradually to the mixing bowl, while stirring with a balloon whisk.
The liquid should be fairly runny. After most of the lumps have gone, whisk like crazy for about 3mins (hurts your arm but it makes the mixture a bit more frothy). Leave to sit.
While the mixture is sitting, melt some butter in a non-stick pan (don't let it burn!), and ad a small amount of mixture to the centre of the pan. Swirl the pan so the mixture sperads evenly. Cook until brown underneath. Then, either using a spatula or not, toss the pancake and allow it to brown on the other side.
Serve either rolled with a blob of nutella or golden syrup inside or folded drenched in lemon juice and sugar.
(once again) YUM.
Monday 7 March 2011
Childhood Friend
Now. Do exactly as I tell you.
1.Go to the cupboard.
2.Look for a pack of JAMMY DODGERS.
3.If you don't have one, go and find your purse/wallet.
4.Grab your keys and make your way to the nearest corner shop/supermarket. Go directly to the shop, do not speak to anyone.
5.Go to the biscuit aisle and pick up a pack of JAMMY DODGERS.
6.Go to the checkout and pay for your items.
7.Go home.
8.Put the kettle on.
9.Make a pot of tea.
10.Pour the tea and open the packet of JAMMY DODGERS.
11.Eat the JAMMY DOGDGERS.
12.Savour the moment and remember when you were young and ate Jammy Dodgers with your friends and remember the good times.
1.Go to the cupboard.
2.Look for a pack of JAMMY DODGERS.
3.If you don't have one, go and find your purse/wallet.
4.Grab your keys and make your way to the nearest corner shop/supermarket. Go directly to the shop, do not speak to anyone.
5.Go to the biscuit aisle and pick up a pack of JAMMY DODGERS.
6.Go to the checkout and pay for your items.
7.Go home.
8.Put the kettle on.
9.Make a pot of tea.
10.Pour the tea and open the packet of JAMMY DODGERS.
11.Eat the JAMMY DOGDGERS.
12.Savour the moment and remember when you were young and ate Jammy Dodgers with your friends and remember the good times.
YUM.
After having written this post, I have decided to make a Jammy Dodger cushion.
I'll let you know how it goes...
Learning to walk again.
Last October I went to the Lake District with my school as a mentor to year 8 students (aged 12/13). I went because I needed work experience working with young people in order to sign up for a place at Camp America next year.
But what I got out of it was far more valuble than I could have ever imagined.
The trip consisted of 4 days, each with a different activity for each group. These were:
Orienteering at Whinlatter
Brockhole National Park Centre and boat trip
A visit to the Pencil Museum, Castle Rigg vistit and shopping
Mountain walk through the hills and around Lake Windermere.
I know some of these sound boring (e.g. the pencil museum) but these are 12 yr old kids who came to the Lakes with an open mind. Well, most of them anyway...
I went on the same trip when I was in year 8 and didn't think it could be anymore tiring than it was. Everyday was a new activity with new places to visit, new friends to talk to, new home for a week... I remember thinking that the staff had it easy. They didn't have to do the activities; just stand around making sure we all behaved.
Then I went back as a mentor.
Up every morning before the kids, then making sure they all went to breakfast, then checking their bags and making sure they had their waterproofs, the list was never ending! And all that was before we left for activities. When we came back it was check everyone puts their muddy boots and coats in the drying room, go up have a shower, then the PROPER hard work began. Between the 6 mentors and a couple of teaching assisstants, we had to prepare 350 rolls for lunches the next day. Now that may not seem too hard, but when you've been running around after kids all day without a moment to yourself, stuffing 350 rolls with tuna and cucumber is the last thing you want to be doing. After the rolls were done, it was up to staff to organise evening activities and make sure the kids went to them.
Then came the horrible (but also fun) job for us mentors: BEING ON DUTY. This involved patrolling the corridors into the late hours waiting for the kids to go to sleep. Now you'd think after such busy days they'd be tired. Well, you're wrong. YEAR 8 CHILDREN HAVE AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF ENERGY. Most of which I think they got from their secret stashes of Haribo and other sugar filled sweets. We could be up there for hours (no jokes) before they all went to sleep/we gave up because we needed sleep.
It may seem like a non-stop week, it was the week where I never stopped learning.
I learnt how to share the responsibility of looking after 40 odd kids with other teachers. I learnt how hard teaching can be from talking to some of my own teachers. I learnt how to earn the respect of 40 kids, who by the end of the week were looking up to me and wanting to follow in my footsteps of being a mentor. I learnt how to look after them when they got homesick and how to dicipline them when they did wrong. I found out I can push myself beyond my limits: I didn't lose my temper, I pushed myself physically with all the work I did and best of all, I learnt how to enjoy the outdoors again. I enjoyed walking through the hills, I enjoyed visiting places again that I hadn't really appreciated when I last went to the Lakes 5 years ago and I enjoyed having independence and being away from home.
And it's this new found independence that makes me want to go out, explore the world and make the most of life.
But what I got out of it was far more valuble than I could have ever imagined.
The trip consisted of 4 days, each with a different activity for each group. These were:
Orienteering at Whinlatter
Brockhole National Park Centre and boat trip
A visit to the Pencil Museum, Castle Rigg vistit and shopping
Mountain walk through the hills and around Lake Windermere.
I know some of these sound boring (e.g. the pencil museum) but these are 12 yr old kids who came to the Lakes with an open mind. Well, most of them anyway...
I went on the same trip when I was in year 8 and didn't think it could be anymore tiring than it was. Everyday was a new activity with new places to visit, new friends to talk to, new home for a week... I remember thinking that the staff had it easy. They didn't have to do the activities; just stand around making sure we all behaved.
Then I went back as a mentor.
Up every morning before the kids, then making sure they all went to breakfast, then checking their bags and making sure they had their waterproofs, the list was never ending! And all that was before we left for activities. When we came back it was check everyone puts their muddy boots and coats in the drying room, go up have a shower, then the PROPER hard work began. Between the 6 mentors and a couple of teaching assisstants, we had to prepare 350 rolls for lunches the next day. Now that may not seem too hard, but when you've been running around after kids all day without a moment to yourself, stuffing 350 rolls with tuna and cucumber is the last thing you want to be doing. After the rolls were done, it was up to staff to organise evening activities and make sure the kids went to them.
Then came the horrible (but also fun) job for us mentors: BEING ON DUTY. This involved patrolling the corridors into the late hours waiting for the kids to go to sleep. Now you'd think after such busy days they'd be tired. Well, you're wrong. YEAR 8 CHILDREN HAVE AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF ENERGY. Most of which I think they got from their secret stashes of Haribo and other sugar filled sweets. We could be up there for hours (no jokes) before they all went to sleep/we gave up because we needed sleep.
It may seem like a non-stop week, it was the week where I never stopped learning.
I learnt how to share the responsibility of looking after 40 odd kids with other teachers. I learnt how hard teaching can be from talking to some of my own teachers. I learnt how to earn the respect of 40 kids, who by the end of the week were looking up to me and wanting to follow in my footsteps of being a mentor. I learnt how to look after them when they got homesick and how to dicipline them when they did wrong. I found out I can push myself beyond my limits: I didn't lose my temper, I pushed myself physically with all the work I did and best of all, I learnt how to enjoy the outdoors again. I enjoyed walking through the hills, I enjoyed visiting places again that I hadn't really appreciated when I last went to the Lakes 5 years ago and I enjoyed having independence and being away from home.
And it's this new found independence that makes me want to go out, explore the world and make the most of life.
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