I haven't had anything to write about recently, but I've been having withdrawal symptoms from this blog.
I feel the need to share this link with you - it's a forum called "Things Supply Teachers Hate About Class Teachers". It's pathetic, mean, and utterly hilarious:
http://community.tes.co.uk/forums/t/387346.aspx?PageIndex=1
Talking of teachers, there's always this issue about them talking to students on social networking sites. As society crawls further back into their caves of political correctness, I wonder why this country is so afraid of teacher-student friendships. It's a very tricky subject, and I understand people have extremely strong views on it. However, I have many friends who have at some point been educated in other countries, such as my good friends from Brazil (hello!), who find it strange that students in England can't call their teachers by their first names, and that no teacher would ever dare merely 'hang out' with their students without fear of being shunned, or even fired. The shock on my friend's faces as the outrageous Brazilians told us of the meals and fun days out they'd had with their teachers made me think that maybe it's all just a little too restricting. I mean, unless the situation screams "paedophile!", is there anything wrong with it? In the words of Scroobius Pip, 'some people are just nice'. (Okay, that's a playful lyric made to insinuate otherwise, but you know what I mean). I'd be interested to know what you think.
Lately I've been doing a lot of research into the representation of the working class in Britain. Mainly looking at television drama, I've realised (well, realised the true extent of it) just how conceited society really is. There's not just the stereotypes of Chavs in hoodies and shoplifters with bangles for earrings to consider - it's the patronising way the middle class police officers in The Bill adjust the way they speak depending on whether they are interviewing the hoodie-wearing-ear-stretching-Chav or the well-dressed-well-mannered-ideal-member-of-society. I understood this straight away, because it happens in everyday life. It's exactly the same when we speak to children. Speaking to a Toddler, automatically we put on a friendly, high pitched voice as we act as though every syllable of a word is exciting. Similarly, when you speak to someone of working class you assume they will feel intimidated if faced with 'big words' and so slip into slang or drop the Ts and change 'yes' to 'yeah'. Equally, when speaking to someone of middle class, you feel embarrassed to talk about what happened on Eastenders last night, and instantly you feel you should know something about what Gordon Brown said last week. Apparently we are to become a 'classless society'. If you say so Mr PM.
You should read this article, unless you read it yesterday. Actually, even if you did, read it again. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/mar/20/no-one-knows-about-persian-cats It's sort of a real life We Will Rock You. The determination of some people is inspiring.
Well, that's it for today. Yet again, I had no idea how this blog was going to turn out. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint. And, as always, I look forward to hearing your comments.
This is a fantastic song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvcohzJvviQ
I recommend you listen to it with your eyes closed though, the video kind of sucks.
Adios,
Tails.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Apparently, I like a good analogy.
I really wanted that three day thing to last. Question - are titles really necessary?
In amongst some of the comments people made about my last post, one person said something like, "you can tell me your problems". This sparked off this post.
When you're on a plane, the cabin crew tell you that in an emergency you should put on your own oxygen mask before putting on anyone else's. The picture in the Emergency Evacuation pamphlet shows a woman putting on her oxygen mask before her young child's. Each time I see it I understand, but something about it just doesn't feel right.
Other people's problems are much easier to solve. You step back, you see the big picture. You're presented with a puzzle. You examine it, first finding the corners, and then work your way to the middle. Emotions detached, slowly but surely the pieces come together. You've cracked it - the problem goes away and left in its place is a solution. I guess there's an element of procrastination within this method. Other people always need helping. You can put off your puzzle until tomorrow, knowing that instead you can get satisfaction from solving one with less pieces. Because, when it's your own puzzle, the pieces are smaller - the lid of the box is missing - it's harder to visualise the final outcome. Tomorrow comes and you're faced with a daunting challenge. But, like I said, other people always need helping.
I couldn't bear to be one of those people who others look at with pity. They may not mean to, but once you've let them in, the way they look at you changes. Just slightly - but enough for you to notice. I know it's cliché, but you really can see it in their eyes. So, tying in my previous post with this one, I fail to see the benefits of trusting everyone with my problems. They either end up being passed around, until they're not your problems anymore but the mindless gossip of idiots instead, or you come to be pitied.
I would just like to point out that I'm not a majorly troubled person. I don't have any particularly important problems.
On a brighter note, I've found one of the most amazing T-Shirts of all time. I cannot wait to buy it:
As most people know, Shaun of the Dead is my favourite film of all time. If you're a fan, you'll get this Tee. If you're not, there's an explanation of them on the web page. Also, if you're a fan of any other Zombie movies, there's probably something in there for you too.
For a better view, and to understand the 'in-jokes', click here:
http://www.darkbunnytees.com/movietshirts/tshirts/shaunofthedeadmovietshirtladiesfit.html
That brings me to the end of my post. I look forward to debating with some of you about it - this seems to be a regular occurrence after I publish a blog post.
No... I didn't forget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiUujoVmQ8A
To most, this will be the most pointless video ever made. However, it combines two of my most favourite viewing experiences ever, which therefore makes it utter genius. Plus, it links in with that T-Shirt. Clever, eh?
Laters,
Tails.
In amongst some of the comments people made about my last post, one person said something like, "you can tell me your problems". This sparked off this post.
When you're on a plane, the cabin crew tell you that in an emergency you should put on your own oxygen mask before putting on anyone else's. The picture in the Emergency Evacuation pamphlet shows a woman putting on her oxygen mask before her young child's. Each time I see it I understand, but something about it just doesn't feel right.
Other people's problems are much easier to solve. You step back, you see the big picture. You're presented with a puzzle. You examine it, first finding the corners, and then work your way to the middle. Emotions detached, slowly but surely the pieces come together. You've cracked it - the problem goes away and left in its place is a solution. I guess there's an element of procrastination within this method. Other people always need helping. You can put off your puzzle until tomorrow, knowing that instead you can get satisfaction from solving one with less pieces. Because, when it's your own puzzle, the pieces are smaller - the lid of the box is missing - it's harder to visualise the final outcome. Tomorrow comes and you're faced with a daunting challenge. But, like I said, other people always need helping.
I couldn't bear to be one of those people who others look at with pity. They may not mean to, but once you've let them in, the way they look at you changes. Just slightly - but enough for you to notice. I know it's cliché, but you really can see it in their eyes. So, tying in my previous post with this one, I fail to see the benefits of trusting everyone with my problems. They either end up being passed around, until they're not your problems anymore but the mindless gossip of idiots instead, or you come to be pitied.
I would just like to point out that I'm not a majorly troubled person. I don't have any particularly important problems.
On a brighter note, I've found one of the most amazing T-Shirts of all time. I cannot wait to buy it:
As most people know, Shaun of the Dead is my favourite film of all time. If you're a fan, you'll get this Tee. If you're not, there's an explanation of them on the web page. Also, if you're a fan of any other Zombie movies, there's probably something in there for you too.
For a better view, and to understand the 'in-jokes', click here:
http://www.darkbunnytees.com/movietshirts/tshirts/shaunofthedeadmovietshirtladiesfit.html
That brings me to the end of my post. I look forward to debating with some of you about it - this seems to be a regular occurrence after I publish a blog post.
No... I didn't forget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiUujoVmQ8A
To most, this will be the most pointless video ever made. However, it combines two of my most favourite viewing experiences ever, which therefore makes it utter genius. Plus, it links in with that T-Shirt. Clever, eh?
Laters,
Tails.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Irritating Things.
My blog posts have so far all been three days apart. Isn't that nice? Orderly, neat - I can't say it'll last, though. It happened completely by accident.
Unfortunately, this post is to be a bit of a moany one. My day was full of irritating things, you see. Let me remind you of my supposed Laryngitis. There is not much to update you on apart from the fact that it could not have come at a worse time. I've read that the voice-loss can last for up to a rather inconvenient three weeks, meaning that my drama exam, (which of course would just have to be a practical one, on which 25% of my final grade rests on) falls during this term of non-voiceness. You can see how this would be irritating, I'm sure. Along with this, the entire situation is physically irritating also, as my throat hurts rather a lot, and it takes a great deal of effort just to say "I'm supposed to be resting my voice".
And so, off to a superb start, my day reaches irritation number two. In fact, this next issue has been an on-going problem for a number of months. Adults - grown adults over the age of at least 30 - acting like spoilt twelve year olds having a tantrum. I couldn't possibly tell you the ins and outs of this (although as I'm sure you've guessed, I'd love to) as it would get me into a great deal of trouble that I'd rather stay out of. It's not hard to work it out though. All I ever do is go to school, to work, and back home again. So, one could safely assume that these grown adults over the age of at least 30 acting like spoilt twelve year olds having a tantrum fall into one of those categories. I'm not saying that I'm particularly mature for my age (although I think I probably am), I'm just saying that these people are most definitely not mature... full stop. It makes you wonder what these people would be like if they had to serve a really, really, fat King. The King would demand food and foot-rubs all day long, and these people would crumble because they either couldn't get what they want, or because they were sure that they were much better than the King.
I know a person that likes to find new ways of telling me how she is better than I am at every opportunity she can find. And when I say 'better', I mean in every sense of the word. I really feel like telling her to shut up and act her age, but unfortunately such freedom of speech is not possible when talking to a member of authority. I realise I've been rather vague and haven't said anything remotely interesting for about two paragraphs now but if you have this sort of person in your life, you'll know what I mean. Respecting your elders is something I agree with, but not unless this respect is some-what reciprocal.
My friend Ahsan (hello Ahsan) said to me today, "I hate people." I replied, "I'm not too fond of them either."
Don't get me wrong - I don't hate all people and my day wasn't all bad. I had two Media lessons today which is always... I can't think of a word for it. You know, it's one of those things that makes you give a sigh of relief. Whatever the word for that is. I like the people in my Media class, and I like the things we talk about. I go to these lessons knowing I'm going to laugh. A lot. Which is very nice indeed. My classmates come to me smiling saying, "We've got media today, Amy!" without a hint of sarcasm, which is more than can be said for my other lessons. So there's the proof that I do like some things.
I guess my main problem with people is they can be so stupid. It's as simple as that. I often look at people and find myself thinking, "But why the hell would you do that?" Not that it's my job to judge - but I'll do it anyway. We all do. (And for those of you who just thought to yourselves, "I don't", you're not just stupid but you're also a liar - shame on you). 'Trust no one' is a motto that I live by. It's kind of sad, I suppose, but people are so stupid it's hard to trust them. I can't even trust that when someone says they'll get me a Galaxy Cookie Crumble from the shop across the road, they'll come back with the right chocolate bar, even though they usually do. When people ask you what's wrong, 97% of the time (yes, that is extremely accurate. How dare you question my statistics?) they don't really care. They're just moving through the motions, wanting a bit of gossip, or wanting a bit of affirmation because they know you're about to tell them that they're a good friend for listening. Don't ever tell anyone anything that you don't want everyone to know. I never do, which is why I've never had one of those embarrassing/everyone hates me/everyone's talking about me behind my back situations.
Sorry, I still haven't said anything very insightful or relevant. Or have I? (Insert dramatic music here).
After being told that a few people like my blog, I felt a little under pressure when I started to think about writing this one. Then I started writing it and forgot about all of that. Never mind.
Just one video today. You've probably all seen it, but it honestly makes me laugh every time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs
Over and Out,
Tails.
Unfortunately, this post is to be a bit of a moany one. My day was full of irritating things, you see. Let me remind you of my supposed Laryngitis. There is not much to update you on apart from the fact that it could not have come at a worse time. I've read that the voice-loss can last for up to a rather inconvenient three weeks, meaning that my drama exam, (which of course would just have to be a practical one, on which 25% of my final grade rests on) falls during this term of non-voiceness. You can see how this would be irritating, I'm sure. Along with this, the entire situation is physically irritating also, as my throat hurts rather a lot, and it takes a great deal of effort just to say "I'm supposed to be resting my voice".
And so, off to a superb start, my day reaches irritation number two. In fact, this next issue has been an on-going problem for a number of months. Adults - grown adults over the age of at least 30 - acting like spoilt twelve year olds having a tantrum. I couldn't possibly tell you the ins and outs of this (although as I'm sure you've guessed, I'd love to) as it would get me into a great deal of trouble that I'd rather stay out of. It's not hard to work it out though. All I ever do is go to school, to work, and back home again. So, one could safely assume that these grown adults over the age of at least 30 acting like spoilt twelve year olds having a tantrum fall into one of those categories. I'm not saying that I'm particularly mature for my age (although I think I probably am), I'm just saying that these people are most definitely not mature... full stop. It makes you wonder what these people would be like if they had to serve a really, really, fat King. The King would demand food and foot-rubs all day long, and these people would crumble because they either couldn't get what they want, or because they were sure that they were much better than the King.
I know a person that likes to find new ways of telling me how she is better than I am at every opportunity she can find. And when I say 'better', I mean in every sense of the word. I really feel like telling her to shut up and act her age, but unfortunately such freedom of speech is not possible when talking to a member of authority. I realise I've been rather vague and haven't said anything remotely interesting for about two paragraphs now but if you have this sort of person in your life, you'll know what I mean. Respecting your elders is something I agree with, but not unless this respect is some-what reciprocal.
My friend Ahsan (hello Ahsan) said to me today, "I hate people." I replied, "I'm not too fond of them either."
Don't get me wrong - I don't hate all people and my day wasn't all bad. I had two Media lessons today which is always... I can't think of a word for it. You know, it's one of those things that makes you give a sigh of relief. Whatever the word for that is. I like the people in my Media class, and I like the things we talk about. I go to these lessons knowing I'm going to laugh. A lot. Which is very nice indeed. My classmates come to me smiling saying, "We've got media today, Amy!" without a hint of sarcasm, which is more than can be said for my other lessons. So there's the proof that I do like some things.
I guess my main problem with people is they can be so stupid. It's as simple as that. I often look at people and find myself thinking, "But why the hell would you do that?" Not that it's my job to judge - but I'll do it anyway. We all do. (And for those of you who just thought to yourselves, "I don't", you're not just stupid but you're also a liar - shame on you). 'Trust no one' is a motto that I live by. It's kind of sad, I suppose, but people are so stupid it's hard to trust them. I can't even trust that when someone says they'll get me a Galaxy Cookie Crumble from the shop across the road, they'll come back with the right chocolate bar, even though they usually do. When people ask you what's wrong, 97% of the time (yes, that is extremely accurate. How dare you question my statistics?) they don't really care. They're just moving through the motions, wanting a bit of gossip, or wanting a bit of affirmation because they know you're about to tell them that they're a good friend for listening. Don't ever tell anyone anything that you don't want everyone to know. I never do, which is why I've never had one of those embarrassing/everyone hates me/everyone's talking about me behind my back situations.
Sorry, I still haven't said anything very insightful or relevant. Or have I? (Insert dramatic music here).
After being told that a few people like my blog, I felt a little under pressure when I started to think about writing this one. Then I started writing it and forgot about all of that. Never mind.
Just one video today. You've probably all seen it, but it honestly makes me laugh every time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs
Over and Out,
Tails.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
A day with no words.
I think... no.... I'm pretty sure I have Laryngitis. The fact that this incessant coughing has caused me to lose my voice almost completely kind of verifies it. Most people who know me also know I talk a hell of a lot, so this is very difficult for me. I find myself straining my voice with all my might to continue speaking, with very little success. I cease to find any perks that come with such an inconvenience - I can't be waited on hand on foot because I can't use my voice to ask for anything. And so, it proves extremely lucky that I started this blog. At least I have some outlet for the words just aching to get out. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, let me just say that I am not someone who thinks what I have to say is always mighty important - but I do like to say things none-the-less.
I was reading yet again today about the recent Jon Venables development. Now I admit that I have almost no knowledge about the justice system and (for the lack of a better phrase) stuff like that, but I think this case is pretty obvious. Not only was this monster of a person let out a prison, and given the gift of a new identity, but now that he has re-offended, he is being protected once more. How is this right? Shouldn't it be the duty of the justice system to make society feel protected, rather than as if their opinions have been tossed aside? It seems that criminals now have the upper hand. In my personal opinion, once someone has been proved guilty of such an inconceivable crime, they should lose all rights to any protection or safety - especially once they have re-offended. I understand that Venables's first crime was committed when he was just ten years old, but to be honest, what hope is there for a child who does such awful things to another human being? I could rant on all day about this. I'd be interested to know what you think.
Moving on, I'd like to share this with you:
'Absolutely hilarious' are the first words that spring to mind. Consider this an extension of my first post, about the importance (or rather, the non-importance) of monuments in society. Pavel Pepperstein is subtle and yet it is clear to see that he is pure genius. Just as his work was recommended to me, I highly recommend it to you, even if for nothing but a good laugh. Just search his name + 'Perspectives of Development'. This one is called 'The Monument of the Yellow Colour', in case you were wondering. See what I mean now?
I might try making ending on a video link a regular feature on my blog. Here you go:
I'd like to take this opportunity to clear up a thing or two about my last post. It was the impression of some that I was portraying a very "what's the point?" attitude to life in general in one of my last paragraphs. I was not being "emo", as I was also accused of. I was merely expressing myself, which is what I said my blog was for in my first paragraph. So, poked tongues to you all.
I was reading yet again today about the recent Jon Venables development. Now I admit that I have almost no knowledge about the justice system and (for the lack of a better phrase) stuff like that, but I think this case is pretty obvious. Not only was this monster of a person let out a prison, and given the gift of a new identity, but now that he has re-offended, he is being protected once more. How is this right? Shouldn't it be the duty of the justice system to make society feel protected, rather than as if their opinions have been tossed aside? It seems that criminals now have the upper hand. In my personal opinion, once someone has been proved guilty of such an inconceivable crime, they should lose all rights to any protection or safety - especially once they have re-offended. I understand that Venables's first crime was committed when he was just ten years old, but to be honest, what hope is there for a child who does such awful things to another human being? I could rant on all day about this. I'd be interested to know what you think.
Moving on, I'd like to share this with you:
'Absolutely hilarious' are the first words that spring to mind. Consider this an extension of my first post, about the importance (or rather, the non-importance) of monuments in society. Pavel Pepperstein is subtle and yet it is clear to see that he is pure genius. Just as his work was recommended to me, I highly recommend it to you, even if for nothing but a good laugh. Just search his name + 'Perspectives of Development'. This one is called 'The Monument of the Yellow Colour', in case you were wondering. See what I mean now?I might try making ending on a video link a regular feature on my blog. Here you go:
For all lovers of the next big thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayx2mzm1QVw
And, an all time favourite, which I have (shamefully) only recently seen (I recommend you watch some of the other videos that come up next to this one):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayx2mzm1QVw
And, an all time favourite, which I have (shamefully) only recently seen (I recommend you watch some of the other videos that come up next to this one):
Tails.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Hello.
I feel like I need a short introduction or something. This blog is just a means for me to express myself, and write about those little things that pop into my head that I feel are worthy of a typed word or two. I've been told on numerous occasions that I moan a lot, so perhaps this blog will be a new outlet for such a talent. Please feel free to comment, as I like a good debate.
A few days ago I was in English, where we found ourselves reading the poem 'Ozymandias' (Percy Shelley, 1818). It talks of a "pedestal", supposedly created for and by Ozymandias, who believed himself to be "king of kings". Ozy boldly says "Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Such comment is followed by the line, "Nothing beside remains."
We started talking about monuments (after a few questions about what a pedestal is, might I add) and I commented that Ozy needed one to show his importance. This got me thinking; even now, society feels the need to build great monuments and buildings to show its importance, and indeed to show meaning - and give itself meaning. We are so obsessed with trying to make ourselves and our lives seem more impressive, as if if we didn't build such things, we wouldn't exist at all - not in the eyes of other members of society at least. They are built to make us feel more real. However, one can build an impressive landmark and know exactly why it was built and what it means, while someone else can pass by it not understanding it at all. Peculiar, isn't it, that these monuments are erected to give us meaning, yet if we don't know the reason it came to be built in the first place, we can't understand its meaning at all. So, at the end of it all, "Nothing beside remains."
This also made me think about people in general, and how they always strive to fill that small 'emptiness' that consumes them to such an extent that they become fixated on it. Why do we struggle with such tasks, knowing just how unreachable they are? It seems ridiculous, that we would put ourselves through something that is so unnecessary. It is safe to say that we all know there is a void that we can never fill.
Quite a short post, but it's only my first, so be nice. I'd like to finish by recommending you watch this:
http://youtu.be/qybUFnY7Y8w
And, if you're interested in Universities, Musicals, or Unstable Crazies, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGn3-RW8Ajk
Until next time blogging friends,
Tails.
(How about this font? I've never used Trebuchet before.)
A few days ago I was in English, where we found ourselves reading the poem 'Ozymandias' (Percy Shelley, 1818). It talks of a "pedestal", supposedly created for and by Ozymandias, who believed himself to be "king of kings". Ozy boldly says "Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Such comment is followed by the line, "Nothing beside remains."
We started talking about monuments (after a few questions about what a pedestal is, might I add) and I commented that Ozy needed one to show his importance. This got me thinking; even now, society feels the need to build great monuments and buildings to show its importance, and indeed to show meaning - and give itself meaning. We are so obsessed with trying to make ourselves and our lives seem more impressive, as if if we didn't build such things, we wouldn't exist at all - not in the eyes of other members of society at least. They are built to make us feel more real. However, one can build an impressive landmark and know exactly why it was built and what it means, while someone else can pass by it not understanding it at all. Peculiar, isn't it, that these monuments are erected to give us meaning, yet if we don't know the reason it came to be built in the first place, we can't understand its meaning at all. So, at the end of it all, "Nothing beside remains."
This also made me think about people in general, and how they always strive to fill that small 'emptiness' that consumes them to such an extent that they become fixated on it. Why do we struggle with such tasks, knowing just how unreachable they are? It seems ridiculous, that we would put ourselves through something that is so unnecessary. It is safe to say that we all know there is a void that we can never fill.
Quite a short post, but it's only my first, so be nice. I'd like to finish by recommending you watch this:
http://youtu.be/qybUFnY7Y8w
And, if you're interested in Universities, Musicals, or Unstable Crazies, this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGn3-RW8Ajk
Until next time blogging friends,
Tails.
(How about this font? I've never used Trebuchet before.)
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