Great Expectations…and BBC surparssed them

As an avid novelist, I cringe when I see the adverts for any ‘classical book- cheesy tv adaption’. History has proven that TV adaption can either be a great success ( Pride and Prejudice) or a failure of epic proportions. I am both relieved and privileged to say that Great Expectations has renewed my faith in such adaption’s.

Telling the story of Pip, Estella, Joe and the beautifully tormented Miss Haversham this series will be forever lodged in my mind as the best of 2011 television. Although I believe that Charles Dickens was a great writer for his time, I find his writing slightly hard to read. Thanks to this adaption, I am now 100 pages into Great Expectations to experience the story again.

Pip, first shown as a young orphaned boy living with his abusive sister, her lovely blacksmith husband Joe and his violent apprentice Orlick, is attacked by Abel Magwich- an escaped criminal. Threatening the boy with an imaginary ‘friend’ who will ‘cut out his tongue and eat it’, Magwich asks Pip to steal him a file so he can be free of the shackles that have bound  him. Pip steals the file from his adoptive father and returns it to Magwich…along with a piece of mutton pie.

This simple kind gesture will change Pip’s life forever, not that we are aware of this at this point. Magwich breaks the shackles and is free…right until he attacks a seemingly innocent policeman. Brought back to the blacksmiths house, Douglas Booth portrays a petrified Pip who is fearful that the convict will tell of his actions. Refusing to get the young boy in trouble, Magwich claims he stole them and is led away.
Ray Winstone paints a scary picture as Magwich, and tells the story of a troubled man who has lived quite a life, with the simple flick of his eyes. I found myself really empathizing with Magwich throughout this.

  When Pip is summoned by Miss Havesham, his sister makes him go in order to benefit herself. Arriving at the house, Gillian Anderson portrays a beautifully tormented Miss Havesham. The house, now a mausoleum to a wedding that apparently didn’t happen, with the dying bouquet on the dressing table near the tiara and the wedding table let to gather cobwebs and dust, paints a sorry picture.
An award-winning performance by Gillian Anderson makes the audience feel sorry for this cruelly manipulative and deeply maddened women whose hatred of men runs deep into her veins. Forcing Estella, her adoptive daughter, to play with Pip and act as a ‘gentleman’; it appears that pip will be provided  with the means to become a distinguished circumstances. Alas, when Estella kisses Pip, he is sent away by Miss Havisham as she makes Estella chant a mantra about love that makes it apparent that she is not allowed to fall in love. Appearing nice, Miss Havisham pays for Pip to complete a blacksmith apprenticeship with his adoptive father, a role that ignited his heart with pride before experiencing the fun of being a gentleman.

Five years into Pips apprenticeship, Orlick is sent away as Joe cant afford to keep him on and pay for his wifes medical bills (as Orlick had attacked the sister wive a hammer earlier). Pip is seen by Havishams lawyer who states that ‘an anonymous’ benefactor has bequeathed him a substantial amount of money, and he is to go to London and live the life of a gentleman on one condition. That he in no way tries to find out who the benefactor is.

Needless to say, what follows is a story of corruption and greed, as Pip is new to money and soon has debts piling up. When the benefactor reveals himself the audience is shocked to find that it is Magwich, and even further shocked to find out that Estella is his daughter.

So another year ends a little adbruptly

We have had tears (riots), laughter and excitement (Royal wedding) but yet again Christmas is over. As we eat the leftovers from the overshopping we promised ourselves we wouldnt do again, I had to contemplate christmas and the previous year.

Transferrinf from year 2 to year 3 at uni was by far my biggest step. Im only 5 months away from graduating and entering the big wide world of journalism; a proffession hated by many in the UK due to Rupert Murdoch. With jobs scarce with the recession looming…2012 is not looking to bright for students.
But this year has seen a change in me, not just the superficial ones such as dying my hair red, growing my nails and attempting (yet again) to lose the extra tyre around my waist. But personally, I have developed and Im not sure quite when it happened. I have slowly turned into someone I am so proud of. I dont create adversity, but I dont shy away either.

I still have some tweaking to do but I am definately on my way

Finally a horror that scared me.

I am a horror fan, a big one! Don’t get me wrong, I jump, I’m squeamish and spend most of the film hiding behind my pillow but there is something that makes all the horror genres seem generic. The three rules 1) Virgins always live 2) Don’t drink or you will die and 3) The killer always comes back for one last scream

I decided that I was going to watch Paranormal Activity last night, and settled down ready to be a little rattled. I did not estimate the intensity of my fear which resulted in Josh having to be attached to my hip wherever I went. The films were amazing, despite the film trying to make it out to be reality, these movies made you feel as if you were watching genuine family videos and I was s**ting it.

Number 3 is by far the scariest as you see ‘Toby’ interact violently with an 8 and 6 year old. It is definitely not one for the weak skinned.  I spent the movie hidden behind a pillow as every bang, creak and whisper became malevolent- Of course my cover became my protection from a demon who, in two of the films, dragged a girl out of bed. It was a fantastic movie from a relatively unknown director with talent not seen since Wes Craven. There is a new horror king in town.

Willen Hospice remembers those lost

2,000 people joined together this weekend to remember those who had passed away in a moving ‘lights of love festival’ held at Willen Hospice.

Held over a weekend in order to accommodate the amount of guests, Willen Hospice ‘Lights of love’ festival saw 2,000 people gather to remember those family members, friends and partners who had sadly passed away.

The Garden room was transformed into a special memorial, with four books immortalising the names of those who had lost their battle with cancer. The volunteers provided the children with stars which they could dedicate to a family member; these will be entered into a book which will be on display all year.
A small shop enabled visitors to buy candles, electric for the service and commemorative church candles to take home.  Offering complimentary refreshments to warm against the wind, the assembly gathered outside for the service.

With the melodic sounds of the choir and brass band singing in the background, the crowd sang traditional Christmas hymns before Chaplain Steve Barnes delivered a moving sermon in which he read an email from a friend honouring the influence our loved ones had on our lives, even if they are not with us. The guest of honour, 11 year old Sam, was chosen to turn on the lights in memory of his best friend who had grown up beside him before passing.
The tree, which overlooked Willen Lake, was illuminated with beautiful white lights while two smaller adjacent trees was colourfully lit and decorated with the memorial stars that the children had written earlier.  A Scottish piper entranced the audience as the crowd fell silent in thought before descended to the sound of the brass band.

History of the Paralympics

History of the Paralympics

 

Originally a rehabilitation programme for war veterans with spinal injuries, the Paralympics has come a long way. Celebrating its 15^th event in 2012, London is a stark contrast from Stoke Mandeville hospital in Aylesbury where it was first held.

Creator Sir Ludwig Guttmann hosted the first competition in 1948, held between hospitals to coincide with the Olympics, expanding in 1960 by taking 400 wheelchair athletes to Rome in order to compete and this created the universally recognised Paralympic games.

By 1964, it had been recognised as an official sport, with Tokyo hosting both the Olympics, and then the Paralympics later that year.  Introducing wheelchair racing, athletes would race in day-to-day wheelchairs rather than the modified ones of today.  These weren’t introduced until 1976, when Toronto welcomed 1600 competitors of mixed disabilities, with visually impaired athletes taking part in demonstrations.

With both events split, the next eight years saw the two events being celebrated in different countries. Heidelberg saw more than 1,000 athletes from 44 different countries participating in the games, including those with quadriplegic spinal injuries who had not competed before.

Controversy surrounded the events of 1980 with the Soviet Union refusing to let the Paralympics take place, resulting in the 2,500 disabled hopefuls being relocated to Holland. This year proved monumental for the cerebral palsy suffers, who were given permission to participate for the first time.

Britain had the honour of joining forces with the United States to host the first linked Paralympics, with games being held in both New York and Stoke Mandeville. With the Paralympics fast gaining influence, the 1988 games in Seoul, Korea, took the Paralympics to a higher level by staging them on the same scale as the Olympics, with the organising committee’s working together for the first time.

By 1992, the Paralympics were seeing more than 3,500 athletes from 82 countries competing in front of packed stadiums. This came to a crashing end when athletes performed in empty venues. The Olympic committee had done little to help Paralympic organisers with the city’s transport system stopping visitors visiting the games. With the help of sponsors athletes with learning disabilities were integrated into the main program, with equestrian sport being added to the competition.

In an otherwise successful Paralympics, Spain was disgraced when an investigation showed that only two of their 12 basketball competitors suffered with a mental disability. This resulted in their medals being stripped from the team.

With 2004 seeing over 4,000 disabled athletes competing in 19 sports for 525 gold medals, China clearly were the most successful winning 141 medals. America tainted there otherwise successful collaboration when no television network staying to cover the events, this resulted in U.S viewers having to wait two months before the coverage was broadcast.

The 2008 Paralympic games in Beijing were not free of scandal, with multiple rumours of ‘doping’ amongst hopefuls. Ahmet Coskun was ‘unaware’ that the hair growth hormone he used had a banned substance in ‘finasteride’. Alongside the doping scandals, 99 hopefuls were ‘reclassified’ and subsequently disqualified for declaring false or mild disabilities.  The closing ceremony, however, put all previous games to shame. Incorporating interactivity throughout the games, viewers were touched by a palpable letter encompassing the hopes of the future. A concept that has been adapted by Coventry in the ‘Godiva Awakes’ ceremony, where she will travel across the country collecting letters of hope from children.

Despite the scandal that has rocked every year, the Paralympics is growing rapidly with more paralympians proving themselves strong competitors. 2012 will see the biggest Paralympic event in the history with 4,200 participants over 20 games; the competition is fierce with these athletes.

The last parade I attended

This is easy, as it was last night ! My mum is a huge fan of Christmas lights, a fact only emphasised by the three sets we subject my poor tree to every year. A little town in milton keynes called Stony Stratford holds a ‘turning on the lights’ night, where stalls cram into the high street. The smell of mulled wine and mince pies only beaten by the hog roast.

At about 5pm every year, the parade starts. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes come through the high street, and a range of ages have made them. They are truly beautiful, my niece and nephew were fascinated. 218 lanterns in all were paraded round the streets and I have never been so memorised, I did try to take pictures but it was too fast. I did see 4 jack skeletons, the cast of The Magic Roundabout and a Tardis that was unbelievably huge

I do empathise with these, growing up I was a regular festival participator, being a fly with a bubble wrap baby maggot and tea strainer  eyes. Or as a show girl from moulin rouge, having a six-foot mannequin placed on my shoulders and making her dance. Loads of fun
The only problem I found with the night is the crowd. Dont get me wrong, I am a huge fan of community gatherings but you couldn’t move really. Plus mum then missed the light switch on and pouted till I promised I would drive her through next week

Thinking about…the cost of living

As a student, the financial problems are always going to be apparant. But with the cost of living sky rocketing, and the wages dwindling….is living becoming to expensive?
 
Now I am in no ways extravagant, I treat myself to a very expensive night course at almost £500 a year but thats it. Even my birthday this year is providing practical things- paying for my stage 1 exam for BSL Sign. Yet, with christmas fast approaching, and my belt strings tightening, I still find myself short of money.
I work, both voluntarily and paid, although with my whopping £6.60 an hour, it may as well be voluntarily. Now I am in no way ungrateful, I know I have my health and my friends which is great but uni is all expensive. I am finding life generally hard atm which I am sure will turn around a little, trying to find a way of making money fast is- well- time consuming honestly.

Dawn from buffy seemed to have the right idea when she said ” the hardest part in life is to live in it!”

The Blaze that put Coventry on the map

The image of the Olympic torch has been duplicated through every media outlet since its design was revealed. Premier Sheet Metal will make 8,000 duplicates of the original design, in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osbergy wanted to ensure that the torch was relevant to each runner carrying the torch.
  The design has 8,000 laser cut holes throughout the two aluminium sheets, representing each of the runners who will carry the flame in the 70-day relay starting in mid May 2012.
The shape, whilst unusual, is inspired by the Olympic motto. Set by Pierre De Coubertin, “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, which translates from Latin into Faster, Higher, Stronger.  Incorporating the motto and functionality, the design is supposed to replicate a baton as Barber and Osbergy wanted to ensure it looked like a piece of classical sporting equipment.
  The two aluminium skins are pressed and welded together, with a die cast top and the 2012 logo embossed, and finished with a titanium nitride gold covering.  London 2012 chairman Lord Coe revealed that the torch is being subjected to 75mph winds, -5 degree temperatures and pouring rain in the hope to avoid any glitches.
  The torch weighs just 800g, including the propane fuel canister, and is tall at 80cm long. Designers Barber and Osbergy were mindful of the weight as many of the runners are aged between 12-24.
  The designers, although plagued with ‘flame out’ worries, are excited to see their design make its way through the country watched by the world as it lights the Olympic Cauldron at the opening of the games.
  The recent release of the torches route has tainted the companies’ celebration, as it will not pass eighty percent of the creator’s home. Dennis Meagher, director of Premier sheet metal, explains the disappointment at the news:
“I just think it’s terrible for the people of north Warwickshire. Most of the guys who work at Premier live in the surrounding areas of Bedworth, Nuneaton, all the surrounding villages. This has upset them.”
  Despite this controversy, the people of Coventry are increasingly thrilled at the preparations happening for the arrival of the torch. Councillor John Mutton, who has put Coventry on the sporting map since hosting the international children’s sports day in 2005, is excited about the news:
 “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to host the Olympic flame in Coventry and we are sure its visit will provide a celebration many of us will never forget. There is a whole host of 2012-inspired activity taking place in Coventry and across our region right now and I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in any way they can before the chance passes us by.”
  With the town playing host to both the torch relay, and the Olympic games, Coventry has truly earned the honour of being the second largest participator of the 2012 Olympics.

Computer games: A good medical addition

Firstly you have to know that I am a ‘geek’. The epitome of a nerd, spending countless hours reading books ( or one book really Sherlock Holmes is my latest addiction). I listen to classical and enjoy 60′s swing music. Luckily for me I found the Holmes to my Adler (Sherlock Holmes only ever fell in love with one girl called Irene Adler see even my references are nerdy)

Spending hours playing halo as a teenager, I found war games the most addictive games around. The skill needed in eliminating 15 different types of alien in less than an hour is remarkable. I thought nothing of the medical implications at that tender age rather distracted by watching ‘grunts’ run around screaming because you have ‘stuck’ them with a grenade.
Then I met my Holmes in the form of Josh, and along with my love for him came his love for computer games. One in particular, call of duty! Now Josh has ADHD as I found out on our first date when I gave him 4 red bulls and watched him try to sit still and it was painful for him not to be moving- but I have found that when playing computer games he stays still.

Anyone with experience of ADHD will know that five minutes of peace is heaven sent when your other half can not stop moving. Also dyspraxic, Joshes spacial ability has increased no end with the use of the Xbox controller. Having to concentrate not only on what is happening on the screen in front of him and judge whether or not his bullet will reach the enemy in time but he also has to figure out the dynamics of the Xbox controller to get his character to respond the way he wants him to.

Lost in thought

Now I’m all for computer games being educational, but has anyone thought that sometimes there are medical advantages to this to? Think its time people realised games are not just for fun!

Christmas this year….different

Digging through my wardrobe for my thick jumpers, cardigans and coats is always the sign for me that christmas is here. I get the jittery feeling in my stomach, start smiling for no reason and even dig out a wombling merry christmas. It is tacky but I guarantee it will put a smile on your face as uncle Bulgaria starts singing

Now the snowy month is December which I love because it is so busy, I have my anniversary on the 7th, my birthday on the 16th and of course Christmas.

But has the magic got any less….No!! I get so excited about my birthday, and this year the anniversary is special as our relationship has taken a whole different dynamic as we enter adulthood and embark on the life we want for the forseeable future. Although I have already gotten out of him that he has got me a necklace which I am sure will be beautiful,I will be petrified to wear it as I lose everything lol I will try my hardest to not take it off.

My birthday has always been outshone by christmas, the stores are packed with nervous shoppers trying to control the kids excitement at Santa visiting, our city centre becomes a winter wonderland (last year was Harry Potter themed, which was so exciting for me) and christmas carols are everywhere. I don’t try to fight it, I was never a ‘normal teenager’ and clubbing was not for me. My favourite thing to do on my birthday and christmas day is be with my family

Some of the family at dinner

Against my will, my birthday situation is changing. I know I am entering adulthood and birthday meals are in order but the 5 year old in me wants no expenses spared and my mum smiling at me as she wakes me up. This is not happening, as an attempt to become individuals and not the one unit we have become mum is going on holiday with her friend. She will return on my birthday in the late afternoon and then we will go for dinner, I am assured I will have her howling Happy Birthday to me down the phone

The dynamic of christmas changed 5 years ago when my Auntie Lynda passed away, before christmas eve was a night of baking. Mince pies, Sausage Rolls, Samosas and getting the food on the freezing christmas eve morning at 5am. I loved it, mum would wake me up and ensure I had enough layers on and then we would go to the local supermarket to pick up the veg for dinner and we would spend the day prepping it.
This was christmas, opening parcels with riddles on and trying to figure them out as Aunties were always a little out there but for me the four of us (mum, me, auntie and my big bro) made christmas special. With the addition of my niece and nephew christmas has become magic all over again as Santa now really exists.

We now go to an indian restaurant as a family on christmas eve and sit relaxing. The excitement is when we return home. Ever since I was a little girl my mum has made me a hot chocolate and put me to bed reading t’was the night before christmas. Even at 22 I make her do it to me as I love it.
This year, its changing. With Iain having his own family they seem to only spend a few hours here and then 2 days at his girlfriends mum. This upsets me every year but I know it has to change, I can’t kidnap Iain as he is 6ft and would over power me, although I do still try =D. Last year, we had to work christmas day, driving around in the snow storm making sure the elderly got food and care. This year it’s just us and everything is slightly different and I have never been so excited.

Slippers, jumpers and woolly hats. Toys, chocolate and tv are just a few of the things I will be enjoying this christmas without the expense. If there aren’t a lot of us, we don’t need to buy huge amounts of food that cost us our months wage for 2 days! Just a few luxurious bits and a day with mum, what more could a girl want.