Heat Walks Against Me

2006-11-01T12:03:00.000Z

Today I have moved.

I Believe In Symmetry

2006-08-11T13:12:00.000+01:00

Ultimate Frisbee...

Most people think its funny that I play Frisbee, i've heard nearly all the jokes and it's quite annoying. So here's a video I found on youtube to show that it's not just throwing a frisbee at the park...

Listening to now: Jude Law And A Semester Abroad (acoustic version)- Brand New

2006-08-10T13:15:00.000+01:00

I've decided to become a nicer person.

Less of the brooding dark knight and more of the loving individual.

Crazy I know.

Listening to now: Redwing- Guillemots

2006-08-02T17:07:00.000+01:00

This is my hundreth blogpost.

I hurt my hand yesterday so it's really swollen.

My knuckle is sticking out at a very odd angle.

Listening To Now: Nudnik Headache- Jonny Greenwood

2006-08-01T13:12:00.000+01:00

Recently I have mainly been listening to Bright Eyes...

Probably because I really, really want to be emo but can't be bothered. Yeah.

2006-08-01T13:09:00.000+01:00

Recently I have mainly been listening to Bright Eyes...

2006-07-31T15:36:00.000+01:00

Arising From The Ashes...

Perhaps a little overstated.
but nevertheless i'm back from months in the blogwilderness.

It's been a strange few months,
solitude being the main highlight,
loneliness broken by occasional shards of light.

Pain, coming often,
both physical
and emotional
and spiritual.

We learn and we grow,
that which does not kill,
only makes us stronger.
So the saying goes.

I have lost a lot,
but gained wisdom,
everyman's elixir.

I am very serious.

Listening to now: Black Comedy- Bright Eyes

2006-04-15T11:41:00.000+01:00

Wikipedia Challenge...

via Jon...

The challenge? Go to Wikipedia.com. Type in your birth date (but not year). List three events that happened on your birthday. List two important birthdays and one interesting death. Post this in your journal.

3 Events:

1775 - American Revolutionary War: Patrick Henry delivers his famous speech -"give me liberty or give me death" at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia.

1919 - In Milan, Italy, Benito Mussolini founds his Fascist political movement.

1933 - The Reichstag passes the Enabling Act, making Adolf Hitler dictator of Germany.

2 Birthdays

1929 - Sir Roger Bannister, British runner

1968 - Damon Albarn, English musician (Blur and Gorillaz)

1 Death

2002 - Ben Hollioake, English cricketer (b. 1977)

2006-03-06T16:36:00.000Z

The next few weeks will see the beginings of my academic research life. My module on the Renaissance is centered upon original research, something that doesn't usually happen till the dissertation next year. Research is exciting, because it allows me to pursue ideas that I enjoy and am interested in. Therefore this project will be a fusion of literature and theology and I aim to look at the role of the doctrine of salvation on Renaissance literature and the implications of faith and politics on martyrdom in my two essays. That means i'll actually have a reason to talk about the doctrine of election for once... which my housemate, after six months of work, now holds too!! Sweet.

On another note, I watched 21 grams last night, an excellent film that I encourage anyone to watch. Despite the suggestive title its not about drugs and stars Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benici Del Torro (who looks like a distorted Brad Pitt).

2006-03-03T12:45:00.000Z

This year has so far been rather hectic, time has truely flown by and i've just finished my fifth week of lectures in Semester 2... scary. My blogging has somewhat suffered due to the rather bizzare lifestyle I now... 'enjoy'... My week generally consists of me having nearly all my lectures on Mondays and Tuesdays aswell ass Ultimate Frisbee training, International Cafe and Christianity Explored (i'm running it) which generally means that by Wednesday i'm completely knackered and in need of a good lie in... but oh no! Wed morning means Exec prayer meeting at 8 which again knackers me out... but at least makes me do a small amount of the huge volume of work I need to do. So then on to Thursdays... Doh! thats my work day (as in paid work) so its up at seven... which means that by Friday I am so thoroughly tired that it take a very long lie in and most of the weekend to recover, only to start the whole process again... I really feel like my life is a wheel at the moment.

But anyway, its generally still quite fun.

In other news... I gave blood last week for the first time, a rather good achievment for me seen as i was quite terrified, and my friend Nez came to give me support which was well needed! I've also made a lot of progress on my anthology which i'm still hoping to produce by the summer. I now have a total of 65 credibal poems which I need to whittle down to 38. I've made most of the Editorial decisions needed (at least for the moment- they'll probably change) so I can announce that the anthologies title will be The Artful Dodger and will contain ten photographic images by myself and someone else. So yes, thats pretty much it. I hope to get it published by the summer... possibly a tad ambitious so we'll see. Anyway, off for some lunch now- do have a good day and enjoy the snow.

2006-02-01T13:08:00.000Z

Academically speaking, life looks like it's going to be a lot better.

This semester i'm taking three modules, Jonson to Johnson, Writing the Renaissance and Victorian Lit. J to J and WtR both fit superbly well together and i'll be looking at some of the same texts from different angles. Thats good because you can never get enough Ben Jonson. There are other reasons why i'm excited; Writing The Renaissance is a research project, essentially a link to the dissertation, and i'm looking forward to creating a portfollio of original material from the Renaissance based on the theme of Faith. In Jonson to Johnson I have a fantastic lecturer, Prof Tom Corns, who happens to be one of the worlds leading scholars on John Milton which will certainly be very handy when we study Milton. Theres only eleven on the course so it will be fantastic to work with such a learned (and nice) man in reasonably close quarters. I'm not too fussed about Vic Lit, its not really an area that I want to step into next year but I felt the need to have some more width this semester which is why I chose it. Today we looked at Matthew Arnold, a very gifted natural poet that I haven't come across (other than in name) we studied his poems 'Dover Beach' and 'The Buried Life' and I enjoyed both. So yeah, thats a little overview of what i'll be studying, lets hope the excitement doesn't wear off too fast.

Listening to now: Oxford Town- Bob Dylan

2006-01-28T13:22:00.000Z

I'll be back... I promise.

Due to the stress and strain of exams, as well as several other mind-consuming problems that have risen recently i'm afraid that I have somewhat rolled of the blogsphere recently. However that will soon change as life bends into normality. I don't have the time to post now (the familiar aching and boiling of my blood before two on a saturday has started, i'm about to live on adreniline for the next few hours of Ultimate Frisbee) but i just wanted to register my existence and promise that I shall resume blogging regularily. Until the next post, take care and be sure to wash behind your ears.

Listening to now: Edge Of Seventeen- Stevie Nicks

2006-01-04T16:34:00.000Z

I'm not an egoist...

Last week was spent, in the most part, with me taking pictures of myself. I don't really know why, it just seemed fun at the time. Here are some of the results:

There is a point to this series of photos... i'm hoping to use them (well better quality ones) as illustrations for my anthology which i'm hoping will be finished by the sumer.

Becs and I like our little close-up photos... i'm sure no-one else does but we don't really care!

I went on a lovely walk with my family and Becs in Dovedale, Derbyshire and we took lots of landscape photos. The bridge shot is Becs's, not sure about the others though. We're a team anyway :-D

Listening to now: Death Or Glory- The Clash

2006-01-03T13:49:00.000Z

A New Year...

I'm back in Bangor now, ready to get my head down to prepare for my exams later this month. The holidays were mainly a refreshing break for me and I enjoyed seeing some people. However now that i'm back life will start to get hard again very quickly! Anyway, I just wanted to register myself before heading home to tidy my disgrace of a room. I'll do a more in depth post some time over the next few days, aswell as adding a nice pretty picture of me onto the sidebar! Bet you can't wait...

Listening to now: I Want To Be A Popstar- Jamie Cullum

2005-12-31T14:06:00.000Z

Lists, lists, lists...

My 25 favourite albums!!

Ok Computer- Radiohead
The Bends- Radiohead
Deja Entendu- Brand New
Bringing It All Back Home- Bob Dylan
Open Heart Zoo- Martin Grech
Origins of Symmetry- Muse
Morning View- Incubus
The Joshua Tree- U2
Room On Fire- The Strokes
Blonde on Blonde- Bob Dylan
Parachutes- Coldplay
Kid A- Radiohead
Wish You Were Here- Pink Floyd
Shaman- Carlos Santana
O- Damien Rice
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots- Flaming Lips
Elephant- The White Stripes
Rage Against The Machine- Rage Against The Machine
Rumours- Fleetwood Mac
Automatic For The People- REM
Word Gets Around- Stereophonics
Hail To The Thief- Radiohead
Gutterflower- Goo Goo Dolls
Ten- Pearl Jam
Make Yourself- Incubus

2005-12-27T10:31:00.000Z

2005: In retrospect

A list of 10 really, really good things that happened in 2005

Going to see Coldplay with Becs at the Reebok stadium in June.
Making some groovy new friends (in Bangor and Cambridge)
Living in my very first house (rented).
Two super-sweet visits to London. Firstly with Jon in July and secondly with Becs in Oct.
Dan and Sarah's wedding.
'Not the Grand Nationals' Ultimate Frisbee tournament in Liverpool (finished a surprise 3rd)
Cambridge International Outreach (best two weeks of the year)
David Finnie's sermon on Psalm 19 (the drooler!)
CU houseparty in Quinta, October. And the awesome game of Mao on Sat night.
England winning the Ashes and having the satisfaction of not being a 'glory-fan'.

A list of 10 really, really bad things that happened in 2005

My Grandma being terminally ill and simply waiting for her to die.
Having an assessed essay questioned for plagarism (I was innocent).
Faber & Faber rejecting some of my poems.
Hurting the lower left cartilidge in my knee (and being to stupid to see a doctor).
Having a 'chat' with Cheryl.
Wales winning the Grand Slam.
Not being allowed into the Indoor UK Nationals (Ultimate) despite qualifying.
Repeatedly getting irrate with Alex.
Being forced to read feminist literature.
The earthquake in Pakistan.

Listening to now: All Night Long- Lionel Ritchie.

2005-12-23T21:23:00.000Z

A world premiere...

Memory #2000

She left me for a husky
Mexican man; the irony!

Travelled in a roaring whirl
wind for six agonising years.

Jumping city to city:
Dubai to Monserat and back.

But then he got bored; and picked
up an Irish lass named Connie.

Listening to now: Smooth- Carlos Santana ft. Rob Thomas

2005-12-22T21:55:00.000Z

At the moment I mainly love...

(Dylan Moran)

In Black Books.

Listening to now: New Millenium Homes- Rage Against The Machine

2005-12-21T12:33:00.000Z

Recently I have been mainly listening to...

Funeral For A Friend. A powerful post-Emo Welsh band. You have heard of them, you may have not. You may have listened to them, you may have not. But I love them right here, right now. They're not in the same league as other post-Emo bands such as Brand New (as if that was possible) but they are pretty sweet. Here follows the lyrics to two of my favourite songs from the 2005 album Hours:

History

Dear friends of this academy

Oh, Romeo is bleeding to death..

To see a friend bleed to death

What for, some kind of metaphor

That I can't see..

So I'll drink until I see it.

This sky will make me sick,

So I'll give up on you,I'll give up on this.

This sky will make me sick,

So I'll give up on this,I'll give up on you.

Archers in your arches,

Raise your fingers for one last salute..

And bleed this skyline dry

Your history is mine.

So you want to hold me up and bring me down?

Yes, you want to hold me up and break me down

I don't care for your sweet scent

Or the way you want me more than I want you.

I don't care for your sweet scent

Or the way you want me more than I want you.

It's all mine.. it's all mine.. it's all mine...

The End Of Nothing

Killing you

Might be the only chance I have

Of recovery

But I know it's so severe

As you know it would be

The punishment, it fits the crime.

So let's take this knife (Take this knife)

And run it down your chest

Does this feel like love? (Feel like love)

Here we are waiting

So let's take this knife

And run it down your chest

Does this feel like love?

Here we are waiting

The light looks good against

The bruises on your cheek

Another medal that you'll have to wear this week

The light looks good against

The bruises on your cheek

Another medal that you'll have to wear this week

Killing me

Might be the only chance you have

Of recovering

But I know it's so severe

As you know it would be

The punishment, it fits your crime.

So let's take this knife (Take this knife)

And run it down your chest

Does this feel like love? (Feel like love)

Here we are waiting

So let's take this knife

And run it down your chest

Does this feel like love?

Here we are waiting

The light looks good against

The bruises on your cheek

Another medal that you'll have to wear this week

The light looks good against

The bruises on your cheek

Another medal that you'll have to wear this week

You and I, will die alone tonight

You and I, will lie alone tonight

You and I, will die alone tonight

You and I, will die alone.

2005-12-19T11:26:00.001Z

Rich's 2005 in pictures...

... well from October onwards.

Who'd have thought that I had the same hands as Clint Eastwood?

Becs at Covent Garden.

The scariest street mime ever!

With Becs at the start of our Great Adventure to London!!

I love the houses of Parliament, such an eye-catching building.

When in London Becs stayed with our friends Phil and Liz Orchard and their gorgeous daughters, Rebecca...

... and Bethany!

Sweet photogenic effects courtesy of Mark's breath!

The view from Bangor Pier, so much better than Aber!!

With Tim at Mao night. Possibly the worst Zoolander poses ever...

The worlds stupidest game of Mao (Tim is honestly not gay!)

Mark

Joey and the Ukeleli that just never worked...

Tim dressed rather bizarrely as Atlantis and Mark as a Russian Peasant (die bourgeois scum!!)

The Beautiful alcove at Quinta frequented during CU Houseparty.

Myself and Tom in blurry action pose.
With Nerys at the CU banquet.

'The King' in uber-emo pose.

With Steff pulling some kind of weird face.

With Cheryl, probably before she either physically or verbally abused me... (jokes/jokes :p)

'Nezza' and 'Chezza' pre CU banquet.

Listening to now: Forget About Me- Hobo Exile Hotel

2005-12-16T18:37:00.000Z

Apologies for the lack of quality posting recently, normal service shall resumer when I return homr tomorrow...

2005-12-15T14:55:00.000Z

Little Acorns

Take all your problems
And rip 'em apart

Carry them off
In a shopping cart

And another thing
You should've known from the start
The problems in hand
Are lighter than at heart

Be like the squirrel, girl
Be like the squirrel
Give it a whirl, girl
Be like the squirrel

And another thing
You have to know in this world
Cut up your hair
Straighten your curls

Well, your problems
Hide in your curls

2005-12-13T19:57:00.000Z

I don't think that i've ever wanted to go home so much as I do right now.

Listening to: Under the bridge- Red Hot Chilli Peppers

2005-12-11T12:45:00.000Z

Yesterday started as one of the worst days of my life...

But got gradually better... I rose at around half seven so that I could trek to the other side of Bangor for an eight O'Clock CU exec decision day. We had a day to decide who the next exec would be after nominations were placed during the last CU main meeting. Tom, my housemate, told me that last years decision day was a disaster, going well over nine hours of mental torment, so it was cool that we got to half nine with nine out of twelve desicions under the belt! But then it went disastourisly wrong. I can't actually divulge anything yet in case anyone concerned randomly reads this, but I will when the time is right. Needless to say that i was not a happy bunny. After we had finished (I can't help but feel that we won't be finished properly for a while yet) I headed to the last Ultimate session of the year, only to give up after five minutes with a severe dizzy spell, thinking that i was going to black out and retching on any empty stomach (sorry!!!) anyway, i headed home and sat on the sofa for about an hour to relax. Generally everything up to then was pretty rubbish :S but then in the evening I had a really sweet game of Mao with some of my friends, and had a chat with my friend Sam about the exec events which was really helpful. So yeah generally a crap day that got better towards the end! Sorry to complain.

Listening to now: Sic Transit Gloria... Glory Fades- Brand New

2005-12-10T12:17:00.000Z

From Jon

Seven things to do before I die
1. Procrastinate
2. Get married and procreate
3. Not be labelled 'controversial'
4. Meet Bob Dylan
5. Write a really really good poem
6. Not be consiedered generally as a joke
7. Climb Angel Falls

Seven things I cannot do
1. Be beaten on EA Rugby 2005
2. Become a Charasmatic
3. Eat a potato crisp until 2012
4. Celebrate Josef Stalin's birthday
5. Admit to liking Jimmy Eat World
6. Stop being sarcastic
7. Appreciate Arminiasm

Seven things that attract me to my spouse
all things in relationships are officialy confidential...

Seven things I say most often

1.Stop being an idiot Al
2. Anyone want a coffee?
3. No, I don't have ADHD
4. Wasn't that a sweet layout?
5. I'm fed up with the CU
6. Who's up for a game of Mao?
7. Well I get up before seven every day anyway.

Seven books (or series) I love (Bible not included)

1. Walk Two Moons
2. Captain Correli's Mandolin
3. Holiness by JC Ryle
4. Hymn to intellectual beauty
5. Hendriksen's N.T Commentaries
6. Calvin & Hobbes Almanac
7. My family and other animals

Seven movies I watch over and over again (or would watch over and over if I had the time)

1. The Waterboy
2. The O.C Series 1 & 2
3. Star Wars 4-6
4. Shrek
5. Legends of the fall
6. Gladiator
7. Spinal Tap

Seven people I want to join in, too

1. Thom
2. James
3. Mark
4. Hwee-Chong
5. Caleb
6. Bob
7. Rob Whiteway

2005-12-05T15:45:00.000Z

I wish...

That i'd never decided to study literature at Uni. Sure, its by far and away my best subject and at times I do seem to have a sort of natural flare for it, but studying it so intensely seems to have taken so much out of my enjoyment of reading. Gone are the days when I could pick up any random book and simply melt into it for hours. It has become a constant battle to force myself to do my set reading and most of the time i end up losing.

2005-12-04T20:15:00.000Z

My pastor, David Finnie, preached a wonderful sermon today on Romans 3. He looked at Righteousness through faith and concentrated on three points:

Christians should never boast about their salvation.
Christians should never think they are greater than other believers.
Christians should jettison the law.

It was the kind of sermon that really challenged me and left me looking at how I am wrong in my life and should change. David is such a fine teacher and I am very grateful for his ministry.

2005-12-01T12:00:00.000Z

With Compliments...

My friend Cheryl, a student at Bangor, paid me a very welcome compliment the other day. She said that upon meeting me she thought I was very similair to the great Seth Cohen (of O.C fame.) Seth is one of my heroes in life so I thought it was a pretty cool thing to say. I've now borrowed the first season DVD off Cheryl and afterr watching some of it Tom and I agree that its alarming how like Seth I am. A complete geek... and yet seriously cool... You know its true.

Listening to now: Words- The Doves

2005-11-30T10:35:00.000Z

Regarding a genius...

I find the general animosity towards Bob Dylan in today's generation very frustrating. In my mind Dylan is one of the most influential cultural figures of the Twentieth century, his music inspired a generation and he can be seen as much a radical poet as Keates or Shelley. Yet my housemates won't let me put his albums on because: "he can't sing" or "He's boring".

In my opinion 'Bringing it all back home' and 'Blood on the tracks' are two of the finest album i've ever heard. May his prophetic words be "blowin' on the wind" for a while longer yet.

Listening to now: Patience- Guns 'n' Roses

2005-11-29T11:25:00.000Z

What a difference a bit of fitness makes...

This year I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee extremely poorly, I seem to make mistakes all the time and often can't grasp the basics of throwing and catching. I've been so bad that last week I left training early in a rage having not managed to complete a single pass... not a good example for the men's captain to be setting for the club. However last night there surfaced a small glimpse of my old self, I played hard, concentrated hard and everything seemed to come together. At my best I am the kind of player who likes to bully a game, always demanding the disc in my hand and moving it up the pitch at my own pace, last night I did that effectivly. As Costas (the club social sec) said "you like fit, fast and good. That scares me!" I'm not really a player that stands out at any part of ultimate, i'm not a great handler, reciever or defender but i'm generally good at everything which means that I can fit in anywhere. I'm known at the club for my speed (hence the above quote) something that has always been a factor in my sporting life whatever the sport and recently i've found that my fitness is improving and therefore also my speed (logical I know) last night was a great relief for me. I love Ultimate passionatly and its always frustrating to play poorly, i'm glad that last night I was able to feel good about the way I played.

I now have three straight hours of lectures and no pen... its going to be interesting...

Listening to now: Roses for the Dead- Funeral For A Friend

2005-11-28T15:42:00.000Z

Musings...

Hamlet is a far easier play to get to grips with than I had previously thought, although the sheer volume of the text is daunting it is very engaging and allows for easy reading- as easy as possible for early 17thC literature. I still wouldn't study it out of choice but then that sentiment is felt for nearly all the plays I have to study on the Shakespeare course. Personally I would only choose to study The Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night and The Tempest of the plays given- my personal favourite Shakespeare play are: Macbeth, Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard II, Taming of the Shrew and (surprisingly??) Romeo and Juliet. Nevermind, I was warned years ago that i would never actually get to do anything I liked at University... a slight exaggeration but sometimes it feels so.

I would like to take some time to present the various sites I visit, those under the heading 'Haunting Grounds' on the right:

Waiting Room Of The World
The home of one of my oldest friends, Jon, a student at St Andrews University in Scotland- a very well maintained blog that is regularily updated with various items of news- usually involving his acaemic area of expertise, theology.

Unbeknown Paedobaptist
Named after a succesful googlewhack I seem to remember... the blogs owner, James, is a friend of mine from CCIW unfortunately James seems to update his blog even less frequently than myself...

Ashes In The Fall
I'm never actually sure whether this is the blogs title or if its You Forget So Easy as the webs title suggests... maybe i should ask sometime. Thom's blog is a very entertaining read whatever the weather and i'm glad to see that he's studying a worthwhile subject...

Student of Life
Bec's brother Caleb- a student at Cardiff University. Again, a very intersting read, whether he's posting on theology, literature or the day as he sees it.... just don't get him on to Doctor Who...

The Zone
My good friend Mark, studying with me at Bangor. We are both former Rathboners and current CU execers. Mark is one of the funniest people I know and one of the best people i've ever met, I would encourage everyone to check out his blog (theres currently a picture of my on there which should provide extra incentive!!)

The Bangor Theologian
Home of Hwee-Chung, also a student at Bangor and Rathboner. Hwee has a grin that would melt butter and is still waiting for me to bake the merangue I promised...

Shared4u
Shared4u is the home of Rob Whiteway, my former youth leader and pastor in the making- check out his weight loss program, it only comes round once a year!!

Listening to now: Echo- Incubus

2005-11-28T09:28:00.000Z

Everyone knows that Monday's suck...

I don't have any lectures on Mondays and therefore everyone thinks that I do nothing... here's news for you... sometimes I do stuff. Seriously. Today I have to read/understand/analyse Hamlet and The first canto of Don Juan before 5 O'clock and if you've ever seen either of those publications in print then you'll know that they are both very meaty works. I can't stand having to do reading, it takes out all the enjoyment. Anyway, i'm not really doing anything else much at the moment so if I don't have anything to blog, I won't- simple as that.

Listening to now: Soco Amaretto Lime- Brand New

2005-11-26T13:50:00.000Z

Sometimes in life I need a good kicking...

... and Caleb has very kindly helped give me one in his last blog-post. I've had a fair few epic theological debates with Caleb over the years (usually when Becs is at work) and I very rarely admitt he's right (:-P) but... I realise from reading his argument that too much of the time that I am one of the dreaded 'Knowledge-seekers'. Probably because of the various things i've experienced in my Christian walk I take a very reactionary stance against 'experience-seekers' which as Caleb says is extreme- but not extreme enough. It shouldn't mean that I push all forms of experience away in a mass dustbin bag. I shall strive to be a far more Godly Christian, seeking to please God on his terms, not mine. So thanks Caleb :-)

In other news: I'm going to watch the new Harry Potter film tonight, which isn't really a good idea for those i'm going with... I find that the films just don't meet up to the standards of my imagination, and therefore complain lots... :D Becs refuses to watch them with me after the last one (hehe) But its a pretty good chance to do things with my friends and it just might be half decent... oh well :)

Listening to now: Grey Street- Dave Matthews Band

2005-11-25T10:42:00.000Z

Tonight at 12 Snowdon view...

There commences an epic game of conflict, pitting academic goliaths against each other in an intense game of wit, confuson and plain old frustration: it's Moa time!!! Should be pretty awesome, theres about twenty people coming round which means some crazy play and at least one casualty (probably Mark) Other news in Bangor: i'm currently working on a seven part poem based on Eliot's Waste Land. So far I have completed the first three parts (Song to the dead, Under the bridge, and Life is for living) up to first draft level. Actually I don't bother with re-drafting so unless I have any major ideas they're finished. I'm also starting another seven part poem, although nothing is comitted to paper at the moment. Academically i'm reading DH Lawrence's Rainbow, Hamlet and Byron at the moment, not my personal choice of literature (i'd go for Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited, Merchant of Venice and Shelley) but then it rarely is...

Currently listening to: I could die for you- Red Hot Chilli Peppers

2005-11-24T13:19:00.000Z

Two whole Posts in one day because its.......

The Rich Awards 2005!!!!!

'The most vied for music awards in Bangor.'

Album of the year: Morning View- Incubus

Artist of the year: Bob Dylan

Song of the year: Play Crack Sky- Brand New

Cover of the year: High and Dry- Jamie Cullum

Video of the year: Always- Blink 182

Best Newcomer: Hobo Exile Hotel

Live album of the year: Rage Against The Machine- Live In Mexico City

Gig of the year: Martin Grech- The Colliseum, Coventry

(Honourable mentions also go to: James Blunt, Counting Crows, Dave Matthews, Pink Floyd, Chikinki, Elbow, Guns 'n' Roses, Elton John, My Chemical Romance, U2, Idlewild, Funeral For A Friend and Delirious)

2005-11-24T13:03:00.000Z

This blogsite has been running for almost two years but has just 65 posts- an embarrassing statistic that proves my incredible laziness. I'm going to try and get back into regular posting again... so here's to a post a day for the next month and not much after...

In fairness my life gets so hectic at times; you wouldn't believe how much. For example, this week I reckon i've had about 20 hours sleep in total- sleeping problems? Nope. All night drunken revels? Nope. Five essays a week? Nope. Just doing work till the early hours and getting up at half six every day (actually thats a lie, today i had a lie-in: up at 7:55.) Here's what I did yesterday as a small sample: Up at half six for an hours private bible study and prayer, shower, breakfast etc., CU exec prayer meeting at Eight, seminar at nine till ten, hours break, seminar eleven till twelve, work twelve till half seven, reading till nine, Parkour on the rooftops of Bangor till half ten, bit more reading, bed. Stupid huh?? I mean where was I supposed to fit in the quality Xbox time?

Ah well nevermind, i'm a student- i'm SUPPOSED to not sleep and drink far too much caffeine and get exhauseted.

In regards to the old PK, i've taken things to a whole new level recently. It used to be about ground work- small buildings- walls I can easily vault etc. but now its gone far more special. Last night we got onto the roof of Time, the SU nightclub, and almost got caught by the bouncers and then went on a rooftop journey over the major science buildings. At one point I was holding onto a rail by one hand a good twenty meatures above a very hard looking ground. That was an adrenaline rush (more like toilet rush.) I took some photos on my digital so if the light has worked ill put them on here.

Anyhow, time to get going home- life is too short to spend on the computer, esp when there's the Chemistry tower to conquer...

2005-07-12T18:47:00.000+01:00

Why does everything happen to me...?

What an eventful summer so far. First i damaged the cartalidge in the lower left of my knee rendering me painfully inactive for several weeks... then i witnessed one of my best friends get married, a truely emotional experience for all involved (mostly the bride and groom I must admitt)... then I spent a wonderful week with my girlfriend culminating in seeing Coldplay live in Bolton... then i spent a bizarre week in London that went from amazing (Met Tab school of theology, London 2012 parties, the joy of good hospitality and even better friends) to extreme terror (London bombings).

Sometimes I look at my life and wonder how anyone could possibly live such a boring and pathetic existence... sometimes I realise that life's only as boring as you allow it.

2005-07-12T12:50:00.000+01:00

You scored as Reformed Evangelical. You are a Reformed Evangelical. You take the Bible very seriously because it is God's Word. You most likely hold to TULIP and are sceptical about the possibilities of universal atonement or resistible grace. The most important thing the Church can do is make sure people hear how they can go to heaven when they die.

Reformed Evangelical

96%

Fundamentalist

75%

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

71%

Neo orthodox

64%

Emergent/Postmodern

39%

Roman Catholic

21%

Classical Liberal

11%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

Modern Liberal

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

2005-05-22T21:17:00.000+01:00

Its amazing how music stirs the soul...

From: Jon

Amount of Music on my computer: 5.76 GB- my CD collection and some more.

The last CD I bought: The Rat Pack live in New Orleans- fairly poor sound quality but not bad for a pound.

Item playing right now: Holiday by Green Day- just randomly on Launch! quite a good song but nothing to write home about, managed to get almost thrown out of the main Student Union bar for somehow getting into a mosh-circle- one of Uni life's little quirks.

5 songs I listen to a lot:
1) Not A Job- Elbow: can't say i'm particularily a fan of Elbow but this song is a lovely little melody.

2) Penicilin- Martin Grech: a really talented musician- the build up is so tense, cant wait to see him in two weeks.

3) The Chain- Fleetwood Mac: has everything you could ever really want in a song, especcially Stevie Nicks.

4) Landslide- Billy Corgan: Although the original Nicks song is a lot better I play this version more because a) its live b) its acoustic and c) its Billy Corgan.

5) Civil War- Guns 'n' Roses: seems to always be 'randomly' picked by itunes, not the best Roses song but its pretty sweet, i love the spoken parts because i'm sad.

Five people to whom I'm passing the baton:

Bob

2005-02-12T23:32:00.000Z

Today I watched 'Big Fish' starring Ewan Mcgregor, quite probably the most surreal film i've ever seen. Thoroughly enjoyable though. My apologes for the lack of posting recently, i appear to be incredibly busy.

2005-02-07T20:20:00.000Z

Having enjoyed Caleb's recent post on his enjoyment of the poem Batter My Heart by John Donne I have decided two share two of my current favourite poems on my blog. The first is actually actually a poem by Ben Jonson on John Donne himself and I came across it recently in my Reading the Renaissance module:

Donne, the delight of Phoebus and each Muse
Who, to thy one, all other brains refuse;
Whose every work of thy most early wit
Came forth example, and remains so yet;
Longer a-knowing than most wits do live;
And which no affection praise enough can give!
To it, thy language, letters, arts, best life,
Which might with half mankind maintain a strife.
All which I meant to praise, and yet I would;
But leave, because I cannot as I should!

What a glowing reference to have! The honour of having Ben Jonson exclaiming how great John Donne is as a poet must have been immense.

My second poem is one written by Sir Paul McCartney of all people. It is from him collection Blackbird Singing, a collection of lyrics and poems between 1965-1999. Although I do not rate a lot of his poems some are of great quality such as this:

On a full moon's eve

On a full moon's eve
A tiger sprang
And gnawed on
Who I used to be

A pale haze lights
The fox's eye
And . . .
Checking once
He leaves by a hole in the hedge

Old loves return
To kiss the lips
In case the empty gallery
Should fill with whispering strangers
Like a flood

I have to say that this poem lept out and bit me (or should I say gnawed!?) so much that I immediately had to rush around Rathbone sharing it with everyone and anyone. It is so beautiful and strong *sigh* yet another poem I wish i'd been able to write :-)

2005-02-05T13:00:00.000Z

Unlike Thom I make no apologies for my selfish posting. As far as I am concerned there are many well more qualified people to talk of the global issues at hand and my minor contribution would be so insignificant it would hardly be worth typing.

On the other hand, there is no other person more adept, qualified or authorised to record my pitiful existence other than myself so that is what I shall strive to do.

After a successful Mission week with CU, I am thoroughly tired having spent four of the past five nights staying up till until well after two. This was thanks to the thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile tea and toast events that we hold.

I actually have a few things to say but now is not the time unfortunately. So my Dear Reader I must leave to eat my lunch and play Ultimate Frisbee, but I shall be back to continue the chronicle of my life. Quell your beating heart until my return by listening to 'I Remember' by Damien Rice. Magical.

2005-01-30T17:42:00.000Z

At UWB we've just started our 2005 mission week. Its very exciting and very tiring :S My apologies if i do not post for a while.

2005-01-26T23:00:00.000Z

If all else is failing in life, pull on your yellow Mad Rock boots, grind your hands to the bone, cause every part of your body to scream with pain and then... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Climbing/5003143.jpg">

2005-01-25T21:41:00.000Z

The frustrations of having a completed post deleted are immense... *sigh*

I did explain my blogging absence recently at great length but now I shall have to do it in soundbites.

Ultimate Frisbee... tournament in Birmingham... qualified for Nationals... amazing... realised rubbishness... played against GB players... realised how to get good... thought i'd died... hard exams... glad they're over... JC Ryle... really helpful... warmly recommend... 1 Thessolonians... studying with Calvin... (not literally)... also warmly recommend... (1 Thess)... loving new modules... have to work on four days... not fair... get fridays off though.

Adiou and godbye!!

2005-01-13T23:37:00.000Z

On Tuesday I had my highest ever hit count since I installed Statcounter- a huge 30 hits!! However i've only had stat counter for a month so I may technically have had a higher amount of hits before.

In other news: I now have a house! I shall be living with Tom, Tim and probably Alex next year in a lovely house not far from Main Arts.

Listening to now: White Winged Dove- Stevie Nicks.

2005-01-11T20:00:00.000Z

I have changed my previous stance on the musical merits of Damien Rice. I did think that he was an average, run-of-the-mill, popstar with a guitar. However I now acknoweldge that any musician capable of writing the song 'Amie' is indeed a good song-writer and musician, well worthy of praise. His music has definately grown on me over the last few months. It's all about his use of the cello! Anyone that uses a chello gets full marks in my books :0) slight exaggeration perhaps :) I also find some of his lyrics fascinating, for example, "So why do you fill my sorrow with the words you've borrowed, from the only place you've known, and why do you sing Hallelujah if it means nothing to you?"

"Nothing unusual, nothing strange.
Close to nothing at all.
The same old scenario,the same old rain
And there's no explosions here
Then something unusual, something strange
Comes from nothing at all"

2005-01-10T20:37:00.000Z

My apologies...

The lack of posting on my blog in the last month has been the result of my returning home for the Christmas holidays. At home I had far more important things to do such as watch TV... Now I am back in Bangor I shall strive to keep you all up to date with my life and thought patterns.

Whilst at home I did not savour the moment to pause my ever-moving, somewhat disturbing 'thought-life'. Instead I came to consider and debate (with myself) a number of trivial issues. Here are my results:

Chris Standring is a marvelous musician: I am indebted to Si for the chance to hear and enjoy this brilliant funky modern jazz guitarist. I thoughrily recommend him.

British television is a joke: This was not merely a sudden realisation over the holidays, I've known it for a while. The morale and quality standards of TV is shocking in this country. And I'm well aware of the irony of my above comment :-)

The true value of good friends: I left them in Bangor.

The true value of a good church: ditto.

Le Parkour is a wonderful sport: Having been made aware of the finer points of PK through Jump Britain I have literally jumped at the chance to have a go myself. It's free and you can do it anywhere. Such fun.

I'd rather not have to work for money: I suppose that's the same for everyone.

The prospect of exams is just as annoying every single time.

The concept of New Year is overrated and ultimately a let down: especially if your family is not invited to the party.

that's about it really. Not very inspiring, intellectual or informative but that's me.

In a way I enjoyed the holidays. It was good to see my family, especially on Christmas and boxing day. But I'm mighty glad to be back with the people, places and activities I most enjoy in life*.

*with the exception of my family, sort of Becky, Old trafford Cricket ground, the seatee, camp, Barcelona, the tour de France and the Cloud)

2004-12-16T14:22:00.000Z

In new music we trust...

Recently I have been listening to Martin Grech. A Musician with imense talent who draws a lot of inspiration from Radiohead. I thoroughly encourage everyone to take the time to listen to him.

Notorious
Person, where do you go?
Jewels and gems won't steal themselves
Where are you?
Where are you?

Notorious
The two of us

Hypocrite, turn into me
You know how important fools are now
Jewel thief

Picking up the pieces of shoddy work
I'm tired of blacking out for you
Get a hold of yourself

Now I am gone
The rest is dead

2004-12-12T14:43:00.000Z

Quality!!!

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

2004-12-10T14:29:00.000Z

Who Am I...?

Imagine the scene:

It's half past twelve, maybe one O'Clock, at night. I've had a long and tiring day. I'm standing in front of my full length cupboard mirror. My streaked blonde hair is far too long, messed up in a sexy Hollywood way on top and flicking up like a bucking bronco round the sides and back. I haven't had my hair cut since September. I'm wearing a black UWB polo shirt with a bright yellow round coller t-shirt underneath. My arms are hanging limply by my side. A yellow rubber band on my right wrist. I'm wearing navy blue shorts, faded by sunlight and dirt, they cover my knees allowing just my shins to be on show. I have green and white stripey socks and grey Emerica skate shoes... I regard myself critically... i'm quite tall... my eyes are currently green... I tend to have a grin on my face... i'm not ugly but i'm not good looking either... I ask myself... who am I?

I suppose i'm no-one. If a stranger saw me in the street they'd pass me by very easily. I have yet to achieve anything in life other than a published article on Ultimate Frisbee and a large collection of penguin wrappers. I am destined to be one of the faces in life that is constantly passed by. Oh well. At least I won't be caught up in trying to achieve things and will be content to do my own thing (currently dicing with death and jumping off walls into various objects)

Life is more fun when no-one cares.

I've also realized that solidarity is an immensly good thing. Socializing is fun but I just get to a point where I think... i'd rather just be with myself.

2004-12-10T14:07:00.000Z

Dun Dun Durrrrrrrr...

The Rich Awards 2004!!!

The most vied for music awards in Bangor.

Album of the year:
American Idiot- Green Day

Artist of the year:
The Flaming Lips

Song of the year:
Scar Tissue- Red Hot Chili Peppers

Cover of the year:
Landslide- Smashing Pumpkins (originally Stevie Nicks)

Video of the year:
This Fire- Franz Ferdinand

Best Newcomer:
Lowdrive

Gig of the year:
Cooper Temple Clause- Time/Amser, Bangor

Live album of the year:
Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds- Best of live

(honourable mentions also go to The Strokes, Seafood, Radiohead, Fleetwood Mac, Snowpatrol, Keane, The White Stripes, PJ Harvey, The Pixies, Morrisey, Muse, The Beatles)

2004-12-10T01:23:00.000Z

What's the point of a CU...?

Although in many cases and for many reasons CU's (particularly in Universities) can be criticized I feel that they do have a positive purpose for their members. A lot of what happens in UWB CU I disagree with, the charismatic 'worship' sessions, choice of speakers sometimes, theological views of some members...

However I am so glad and thankful for my CU, Thursday is the one day of the week other than Sunday when I can escape the constant pressures of secular society and be with like minded (to different degrees) people. I have also found that I have become more tolerant of other Christians views because of my friendships.

CU is not the place I go for spiritual growth, that's will always be my Church, but it is a place where I got to share fellowship with my peers, all of which I love very much.

Yes I do find it irritating that we tend to sing and sing and sing and sing repeatedly the same lines over and over and over again... But at least these people are honest. I've read of people that scoff my brothers and yet do exactly the same thing without realizing it... Or do they?

2004-12-07T16:26:00.000Z

Seren...

The latest edition of Seren, the UWB student newspaper, was released today with a full page article on Ultimate Frisbee by yours truely. Its a poorly written article but I was given very little time to do it so i'm satisfied with it.

I also recieved my rather nice UWB Ultimate Frisbee shirt yesterday with the fantastic Hawkeye
23

on the back. Anyone who can guess the relevence of these two articles will win a prize.

Doing Now: Still wearing shorts...

2004-12-06T17:37:00.000Z

Politiks...

I am a Fascist. It's true. A fragrant Fascist.

Or not.

I am a Christian. A God-fearing, Evangelical, Reformed Christian.

Political leanings are just meaningless.

2004-12-06T13:00:00.000Z

Amazing...

I spent the last weekend at my girlfriend Becky's house in Dollgelau, on the West coast of wales. On Sunday we attended Bala Evangelical church, of which Becky's dad is an Elder of. It is amazing to see that in a church of little over 20 memebers and an average age of at least 55, they have next year managed to acquire the services of Neil Richards, David Finney and Stuart Olyett, three of the finest preachers in Britain. Yet they have no pastor of their own. Some churches insist on the need for an assistent pastor which they perhaps don't need and that is both very sad and unfortunate.

I suggested that the church flies over Don Carson... not likely I suppose.

Doing now: bemoaning the Falcon's 27-0 loss to the Buccs. Maybe City wil lift my spirits tonight... I won't count on it.

2004-11-27T20:37:00.000Z

At around two O'clock this afternoon Peter Laycock, an 18 year old boy from Devon die as the result of a major car crash. The crash occured at around 11 O'clock on Friday and Peter never recovered consciousness.

Although I have never met Peter his brother, Tom (or Farmer Tom to those who knew him), is one of my best friends at Uni. Tom is a second year Agriculture student and an earnest Christian. Peter was not.

Please pray for Tom and the family, he would value that so much.

2004-11-26T13:12:00.000Z

The Beach

We are here,
Our little corner of paradise,
Just You and I.

We can see,
The sun slowly sinking. Casting shades
Of gentle warmth.

We can feel,
The wind pushing from all directions,
Against our embrace.

We both know,
This moment of strength and serenity,
Will too soon pass.

We are one,
Hands locked, rosé cheeks softly touching,
Our cold lips soften.

We are here.
Together. This moment is all ours.
Just You and I.

2004-11-24T23:42:00.000Z

This week has been tough, hence the complete lack of posts. Friday was a very enjoyable day for me, I went to a small 'old-mans' pub called The Nelson with two of my friends (Rach & Rach) for a folk night. Now normally i'm not a fan of folk. Not that I dis-like it but i've never gottan into it. I went along purely to be sociable and ended up having an excellent time. The folk night basically consisted of a load of old men and women (mainly men) spontaniously playing folk songs on a variety of instruments. We whistled, clapped and clicked along for some three hours and were rewarded with sandwhiches at then end. This friday I shall be back. After Nelsons (which finished at approx 12 O'Clock) I headed over to the Welsh Evangelical Church to join a CU event called 'tea & toast' where members of the evanglism team (and any volunteers such as myself) distrubuted... well tea and toast... to people coming out of Time/Amser the Uni nightclub. When I say people I really mean drunks. It was a really fun time and I came away (at almost two) really encouraged by the responses of some of the people (drunks).

Saturday I spend partly doing an essay, partly seeing Becky and partly on a pub crawl for my friends birthday. Dressed as Gangsta's we haunted the streets of Bangor in search for more alcohol. It was more of a light jog for me, I had a bottle of Carlseberg and a pint of Guiness. And several pints of water so that by the end of the night I literally was 'bladdered'. It was a fun night and I enjoyed spending time with Stew (my friend) whom I have been seeing less and less of recently for various reasons.

The early part of this week was mainly spent doing work. I handed in my second Textual Analysis essay (an analysis of My Picture Left In Scotland by Ben Jonson) which was hard work but better than the first. I also read Hamlet and completed a two-man presentation on my own. When I say completed I also mean started. Now I ahve a day off tomorrow which I hope to spend the majority of reading at the pier.

This week I have spent many hours watching films. In a way it's sad, but you can learn a lot from a good film. A film i watched this week that I would thoroughly recommend is 'Legend of the Falls' starring Brad Pitt and Anthoney Hopkins. I won't give a critique of it (i'll leave that to the professionals) but I will say that it is the saddest film I have ever seen. I jsut wanted to hug Becky after watching it.

Tomorrow I have several CU events on which I am excited about, including nominations for next years executive!! Duh duh durrrrrrrrr :) I'd love to get involved in some way, shape or form but i guess it's up to everyone else :p

Have fun ladies and gentlemen.

"SO breaks the sun earth's rugged chains,
Wherein rude winter bound her veins;"

BJ

2004-11-19T14:48:00.000Z

I've just gone and bought my first every bottle of whisky... Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey.... quite clearly it isn't for me. I'd never touch the stuff. I chipped in with a few friends to get it for another friends birthday. He likes it. I don't understand why. But now i have hardly any money left for teh rest of term. Well i had hardly any before but thats not the point. Thankfully after this weekend i'm doing absolutley nothing. In fact i'm going to attempt to not spend a single penny next week. It'll be tough but i can do it.

My computer is completely screwed. When I switch it on it gives me a one minute shut down notice and then re-starts (after a minute) then the process happens again. I'm going to have to find out what the problem is or i'll be very upset.

Love you all.

2004-11-16T16:31:00.000Z

Imagine the scene:

Two trenches opposing one another. Weapons clutched in shaking hands. The atmosphere is changing, theres a gloom hanging over the place. You can hear retching from both sides. A CRACK is fired and a BOOM follows.

In I stroll. My five barrell weapon held firmly in my right hand ready to do battle. I level it, take aim and... open Calvinsim: Documented, Defended, Defined.

Yeah thats right baby, we're having a 'discussion' on Calvinism in cell soon :D I'm having my said weapon of choice imported from England (home) and there's going to be one mighty fight.

I would say that i'll win but obvioiusly I won't. God's word will and int hat sense i'll be on the winning side :) Oh boy, it's going to be so fun.

2004-11-12T10:54:00.000Z

Today I made the final edit on my first Medieval Literature assignment. The 'question' was 'The fault of 'Beowulf' is there is nothing much to the story' discuss. I hate those kind of questions. They're just so open that I end up getting confused and writitng a load of crap. Oh well, good job it isn't an assessd piece. Give me a hard essay any day.

You wouldn't believe the amount of people you get to know at University. Bangor Uni has a population of just over 8,000 students which is nice and small. But 8,000 is still a lot of people, in fact it's a huge amount consiedering the city as a whole has a population of 18,000. I go hardly anywhere in Bangor, it's fantastic for me :) My halls are about 50 metres away from Main Arts so other than going to church and ultimate theres not actually reason for me to stray. Nevertheless I see poeple I know everywhere! Theres always someone from halls, CU, Ultimate or my course who I bump into. Mostly In Mike's Bites actually (the greatest cafe in the world which I will talk about in a later post). I just find it remarkable how many people I know now.

I find it even more remakable that I actually like most of them.

2004-11-11T15:14:00.000Z

You know what? I have absolutley no clue about politics. It's true. So i'm not even going to bother pretending. I know what I believe (at least i'm pretty sure I do) and i'm going to stick to that. I make my vote at the end of the day and what will will.

Something that I do know about is hunger. Right now i'm feeling it like a black man feels the blues or someting like that anyway :p I feel that i'm wasting away at Uni, i'm used to eating a lot at home and its just not happening. At least i'm doing a fair amount of exercise so that tiny remnents of muscle are technically developing.

I can't believe that there's already a film version of Beowulf. That was going to be my lifes work. They changed the story aswell. Thats actually more upsetting and annoying. I don't understand how you could ever have a more appealing story than the one already there. Stupid people. Americans of course.

http://www.greenplastic.com/coldstorage/art/k/king002.jpg

2004-11-10T21:18:00.000Z

Oh boy. It's a long, long time since I posted on this vestige of my humble existence. I could say about my life post September but that would take an awful lot of effort. Considering that i'm sure no-one ever checks this aswell its entirely pointless. Nevertheless I am now at The University of Bangor (thats in sunny Wales if you like many others don't know where it is) studying for a BA in English Literature. It's fun. I've taken up the amazing sport of Ultimate Frisbee. No Seriously. I went to a tournament in Loughborough a couple of weekends ago and we did very well. I managed to destroy my body. I go along to the CU and it's pretty good, it swings from being very good to not so but in general I feel that it helps me. For more spiritual gain I go to Ebenezer Evangelical Church, Pastored by David Finney an excellent teacher of God's word. The church is small and reformed so suits me to the ground.

I believe I mentioned some time ago my great *cough* poetic works. Ok, my shameful attempts to add to the fine art of poetry. I now have an impresive (for me) pile of 7 'acceptable' poems. i.e. ones that I don't think are utter crap. I hope to make this a proud amount of 20 before the end of January so that I can wittle it down again to 10 and complete an ambitious project of mine. It's incredibly hard writing poetry when you know you're awful at it...

On a lighter note I have come up with an intersting sleep theorem. If you're struggling to sleep then move your bed to another part of your room, preferably by a radiator. I did so yesterday and had the best nights sleep for a long time.

Oh and the mighty Falcons are now 6-2 for anyone intersted. Michael Vick is without a doubt a legend. I'd do quite a lot to get a Vick shirt. For not much money. Oh talking of that I managed to get a pair of brand new Emerica Templeton 3 skate shoes for £16!!! RRP of £75 :) that was a pretty good bit of ebaying :) probably nicked i guess.

I leave you my adoring chasm of emptiness with a quote:

"I realise now, standing here,
I seem to have pulled half the sky down on top of me."----terezin.

2004-08-15T15:58:00.000+01:00

So i've finally got round to posting on this again. I've been busy this summer with Beach mission, camp and lots and lots of work :-S I'm insanely tired considering I havent actaully done anything although I have upped my poetry production quite considerably.

On A Pier (Left Alone)

She is walking away,
All my hopes follow her,
My kisses wisp and swirl,
Like missiles after her.

I crave,
Just a hug and a feel of warmth.
A gaze,
of not lust but love.
To have her back in my arms,
But she is walking away.

2004-07-13T07:28:00.000+01:00

My #1 result for the SelectSmart.com selector, Christian Denomination Selector, is Reformed Churches

2004-06-26T21:10:00.000+01:00

Recently i've been busy on the CD purchasing front. I've managed to aquire 5 new albums and a mini live LP so I thought that i'd share them. Note now that I am not a recognised reviewer and am not gifted in this field of writing, nor am I attempting to be. These are purely my opinions.

1) Guns 'n' Roses: Appetite for Destruction:- I've never really listened to G'n'R before and only bought the album on the back of reading a few reviews on Velvet Revolver the post G'n'R band. I'd have to say that this album is a very much over-rated one. The sound quality is poor and Axl Rose's vocals are strained at best, however tracks 6-9 make the album appear better than it actually probably is. 'Sweet child o'mine' is certainly an excellent song and Slash proves himself to be a worthy (not great) guitarist. Overall i'd say 3/5, a decent album but nothing special.

2) Stereophonics: Word Gets Around:- Stereophonics now are laughable but in 1997 they produced one of the best albums of that illustrious decade. The album is classic raw, guitar led rock at its best. It's such a shame that they never repeated this brilliance. Particularily good tracks include 'Local boy in the photograph' and 'thousand trees'. 4/5 for a very good album.

3) Seafood: As the crow flys:- a new and exciting band for me. Described as a 'post grunge' London rock band, they are certianly very interesting. Theres a strong feeling of 'kind of like...' to Seafood. Some tracks are pretty rocky a la Wheezer, early Radiohead, Feeder etc whilst others are more beautiful ballads similar to Coldplay or R.E.M. As the crow flys is a good rock album that won't particularily inspire anyone but should be recognised for what it is. A good 4/5 for this exciting new (for me) band.

4) The Strokes: Room on fire:- The Strokes ae another band that i've never really got into. I got this album basically because i felt like it and i'm glad I did. The Strokes have a firly unique style in that they are very basic and lazy and yet at the same time utterly thorough. I really enjoy listening to this album as I revise because its just so relaxing. A good 3.5/5 for this album although I think it will probably grow more on me.

5) Blink 182: Blink 182:- Out of the three people that I know read this blog i'm sure non will like Blink but hey, I don't care. Blink aren't a musically sound band, they average about 5 chords a song, have heavy bass lines and thumping drum tracks but at the end of the day make cool songs. I've been off Blink for a while now but this album has brought them back home. Blink will always remind me off happy and free times, i'm not sure why but they just do. BLINK ROCK! Not as good as Enema but still a delicious 4/5.

6) Lowdrive- The Newtz Sessions:- My new band :) Lowdrive rock and i'm tipping them for greatness. This is a really cool live album and even though the recording isn't brilliant the songs all sound great. It was free aswell so hey, you can't get better than that. 4/5 watch this space and remember the name: Lowdrive.

Listening to now: Brand New- Soco Amaretto Lime

2004-06-25T07:29:00.000+01:00

Is anyone actually suprised?

Ok so the referee was appalling, Portugal dived like crazy, the penalty shoot out frankly was a farce but England did not deserve to go through. Why? YOU CANNOT DEFEND THAT DEEPLY FOR THE WHOLE SECOND HALF WITH JUST ONE GOAL!!! England were appaling and i have just three more comments (all of which are my opinion)

1) Beckham was a disgrace, the penalty capped an awful performance and an awful tournament from a man who shouldn't be in the side least of all as captain.
2) Owen was back. He was the only player (maybe except from Gerrard) who really looked like he wanted to do something, great goal and brilliant performance, lets try and give him so more chances next time...
3) THe reason England are so bad can be summed up in two words (proper nouns in fact) PHIL NEVILLE. England must be bad if he can get into the team.

To be honest i'm not upset. I was upset when we went out of Euro '96 and France '98 but since then... you come to expect England to lose.

2004-06-23T21:31:00.000+01:00

Here are my predictions for the Euro 2004 quarter finals:

Portugal v England:- I really hope England but home advantage for me says 2-1 Portugal.

France v Greece:- France have played poorly and Greece extremely well but i'm still going 2-0 France.

Holland v Sweden:- I'm going to say Holland 2-1 in extra time although I hope Sweden win.

Denmark v Czech Republic:- 3-1 to the Czech's, both they and Nedved look on fire.

So those are my predictions, i could be wrong, in fact I hope i'm wrong about England but there we go.

2004-06-22T17:02:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my newly designed blog. I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me how i could get my links etc up tot he top as they are currently residing at the bottam of my sidebar. Thanks.

2004-06-22T15:27:00.000+01:00

Is this a little too far? Maybe not, maybe no player has made such an impact since Pele in 1958.

2004-06-21T21:39:00.000+01:00

Well I am pleasantly slightly surprised

Well done England, an excellent display of attacking football. Patricular mention to Rooney, Scholes, Lampard and Owen who all played magnificently. The defense was lamentable and Beckham was non-existent but hey, good game, great win. Only the Home nation Portugal, who were poor against Greece but a lot better against Russia and Spain, to come.

Come on England

Owen was significantly better today, lets hope he is back to his best against Portugal.

Is he really my age?!

2004-06-21T17:36:00.000+01:00

So, England kick off their final group match against Croatia today in just over two hours time. I'm slightly pessimistic for a good result but nevertheless I shall be supporting 'the boys' whole-heartedly. I'm pessimistic because England have a tendency to be beaten by teams they should really beat. I mean England aren't good but then neither are Croatia in reality. Yes I know that they came third in the 1998 World Cup but they are not the team of 'star-studded' internationals, such as Davor Suker, Robert Prosinecki or Zvonimir Boban, that they were. Defensively Croatia are sound, ranked 5th in the tournament by UEFA but going forward they are weak (ranked only ahead of Latvia) having said that they attacked strongly against France and succeeded in getting two valuable goals.

My point (tenuous as it is) is that England should beat Croatia and hopefully they will. But if they play defensively as they did against France and concede a goal I shall not be surprised.

Come on England.

2004-06-19T21:36:00.000+01:00

Two more things here is the latest Fink Tank predictions for the tournament.

and Secondly: "I think you could say that England are better than Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Czech Rep or at least could beat them without looking too special."

Did you see the Czech today? Nedved is the player of the tournament thus far and if England were to play them... :-)

2004-06-19T20:46:00.000+01:00

After being ridiculed recently for my honest and personal views on Enlgand's Euro 2004 campaign (see here ) I thought I would publicly defend my friend the Fink Tank.

The Fink Tank is a statistical generator that (umm) generates predictions based on logical factors (such as form etc) It was created by a bunch of students and tutors at The University of Warwick (clearly no mugs then) and has been found to be very accurate.
Check this to get a better explanation of how it works.

Now why do I keep referring to it? Well you see, all it does is predict results based on statistics and really... theres no point to it. I mean Greece proved it wrong after all didn't they? Well yes and no. Greece proved that statistics mean nothing in reality but at the same time statistics can't be ignored because generally they are accurate. Just see the 16% chance of England losing to France...

2004-06-18T14:50:00.000+01:00

What a guy.

Why post that? I have no idea.

2004-06-16T15:05:00.000+01:00

The pre-show CCW team get in some practise

But beware of the dangers of excessive feedback.

2004-06-16T14:53:00.000+01:00

Members concerned for lack of seating at Wheelock Heath's proposed new baptistry...

2004-06-11T11:36:00.000+01:00

This site is one of the greatest in existence, browse the various videos and enjoy :)http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/26/

2004-06-11T11:28:00.000+01:00

What era of Modern European History do you know best?

WWI

Popular fervor was pumped up with distorted propaganda. 10 million died in combat, and 20 million died of the flu. I refused to study this unit.

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

2004-06-09T20:35:00.000+01:00

What religion should you belong to?

Jim Jones and the Kool-Aid Gang

Enjoy listening to charismatic manipulation? Willing to die for a stupid cause? Maybe the People's Temple is for you.

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

2004-06-03T20:40:00.000+01:00

Could it be any other way? :)

What Radiohead song are you?

Who's in a bunker?
Who's in a bunker?
Women and children first
And the children first
And the children
I'll laugh until my head comes off
I'll swallow till I burst
Until I burst
Until I

Who's in a bunker?
Who's in a bunker?
I have seen too much
I haven't seen enough
You haven't seen it
I'll laugh until my head comes off
Women and children first
And children first
And children

Here I'm alllowed
Everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

Ice age coming
Ice age coming
Let me hear both sides
Let me hear both sides
Let me hear both
Ice age coming
Ice age coming
Throw it on the fire
Throw it on the fire
Throw it on the

We're not scaremongering
This is really happening
Happening
We're not scaremongering
This is really happening
Happening
Mobiles skwrking
Mobiles chirping
Take the money run
Take the money run
Take the money

Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time
Here I'm allowed
Everything all of the time

The first of the children

2004-05-27T15:48:00.001+01:00

Wow I haven't posted on here for a long, long, long time. One might say that I have better, more productive things to do but that would be a blatant lie. I just can't be bothered. However I feel that my laxical behaviour can be interrupted by a topic close to my heart. One which I probably know most about, This topic would of course be... cricket. Once the noble national sport now naught but a dwindling flame. It's extremely sad in many ways. Your average Lancashire (my team) Frizzell county championship (the Arsenal and Premiership of cricket) home match draws a daily crowd of about 500 to a stadium that can seat around 16,000. It's depressing really. At least the one-day form is more successful and with the advent of Twenty20 full houses are often. It's just such a shame that less and less people are watching and playing such a fine game. I think that it's just about the only sport in the world that is both entirely a team and individual game. You play for the team and bat to get more runs or bowl to get more wickets but at the same time it’s the Batsmen versus the bowler and vice versa. I think there's more significance in a Batsmen getting a century or a bowler getting a 'five for' than, say, a footballer scoring a goal or a rugby player getting a try. Anyway that’s just my opinion.

My real rant on cricket concerns the England team. I have a few bugbears with England and they are as follows:

1) England bowlers. The hype over Steve Harmison was (note past tense) totally ridiculous. As far as I was concerned the tour of the West Indies proved nothing about his quality as a bowler. I felt that the selection of Harmison, Jones, Flintoff and Hoggard was wrong because I am a strong believer that James Anderson is the future of bowling (slightly biased I know). But seriously my reasoning was thus, I didn’t want to see BOTH Harmison and Jones in the same team as both were unproven. Now anyone in the know might say 'well neither is Anderson really' and they'd be correct apart from two things... Anderson is proven on the World One-day stage and (more importantly) he is respected by the Australians, which, with the exception of Vaughan and Flintoff, no one else in the England team is. Harmison was absolutely hammered by the Aussies 2 years ago. Now after the West Indies my opinion didn't change, ok so all the bowlers, especially Harmison, did brilliantly but it was after all against an appalling West Indies team on bowler friendly pitches. However... after the first test against New Zealand my opinions have changed. I admit now that Harmison is in fact a world class bowler, he tore apart the Black Caps in the second innings with a blinding spell on an indifferent pitch. Likewise I admit that at the moment there is no room for James Anderson. All four seamers hold up there own end for different effects. Harmison is blindingly accurate and very fast, Jones is the only bowler with a real grasp of reverse swing and could develop into an excellent bowler, Hoggard had a bad match for his standards but is still an excellent swinger who will consistently take wickets and Flintoff is brilliantly economical and very unlucky not to take more wickets. Nevertheless I still believe that Anderson will be the bowler in the coming decade. He's still very rough at times but the Aussies respect him and that’s a big thing.

2) The one-day team. Generally not bad but I do have problems. How can anyone justify the inclusion of Anthony McGrath, Ian Blackwell and (to a lesser extent) Ricki Clarke!?!? Ian Blackwell is country material only, Clarke has failed to impress but it would perhaps be fair to give him a few more matches and McGrath?! How on earth could anyone justify having McGrath in a squad ahead of Mark Butcher!? Why has Butcher never played an ODI?! I maintain that, whilst on some occasions there are exceptions, if you are good enough to play test cricket then you are good enough to play ODI's and vice-versa. Butcher is a far superior batsman than McGrath and an equally good part time swing bowler. The logic of McGrath's inclusion defies reason. and England one-day team should be as follows:
1) Marcus Trescothick (One of the Worlds best ODI batsmen)
2) Michael Vaughan c (One of the Worlds best batsman full stop in a lean period at the moment)
3) Andrew Strauss (He has an excellent future ahead of him)
4) Ricki Clarke (Ok give him a few more chances)
5) Paul Collingwood (a lovely ODI batsman with a Test future around the corner, can also bowl effectively)
6) Andrew Flintoff (devastating batsman and worlds tightest ODI bowler, second only to Jacque Kallis as an all rounder
7) Geraint Jones WK (ditto from Strauss)
8) Gareth Batty (English Spinners are dire but I’d prefer him to Giles)
9) Simon Jones (Gough is past it now, he's been a great servant but we should put our faith in this young hope)
10) Steve Harmison (ok so he's proved himself!! Not entirely in ODI's but as I said before, if he's good enough...)
11) Jimmy Anderson (ahead of Hoggard, a genuinely excellent ODI bowler with pace and swing)

So there we go that’s my England ODI team for you :)

3) Finally now... Nasser Hussain. Well done that man. I am very glad he has gone, what a way to go out, a winning hundred at the home of test cricket, you can't beat it. I was very much against him doing a Stewart. I'm afraid that the time is up for Nasser, he's been a great servant, some good innings in the Windies and that century mean that recently there hasn't been call to drop him. But overall I think we should take a leaf out of Australia's book. Once they're going down the slope kick them. Rod Marsh, David Boon, Mark Taylor, Mark Waugh, Ian Healed...all better crickets than Nas and all got rid of for new blood. Just look at Australia now. I think that the process should continue over the next couple of years with Butcher and Thorpe being 'blooded' (literally) out. Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen are my favourites to replace them. Again they are both excellent cricketers who have done really well over the years but at the end of the day they need to go when the time is right for England not them. So yeah, I think Hussain has done the right thing, it's exactly what Michael Atherton (except he didn’t end it with a century) and could you find two better England Batsmen over the last ten years (not including Vaughan who I hope will)? I don't think so.

That’s it. Rant over. Quite a big one too :D

Listening to now: Lucky Man- The Verve

2004-05-06T20:47:00.000+01:00

I AM 26% EMO!

Hmm.. I should stop listening to Dashboard Confessional.... enough said... Now that I stopped looking at my shoes, I know how the real world looks.

Take the EMO test at Fuali.com

2004-05-04T20:06:00.000+01:00

Almost a week since my last post and that was fairly meaningless. Yet again i've had a completely un-productive day, insamuch as I can't actually say i've done anything worthwhile. Nevertheless thats how life goes for me really, I'm sure if i applied myself i'd achieve things but... nah. I'm really looking forward to some potentially excellent gigs this summer, I should be popping along to Coventry to see Lowdrive at some point, maybe catch Seafood at some point somewhere and the piece de resistence the Leeds Festival in August (well for one day not the whole thing). So yeah i'm quite excited really. I really wish I had a musical bone in my body, it makes me sad to know just how imcompitent I am at music when practically everyone I know plays at least one instrument :( I appreciate that not everyone can have such skills but still... maybe oneday.

2004-04-28T17:28:00.000+01:00

For anyone who's interested....

How far do the sources support the idea that Germany’s military build-up showed that she was preparing for war in the years 1899-1914?

When war began in 1914 Europe was thrown against itself with the two opposing power blocks of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entendre. However it is widely viewed that preparation for war began many years previously, from around 1899 and the ‘cause’ (the Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination) was merely a trigger.

Source one, written by Prince Von Bulow, takes a very obvious German view of Europe in 1899. As the German Chancellor Von Bulow was in a very important position his opinions and comments, along with the Kaiser’s in source four, are particularly important. The source indirectly supports the argument of Germany’s military build-up by defending Germany and making her appear as a martyr, the “slave of humanity”. Von Bulow portrays Germany as a country of “good fortune and power and prosperity” that suffers a lot of “envy”. This picture is used to defend Germany’s military build-up “without a strong army and a strong navy, there can be no welfare for us”. The source emphatically supports the statement that, in 1899 Germany was preparing for war and therefore was building up her armed forces. The source clearly links to source four as both are written by men of power and both excuse Germany’s military build-up by deflecting the blame on other countries.

Source two, taken from 1814, is in the position of having experienced the previous fifteen years of military build-up from Germany. And is therefore presumably knowledgeable of Germany’s preparations between 1899 and 1914. However the source largely ignores any build-up and instead focuses on the repercussions of the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This therefore shows an element of naivety on the part of the paper, that they were unaware of Germany’s military build-up. This could be because the paper is Socialist and would therefore have been very pacifist towards all military action. On the other hand the source could support the argument that there was no build-up at all. The statement “fearful warning” also supports this and suggests that the Triple Alliance were unprepared for war. The source doesn’t comfortably fit with any of the others, as there is too much of a sense of naivety about it. However it does contrast with most of them because of this, particularly source three which shows that Germany were ready for war.

Source three again looks at the Austro-Hungarian pre-war reaction. As it is a source written by an English man its authenticy must be taken into account. Nevertheless the source supports the idea that preparations were put into effect before Franz Ferdinand’s assassination in 1914. The war was described as “inevitable which suggests that both Austria-Hungary and its puppet-master Germany were thoroughly prepared for war after military build-up since 1899. This source contrasts with both sources one and four in that it doesn’t excuse Germany’s military build-up nor blame it on anyone else. This is most probably because the author is English and therefore would not like any blame to be suggested against Britain.

Source four links very clearly to the first source in that it is written from a distinctly German perspective. Obviously Kaiser Wilhelm II had a virtually totalitarian rule over Germany and therefore he would be solely responsible for any pre-meditated preparation for war. The words “secret memorandum” are highly significant, particularly in association with source one, in that, whilst they don’t guarantee complete objectivity, they show the writer was being honest in their judgements. Source four could be seen as having more value than source one as it is both probably honest and the Kaiser’s own thoughts. Alternatively source one does show Germany’s preparations for war in 1899 whereas source four comments on the inevitability of war in 1914. The Kaiser is very defensive of Germany’s preparations for war and deflects the blame onto Britain and France saying their “ultimate object is the overthrow of Germany” this is used as the excuse for starting the Naval race with Britain, just as source one does. Because the source is so defensive and makes the Kaiser appear as a martyr it would appear to be very genuine and makes the Kaiser seem very naïve in his leadership.

Source five is excellent at showing the attitude of Germans in 1914. Because of its form as a poem it contrasts with the other sources as it is written by an ordinary man. Because it is a poem it is open to literary exaggeration which must be taken into context. The poem is patriotic and war-like “slaughter thy millions of adversaries” and implores Germany to “hate now!… take no prisoners” but doesn’t shed any information on Germany’s military build-up. It does however presume that Germany, in 1914, was prepared for war “Battalions, batteries, squadrons all forward!” confirming that according to the people, Germany was fully prepared for war. Therefore the source links to most of the sources in showing that Germany were prepared for war.

The statistical source six shows in hard facts the preparation of each of the six major countries, the results are obvious in that between 1899 and 1914 there is a marked increase in expenditure, mainly for Germany but also Russia, France and Britain. The most interesting comparison in the naval spending where Germany tripled their expenditure between 1899 and 1914 to £47.4 million. This fact is important because it shows that between these two significant years Germany was clearly building up its navy for a reason. These figures are quite clear in showing that Germany did in fact stage a military build-up, but whether it was in preparation for war is not suggested. Source six supports sources one, three, four and five by factually proving that Germany was building up its armed forces between 1899 and 1914. However it does also prove the points in source one and four that the reason for this was the military build-up of other countries, although they are not to the same extent.

The six sources contribute in different ways to make it clear that Germany was very clearly military minded between 1899 and 1914. However they do not show the reason for this build-up. The sources suggest a mixture of preparation for war, paranoia, greed for power and innocence and so therefore, given the circumstances of the war that we have the luxury of seeing, we must assume that in one way or another Germany was preparing for war.

Richard Andrews

Word Count: 1064

2004-04-27T20:23:00.000+01:00

After much consideration and prayer I have signed away the next three years of my life to... the University of Sheffield. After much consideration I went against my early thoughts as I decided that Sheffield would be the best place for me to go. I'm happy with this decision and very much excited about next year. I already know Sheffield quite well having visited a few times which is an advantage. I know where I want to live (Earnshaw Hall) the church i'm going to go to (Wycliffe Independent Church- Pastored by Spencer Cunnah) at least initially. So obviously thats good news as it'll hopefully root me straight away. Plus I have a very good friend in Rach there who will help me i'm sure :) So yeah thats hopefully where i'll be next year (still got the wonderful prospect of exams to come :D)

Listening to now: Lost Prophets- The Fake Sound of Progress

2004-04-24T20:38:00.000+01:00

I have two things on my agenda today.

Firstly rugby. Today I completed my second (and final) match of the season against Sandbach 3rd XV. Before I talk about the match I must first say a word on the strength of the opposition. Sandbach 3rds were very good. Sandbach have a great rugby system in place with five senior teams and a complete youth system (as soon as they come out of the womb they're taught line out codes:- A is for Alpha Centura (4 jumps and misses 7 collects at back) etc) so they are naturally a very good team. With that build up in mind the score was... Sandbach 52 Congleton 12 *cringe* No seriously they were very good, we were supposed to play the 4ths but the 3rds didn't have a game so we played them. Having said that, my performance wasn't all that bad. I only played the second half and we were 32-0 down at half time so in effect MY game was only a 20-12 loss :D Yours truely scored his second try in all competitions giving a 100% record :D It has to be said that they really were very good and, whilst we didn't play anywhere near as well as we can, we were out-classed. Even with a Sandbach First team number 8 after ours was rushed to hospital with shoulder and knee injuries (he won't mess with me again). So there we are. An enjoyable afternoon of rugby in the sun that resulted in a big loss for the team, a try for me and lots of bruises for everyone (especcialy me).

Secondly I think it's time I blogged on Uni's :s I'm planning on going to Uni in Spetember to study English Literature. My Six Uni's are Exeter, Sheffield, Bangor, York, Lancaster and Cardiff and I've nailed it down to either Exeter or Sheffield. My heart went out to Exeter initially but know i'm swaying towards Sheffield. Both are excellent Universities and the only real difference is their offers (AAB Exeter, ABB/AAC Sheffield) so i'll probably be choosing Sheffield :S Anyway, I have to decide on Monday and its just so annoying. I'll let you know when I decide.

Listening to now: Time of your life- Green Day

2004-04-22T21:19:00.000+01:00

Recently I have taken up the sport of rugby (anyone who physically knows me will immediately think 'yeah right!', 'What, girls rugby?', 'are you the water boy?' or something to that effect) and it's actually really good. The only problem is of course... umm... my lack of bulk. I'm not exactly wasting away but i'm just about 6 foot and only 10 stone so there really isn't much of me spread around. Compare this to the type of blokes I'm up against and well... it isn't a pretty picture at times. Having said that my record isn't bad. One game, one try, only a few mistakes :-) My first introduction to the game against Linley was being hit square on by a 14 stone monster outside center that, as I'm a wing, is technically supposed to be an equal for me. I thought I'd broken all my ribs, punctured both my lungs and given birth at the same time. It hurt. Having said that, being a wing means that I do hardly anything and only get beaten up about four times a match which isn't bad in comparison to most positions that are far more frequently abused. AND wingers are about 80% more likely to score :) The point of this dreadful whinge of a post? My second match is on Saturday (having been ill or away the last two weeks) so if I never blog again then that's why ;)

Listening to now: Smooth by Santana feat. Rob Thomas

2004-04-20T20:45:00.000+01:00

I've been thinking about music quite a lot recently, and have decided to come up with my definative list of albums. This is all my opinion so you can take notice of it if you want or ignore it if you want. These are the five best albums (according to me) that I own:

5) Santana- Supernatural.
This was my first Santana album and also my first introduction to a truely great non-blues guitarist. The thing that most impresses me about Santana is his ability to take virtually any genre of music and put his amazing guitar riffs over the top with positive effects. He may not have the greatest voice (nor the greatest dress sense) but that man can play the guitar. Track highlight? Smooth feat. Rob Thomas

4) Green Day- Warning.
Not the best band ever, not the greatest musicians or singers, not the greatest lyrics but when I listen to this album I can't help but sit back and relax, smile and think..... dude. Everyone knows Green Day are just this Punk Rock band with incredible names (Billy Joe and Tres Cool) that can only play about four chords but what the heck! This album is just cool and theres no other word for it. Sometimes you don't have to be a technically sound band if you make good songs. Track highlight? Macy's Day Parade (arguably Green Day's best song)

3) The Flaming Lips- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
This is a new album for me but after, say, 10 or so listens it rockets right up to number 3. I've known the likes of Fight Test and YBTPR part 1 for a while and whilst those are two lovely songs they aren't the jewels of the album. What I really enjoy about The Flaming Lips is their ability to use so much 'sound' , the density of their songs is almost intoxicating. Track Highlight? In The Morning Of The Magicians, magic, just magic

2) Coldplay- A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay are great. Everyone who isn't a purist, loser or maniac knows that. And as someone whos been into them pretty much from the beginning (well on a National scale anyway) I'm of the opinion that AROBTTH is the finest of their two albums. 'Parachutes' was great and everyone dobted that Coldplay would ever be able to beat it but they did. They learnt from experience and created an album that, at it's core, is still very similar to 'Parachutes' and is yet much more complex. Twelve fantastic songs that make one brilliant album. Track Highlight? Amsterdam

2) Radiohead- Ok Computer
What else can be said about this album? Nothing. So I won't. This is the greatest album I own. Track Highlight? Don't be silly, but if you really push me then the subtle and sublime Exit Music (For A Film).

Listening to now: Obvious- Blink 182

2004-04-14T20:18:00.000+01:00

Ok so here I am, after a gap of 59 days I am finally prepared to continue with my blogging. The reason for such a long absence? Well to be truthful I've just been lazy :) I can't imagine why. For all those that are interested I'll give you a brief overview of my life over the past few months.

My little Edexcel problem was nicely cleared up and I was emphatically cleared of all 'charges'. In the end I got A for English Language, A for History and a well deserved D for French (previoulsy a U). So know I have to make some serious decisions on Higher education: Exeter or Sheffield, Exeter or Sheffield, Exeter or Sheffield...

Other areas of life... just had the yearly YP camp in Quinta, Shropshire. It was actually rather good, the preaching (with the exception of Wem) was excellent, epilogues were really interesting, I got to know some people, there were a couple of conversions so yeah... time well spent really. But now it's just work :s bit of a bummer to be honest, camp is great but once it's over there's nothing there :s that probably sounds stupid but hey.

And now I have nothing else to say, so I'll leave a tiny piece of myself here, in this galaxy of madness.

Listening to now: Seventy Times 7- Brand New

2004-02-05T20:35:00.000Z

I've had a BAD day. It was all ok until i got a letter from Edexcel basically suggesting that i cheated on my History AS re-take.... basically they're claiming that there are two different handwriting styles on my paper (which is possible- i tend to rush and start writing in italic) now i have to write an answer explaining myself aswell as sending in examples of my work...... tch. This is my response thus far, i have'nt finished yet.

Richard Andrews: Edexcel Statement

You have asked me to respond to your allegation of suspected irregularity or misconduct in the above examination. With my parents’ assistance I submit the following comments and documentation for your consideration

We are a little puzzled in the way that the possible allegation has been worded. The examiner suggests that there are ‘two distinctly different styles of handwriting’ and you have asked for my comments. We are a little surprised that you have not supplied a copy of the script, which would give me an opportunity to confirm unequivocally that it is my handwriting.

We offer the following comments to assist in your investigation:

Conduct of the examination

 The above examination was carried out on the correct day and at the correct time.
 The examination was stopped at the appointed time.
 The examination took place in the main hall. Only a small group (less than 10) took examinations at that time.
 I was the only history candidate at that session. The other students were physics students.
 There was another candidate taking this History Unit on the same day but for scheduling reasons he was forced to take the module in the afternoon and was kept in isolation all day until his exam started. I had no contact with him.
 My examination was started under the direction of the Examinations officer Miss De Vane.
 At approximately 9:00am Miss De Vane handed over invigilation responsibilities to Mrs Putt, who remained until my examination ended.
 When my examination ended Mrs Putt told me to finish in the normal manner and I was told I could leave the examination room. The physics students remained.
 My examination script was collected by Mrs Putt and that script has not been seen by me since.
 There were no irregularities or disturbances in the course of the examination that I was aware of at the time or since. Had any such irregularities occurred I understand that these would have been reported to you under a clearly defined procedure.
 Miss De Vane and Mrs Putt will be able to verify these facts, as the statement requested from them will show.

Conduct of candidate

 I confirm I conducted myself in the appropriate manner for the examination.
 My examination script was written onto the provided Edexcel booklet and no other unauthorised material was used. I assume that you are satisfied on this point as you have not raised a concern over it.
 I confirm that I did not have prior sight of the examination paper.
 The only communication between the invigilator and myself were the general start and finish comments. These were addressed to the group as a whole.
 The single occasion the invigilator spoke to me was when I was told my examination had ceased and I could leave the hall. This was because I was the only history candidate.
 I confirm that I did not introduce any material or take any action to undermine the integrity of the examination.
 I confirm that the examination paper I completed was all my own work.
 I confirm that all my work was completed within the specified time available and was contained inside the Edexcel answer booklet.
 I confirm that I have not seen the examination script since being told by the invigilator that I was to finish and leave the examination hall.

As I have already stated we find the allegation most peculiar. The concern would appear to be that another person has entered work on my examination script, given the fact that I was the only history candidate to sit this exam at that time would suggest that if from another candidate this would involve the assistance of a physics student. To do so would suggest gross negligence on behalf of the invigilators who, given the extremely small numbers of students sitting the examinations, could not fail to witness such collusion.

2004-02-03T20:31:00.000Z

Today was another day of comfort to me. Actually it wasn't but you'd never know. Just three lessons of school. Discussing the merits of the Battle of the Bulge (Hitler's last offensive of the war), the Great Purges and "The Sick Rose" in English. The afternoon was spent playing rugby at my Primary School (for anyone ignorant of the fact I go into my mum's primary school once a week and do stuff). My second lesson (on the aforementioned Great Purges) was excellent. I successfully argued the 'totalitarian opinion' that Stalin was in fact responsible for the estimated 15 million deaths between 1936-38. My opponent (the Undisputed AAA Jonny) tried the 'revisionist opinion' approach claiming it was the fault of the state and a lack of law and order. I immediately opened the offensive by daring to claim that this 'state' was created by Stalin and therefore was his responsibility. Anyway, it lasted into break and ended without a firm conclusion. Lots of fun. I'm sure I had Jonny on the ropes, but these revisionists get out of the tightest spots you know.

2004-02-02T20:04:00.000Z

An essay (or part of it) on the two poems "The Drum" by John Scott and "The Send-off" by Wilfred Owen.

The two poems, whilst having essentially the same theme, were written over a large time span. This gulf in time, nevertheless, does not affect the themes that the poems both express. Whilst being two different poems written by differing poets in differing situations they both present ideas about slaughter and sacrifice.
“The Drum” is a fast and furious poem, full of vigour that clearly establishes itself via the drum-like quality of the lines that appear to symbolize the very essence of a drum and thus war. The repetition of words such as “and” and “round” emphasize the energy seen in the lines. Other words such as “moans”, “tears” and “groans” also add to the semantic field of noise epitomised by the very title of the poem.
The use of Scott’s own somewhat objective voice “I hate” gives the poem both direction and force. The pronoun “I” gives the poem a very personal feel that assures the reader of the importance of the subject, both to society and Scott himself. The “hate” that Scott expresses is towards the “drum’s discordant sound” and is repeated twice to stress the point. The paired couplets used throughout the poem, most significantly in the first two lines “sound” and “round”, make the image seem tangible and, due to the poems pace this is sustained throughout the poem.
On a plain level “The Send off” appears to be completely the opposite in terms of rhythm. Lines such as “their breasts were stuck all white with wreath and spray” are deliberately slow in order to create a sense of the slaughter and gore of war. The poem also specifically contrasts against the fever of “the Drum” with “too few for drums and yells” creating a more demure and sullen atmosphere.
The soldiers are “silent” and “creep back… to village wells” contrasting to the very vivid image of “mangled limbs”. This passion that is absent in “The Send Off” suggests its inferiority however the complex nature of the poem on a multi-dimensional level. The concepts of slaughter and sacrifice are delivered in differing ways but still provide power. The sombreness explored in “The Send-Off” via the “dull porters” and “wrongs hushed-up” is as much an indication of the horror of war as the ferocious “burning towns” in “The Drum”.
“The Drum” describes the mutilated ‘glory’ off war as opposed to “The Send-Off” that describes the after effects of war on the soldiers and their return to ‘normality’. This contextual difference provides us with a clue to how slaughter and sacrifice are presented. “The Drum” talks off the “thoughtless youth” and “widows tears”, the results of war, in a somewhat ironically glorifying way. Clearly, being a pacifist, Scott would not wish to glorify the acts of war and therefore we can only assume that his personifying account of war is done in order to imply an ironic state of mind.

2004-02-02T19:51:00.000Z

A couple of my poems for anyone willing to digest:

This is my wall

Of all the things in life
My greatest fear is
Of walls

Walls to block, walls to hold
Walls that rip and tear
And destroy

Walls that tell me ‘stop here’
Walls that pretend they’re…
Curtains.

So I say tear them down
Broken and shattered
Jericho

The walls that separate
Lie at mans own feet
We’re home.

You’re not here

Is that what you wanted?
I’m the Grim Fandango.
Teachers screaming out their power.
Am I really here?
Do you believe it? Or do you just hope?
My life seems so contrived.
Am I really here?
Green scrawl on white.
She went away and never came back.
Am I really here?
Please just help me get out of this mess.
Watch the crystal castles falling down.
Look at the camera, smile pretty girl.
Am I really here?
What you want you’ll never get.
You have to be joking!
Comic intrusions on your public private life.
Tears of stardust, eyes of gold.
I can’t believe you’re not here.
Don’t pack me off.

Am I really here?
Or am I just dreaming?
Am I really here?
I don’t know, just stop.

2004-02-02T14:45:00.000Z

Let me deliver a simple piece of advice unto the world. People aren't always what they seem. It's true. Theres never a more contradictory state than that of humanity. See innocence and experience for that. People often wish they were famous, but why? it's a strange position when you look at it. Celebrities have no freedom. It's like the clause in their life contract. They are owned by the public whether they like it or not, most don't. Therefore, working on this premise, I stake my ownership rights over Chris Martin. He should have to play on my beck and call. He can bring Gwynith along as well if he wants to. Isn't it ironic, Chris Martin is Coldplay and yet without Jon, Guy and Will (we're on first name terms) he'd most likely be nothing. Interesting.

2004-02-02T11:55:00.000Z

In accordance with the notations of my friends i shall look to disect my name in order to find out what, in theory, I am all about. My name in full is Richard Phillip Andrews. Richard means Powerful ruler/brave one. Obviously some connection to Richard I- le coeur-de-lion. Phillip on the other hand is a Greek name meaning lover of horses. Andrews obviously means son of Andrew (even though my dad's not called Andrew) (neithers my mum) and therefore if i look at the stem of my surname Andrew means manly/valiant/courageous. I kid you not. There looks to be a theme developing. Basically i'm in principal really brave, a great leader, manly (or virile I suppose) and I love horses. Which incidentally I don't but two out of three isn't bad.

2004-01-31T22:04:00.000Z

I'd like to introduce you to a new band. They're called Brand New and are really rather good. Well i think so anyway. They were playing in Manchester the other day but i couldn't go. Darn. So annoying how these things happen. Morituri Nolumus Mori. Know what that means? It's one of my favoutire sayings. Get back to me if you ever find out. Peace, love and rock 'n' roll.

2004-01-29T10:47:00.001Z

Oh I guess it does. History has just been made ladies and gentlemen.

2004-01-29T10:47:00.000Z

Does this actually work?