Right, I haven't seen a film this good in a while. Put simply, I'm going to buy this the day it comes out in the shops. I loved it, it was highly amusing with silly humour, with a romance story and had some real though provoking moments (especially when considering how dependant on computers and machines we're becoming. I don't want to spoil the storyline so I'll just say what is in the trailer. Basically humans have trashed the Earth and there were robots that had the job of clearing all the rubbish up. However it got too bad and the human race had to leave to space; but they forgot to turn a robot off - WALLE. So this cute little robots carries on regardless for hundreds of years clearing rubbish up daily. But he starts to develop a personality and becomes highly inquisitive, consequently a little lonely. The the arrival of another robot called EVA would change his day to day routine forever.

Another thing, the little short films that PIXAR show before the films they make. They are always good, but the short that comes with WALL-E is brilliant. Had me crying it was so funny. Can't wait to watch this again on my future WALL-E DVD lol

Disney and PIXAR have done a good job me thinks.

Love to all,
Sam xx

OK, I'm sorry it's been a while but I have been having the time of my life pretty much 24/7 and I haven't had enough time (or wanted to spend time) writing about it. So I've finished Uni now and got my results. For those who knew at the time I was worried about an exam (I passed but not by very much, coupled with the bad results I got from semester one it has brought my overall to a 2-1); I'm still very pleased with this result.

Also Jujitsu has been going really well. Entered into the BJJA Nationals in the under 75kg continuous fighting event. It was a knock-out tournament and I was knocked out at the semi-semi finals where by the luck of the draw I fought the guy who would then go on to win the gold medal. What made me feel slightly gutted was that I was only beaten by 1 single bloody point, grrr. So now, he's my target in the International South-End Competition where you can bet that I'll be next year.

So I'll keep you updated when I can be bothered lol

love love xx
Sam :D

I cried in this film :P Hasn't happened in a while. So the film isn't related to the film Rambo at all and is all to do with the films psychological effect on one child. Basically the lead boy is a son to a family who follows a christian religious cult (or brethren). This boy goes to a community school and so to preserve his innocence is not allowed to make contact with the other students or watch the TV programs that they watch in class (even the educational ones). So when the boy is sent out of the class during a TV session, he meets his to be friend; who was sent out for being a nightmare child. So they begin talking and end up back at this childs house, where the boy sees a movie, Rambo. He is amazed and this film sets his creativity and imagination through the roof. He and the other boy 'Lee Carter', decided to film a film and enter it into a young film makers competition. But there was to be trouble in the way, as everyone in the school finds out about the film and wants to be a part in it.

This film delves into how a parental influence on a child's development, really can change the way a child behaves and interacts with others. The fact that the family was part of a brethren meant that the mother was being told how to bring up her child, but they never had the child's best interest at heart; something that the mother realises at the end of the film. I really liked this film, and I'll probably get this one on DVD, so go and see for yourself - another film that should not be missed.

love love xx
Sam :D

Another fantastic Easter School. OK, was a bit of a dipstick and forgot to ask the teachers if they had parental consent for photographs. Consequently, I don't have any photos with kids in them. However, I didn't get the opportunity to take many as I was having so much fun learning about the sciences (especially the Audiology department), I didn't take many photos anyway.

This time round, I was a night mentor. However, because of limited communication between Physics and the "legend" who was collaborating with the departments at the University to organise this; we were not sure how many assistants were coming for the physics event - so my services were employed for the day as well (keeping me active all day). I also had to take over a mentor group for the last day because one of the mentors had to leave, no problems - the mentor team was great - although I let them have complete control of their presentation and now wished I had monitored it a little more, they delved into a stereotype and played on a view of themselves that they claim the area was famous for. I made a little mistake, however, on the way up to the Physics building... On the way to the building of the kids asked me what the dome things were on the top of the building. I said that they were astronomy towers but not to worry about them because astronomy isn't real physics they just gaze at the stars (sorry guys, it just came out - to my astronomy friends).. Lo and behold, when the event is revealed, Ian introduces the astronomy department to take care of the event.

Also a bit naughty with the water rockets. The astronomy team had told the kids that to keep a straight line, they should make the rocket spin in the air; I argued with my mentor group to ignore this because the accuracy to do this was too high and a mistake would just cause a wobbly projectile (especially in wind). To prove a point, I grabbed a bottle and did absolutely no modifications to it - it went the furthest (wasn't planning that one), the kids found it hilarious how the astronomy's rocket came 3rd last too :P In fairness, the kids did like me showing them how to find the north star by the star constellations in our night sky; also found it fascinating to learn that the left star on Orion's belt is in a fact a nebula - then I had to explain what that was, I'd like to think I gave them a new found interest in astronomy, which is in fact an amazing subject in it's own right.

I was slightly disappointed with the physics department, if I'm honest. A few of the kids turned round to me and said that Physics was boring.. The chemistry, Biology and Audiology departments had some cool practical content (including looking in each others ears, performing a lie detector test on each other and making rubber bouncy balls). In physics they were asked to study some toys and decide wether they would work in space... the kids got bored (and so did I). If I'm still working for Outreach next year, I want to get more involved with the Physics department, because I believe that it is the most interesting subject of the lot and they should be doing stuff with lasers in these Easter schools (so many of the kids were asking me about lasers, had a great time explaining as much as I could).

As far as I'm concerned, Ian Dunne (pictured here), is the greatest asset to science in education we could ever ask for. He made scientific concepts and ideas fun and enjoyable to learn. The kids loved him, evident from the final talk at the end of the event. He shows that you can make science fun and is very enthusiastic about his work in education. Those of you who know me well, will know that I had a bad experience in education as a slave teaching assistant in a school department which lacked a lot of discipline. I was put off teaching but working on these Easter schools and talking to many teachers from different schools has made me realise that I had a one-off bad experience and it may have made me overlook a challenge that I would love to pursue. I am going to consider staying in education now, especially after I explained how a laser basically worked to a bunch of 14 - 15 year olds and the teacher said that I would make a good teacher.

In summary, this Easter school was a huge success and I had fun along the way. I look forward to the ESF summer school and I'm going to ask if I can be part of the Physics summer school - always interesting as organised by Pearl John. I have enjoyed working for the University outreach team this Easter, thank you so much. The other mentors were great too made some new friends and had a great laugh on the way too - didn't sleep much though lol.

Bye for now,
Sam :D

A simply brilliant Easter School this year, my best so far. I had lots of fun and again left the Art department wishing I had undertaken an Art Degree. And if you're a mentee and wondering why I haven't named a photo of you, it's because I can't legally identify you in a picture without parental consent (since I don't have that in writing - I can only display the picture).

So for three days me and my mentor group visited the Winchester School of Art where we undertook a project of climate change and human impact on the environment through the use of digital photography. We had to take pictures, photoshop them and present them. Some of the pictures on here are such pictures that were from my project, I will upload pictures from the kids project when I receive them; but some of the pictures were comparable to undergrad university work, the kids were brilliant.

We did karaoke in the first evening (had soo much fun), and they watched Run Fat Boy Run on the second night; I didn't stay for it all - I ran back to go on MSN lol. So not only were the days fun-packed; despite listening to an passionate artist give deep insight into the meaning of his photographic projects (way too much even for me, let alone a 15 year old), we did cool stuff in the evenings too. I loved every minute of this years Easter school and hope that the one to follow next week matches the fun and enthusiasm from this one.

As you can see, I may have encouraged a little "studentness" with the idea of the post-its on the teachers door, but it was funny to watch and the aim of the Easter schools is for the kids to find out what being a student is really like; a great laugh.

As expected, I tagged along mainly with Wendi and the Staunton lot, we had a great laugh and I got feedback from Wendi that the girls thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the University (mission accomplished lol). I can't thank Kate enough for allowing me to help with these events, they are so much fun and you get to feel like you actually do make a difference to the kids views on University. So I look forward to working next week on the April Easter School and I'll report it in a similar manner.

Bye for now... love love xx
Sam :D

Oh dear lol, I have not laughed as hard as I did on Tuesday night for a long time. This film just ripped the p*ss out of the movie 300. I went with Henry, Jen and Andy; a last minute decision to go the cinema after a comment from Henry that he wanted to go. I feel bad as we were going to see this film next week when I get back from the second Easter school event I'm working for; but it was the only film on late enough to organise that we hadn't already seen.

I would not watch this film if you are, in any way, offended by homosexual innuendo and/or comments. Basically a large part of the film was pointing out the "gayness" of a group of half-naked (as I seem to remember writing about the film when we saw it) men running around fighting and wrestling with one another - then Persians. But the gay innuendo wasn't the only selling point of the film (it would've got tired quickly if it was). The film also has ripped apart the film-industry by going as far as to point out the increasing amount of advertising going on in films nowadays by having points in the film that break completely from the storyline and advertise some product (most of which were fictitious in this film), to the point where the music changes and the cinematic filming technique changes too - I did like the little tribute to Gran Theft Auto San Andreas though, absolutely hilarious.

The film also showed some unkindness to the likes of: Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt. Merely making a mockery of stuff they've done recently - although the part with Britney shaving her head with her baby is quite funny :P

I enjoyed this film quite a bit and also enjoyed the credits - where Gloria Gaynor is done no justice whatsoever lol. I will look forward to this coming out of DVD, I do like to have a good range of comedy films. I also, now want to watch 300 - thought it was a good film last time I saw it.

love love xx
Sam :D

Many of you know that last Friday I went to the cinema with Andy and saw a film that I wouldn't have normally chosen, but in hindsight - I'm glad I did. It was a film called The Other Boleyn Girl and is was based on Anne Boleyn (who was the second wife to Henry VIII), the story was based on factual events that occurred at this historic (well for Britain at least), point in time. Now, those who know me, will tell you I'm quite crap at history and I'm quite bad a current affairs too. May sound bad but I only found out late January that Tony Blair wasn't the prime minister anymore and that Gordon Brown was (not being rude him or anything, but I don't remember receiving the option to vote for him), hence why I wouldn't know there was a change in prime minister. I don't watch TV, don't listen to the radio or read the news, so why would I know about this if there wasn't an election. Says a lot about me really, I only get the world news and science news RSS feeds; don't really care about anything else. But, back to the film, I thought that the history I learnt through this film was pretty decent and I feel slightly more patriotic as I have broadened my knowledge of my country's history.

I didn't realise just how much of an impact one woman could make on a country. She really did have power when she was seducing the King and demonstrated this on her influence on the King, the Queen's throne (at the time) and even the religious backing of the country. I really did enjoy this film and would recommend it to all history enthusiasts and people willing to learn about the greatest country in the world :P - Rule Britannia!! :D

So I left the cinema, as usual, in a very happy mood - and not just because of the film ;) (those who are supposed to understand that comment, will do so). But seriously, go see this film just to learn about England more. Natalie Portman plays the role of Anne excellently. That's the second film this week I've seen, I swear the staff at Cineworld think that I'm a film addict - but what do they care, they're getting my money.

love love xx
Sam :D

I loved this one. It was basically a story about how a tribe in the mountains was invaded by some people with better technology and organisations (although the term better technology still means primitive). So these Egyptian guys take hostages for some unknown reason; but hey, we all know what the Egyptians built that needed lots of slaves for. One of the captives is a girl that was left for dead after the same group of men invaded her family's tribe, unlucky for her as they were only to later invade her adoptive tribe. However, one man, with one desire (LMAO - couldn't resist) - the girl is the one he desires and he was not captured by the invaders and would then stop at nothing to free the woman he loves. It turns out that he really doesn't stop at nothing and leads a group of warriors in the thousands to take on the Egyptian Empire that is starting to get too big for it's boots.

I won't deny that the film was short of well-known actors and so I can't think of any of their names off the top of my head, so I won't bother mentioning them; but this didn't matter, the film in itself was very enjoyable and I had a great time watching it. Hopefully there'll be a second film to this (9'999BC lol), where the story of the Egyptian Empire after the rebellion attack was successful; I'm wandering as I'm writing this blog, if the storyline in this film is actually based on any facts that have been discovered historians?? (I'm sure someone will be able to tell me).

So the film was good, won't be going next week as I'm working at the University of Southampton's Easter School as a Mentor. But I'm sure the others will see a film... but for now, hasta luego.

love love xx
Sam :D

Funny Advert

When I saw this advert, I was wetting myself. I just had to write a blog on it. It is a Dutch/German (don't know which) advert for a popular product which many of you may have. The fact that what happens in the advert does not have much relevance to what is being advertised, just makes it that much more funny.

Enjoy, love love xx
Sam :D

I haven't written a blog on a band (I've written one on a gig - Incubus - Bournemouth International Centre), so I decided to write this one; as I keep going onto http://youtube.com/ to listen to their music. The band is called Puggy and I saw them, incidentally, when going with Henry and Ben to see Incubus. Now don't get me wrong, I do like Incubus I have their albums on an MP3 disk in my car and I'll listen to it every now and then (usually when Henry gets control of the CDs lol). But when I saw the support act (Puggy), I was amazed and the guitarist's abilities. So what the video and see if you like the way Matthew Irons (English guitar player) mixes a classical Spanish guitar style with contemporary pop music; I think it works wonders :P

They have released an album (Dubois) and their website is:

http://www.puggyband.com/puggyMainPage.html

Let me know what you think... Sam xx

When I left the cinema last night; I was a satisfied customer. We saw Vantage Point and it was amazingly clever and action packed. I won't bother hiding the basics of the storyline, as it is selling point of the film; if you don't want to know it - stop reading now!! The president of the United States of America is shot while at a European summit in Spain. It follows the viewpoint from different witnesses of the event but in a unique way. The camera follows their story to the end and then winds back in time to show the view of another characters. The main actors in this film are as follows: Dennis Quaid (Day After Tomorrow), who plays the hero Thomas Barnes; an agent who used to protect the president but was shot and made inactive, he has to prove himself during this summit - but nobody had a terrorist attack in mind; can he deal with it?? Matthew Fox (LOST), plays an agent that helped get Thomas Barnes back serving for the president - but maybe his choice will ruin his agenda?? Again Edgar Ramirez plays an assassin who is designated to track down the president, but he is just a pawn on a chessboard and so the struggle for checkmate could cost him his brother if he does not succeed.

By replaying the same time-slot from different perspectives, the director (Pete Travis), had complete control over how much of the plot and what was going on during the entire film. At first it seems dismal for America, but on the second perspective it seems that America anticipated all and averted a major crisis. But wait, its then ruined in the next perspective; it seems the terrorists win again... constantly juggling between vantage points you slowly see the plot unfold and the clever way the terrorists organised a serious attempt on the President's life and how everybody's own little plot affected this plan.

I will emphasise again, I thought this film was amazing. Was worried that it'd be one of them films that has an awesome trailer and then disappointing screenplay (mentioning no films - Golden Compass *coughs* Jumper lol). But I liked it, and from hearing what my friends said after the film, they liked it too :D

It's bye for now, love love xx
Sam :D

Four of of this week went to see Jason Statham in The Bank Job which is based on a true story, apparently. I was concerned at the small turnout but thought that it looked like a film worth seeing; understatement of the week, methinks. To quote one friend:

Was friggin' awesome!

Now first of all let me get one thing clear, I do like these sorts of films where a team of people out-smart the government or an organisation in some way; in this film they did both. There was no ridiculous fight scenes; in fact, I can only recall of one that last about 60 seconds. It was all about the team getting a Bank Job done, with a tip off that it would be easier than normal; but this was no ordinary bank job and actually contained secrets of the UK government and Royal Family itself. So the now the friends (who, I might add, had never done a bank job before), are in deep dookie and it is up to the clever thinking of Terry Leather (Statham), to keep them out of trouble with the law or the local criminal organisations that want their heads.

What was also nice and funny to see is Uncle Geoffrey from Bridget Jones' Diary (James Faulkner), using the same "posh" accent to swindle the locals into thinking that he has legitimate business in the area; buying a shop near the bank to be robbed. Guys, go see this film, I will admit it's not everyone's cup of tea - its not the type of film you can just watch, you need to keep track of what's going on to appreciate it fully.

During the opening trailers, we saw the trailer to the film that we are going to see next week - Vantage Point. This film has Matthew Fox from LOST in it and looks pretty cool with action mixed with an apparently interesting storyline. The reason I say apparent is that some films take a really good idea for a story and then create a dismal film. I'm looking forward to next week, trying not to wish my life away lol.

love love xx
Sam :D

So this week, we went to see Jumper. I was really looking forward to this film :P Problem was, it didn't really grip me - I did like it, just I thought it would be a lot better (and longer). I didn't like the start, where the fact he can teleport was made clear from the start, I wanted to see a more normal lifestyle and then the teleporting coming out of no-where. Never mind, Henry and Jake really liked the girl from the OC (Rachel Bilson) but I hated Hayden Christensen; he seemed to have the same demeanour and character as he did in Star Wars. Samuel L. Jackson is cool, as always, and the appearance of Jamie Bell was good, but I'm getting a little tired of the British getting portrayed as the 'evil' people. Bell's character had is arse kicked at the end of the film because he was bent on killing Roland (Jackson's character). In National Treasure, the British are the evil ones that are trying to steal America's national treasure, in Family Guy Stewwie is evil and has a British accent.

Don't feel like writing much about this film, cause I was slightly disappointed to be honest, still I don't think I went in the right frame of mind; I'd fallen asleep on my bed before Henry picked me up so I was slightly tired when I sat down. Anyways, haven't decided if I'll be going to next weeks showing of Be Kind Rewind; the earliest showing we can make is 9pm and I've got to get up for University at 5am. Laters for now,

Sam xx

I had crazy morning run into University this morning. First of all, it was about -1 degrees Celsius this morning as I was driving to University. The most epic adventure to University started when the car in front thought she'd be able to take the corners at Northney a lot faster than she could; her car went sideways and went down a side road where stables are (luckily no collision), and I realised that young female drivers can be a lot worse than male drivers; because guys can actually drive lol.

The second incident happened a lot closer to Southampton, where I seem to see a lot of bad driving and silly driver errors. But this was plain and simple stupidity, yet again, a woman (sightly older this time). By leaving a gap between you and the car in front, you can avoid an accident; a lesson that this particular woman could've benefited from. She ploughed into the back of a white van, OK it wasn't as bad as I made it sound, both were fine but she caused a hell of a traffic jam as all the drivers (including myself), slowed right down to figure out which way the cars would slide on the slippery road. Oh dear, they ended up on the slip road and luckily for me, I continued without much delay.

This is the best one... As I'm coming up to join Burgess road, I see another white van parked on the side of the road and something is glowing underneath the it. As I get closer I see that this glowing is on the bonnet and it is a fully-fledged fire in the engine bay. So I slow right down - there weren't many cars on the road where I was. Now I've got to admit, I don't trust my knowledge on how continuous combustion of fuel in an engine doesn't cause an explosion, so as I'm driving passed the only thing I can think of is... what if the bloody thing explodes. But it didn't, obviously or I'd be writing this at a later date lol. But it was lucky that I was going slow because the fire-engine was literally feet from the scene on the wrong side of the dual carriageway to get there quicker.

Also reminds me about something that happened last night... As I'm driving myself and good friend Graham back from getting food at KFC, I approach the slip-road at Havant to get off for Hayling. A BMW is flying down the temporary 40mph limit zone and sees the average speed camera and slows right down. After passing it reacquires his ridiculous speed until he sees the second set of cameras. Someone really needs to give this guy a mechanics lesson (i.e. AVERAGE SPEED = DISTANCE TRAVELLED / TIME TAKEN). I hope he is caught and fined before he kills someone. But afterwards, when I go onto the slip-road (speed limit still 40mph), a woman overtakes on the slip-road and bombs down to the camera hiding behind the trees; a sneaky camera that I think shouldn't be there.

There's my morning for all to know... I really do write about crap stuff sometimes lol

Sam xx

For the first time EVER, I managed to screw up with the transportation enough that someone didn't end up coming. Lucky for me, the person in question is quite forgiving and has a presentation due very soon, so the extra time on that could've been a plus to the terrible mistake. Ironically, it was the presentation (for another of my friends), that caused the whole thing to happen in the first place; I'd promised I'd help and so that's what I did all day Wednesday, I think the long day just got to me. Still, we went to the cinema this week to see National Treasure, book of secrets; the sequel to National Treasure starring Nicholas Cage. I loved it, knew I would because of the first one, but I didn't anticipate liking it as much as I did.

It was quite a long film, or seemed it because there was so much going on, but it was immensely gripping; I needed a pee after the first half an hour of the film, absolutely breaking my neck an hour later - but I was so worried that I'd miss a vital part of the storyline if I left the cinema for the whole 2 minutes it would've taken. It actually seemed worth risking the fact I could've wet myself just so that I didn't have to take my eyes off of the cinema screen. I don't think everyone liked it as much as I did, but I do LOVE puzzle/clue films, I want this film when it's released on "DOOVD" lol.

It was so interesting the way the main character used incredible intelligence to out-smart the FBI and CIA in a desperate attempt to clear his family name, the plot was good - the filming was better.

That's about as much as I can write without spoiling it, but come on... It's Disney. We all are secretly proud of the ability to say that "I've seen ALL the Disney films", so why not go to see it just for that :P

Love to all, next week is the highly-anticipated film... JUMPER woo hoo!!

love love xx
Sam :D

Something different again!! I loved this film. I was worried that it would be too much like the TV series LOST (produced by the same people), that the film will develop complications with deep-insight and psychological purposes; which I was not in the mood for - I just wanted to relax. The film was filmed as if it was a classified home-video from the government, obtained in the rubble of Manhattan after a disaster, following the owner of the camcorder as he documents what he believes is a truly supernatural occurrence.

OK, so I couldn't relax - I tried believe me. Usually films only spend about 5 minutes setting the scene, but this one spent around 20 mins!! I fell asleep during this scene setting and almost awoke with a cardiac arrest when the action started with a bang (quite literally). The scene setting was, in hindsight, to make it more believable that it was a home-recording just showing a party being filmed (it also kept skipping as if what was being recorded was recorded over a holiday; ingenious filming technique.

So the disaster happens, and they consistently have to fight for their right to survive. But it wasn't constantly fighting off little 'critters' (be honest, if it did happen they are not going actively hunt down as certain group of civilians unless they provoked it), so it made the film that much more believable.

The special effects are concentrated to making the "the monster" and Manhattan destroyed realistic, which was highly successful. I don't think, if I'm honest, that I'll be buying this film - because I don't think it is the sort of film you can watch over and over again (despite the fact that a select few that watched it last night had seen it the Friday before), although I dare say that they'll be obtaining this film when it comes out. :P

I'm not quite sure why it is called Cloverfield, I'm sure there's a reason, but I didn't find it after watching the film :s - This was a topic of conversation after the film. I know she'll protest me writing this, but after the film I said that "Scary that it came from real home footage!!", where Nat turned around and said "Oh my god, was it really!??". I couldn't resist then commenting: "Yeah, it was on the News last week and everything". But she was hinted that I was joking (I was interested in how long I could've kept that going) :P - Sorry Nat, love you.

So we met up with Danielle and her friend, had a chat for a bit in sub-zero condition; OK I'm exaggerating, but it felt cold and that's what matters. So next week we're seeing a sequel (if all goes to plan), and I'm looking forward to this one too :P

love love xx,
Sam

So we got to the cinema and watched the seats of the room fill up (except for the very front). As the trailers start playing I get a text from Danielle saying that the showing has sold out so they can't watch the film. This made me angry cause I could see at least 30 seats that were empty. So I ran out to the lobby and talked to the supervisor (who I'd seen patrolling the cinema room). I explained that I was sitting in the cinema and could clearly see that the screening wasn't sold out. She told me that they put it as sold out when the front seats are left because people have neck complaints after sitting in the seats. So I argued the existence of the seats and reasoned that if Danielle, Amey and her friends knew they'd be sitting in the seats and were OK with would she sell them tickets - throwing in of course that they'd travelled from Worthing; she agreed and so they could come in. But it did reveal some weird inner-working of Cineworld.

As for the film, this is one I didn't particularly want to see. Thought it'd be another cut-throat film with limited story and predictable filming techniques - but how wrong could I be!! I am left confused why the film is an 18 - as it clearly isn't a horror and can be seen more as a thriller-comedy (comedy similar to Shakespeare - if I can say that without offending some Shakespeare fanatics). It was a FANTASTIC musical that I'd have been gutted to miss. Honestly, go and watch this film... it is good - full stop.

Johnny Depp was the perfect choice for the role (like most of the films he's been in). Seeing him sing while cutting throats was quite amusing and the lyrics to some of the songs are hilarious. Bring us to the soundtrack - absolutely fantastic too (I'm considering buying it). The music was heavily influenced by other musicals (most notably the 'Maria' theme in 'Joanna'), it is very cleverly written music and compliments the film excellently.

I say again, go see this film - one of my friends declined this film because she thought that it'd be too scary - it really isn't, in fact it is more funny than scary which, by the looks of it, is completely intentional. Next week is the highly anticipated film from the producers of LOST - Cloverfield (which I heard from a friend who loves LOST is suspected to be linked to the new series that comes out this weekend). So until then....

love love xx
Sam :D

Now I have a minute, I want to write about my black-belt grading. I took it last Sunday. I had missed my last black-belt grading because of a kidney infection, but Sensei told me that I'd be doing it at the next master class...

So I turned up and I was told that he knew I knew the stuff and could last the grading and so told me to expect something a little different... "prepare to be tested" (sounded quite threatening :s). I was told I couldn't leave the mat for any reason unless told to. So I'm test for 3:45 hours on the inner-working of the syllabus (including Japanese, Anatomy & philosophy) - for example I was told to stare at one of the lights and then was asked what I could see... the answer (eventually), was everything - I could see people training I could see Renshi & Sensei teaching, I could even tell what my training partner was doing more-or-less behind me; was a real eye-opener. Also had to demonstrate pin-point control by punching out the flame of a standing candle without knocking it over.

After the 3 3/4 hours of testing, Sensei called the class to the edge of the matt. I felt relief when I heard this because I thought the testing was over and I could go and eat & drink something to replenish my ever-so-fast depleting supply of sugar (as I wasn't allowed a break like the others). How wrong I was, I noticed the semi-contact fighting gear was out and I had to fight 3 people iron man style. Bearing in mind that the others were fighting fit and ready to go - I had to realise that gaining a victory was impossible but I felt the urge to not lose and was happy with just waiting for the time to run out; was please that only Tony had got me in a comprisable situation.

In hindsight, I'm glad I missed the original black-belt grading date, which sounded like just an endurance test for 4 hours. I had been given a chance to realise what being a black-belt is all about; not just knowledge about how to harm and move. But also how one should live their life - teaching wisdom instead of knowledge, realising that all this time I had actually been taught how to be non-violent with violence. I now have a totally different view on the world and people in it - but in this day and age, you must underestimate nobody!!

Sam xx

First of all, sorry that I haven't written anything in a while; I've been bogged down with University work. But now all my exams are over, I can do lots of writing again. Well basically, I've only seen 2 films since I last wrote: I am Legend & Dan in Real Life. I didn't like I am Legend very much; thought it was a bit predictable and was another version of 28 Days Later. However, I did like Dan in Real Life (even though there were complete idiot chavs in the cinema that thought it'd be funny to just talk and make stupid noises in the cinema).

But biggest thing that went on this week (and I mean the whole week), was Henry's 18th birthday celebration. It started on Monday. A few of us (Jake, Johno, Nat P, Kerri-Emma & PM), went to the Ferryboat and we did the pub-quiz to which we won best quiz-team name "We should win best team name because it's birthday" (it worked lol); so Henry got a bottle of wine. After dropping Nat off home, with just me and Jake in the car, Henry wanted to go clubbing - I couldn't refuse him on his birthday... so we went down to Guildhall walk wearing our casual clothes :P

Walkabout was the first place we went to, it was empty. We had a drink and then walked down the street; we expected not to get into Route 66 wearing what we were, but we went for it anyways. We were let in, and also advised that if Henry showed his ID to the middle bar, he'd get a free bottle of champagne; which we got.

Route was packed with students, we had a great time, you should've seen Henry's face - he loved it, and I was so glad that I didn't miss Henry's first clubbing experience. Henry also went clubbing Tuesday and we went Friday night too where Jake and I stayed round Henry's because we expected to be back so late.

But tonight was Henry's real social activity, a meal that I'd booked for him at TGI Fridays in Fareham (unbeknown to him - he thought we were going to the Fortune Cookie Inn in Chichester gate). Although I let him in the surprise a little earlier intended, he loved to hear it none the less and had a surprised face when I mentioned it. So we went there where we met the people I had invited on his behalf. I kept the list a secret from him as another surprise :P

So we ate and had a fantastic time, Henry was made to stand on a chair while the entire restaurant sang "Happy Birthday". So the evening went on and now I am sitting with Henry in his caravan uploading the photos and writing this blog entry.

So the plan for this week is simple, I'm off Uni while exam period is still on and I've done all my exams. I've got to finish a report paper for my final year project, but that'll be done for Friday (the deadline easily). So I got a bit off time off and I intend to have as much fun as possible before semester 2 starts and I have to knuckle down hard for uni again

Until next time.. love love xx
Sam

This was just the film I needed to see last night; been feeling a bit low recently, probably due to being ill a couple of times. I loved this film and I think that Disney certainly haven't lost their touch when creating cute animals and magical storylines. :P

It was quite cheesy the way that the main character gets people on the streets singing and dancing from their hearts. But they realise that this, in reality would not be very realistic, and so they had the main guy embarrassed and shocked about the general publics behaviour under the influence of this 'crazy' girl; I thought this was a great touch that made the film slightly believable. :D

I loved the prince in this film - absolutely hilarious, his self-obsessed, pompous and dopey personality made him the centre of attention a couple of times and his sudden burst into song in front of absolutely anyone desperate to get his true love was so comical. Obviously he would've been arrested VERY quickly had he been carrying a sword round the streets of New York in reality.

Go see this film, it is really good and although it is very predictable, it doesn't matter - it is brilliant!! :-)

Love love xx,
Sam