Hey all,
Just remember; If in doubt, be fabulous.
 | ||
| This much fabulous can power Mecha. Fact. Source |
Peace out,
Chris.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Harvey - The Story So Far
Hey all,
So, we're just under 2 weeks into the rehearsal process for Harvey. I'm really please with how the show's coming along so far, so I felt I'd post up a few pictures. The first picture comes from Act 1 Scene 1, and features Elwood (Alastair Clarke) and Sanderson (Martin Poile), while the second features Myrtle (Lauren Brighton) and Omar Gaffney (Shakeel Quader) in Act 2 Scene 1.
I'm really excited about the progress the cast has made so far, and can't wait for it to keep getting better and better.
Also, while I'm on a drama kick, LUDS have a shiny new blog. Find and follow it at www.liverpooldrama.blogspot.com.
Peace out,
Chris.
So, we're just under 2 weeks into the rehearsal process for Harvey. I'm really please with how the show's coming along so far, so I felt I'd post up a few pictures. The first picture comes from Act 1 Scene 1, and features Elwood (Alastair Clarke) and Sanderson (Martin Poile), while the second features Myrtle (Lauren Brighton) and Omar Gaffney (Shakeel Quader) in Act 2 Scene 1.
I'm really excited about the progress the cast has made so far, and can't wait for it to keep getting better and better.
Also, while I'm on a drama kick, LUDS have a shiny new blog. Find and follow it at www.liverpooldrama.blogspot.com.
Peace out,
Chris.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Kids Today: A Rant About Some Parents
Hey all,
So I woke up this morning and loaded up my laptop to check my emails. This, in itself, is not uncommon. My homepage for my internet is yahoo - as I use yahoo for my emails, I figure this makes sense. While on the homepage, I checked out the four headlines they had running at the moment, and one was concerning a woman who's son ran up a £1000 bill on his xbox. I've sen the story on the gaming site I often visit (www.escapistmagazine.com), but like to check out how non-gaming media covers stories like this. Foolishly, I clicked it.
You can read the article for yourself: http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/blog/article/22696/xbox-boy-buys-big-on-mums-card.html.
The article makes pretty standard reading: The woman put her card details onto the xbox so her son could use Xbox Live, a service that allows you to play games with your friends online. Her son, however, brought various other items for use in-game, eventually culminating in this huge bill.
I've seen plenty of stories like this before - it's nothing new. However, it was the woman's comments that really ruffled my feathers. I quote:
“It is ridiculous to allow someone of his age to make payments without any checks being done.”
“It is impossible to monitor everything your children do. These companies should take some responsibility. They take advantage of vulnerable people.”
This woman is, to be perfectly frank, an idiot. Granted, you can't keep your eyes on everything your children do. However, the complaints that there is no age verification is simply not true. The putting in of your card details counts as age verification, as Microsoft are assuming that, if you're old enough to have said card, then you're old enough to take responcibility. There are no age checks on amazon, because it stores your card details. This is the same thing, with the exception that one is done on a computer, one of the xbox.
Secondly, the mother should have told her son that he was to check with her before purchasing anything else. You can't watch your children all of the time, but you can talk with them about limits, or at least check up on them. To blame some scary grey box is stupidity in its highest form. To quote Peter Griffin, "Maybe parents need to take more responsibility for what shows their kids watch instead of blaming the shows themselves ... Yeah" It's the same principle with games.
Thirdly, there are other options to using your card; the main one being that you can buy codes for 1 year's xbox live subscription. They're cheaper, and, more importantly, mean that you don't have to put in card details. Granted, the woman may not have known about these, but I still feel it's a point worth making.
Lastly, and this is the most important point, the article points out that there are clear instructions for setting up parental control on the xbox. The mother should definately have looked at these. Parents seem all too willing to ignore ways in which they can monitor safety about children and technology without hovering over their shoulder. The kid was 11 for God's sake, she should have checked out ways to keep, not only her bank balance, but him, safe. I felt really upset when the article reported how he didn't want his xobx anymore. It was clearly something he enjoyed, but because no boundaries had been set/his mother hadn't looked over what he was doing, he'd been made to feel like the bad guy.
Anyway, I'm ranting. I said it would be a rant, and it turned into one. I'll finish it there.
Peace out,
Chris.
So I woke up this morning and loaded up my laptop to check my emails. This, in itself, is not uncommon. My homepage for my internet is yahoo - as I use yahoo for my emails, I figure this makes sense. While on the homepage, I checked out the four headlines they had running at the moment, and one was concerning a woman who's son ran up a £1000 bill on his xbox. I've sen the story on the gaming site I often visit (www.escapistmagazine.com), but like to check out how non-gaming media covers stories like this. Foolishly, I clicked it.
You can read the article for yourself: http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/blog/article/22696/xbox-boy-buys-big-on-mums-card.html.
The article makes pretty standard reading: The woman put her card details onto the xbox so her son could use Xbox Live, a service that allows you to play games with your friends online. Her son, however, brought various other items for use in-game, eventually culminating in this huge bill.
I've seen plenty of stories like this before - it's nothing new. However, it was the woman's comments that really ruffled my feathers. I quote:
“It is ridiculous to allow someone of his age to make payments without any checks being done.”
“It is impossible to monitor everything your children do. These companies should take some responsibility. They take advantage of vulnerable people.”
This woman is, to be perfectly frank, an idiot. Granted, you can't keep your eyes on everything your children do. However, the complaints that there is no age verification is simply not true. The putting in of your card details counts as age verification, as Microsoft are assuming that, if you're old enough to have said card, then you're old enough to take responcibility. There are no age checks on amazon, because it stores your card details. This is the same thing, with the exception that one is done on a computer, one of the xbox.
Secondly, the mother should have told her son that he was to check with her before purchasing anything else. You can't watch your children all of the time, but you can talk with them about limits, or at least check up on them. To blame some scary grey box is stupidity in its highest form. To quote Peter Griffin, "Maybe parents need to take more responsibility for what shows their kids watch instead of blaming the shows themselves ... Yeah" It's the same principle with games.
Thirdly, there are other options to using your card; the main one being that you can buy codes for 1 year's xbox live subscription. They're cheaper, and, more importantly, mean that you don't have to put in card details. Granted, the woman may not have known about these, but I still feel it's a point worth making.
Lastly, and this is the most important point, the article points out that there are clear instructions for setting up parental control on the xbox. The mother should definately have looked at these. Parents seem all too willing to ignore ways in which they can monitor safety about children and technology without hovering over their shoulder. The kid was 11 for God's sake, she should have checked out ways to keep, not only her bank balance, but him, safe. I felt really upset when the article reported how he didn't want his xobx anymore. It was clearly something he enjoyed, but because no boundaries had been set/his mother hadn't looked over what he was doing, he'd been made to feel like the bad guy.
Anyway, I'm ranting. I said it would be a rant, and it turned into one. I'll finish it there.
Peace out,
Chris.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Get My White On: Why I don't dance.
This weekend, I've spent my time at LondonAnimeCon. On Sunday, there was a DDR Torunament.
This man can dance. He covered two dancemats at once.
I can't dance. I went out round 1.
Peace out.
Chris.
This man can dance. He covered two dancemats at once.
I can't dance. I went out round 1.
Peace out.
Chris.
Friday, 28 January 2011
Just One More Try...
 | |
| One of the greatest games and biggest time saps I've come across. Source |
The beats does flow through fingertips.
From east through north and back again,
My digit finds its place and dips.
My thumb and finger are my swords.
They take control and strike with speed.
On I cut with rending blade,
A deadly slash to make her bleed.
Yet countered are my lightning blows.
She turns the tide and fights with force.
One hit to chest and then to head,
Streams of death that stay their course.
Try to duck and try to dodge.
I can but move to try escape.
But all for nought, the final move,
Assaults that leave my jaw agape.
The screen’s gone black, the crowd does cheer.
Press A to Continue From Here.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
4 Minutes Left to Go...
Hey all,
It's been a very long time since I've updated here (miss me?) and that's simply because I've had very little that I could write a blog entry about. I know I put down a few things in a part couple of entries, but I've constantly hit writers block with them. So, I've decided that, if I'm ever stuck for a topic, like I am now, then I'll play a writing game.
The idea is to use a random word generator website to get a completely obscure word, then spend 4 minutes stream-of-conscious-writing about it. The website I've opted for is http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/RandomWord/RandomWordPlus.aspx, and decided that today I will use a common noun. I have my stopwatch at the ready, and the word is...
Disregard.
Excellent! Let's get on with it. See you in 4 minutes!
--------------------------------------------------
So, to disregard something is to throw it away, or ignore it completely. Being a Pixar nerd, the first thing that springs to mind is Toy Story, which always has a constant feeling of the main character (yes, Woody is the main character) being disregarded by Andy. But disregarded doesn't seem to fit here. Let's read that back... "being disregarded by Andy". It's not a strong enough word to really be considered the feeling Woody feels in these situations.
Disregarding gives the sense that somebody doesn't want it any more, or throws it away on purpose. While woody's fear is that Andy doesn't want him gone on purpose, we always know this is not the case. Maybe this analogy has worn thin, I don't know....
If we're to disregard something, then surely we mean to do it. No, I don't think we do. I think it's more what, aptly, has happened to this blog. No, on second thoughts, I take it back. I didn't disregard this blog. I'd say disregard means the reverse. I'd say it means that we DO NOT mean to do it.
--------------------------------------------------
Hmm, it seems my mind is a jumbled mess of random thoughts. I also forgot to capitalise 'Woody' in the second paragraph, but I'm reluctant to change it now. The thought process definately gets jumbled towards the end. I know, let's try a second one, just while I'm on a roll. See if that comes out any better. The word is...
Tie.
Ah! A worthy noun if e'er there were one. On we go!
--------------------------------------------------
So yes, 'tie'. Instantly, I thought of christmas. Not because you can tie presents with bows (though I'm quite proud of that link), but because of the wooden tie I got for Christmas. I think I'll have to stick a photo of that up at some point, maybe tomorrow. It is, after all, rather awesome.
Ties also make me think of tie-fighters, from Star Wars. I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan - I've always preferred Star Trek. Actually, that's a lie. Which rhymes with tie (heh!); I didn't really watch Star Trek until I started coming to university. Instead, I did watch Star Wars. My main problem with that series though is that, for all these important planets, why all the focus on Tatooine? I know, it's important because of the Skywalker history, but what make Obi Won Kenobi think that was a good place to hide Luke? I mean, Anakin/Vader grew up there, I would have thought it's the first major place to look.
Nightmares about his dead, mother, yes, yes, but plotholes! In fact, why am I complaining... Lucas is a sellout anyway. I will not rant, I will not ran... Shoulda killed Han!
--------------------------------------------------
That was a bit more structured (except for the middle - and why do I keep using brackets? What I wouldn't give for a footnote). Should Christmas be capitalised? I think so... It's in here in both forms anyway, so no-one can claim favouritism. Thank goodness I have second drafts of my essays, else I'd be buggered re: Grammar!
Anyway, that's all for tonight. WHY do I always post these so late? Gonna tweet about it, but might freshen people's memory/alert them to the fact a new entry is up some time tomorrow. I really do need to finish off some sketch show scripts too. I seem to just layer jobs on myself...
Oh well, peace out!
Chris.
P.S. I'm not sure if the whole Luke-Vader-Tatooine thing is a plot hole. On second thoughts, I don't think it is. Apologies!
It's been a very long time since I've updated here (miss me?) and that's simply because I've had very little that I could write a blog entry about. I know I put down a few things in a part couple of entries, but I've constantly hit writers block with them. So, I've decided that, if I'm ever stuck for a topic, like I am now, then I'll play a writing game.
The idea is to use a random word generator website to get a completely obscure word, then spend 4 minutes stream-of-conscious-writing about it. The website I've opted for is http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/RandomWord/RandomWordPlus.aspx, and decided that today I will use a common noun. I have my stopwatch at the ready, and the word is...
Disregard.
Excellent! Let's get on with it. See you in 4 minutes!
--------------------------------------------------
So, to disregard something is to throw it away, or ignore it completely. Being a Pixar nerd, the first thing that springs to mind is Toy Story, which always has a constant feeling of the main character (yes, Woody is the main character) being disregarded by Andy. But disregarded doesn't seem to fit here. Let's read that back... "being disregarded by Andy". It's not a strong enough word to really be considered the feeling Woody feels in these situations.
Disregarding gives the sense that somebody doesn't want it any more, or throws it away on purpose. While woody's fear is that Andy doesn't want him gone on purpose, we always know this is not the case. Maybe this analogy has worn thin, I don't know....
If we're to disregard something, then surely we mean to do it. No, I don't think we do. I think it's more what, aptly, has happened to this blog. No, on second thoughts, I take it back. I didn't disregard this blog. I'd say disregard means the reverse. I'd say it means that we DO NOT mean to do it.
--------------------------------------------------
Hmm, it seems my mind is a jumbled mess of random thoughts. I also forgot to capitalise 'Woody' in the second paragraph, but I'm reluctant to change it now. The thought process definately gets jumbled towards the end. I know, let's try a second one, just while I'm on a roll. See if that comes out any better. The word is...
Tie.
Ah! A worthy noun if e'er there were one. On we go!
--------------------------------------------------
So yes, 'tie'. Instantly, I thought of christmas. Not because you can tie presents with bows (though I'm quite proud of that link), but because of the wooden tie I got for Christmas. I think I'll have to stick a photo of that up at some point, maybe tomorrow. It is, after all, rather awesome.
Ties also make me think of tie-fighters, from Star Wars. I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan - I've always preferred Star Trek. Actually, that's a lie. Which rhymes with tie (heh!); I didn't really watch Star Trek until I started coming to university. Instead, I did watch Star Wars. My main problem with that series though is that, for all these important planets, why all the focus on Tatooine? I know, it's important because of the Skywalker history, but what make Obi Won Kenobi think that was a good place to hide Luke? I mean, Anakin/Vader grew up there, I would have thought it's the first major place to look.
Nightmares about his dead, mother, yes, yes, but plotholes! In fact, why am I complaining... Lucas is a sellout anyway. I will not rant, I will not ran... Shoulda killed Han!
--------------------------------------------------
That was a bit more structured (except for the middle - and why do I keep using brackets? What I wouldn't give for a footnote). Should Christmas be capitalised? I think so... It's in here in both forms anyway, so no-one can claim favouritism. Thank goodness I have second drafts of my essays, else I'd be buggered re: Grammar!
Anyway, that's all for tonight. WHY do I always post these so late? Gonna tweet about it, but might freshen people's memory/alert them to the fact a new entry is up some time tomorrow. I really do need to finish off some sketch show scripts too. I seem to just layer jobs on myself...
Oh well, peace out!
Chris.
P.S. I'm not sure if the whole Luke-Vader-Tatooine thing is a plot hole. On second thoughts, I don't think it is. Apologies!
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Top Ten Moments of 2010, with no narration by Jimmy Carr.
Hey all,
So yes, the New Years is almost upon us. Christmas bells are in the air, carol singers are repeating the same bloody songs over and over (or is that the shop's communal CD?) and we're starting to see the 'Top Ten _____ of 2010' lists emerge everywhere. So, as I'm a festive sort, I felt I'd get in on the action. Unfortunately, there's no way for me to cash in on this thing, so think of it as my festive gift to you.
Remember, for every person who doesn't read this, I kill one of santa's elves.
10. Moving into my new uni house.
So yes, my new room is smaller, and the rent is a little dearer, but honestly, the new scenery, company and closer proximity to university pushes this event into the top 10 moments. Plus, saying you live in Kensington when you're at Liverpool really throws people back home.
9. First Magic: the Gathering prerelease.
I won't dwell long here. After all, I posted a blog on that. I suggest going to read it if you want to find out more. for now, onto number 8.
8. LUDS presents: The Seagull.
It was a fantastic play, but if I'm being 100% honest, it's mainly here because I got to show off my favourite waistcoat. Golden naked girls and swans are always featuring in my top 10 lists - Always.
7. Wall-E Costume Building.
Perhaps one of my favourite things I've built. If I'd done it a few years earlier, maybe I'd have gotten a higher grade in my graphics GCSE. That said, Wall-E wasn't around then, so would have been even more impressive... anyway, the thing needs some maintainance, as it's starting to look more and more like the end of the film.
6. Suit Up!
For the many times I've suited up. The stares are weird at first, but suits are just so damn comfy. All the times that make up this moment were Legen- wait for it... Dary!
5. Sticky Floor gigs.
Even though I've been in Sticky Floor since first year, every single gig is so much fun (well, except Liverpool Hope, but that's a different story). Highlights this year have been the playing the Manchester Comedy Store and the Reader gig at St. George's Hall. Here's to many more crazy and unplanned moments in the New Year!
4. LUDS presents: The Kitchen.
A great performance with such a huge cast and great moments; what's not to love? Plays will nearly always sneak into my top 10 lists (considering this is one of my first, that's very true!), and we've had two already. Told you so.
3. Toy Story 3.
I fucking love Pixar! Next.
2. Berlin.
My first trip abroad with fantastic people, and such a great city to visit: the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer-Platz, and the blissful lake by the palace I can't remember the name of are particularly wonderful memories. I can't wait to go back, as well as visit other places in Europe. Will probably go for Paris next, or maybe another German city if Jacqui will have me. Allons-Y!
And our number 1 spot is - Drumroll please...
1. Every moment of University.
Anything I've missed out that took place at university. After all, it's the small thing that make up the big moments; the journey, not the destination. Thanks to all who made it so special, and shared it with me.
And on that Christmas message, I'll leave you to your egg nog and your mince pies.
Ho ho ho,
Chris.
So yes, the New Years is almost upon us. Christmas bells are in the air, carol singers are repeating the same bloody songs over and over (or is that the shop's communal CD?) and we're starting to see the 'Top Ten _____ of 2010' lists emerge everywhere. So, as I'm a festive sort, I felt I'd get in on the action. Unfortunately, there's no way for me to cash in on this thing, so think of it as my festive gift to you.
Remember, for every person who doesn't read this, I kill one of santa's elves.
10. Moving into my new uni house.
So yes, my new room is smaller, and the rent is a little dearer, but honestly, the new scenery, company and closer proximity to university pushes this event into the top 10 moments. Plus, saying you live in Kensington when you're at Liverpool really throws people back home.
9. First Magic: the Gathering prerelease.
I won't dwell long here. After all, I posted a blog on that. I suggest going to read it if you want to find out more. for now, onto number 8.
8. LUDS presents: The Seagull.
It was a fantastic play, but if I'm being 100% honest, it's mainly here because I got to show off my favourite waistcoat. Golden naked girls and swans are always featuring in my top 10 lists - Always.
7. Wall-E Costume Building.
Perhaps one of my favourite things I've built. If I'd done it a few years earlier, maybe I'd have gotten a higher grade in my graphics GCSE. That said, Wall-E wasn't around then, so would have been even more impressive... anyway, the thing needs some maintainance, as it's starting to look more and more like the end of the film.
6. Suit Up!
For the many times I've suited up. The stares are weird at first, but suits are just so damn comfy. All the times that make up this moment were Legen- wait for it... Dary!
5. Sticky Floor gigs.
Even though I've been in Sticky Floor since first year, every single gig is so much fun (well, except Liverpool Hope, but that's a different story). Highlights this year have been the playing the Manchester Comedy Store and the Reader gig at St. George's Hall. Here's to many more crazy and unplanned moments in the New Year!
4. LUDS presents: The Kitchen.
A great performance with such a huge cast and great moments; what's not to love? Plays will nearly always sneak into my top 10 lists (considering this is one of my first, that's very true!), and we've had two already. Told you so.
3. Toy Story 3.
I fucking love Pixar! Next.
2. Berlin.
My first trip abroad with fantastic people, and such a great city to visit: the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer-Platz, and the blissful lake by the palace I can't remember the name of are particularly wonderful memories. I can't wait to go back, as well as visit other places in Europe. Will probably go for Paris next, or maybe another German city if Jacqui will have me. Allons-Y!
And our number 1 spot is - Drumroll please...
1. Every moment of University.
Anything I've missed out that took place at university. After all, it's the small thing that make up the big moments; the journey, not the destination. Thanks to all who made it so special, and shared it with me.
And on that Christmas message, I'll leave you to your egg nog and your mince pies.
Ho ho ho,
Chris.
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