It's another day of sitting here doing basically nothing. I've spent the days mainly sat here catching up on some reading...a luxury I had to forfeit when GCSE's began. Oh and watching Dr Who episodes trying to figure out what the hell is going on with Amy Pond.
Additionally it's been a while since the last intellectual blog post. So now I'm going to go off on a tangent- feel free to skip to the end for milk and cookies (which will be virtual).
As the title suggest I'm thinking about the way we see things. It's been an interest of mine for a while now, the way we think and act...
In this little blog post I'll talk about how willing the media are to jump to conclusions that the end of the world is nigh, pretty much everyday. Everyone remember the Swine Flu scare right? When predictions were of thousands dead by the end of August, every story on the news was related, all those signs and adverts placed in countless lifts warning us that "coughs and sneezes spread diseases". I praise the government for their quick intervention, as if that had been an actual epidemic swift action would be needed, however in the end I believe the reason such widespread panic ensued was due to the portrayal the media made of a few deaths making a situation seem even more desperate.
And then there was the Large Hadron Collider which was going to cause a black hole and destroy the world...yeah right. Well I've since seen evidence which confirms the inpracticality of this conclusion. It isn't scientifically viable. Another story without a taken from a rumour and blown up into full scale mass panic.
What about all those foods that cause cancer then you see in the columns of various newspapers everyday. Half the time, you'll find these foods printed a couple of weeks later then claiming to be cures for cancer. The truth is that these things haven't been researched enough to come to an accurate, valid conclusion.
The rapture. Another example. All over the internet were comments of how the world would end, based upon one guys's predictions. Many people have predicted the end of the world, ever since early calendars were invented- has it ever happened? So why should people choose to believe this obvious nonsense this time around?
Why print stories when we can't be sure the conclusions are true at all. My answer to this would be that it's because deep down, wired into our minds as human beings we love scary stories. We revel in the hysteria caused by a new threat in our stable lifestyles. It gives us something to gossip about in the streets or with neighbours. Draws us together as worldwide race of human beings (granted this may only be on twitter where we voice our concerns and poke fun at some ridiculous ideas), plus it sells papers. After all we secretly all love pouring over these stories even if to mock them.
Next time you read something predicting the end of our existance, think to yourself- how much of this is hype, research your facts and think twice before buying into the mass hype that will undoubtedly unfold.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Sunday, 29 May 2011
But love is blind, and lovers cannot see, The pretty follies that they themselves commit.
Taking a well deserved break from the relentless schedule of revision, I decided to take a trip to Shakespeare country to see the RSC perform The Merchant Of Venice, and look around some of the pretty historical houses around there.
I've always been kind of a sucker for Shakespeare plays, I just love the drama of them and rhythm of the words when spoken. It's hard to explain to people who just see these plays as just to be studied in english why I love them so much, because although the language is old fashioned it's a reminder of our heritage, a lost past, and in fact many of the words we use every day were actually first heard in the lines of these plays. I guess I'm also a romantic at heart, I love these tales of ages gone and imagining how life must have been before society relied on technology. Not just this, but Shakespeare is still relevant and can be modern...
The Merchant Of Venice was actually set in Las Vegas, the characters wore modern clothing, played in a casino, there was an Elvis impersonator as one of the servants, the leading lady Portia and her maid in waiting even host a game show to decide whom she shall marry-popping up out of the floor on a sofa, on air signs, cameras and everything. The actors were fantastic, and made Shakespeare enjoyable and understandable. At one point there's a lads night out with the boys dressing up as Batman, Yoda and a giant teddy in order to rescue Jessica, one of the love interests. Oh and a bit of Babra Striesand playing in the car as the group drive over to "Belmont", head banging all the way. Seriously the best play I've ever seen, if you ever get the chance you should really see one of the RSC productions!
Afterwards I spent the rest of my time in Stratford checking out the historical buildings, including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaways cottage, and Nash's House. They were all beautiful Tudor style houses and were so interesting to look around and see how times have changed.
I've always been kind of a sucker for Shakespeare plays, I just love the drama of them and rhythm of the words when spoken. It's hard to explain to people who just see these plays as just to be studied in english why I love them so much, because although the language is old fashioned it's a reminder of our heritage, a lost past, and in fact many of the words we use every day were actually first heard in the lines of these plays. I guess I'm also a romantic at heart, I love these tales of ages gone and imagining how life must have been before society relied on technology. Not just this, but Shakespeare is still relevant and can be modern...
The Merchant Of Venice was actually set in Las Vegas, the characters wore modern clothing, played in a casino, there was an Elvis impersonator as one of the servants, the leading lady Portia and her maid in waiting even host a game show to decide whom she shall marry-popping up out of the floor on a sofa, on air signs, cameras and everything. The actors were fantastic, and made Shakespeare enjoyable and understandable. At one point there's a lads night out with the boys dressing up as Batman, Yoda and a giant teddy in order to rescue Jessica, one of the love interests. Oh and a bit of Babra Striesand playing in the car as the group drive over to "Belmont", head banging all the way. Seriously the best play I've ever seen, if you ever get the chance you should really see one of the RSC productions!
Afterwards I spent the rest of my time in Stratford checking out the historical buildings, including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaways cottage, and Nash's House. They were all beautiful Tudor style houses and were so interesting to look around and see how times have changed.
Outside Shakespeare's Birthplace
Romeo and Juliet in one of the many gardens in Stratford Upon Avon
RSC Tower in distance and River Avon
Pretty Tudor gardens at Nash House
Anne Hathaway's Cottage- I wish I could own a house like this someday!
Saturday, 21 May 2011
The best years of my life.
Yesterday was one of the toughest days in my entire life. Saying goodbye to a place that has become my second home and the people who have become my extended family was never going to be easy, but I had never imagined it would be as heartbreaking as it was.
Over the past five years I've spent at Belvoir High so much of me has changed, I feel more confident, more mature, more accepted and more able to make my own decisions about where I want this life to go. The circle of friends I met in my time there are the most amazing people I could have ever wished to meet, forget celebrities, meeting friends who are as true as mine is the real honour and pleasure. Unknowingly I entered the school seeking a great perhaps- and I think I found it and found myself. They say the high school days are the best in your life. Part of me wants to believe this is true because I've had an incredible time, the other half of me doesn't because my high school days are at their end now.
I'm ready to move on to the next chapter of my life, but this chapter has been the one with the twisty-turny plots, the time where the main character discovers how the pieces of the puzzle fit together, and the one you know will always be a key to the finished book. Some of my friends will join me next year at the same sixth and we shall continue in education with each other, but to those who have chosen to start the next stage separatly I wish them the best of luck and know that although our days together at Belvoir High are over our friendship is not.
I'll never foget yesterday. It will be one of those days close to my heart until the day I die, because the sense of unity so lacking in todays modern world was present in the hearts of every year 11. We laughed at the same memories, hugged each other in a fond reminder of friendship, cried at the same prospect of change, gave applause to those who had made our years worthwhile, and found happiness in the good luck messages of others. It was a rare moment...a moment that makes life valuable.
Away from contemplating the meaning of life which is a bit too deep for early saturday morning. I also had a great time celebrating the end of an era with all my best friends present. We went for a lovely meal and discussed a range of topics, rainbows actually being circular, the looks of a certain waitor, hot nerds, the possibitlity of alien life, and the rapture which is supposedly going to happen today (not!) It was the best send off for our time so far with each other possible.
Over the past five years I've spent at Belvoir High so much of me has changed, I feel more confident, more mature, more accepted and more able to make my own decisions about where I want this life to go. The circle of friends I met in my time there are the most amazing people I could have ever wished to meet, forget celebrities, meeting friends who are as true as mine is the real honour and pleasure. Unknowingly I entered the school seeking a great perhaps- and I think I found it and found myself. They say the high school days are the best in your life. Part of me wants to believe this is true because I've had an incredible time, the other half of me doesn't because my high school days are at their end now.
I'm ready to move on to the next chapter of my life, but this chapter has been the one with the twisty-turny plots, the time where the main character discovers how the pieces of the puzzle fit together, and the one you know will always be a key to the finished book. Some of my friends will join me next year at the same sixth and we shall continue in education with each other, but to those who have chosen to start the next stage separatly I wish them the best of luck and know that although our days together at Belvoir High are over our friendship is not.
I'll never foget yesterday. It will be one of those days close to my heart until the day I die, because the sense of unity so lacking in todays modern world was present in the hearts of every year 11. We laughed at the same memories, hugged each other in a fond reminder of friendship, cried at the same prospect of change, gave applause to those who had made our years worthwhile, and found happiness in the good luck messages of others. It was a rare moment...a moment that makes life valuable.
Away from contemplating the meaning of life which is a bit too deep for early saturday morning. I also had a great time celebrating the end of an era with all my best friends present. We went for a lovely meal and discussed a range of topics, rainbows actually being circular, the looks of a certain waitor, hot nerds, the possibitlity of alien life, and the rapture which is supposedly going to happen today (not!) It was the best send off for our time so far with each other possible.
Sorry for the length of todays blog, I just needed to express myself upon this monumental time.
To finish I will leave you all with this...
To finish I will leave you all with this...
Good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant. - 11th Doctor
This quote basically sums up the memories of Belvoir, there were highs and lows-the lows never ruined the good memories but were not appreciated at the time, however the lows were needed to make me who I am today just as much as the indescribable highs.
Goodbye Belvoir, thanks for everything.
(Well okay I'll be back on tuesday to take an exam but things won't be the same!)
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
You open my eyes...
Taking a short break from last minute biology revision to post this, as I feel once again I've neglected my blog :( So this week has literally been hell, so far I've had four exams in three days- english, music and french! It is a great feeling to know that from now on I shall never have to "describe the rhythm of the accompaniment" or listen to phrases such as "J'deteste ca." ever again... french and music are over for good.
Another thing that saddens me is the fact that Vampire Diaries is over until the autumn so I now have nothing to occupy my tuesday evenings, although it must be said the season finale was brilliant and I loved every second...oh well I'll just have to watch DVD's now for entertainment. Also, the episode of Dr Who last Saturday has now become possibly one of my favourites, I loved the dialogue, costumes, set, acting...pretty much everything!
I can't believe I've only got 2 more official days left at Belvoir before I go on study leave, its crazy! I've spent five years there and it has still not hit me that after my last exam on the 17th June (Geography) I'll never be returning to Belvoir in my blazer and tie every again, instead I will be preparing to take those first steps in sixth form education- which will of course require a shopping spree for interchangeable daily clothes :)
Well I better be getting back to my revision as there is a textbook and numerous pages of notes awaiting my immediate attention and concentration...wish me luck tommorow in my exam!
Allons-y Alonso.
Another thing that saddens me is the fact that Vampire Diaries is over until the autumn so I now have nothing to occupy my tuesday evenings, although it must be said the season finale was brilliant and I loved every second...oh well I'll just have to watch DVD's now for entertainment. Also, the episode of Dr Who last Saturday has now become possibly one of my favourites, I loved the dialogue, costumes, set, acting...pretty much everything!
I can't believe I've only got 2 more official days left at Belvoir before I go on study leave, its crazy! I've spent five years there and it has still not hit me that after my last exam on the 17th June (Geography) I'll never be returning to Belvoir in my blazer and tie every again, instead I will be preparing to take those first steps in sixth form education- which will of course require a shopping spree for interchangeable daily clothes :)
Well I better be getting back to my revision as there is a textbook and numerous pages of notes awaiting my immediate attention and concentration...wish me luck tommorow in my exam!
Allons-y Alonso.
Me and my beautiful "best friend" the biology revision guide.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
The ship of fools is sailing into the nevermore...
It's been a while since I've updated this blog...and I feel kind of guilty, but that's what happens when you suddenly realise GCSE exams start next week, you begin to panic and have to spend most nights trying to somehow balance out revision for several different subjects. It's true, I haven't really had much of a life the past month, I'm just praying summer will make up for it. Right, well there's so much to discuss.
I must admit I did have quite a pleasant surprise last month though. As you probably know from various past blog posts, I'm quite into my sciences...so my Dad decided it would be beneficial to take me and Charlie to see the uncaged monkeys tour which featured Professor Brian Cox, Dara O Brien, Robin Ince, Ben Goldacre, Chris Addison and loads of others who mixed comedy and science. Honestly it was brilliant just to be in a room full of like minded nerdy people and was probably one of the funniest nights of comedy.
It's just hit me I have six days left at Belvoir, and that fact truly breaks my heart. In the end I guess it shows to never take time for granted,because no matter what you do the clock is ticking and before you know it, its time to take those brave steps into a brand new world whilst still clinging to the memories of the past and the people you love the most. Undoubtedly, I think the past five years will be something close to my heart for the rest of my life, without them I'd be a completely different person. In that time I've changed so much from the shy, nervous, quiet girl...into well, I guess a more confident, happy, talkative individual and if you know me no doubt you will have noticed these changes. All I've got to do now is get through these exams and enjoy the remaining few days with my friends as the same school.
Revision wise, I think I'm doing okay...I've focused mainly on the exams important to me, which means subjects such as music I'm dreading the exams for, especially as my teacher was totally uninspiring for the past two years, simply reading worksheets out aloud and calling it teaching...so now none of the information remains in my memory... great looks like I've got some cramming to do.
I want to leave you with some more pictures and quotes before going back to my world of mindmaps.
I must admit I did have quite a pleasant surprise last month though. As you probably know from various past blog posts, I'm quite into my sciences...so my Dad decided it would be beneficial to take me and Charlie to see the uncaged monkeys tour which featured Professor Brian Cox, Dara O Brien, Robin Ince, Ben Goldacre, Chris Addison and loads of others who mixed comedy and science. Honestly it was brilliant just to be in a room full of like minded nerdy people and was probably one of the funniest nights of comedy.
It's just hit me I have six days left at Belvoir, and that fact truly breaks my heart. In the end I guess it shows to never take time for granted,because no matter what you do the clock is ticking and before you know it, its time to take those brave steps into a brand new world whilst still clinging to the memories of the past and the people you love the most. Undoubtedly, I think the past five years will be something close to my heart for the rest of my life, without them I'd be a completely different person. In that time I've changed so much from the shy, nervous, quiet girl...into well, I guess a more confident, happy, talkative individual and if you know me no doubt you will have noticed these changes. All I've got to do now is get through these exams and enjoy the remaining few days with my friends as the same school.
Revision wise, I think I'm doing okay...I've focused mainly on the exams important to me, which means subjects such as music I'm dreading the exams for, especially as my teacher was totally uninspiring for the past two years, simply reading worksheets out aloud and calling it teaching...so now none of the information remains in my memory... great looks like I've got some cramming to do.
I want to leave you with some more pictures and quotes before going back to my world of mindmaps.
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