post secret

'the future'

Skins Season 3

I finally watched the new episodes from the new series of Skins. With a whole new cast with the exception of Tony's sister Effy and her weird friend Pandora, the show has taken a different path from the original series.

I found when I was watching this, that it was harder to connect with the new characters and they seemed to be wanting to resemble/mimic the characters from season 1 and 2. For example, in this series there is a character called Cook who is almost identical to Chris from season 1 and 2. They both are slightly crazy, messed up and have an outrageous sense of humour. Effy in this series, is even more messed up then she was in the previous seasons. Her list of things to do on the first day is scandalous and her provocative manner sets her up to be the major slut in the school.
One thing I do miss from the other seasons, is how the characters used to be all connected in some way. In season 3, the characters are all in separate groups and do not really associate with one another like the way they used to in previous seasons. The perfect example is how Tony, who was going out with Michelle, is best mates with Sid who ends up liking Cassie who is Michelle's friend. The closeness that all the characters had meant that it was easier to like each character and you could connect with the stories. The latest episode (ep 2) showed a bit of interconnectedness between the characters but it was surrounded by an awkward and hostile feeling. Hopefully, in the new episodes to come, new friendships form that strengthen the cast and storyline.

However, this new series has stuck to its original level of wit, humor, intriguing characters and entertainment as seen in previous seasons. It feels good that Skins is back on; it provides you an insight into a lifestyle and life which some dream of, others fear or others are living.

On a final note, the character which I'm finding I miss most is Sid. He was such a lovable, geeky, funny character who had a storyline which was realistic and understandable. I would love it if they had cameos of the previous protagonists in this series. Sid and Tony (L)

Olly Moss

Olly Moss is the genius behind these remakes.
Some other designs by Moss.

an aussie summer

I would like this

this laptop cover

and these staplers. Seriously cool :)

What i'm listening to atm.

Guilt By Association by Louis XIV

Finding Out True Love Is Blind by Louis XIV

Passion Play by William Fitzsimmons
Stumbled upon this artist and have fallen just a little bit in love. Such a melodic, relaxing and peaceful voice. He sounds like a mix of Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine and Death Cab For Cutie.

Dearth by the Foals
Not the best song by the Foals, but still a great song to listen to. I can't wait for their new album. I have listened to their old album, Antidotes, way too many times.

Shout Me Out by TV on the Radio

Another Girl Another Planet by Blink-182
Recently brought Blink-182 Greatest Hits album. I definitely recommend it a must for all Blink fans. From track number 1 'Carousel' to their last song 'Aliens exist', you follow the bands journey as they grow from an amateur college rock group, thrashing around in their garage, to a professional and amazing one of a kind rock band.
Minding My Own Business by Coconut Records
This band is really really good. Similar style to Rooney and Phantom Planet. Sounds like something you would hear on 'The OC'. Quite catchy :)

Geraldine by Glasvegas

On Board by Friendly Fires

This song is really sweet. Its a mix of electro, indie and even a bit of soul. Its a great summer dance song.

Lily Allens new album

....is called 'Its not me, its you'
argh
why would you call an album that?
The album is about music not some relationship help book. The title of this album has already put me off from even downloading her new songs.

I unfortunately read a book with that exact same title, and the book was a complete and utter pile of rubbish. I beg you to never ever read that book.

Hopefully this album is good and that my quick nature to judge it is due to the association that I have with the title and that horrid book I read.

Cool album cover though.

'Looking For Alaska' the film

'Looking for Alaska' is a great teenage, coming-of-age book written by John Green back in 2005. I just found this out:

'The film rights to the novel were acquired by Paramount Pictures in 2005. Mark Waters and Jessica Tuchinsky are set to produce the movie and Josh Schwartz (creator of The OC) will write the screenplay and direct the film. A release date is expected in 2010. The movie is believed to have been renamed to Famous Last Words'

Yay! yay! yay! So excited! Can't wait for this film to be released.

This is a basic summary of what 'Looking for Alaska' is about.

"Miles Halter is completely bored. He’s got nothing to look forward to when he gets out of bed in the morning. Everything about his life is completely normal. Who wants to be normal? After thinking all this he decides he wants to move to a different school where he just might find the “Great Perhaps.” Miles always had a knack for knowing people’s last words.

When Miles moves to Culver Creek Boarding School he meets some people that will change his life forever. Alaska Young is the most interesting person he will ever meet. As his year progresses and she shows him more and more about the Great Perhaps and what life really has to offer, he realizes that he is in love with her.

This is a truly inspiring story that captivated me from the very start. It showed me that life isn’t just one big boring routine until you die. Life can have a meaning and everybody can have a purpose, but this is only possible if you make it that way. Looking for Alaska is just an amazing story. It is a book that must be read."

source: http://boysbloggingbooks.blogspot.com

Chuck (TV show)

Although this show is yet to have shown in Australia, I have been watching season 1 online and have fallen in love with this show.

Created by Josh Schwartz (the genius behind the OC and Gossip Girl), this show is destined to be great. It is an action-comedy show, which follows the life of Chuck who is your "average computer-whiz-next-door-type of guy". The story begins when Chuck receives an email from an old friend who is a member of the CIA. The email contains all of the CIA's secret information fin the form of encrypted images. What follows, is that Chuck's brain becomes the CIA's computer.

Each episode has its fair share of action, comedy and a bit of romance. It is really funny and you can't help but fall in love with Chuck. The co-cast is just as lovable; Chuck's best mate Morgan is an absolute geek and his attempts to act 'cool' leave you laughing your head off.

Although certain aspects of the show seem a bit silly and unrealistic, these elements just make the show more charming and more enjoyable.

Definitely check this show out if your looking for a new comedy-drama-action TV series to watch. It is guaranteed enjoyment and laughter.

Honest Movie Posters

Source: Total Film

'If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits eighty-eight miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit'

Back To The Future, probably one of the best movies ever made. So original and a timeless classic.

I might have a Back To The Future marathon. I totally got the special edition box set for my birthday :P

The 17 Worst Movie Posters Of 2009

http://www.totalfilm.com/features/the-17-worst-movie-posters-of-2009

lol

Remember the Titans

I watched this film last night for the first time and I regret not seeing it earlier! This film is probably one of the best ‘sporting’ movies I have ever seen. It is such a moving and powerful story, that you can’t help shed a tear in certain parts and smile when the characters put aside their racial prejudice and come together as one.

This film is based on the true story about Coach Herman Boone (played by Denzel Washington) who begins to coach the Titans Football team at a high school in Virginia. It is the year 1971, and school has allowed for the integration of whites and blacks for the first time. Boone replaces the previous head coach Coach Bill Yoast (played by Will Patton), who was a legend in the community. Boone calls for both whites and blacks to join his team while appointing Yoast as assistant coach. What follows is a difficult yet rewarding journey as the team and community learn to put aside their opinions on race and to accept each other for their ‘souls’ and not their skin tone.

Produced by Disney, it is expected that certain parts are a bit corny, but if you put that aside and admire the acting and themes, then these corny parts become essential in the success and understanding of this movie. The acting is really impressive. Denzel Washington, as always, portrays his character perfectly. Hayden Panettiere, Ryan Gosling, Kate Bosworth and Donald Faison all play minor/major roles in this film.

It is truly a powerful movie that leaves a lasting message about fairness and equality in the viewers mind. 4.5/5

You can watch the whole movie (in a pretty good quality) on youtube. This is part 1.

Golden Globe Outfits

Ok, I just wanted to post some hits and misses re: outfits worn at the Golden Globes. I think one of the main and only reasons people watch these award shows, is to laugh at the ridiculous outfits worn by some and to envy the others who wear outfits we can never ever afford.

HITS
How cute do they look?! Everytime I see Dev Patel, I always imagine him when he was playing Anwar in 'Skins'; he had such an awkward and confused character. He has come very far :)

Eva Mendes, stunning.

Olivia Wilde

Evan Rachel Wood


MISSES
Renee Zelwegger. The see through thing isn't working. No one wants to see skin coloured bras :S

One word, fugly.

'Ugly Betty'

Beyone looks like she is in pain and the split on the side is not flattering.

Blake is gorgeous, but this dress looks way too tight!

Golden Globe Awards Winners

• Best Motion Picture- Drama- Slumdog Millionaire

• Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture- Drama- Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road)
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture –Drama- Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
  
  
• Best Motion Picture -Musical Or Comedy- Vicky Christina Barcelona
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -Musical or Comedy- Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky)
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -Musical Or Comedy- Colin Farrell (In Bruges)
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture- Kate Winslet (The Reader)
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture- Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
  
  
• Best Animated Feature Film- Wall.E
  
  
• Best Foreign Language Film- Waltz With Bashir (Israel)
  
  
• Best Director- Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
  
  
• Best Screenplay- Slumdog Millionaire
  
  
• Best Original Score- Slumdog Millionaire
  
  
• Best Television Series– Drama- Mad Men
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series-Drama- Anna Paquin (True Blood)
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series– Drama- Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment)
  
  
• Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy- 30 Rock
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series- Musical Or Comedy -Tina Fey (30 Rock)
  
  
• Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series- Musical Or Comedy- Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

I'm so happy that Slumdog Millionaire won best motion picture and best director! And yippe for Wall.E :) :) And who can't help be ecstatic that Heath Ledger won best supporting actor. His performance in 'The Dark Knight' was brilliant and flawless and he deserved every bit of that award.

Milk!

I can't wait for this film to come out :D :D. The ensemble cast is amazing, the story looks revolutionary and it just seems brilliant! Furthermore, Emile Hirsch and James Franco are on the screen at the same time. yipeeee :D :D

It is released on the 29th of January in Australia.

The Rich List

This is probably my favourite game show on TV. Although the host Andrew O'Keefe is majorly annoying and acts like a complete geek for most of the show, the actual game is heaps of fun to watch and play. Some of the topics are a bit obscene (name 40 Most Common Grape Varieties Grown in Australia for Wine) but every now and then, a topic comes up which is achievable, interesting and fun to complete.

Well I found some 'lists' which seem to fall into the appropriate genre to appear on my blog (aka they are about movies, music or books). So have a go at them and I'll post the answers later on.

Produce a list of:

• Theatrically Released Movies Featuring The Stars Of 'Friend's'
• Books written by Roald Dahl
• Theatrically Released Movies with a 7 in the Title
• Theatrically Released Feature Movies In Which Audrey Hepburn Has Appeared

My top 5 movies of 2008

5) Vicky Christina Barcelona
4 stars


4) Australia
4 stars


3) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
4.5 stars


2) Slumdog Millionaire
5 stars


1) WALL.E
5.5 stars


Other notable mentions:

• American Teen
• Hey hey its Esther Blueburger
• Sex and the City
• The Grocers Son
• Quantam of Solace

I love this.

http://little-people.blogspot.com/
such a sweet idea.

Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“The heart is forever inexperienced”

My latest music downloads

a few new and old songs:

'Loose Lips' by Kimya Dawson. Most people know this song from the movie 'Juno'. Know for her childish voice, and catchy chorus', Dawson is an artist whose music is unique and the true definition of indie music.

'they think we're disposable? well both my thumbs opposable!
spelled out on a double word and triple letter score an'

'Pen and Paper' by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. The new single by RJA released a couple of days ago is a preview of their new and upcoming album 'Lonely Road' (due for release feb 3rd). For those familiar with RJA old music, they will find (as I did), that this new single sounds quite bland and boring. Its got a steady rock beat, catchy chorus but its nothing that hasn’t been heard before. Comparing this song to their old hits such as ‘Face Down’ and ‘Guardian Angel’, it is evident that RJA should stick to their old style of music rather then venturing into a music which lacks the core and depth they previously had.

'Stevie' by Lisa Mitchell. Since her appearance on Australian Idol, Lisa Mitchell has accomplished and established a name for herself in the folk music genre. Her airy, angelic voice sounds perfect with her meaningful and unique lyrics With her new single 'Stevie', we get a glimpse into what we will see on her debut album 'The Attic Space'. I can't wait :)
Download 'Stevie' for free from the triple j website http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/listen/mp3s.htm.

'Dying is fine' by Ra Ra Riot. Rolling Stones magazine called them the 'best indie rock band debut' of the year. They sound similar to Vampire Weekend, but these guys sound a bit more mellow and almost a bit more 'darker'. What I mean by darker is that most of their songs deal with the theme of death but at no means am I suggesting that this is an 'emo' band or such. They have the perfect mix of indie, rock and pop. Also listen to 'Can You Tell'

'Be Gentle With Me' by The Boy Least Likely To. How can you not like this song? It is so bubbly, cute and fun. Plus it is majorly catchy. To describe this song you would basically say it sounds like a cute, fun, childish tune! This song is from 2005, but I only stumbled on this by chance. Definitely check out this song. (Even the album cover is cute!)

New albums:
Folie a Deux- Fall Out Boy
This is a pretty good album by FOB. With stand out hits like 'American Suitehearts' and 'I Don't Care', this album follows their typical music style; a solid pop/rock beat with witty lyrics and song titles. The album comes with several bonus tracks such as an acoustic version of 'American Suitehearts', some remix's of several songs and their take on the classic Michael Jackson song 'Beat It'.

My personal favorites would have to be '20 Million Dollar Nose Bleed', 'The Shipped Gold Standard' and 'Coffee's For Closers'.

Overall it is a really catchy and typical FOB album; but nevertheless this album doesn't really compare to their old stuff. 3.5 out of 5

Out of curiosity, I looked up the meaning of the title 'Folie a Deux'. Folie à deux (literally, "a madness shared by two") is a rare psychiatric syndrome in which a symptom of psychosis (particularly a paranoid or delusional belief) is transmitted from one individual to another. Thanks wikipedia.

When The World Comes Down- The All-American Rejects
Words can not describe the excitement when I purchased the new album by AAR. I LOVE this band so much. After listening to this album several times, my excitement was placed on a sudden halt when I came to the realisation that this album was not at all like their old stuff. This album focuses on less 'rock' songs, rather focusing on popish ballads aimed for commerical radio. Their previous albums were filled with original rock hits. Songs which can be heard over and over again without becoming tedious. I found this album became boring after only listening to it 3 or 4 times.

I do admit that not all the songs are bad. I love 'Gives You Hell' but this song could have been majorly improved by having a stronger bass line and a louder/harder sounding drum. I even tried remixing the song so it could have a stronger beat and it does make a significant difference (for the better).

Other stand outs would be 'Sunshine' and 'Another Heart Calls'.

I'm giving this album 3/5 and I really pray that their next album is like their first debut album.

Also, the video for 'Gives You Hell' is funny. Well I thought it was funny; maybe it is just because Tyson Ritter is majorly cute when he acts nerdy haha.

The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell

Movies I want to see:

Quote by John Berger

When we read a story, we inhabit it.
The covers of the book are like a roof and four walls.
What is to happen next will take place within the four walls of the story.
And this is possible because the story's voice makes everything its own.

'Bright Shiny Mornings'- novel by James Fray

This book is the latest from author James Fray (writer of the controversial novel 'A Million Little Pieces'). Fray's latest novel is a stunning comeback which helps proves to haters that he is in fact an exceptional writer and deserves the praise he receives.

For those who don't know Fray, he published the novel 'A Million Little Pieces' which he claimed was an autobiography about his struggle through rehab and getting over his addiction to drugs. After an appearance on the show Oprah and Oprah herself adding Fray's book to her book club, the book became a worldwide hit, selling millions of copies all over the world. However, several months after Fray reached stardom, a website declared that Fray's novel was actually embedded with millions of lies and that in actual fact, this self claimed 'autobiography' was actually a work of fiction. Fray admitted to his lies and had to face an embarrassing ordeal by once again appearing on the Oprah show and being publicly ridiculed. Oprah's exact words, 'You lied to me...you lied to me!'. A very over dramatic reaction which caused many to hate James Fray and for the sales in his novels and future novels to plummet.

I personally loved 'A Million Little Pieces', and after finding out that certain sections were in fact fake, it did not change my opinion of the novel. His latest novel is a perfect comeback and clearly reminds readers that he is in fact a remarkable writer and not some fraud.

Onto 'Bright Shiny Lights'. I thought that this novel was a pretty good read. Initially it was a bit difficult to follow what was happening; Fray writes this novel with little and/or no punctuation. However as you continue to get through the book, you easily adapt to Fray's style of writing and it becomes an effortless and easy-to-read story.

It is hard to describe what this book is about, but basically it revolves around LA (Los Angeles). We are introduced to five main characters, one being LA itself. Fray takes the reader into the journey and lives of people who are trying to fulfil their dreams and ambitions in LA. One character is a famous movie star who appears to be living the perfect life; beautiful, married, kids but in actual fact, he is a man who is secretly gay, married to a women who is actually into women and his kids were made in a petri dish. We also follow the life of a young couple who are trying to start their own life in LA. This story is a bit cliche, but their story becomes one of the most interesting towards the end.

Staying true to his typical style of cliffhangers and eye opening descriptions, Fray presents an absorbing and compulsive read, which keeps readers reading to the end. By the end of the novel, Fray has presented an honest and almost horrifying insight into the actual LA. Contrary to what we see in movies and TV, LA is far from all its glitz and glam and is rather a slum filled with thousands of struggling wannabes and ridden with poverty.

The only thing which I didn't really enjoy was that Fray sometimes dragged on the stories for too long and they became a bit tedious to read. It is quite a thick book and I do admit to skipping several pages due to boredom.

I am giving this book 4/5.

'Into The Wild'- the novel by Jon Krakauer

To sum this book up in one word, amazing. This book has the ability to change the way you perceive life and to reconsider your beliefs and actions.

This novel written by Jon Krakauer is an autobiography of the young adventurer and nonconformist Christopher McCandless. Written in 1992, Krakauer describes the events that led to the discovery of McCandless' body in the Alaskan outback. The novel explores McCadnless upbringing, his decisions that led to his desire to leave society and go 'into the wild' and ultimately tries to make sense of how McCandless ended up being found dead in an abandoned bus in Alaska.

McCandless is a powerful character and his actions and words are so powerful that you can't not be moved by his words. 'If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, then all possibility of life is destroyed' just one of the many quotes written by McCandless in his diary found next to his body.

This novel is very haunting; Krakauer has the ability to mesmerise and enthral you into the narrative. I really liked the way Jon Krakauer wrote this book. He follows a non-parallel narrative, where he includes flashbacks, transcripts, interviews and current information all regarding McCandless journey and the ordeal his family was put through. Krakauer has the ability to effortlessly switch between past and present to form a smooth and easy to read story.

The movie 'Into the Wild' is an excellent adaptation of the novel. Nearly all the events and truth in the novel are retained in the movie, and there is little that has been 'hollywoodised'. Emile Hirsch also did an amazing job portraying Chris McCandless. After reading the book it is hard to imagine anyone else playing the part of McCadnless.

I’m giving this book 5/5 and I definitely recommend watching the film as well.

'San Francisco Chronicle'- Compelling and tragic...Hard to put down.
'New York Times'- Terrifying...Eloquent...A heart-rending drama of human yearning.