WeatherGirl’s Station

As the school term ended I had the good fortune of seeing the young’un performing in the school Christmas concert. (Phi, unluckily, was galavanting around Dublin, or at least making his way home from galavanting, and missed out.) As they say, it was not like it used to be. When I was a kidlet in school these concerts were mainly made up of carols and religious items related to the season. This concert was all over the shop but with the bonus of various kids having the opportunity to share their talents and interests rather than only being allowed to perform what the teacher in charge deemed suitable.

As a consequence the young’un was up and down on stage all night joining in with a variety of vocal groupings, instrument ensembles, a solo on his french horn plus as backing, for the singing of an aria, with his trumpet. It was very enjoyable if a little unconventional and a little rough at the edges.

Next term the young’un has the opportunity to participate in a local music school and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that it all works out well. The listing of ensembles and classes he can participate in is quite broad. (So lots of opportunities to try many different things.) I’m not sure how it’s all going to work as his not having participated in the musical exam/grading structure here means it’s not entirely clear how he will mesh with their requirements. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Current temperature: here 8C/46F, there 12F/-11C

Epic. Ridley Scott has to be one of my all time favourite film makers. It is so wonderful to watch a film where you know thought has been given to every element of the experience. Not everything will always work but there is a brain behind the scenes ensuring the ride will be worth taking.

This is a great movie and by the end I was tied up in knots worrying about how everything was going to work out when the final bust went down. I appreciated that certain elements were not beautified or glorified yet their appeal was clear. There was one very significant moment when I seriously flinched and it takes something to do that to me these days. There was plenty of averting my eyes with the drug taking scenes but that was to be expected with my aversion to sharp pointy objects and Phi was able to tell me when it was ’safe’ to watch again. (Frankly, I could have dome with a little bit less of that but then shooting up on heroin is not a pretty thing.)

Current temperature: here 9C/48F, there: 16F/-9C

Better late than never, eh? This production was fantastic. The all female cast was impressive and made a very interesting juxtaposition with the all male casting of Coriolanus. Interestingly, if anything, what I discovered was that the first third of the play, as written by Monsieur Shakespeare, was weaker than the second two thirds. The beginning involved much standing around speaking. Not the most riveting of set ups. When the action finally got going, however, holy molely, was it something else.

Much thought had been clearly given to every element of this production and they all worked together to set the scene and enhance the action. The basic set from Coriolanus was reused with some modification in decoration and the removal of certain structures. Costuming was excellent and differentiated male and female roles as well as allegiances. Drumming was used as an integral part of the soundscape. In fact, the whole music/sound design was incredibly well thought out and produced. All the different elements came together as a united whole to tell the story and by the end left you with a significant emotional wallop.

Current temperature: here 8C/46F, there 18F/-8C

So The Assassination of Jesse James… arrived in Colchester just as things went completely pear shaped, what with our trip to London and then our attempt to head north for the Christmas break. So, silly us, we assumed we could travel to my mum’s part of the world and watch it there. No such luck. It’s not even a case of, it’s been and gone, they just aren’t going to show it at all. Drat. Double drat. And language much worse than that. I was really looking forward to watching this one.

Current temperature: here 9C/48F, there 14F/-10C

Stupidity, apparently, is one human trait we haven’t yet evolved out of. Quite frankly how any one thinks this will solve a damn thing is beyond me. Read more from the Beeb.

Sadly, this did not come as a surprise.

Current temperature: here 9C/48, there 14F/-10C

Beautiful. A much better film than the critics seem to think IMHO. Visually interesting and beautiful to watch, it moved with enough pace to keep your interest and didn’t botch the book. Yes, it’s not as good as the book (and I would highly recommend the three novels, they are excellent) but I think that was to be expected with a book that is inherently about ideas rather than plot. The armoured bears were spectacular and worth the price of admission on their own.

Current temperature: here 9C/48F, there 14F/-10C

Looking for Christmas gift ideas? (I have the perfect spot for you to shop.) times two. Check out our Make Tea Not War products at CafePress. Plus Phi has a number of his photos for sale at Imagekind.

Current temperature: here 9C/48F, there 0F/-18C

Trash. Oh, wow, that was bad. Was the script writer asleep at his desk? Whole stretches were so underwritten it was scary. Also, the production was so cheap they used footage from the TV show Dark Angel to fill in the back story. Then there was the huge honking plot hole of having a hitman, dressed dapperly, with a bald head that shows off his tat bar code id, wandering around in full view of all unsundry. Way to keep a low profile!

Current temperature: here 9C/48F, there 0F/-18C

Do you recognise the needs and gifts of each member of your family and household, not forgetting your own? Try to make your home a place of loving friendship and enjoyment, where all who live or visit may find the peace and refreshment of God’s presence.

Current temperature: here 7C/45F, there 9F/-13C