Matthew Hoare's Personal Blog

Steve Jobs life in a Facebook timeline

2012-02-24T10:23:00.000Z

Yesterday whilst I was searching through Digg.com at work, I stumbled across this article that grabbed my attention.

Click Here

I thought it was an excellent idea to put such a great person we lost last year into the Facebook timeline, I am currently reading his biography, so it was also great to see these moments I have already read put into photos.

The article mentions the video being taken down a few times, so I apologise in advance If you have clicked the link to find no video.

Sorry this post is short, as I have to admit I did not have an idea for a blog post today, I guess its that Friday feeling kicking in.

However, last night I went to see Pulled Apart By Horses at The Electric Ballroom in Camden, so I shall write about that on Monday or during the week.

MH x

New York 2012

2012-02-23T09:32:00.000Z

You may remember a few weeks back, me and Lauren went to New York for a few nights. I of course took my camera with me, and instead of taking photos everywhere, I took short video clips.

Here is the end result.

I am quite pleased the way this turned out, making it two videos for my Vimeo channel. I hope this will keep going, and I make 12 for the year. I think it would be a nice achievement, and a good way to keep practicing.

MH x

Week 6 film I haven't seen [Easy A, 2010]

2012-02-22T08:00:00.009Z

This weeks film choice was Laurens, so its her turn to review (saves me a job)

This week, we watched Easy A! I mainly picked this film for us to watch because my last choice (I'm Not There) confused me and made for very heavy viewing! So I thought I'd choose a nice teen comedy, which was sure to be an easy (ha!) watch.

I must admit, I didn't expect the film to be that good, but actually I was proven wrong! The film is based upon the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the book actually features quite a bit throughout. I liked this idea a lot, as it's probably about as educational as a romcom can be!

Of course, it followed the usual pattern, with everything going horribly wrong after Olive, played by Emma Stone, tells a little white lie about losing her virginity, which soon becomes talk of the whole school. Of course, the usual happens and she's left with no friends, and a bad reputation...But instead of trying to shake off her slutty image, she embraces it and starts coming to school dressed as a stripper, taking payments from unpopular peers to have pretend sex with them, which ultimately turns the boys into heroes, but leaves her social status in ruins. Of course, there was an eventual happy ending, but if we have learnt anything at all, the moral of the story is do not lie!

I really loved the wit and warmth that Emma Stone brought to Olive's character, her performance definitely made the film for me! I also had no idea that Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl's Dan Humphrey) was in it so that made it all the more enjoyable!

Easy A easily gets a thumbs up from me :)

Week 5 film review

Recap

2012-02-21T08:00:00.003Z

Todays post is going to be a short one, I thought I would post some of the response received from my post about the Kindle, after posting a link to it on Tumblr.

1. 'Just as I was about to complain the Kindle tag has been short on pretentious bollocks recently…'

2. 'I really don’t understand the whole “I wanted to kick/slap their Kindles out of their hands” sentiment. I am reading a goddamn book, and I can do it however and in whatever medium I please. Get off your high horse and read your own paper pages instead of seething at what other people do. Also, I happen to like the “anonymity” of the books I read, because if I’m reading, it really means I have no interest in being accosted by someone else who’s had a sudden thought about a particular novel that they’d like to share with me. Leave me alone and mind your own business.
Also, if you touch my property in any way, I am punching you in the face. It’s only fair.'

3. 'You can’t hide a gun in a Kindle. Nor, indeed, open a secret passage or prop up a wonky table with one.'

I also received a nice bias response on the actual blog post

All interesting thoughts...! But I am still standing my ground with the dislike towards the Kindle, it just doesn't feel the right way to read a book. All that effort to write a book into all these many pages crammed into a small gadget..... No thank you!

MH x

Productivity

2012-02-20T10:01:00.001Z

This weekend was very busy and successful for myself, due to completing the Fenixx Productions website. We have been meaning to set this up for a few months now, and decided the beginning of this year was a good opportunity, to push us some momentum and push our work out! (I would still class February as beginning of the year)

Check it out...there will be more work added very soon - fenixx.tv

The first update arriving to the site in the next week or so will be Kid Champion's music video, which we are extremely proud of, and cannot wait to show you all. Here is a link to a sneak peak of screen shots to get you ready for the official release. fenixxproductions.blogspot.com/2012/02/kid-champion.html

On another note, we have entered the music video into the Vimeo Festival for the new music video category, so fingers crossed for that.

MH x

Lee Evans 'The Life Of Lee'

2012-02-17T08:00:00.002Z

Last week I finished reading my physical copy of Lee Evans autobiography my brother bought for Christmas, and I think finishing the book in just a month is now my personal best.

I was looking forward to reading the book, to get an insist into his life as I have been a fan of Lees work for over a good 5 years, and I was lucky enough to finally see him live at the O2 on his Roadrunner tour, where I laughed continuously throughout.

However I have to admit I was not fully satisfied with the biography, I could not help feeling the book was missing parts of his life I wanted to read about (how his career grew from the ground up). The bulk of the book documents his childhood, and after 3 or more chapters about him being the school idiot I got the picture.

A majority of his life stories told in the book felt a little make believe, the raw backbones of the story must have been true. However I could not help thinking Lee insisted on adding stuff to make them sound funny with the intent to entertain the reader. From doing this it felt like I was reading a novel opposed to reading a biography.

The biography ends on a high, which is nice, and I felt the last two chapters are the parts of the book I had been waiting for throughout, and was disappointed this was the end. However I am not slating the biography at all, I still love Lee Evans, I always will. I do feel like I have gained an insist into his life, and know him a little better. I simply can't shake the feeling I wanted more from the biography...perhaps he may publish a second one?

MH x

Stop buying Kindles

2012-02-16T08:00:00.027Z

This morning I was going about with my usual business heading into central London to start my working day. I hopped onto the tube at Vauxhall, where a man stands next to me reading his bloody Kindle, then at a later stop another man hopped on and stood the other side of me clutching a Kindle with his eyes glued into his reading.

All of a sudden I felt this urge to kick both Kindles of out their hands...

I presume the Kindle has been around for a few years now, and to be honest they are a decent piece of technology. The size and weight of them is fantastic. However, it just not the same to reading a physical book.

I understand it looks the same to reading a real book, with the ink on paper looking display. But that is all your looking at, you miss so much more compared to reading a physical book. The cover artwork, the smell for the pages, looking ahead to the next chapter, the weight of the book, flicking through the pages...the list is endless.

I just find its horrible seeing all these people sitting there on the trains and tubes reading through their Kindles, and no one can look over and be like "Hmm... never read that before, I might get that" Or... "I have read that! he made a wise choice" - All you see is people holding grey pieces of plastic in their hands.

I know the whole 'We hate Kindles' thing has been around for a while now, and I am a bit late to be jumping on this band wagon. Only this morning it finally got to me.

Whats your thoughts on the Kindle?

MH x

Week 5 film I haven't seen [Driver, 2011]

2012-02-15T07:27:00.007Z

The on board flight entertainment to New York last week of course consisted a selection of films, one of which was 'Drive' which me and Lauren managed managed to miss at the cinema. Therefore it was a clear choice for watching, however due to our early alarm for the flight and everything we both fell asleep half way through, so I apologise now this review is going to be short.

The storyline did result in being missed ever so slightly once I had woken, although I manage to work out the foundations of it; a stuntman / getaway driver, helping a family through trouble in crime.

I thought the story was original enough, as this put a different spin on the stories backbone, which we may have seen time and time again.

The visuals and soundtrack did grab me the most throughout the film. I enjoyed the 80s vibe the film was portraying with the, costumes, the bright and dark 80s colouring. Finished with neon lights and bling.

They all gelled together perfectly, it was beautiful to watch. I particular enjoyed the opening sequence which I do believe consisted of no dialogue, which worked considerably well as an opener. Leading you in to a film that surprisingly pans out to be a considerable dark (in genre).

I finished watching the film just wanting to run around and drive a few hours on the hit game, GTA Vice City.

Which I wouldn't say is a bad thing.

One year I was on a commercial flight, and 'The Day After Tomorrow' was a viewing option. Which I thought was a terrible choice...

What ridiculous choices have you seen for on board flight films?

Week 3 film review

MH x

Who is Paul McCartney?

2012-02-14T08:00:00.023Z

As you all know (unless you live in a little cave) the 54th Grammys award show was on Sunday 12th February. And to start this post off I have to give my congratulations to Adele for picking up all her well deserved awards.

However there is a small issue I discovered yesterday through my daily surfing on Tumblr. I discovered people were of course Tweeting throughout the ceremony with their opinions...however a majority of people during Sir Paul McCartney's performance were asking who he was.

Outrageous!

Initially after seeing this, I thought the situation was rather funny. Which then swiftly turned into anger, as I could not believe these young teenagers had no clue who this living legend was. They are sat watching his performance whilst on their computers or smartphones, they could at least searched his name before Tweeting, I should hope they have realised who he is after that search.

Personally I would not call myself fan of the guy, but that does not stop me from respecting him, purely because of his background in music, and what the band did to shape the music we hear and love today. I just could not believe these teenagers went ahead to Tweet all this hate and confusion to who he was, whilst at the same time their own music icons seated at the ceremony were witnessing their hero on the stage who gave the influence to their 'talent' (the term is used loosely there).

These current fans of music need to open their minds and do their research to see where today's music really comes from, It is certain you can hear the influences from the past. If these current fans were to listen to the past music they may learn something, and perhaps hear some 'real music'

Then Lauren turned me towards another Tumblr Page which resulted in my anger towards these people grow even more. They would not know what real talent is if it was staring them right in their face, the music they enjoy is not telling a story, and has no purpose and ultimately easily forgettable.

Sorry that was an angry moment for me, glad I took this time wrote it all down on here (that is one of the purposes for the blog).

What is your thoughts?

MH x

I want to go back to New York!

2012-02-13T08:00:00.011Z

So last week me and my girlfriend went to New York for 4 nights...and it was beyond amazing.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon around 1pm local time after our flight had been delayed for two hours in Heathrow due to the snow. Soon as the plane landed we headed to your hotel, dropped off our bags and went straight back out into the city, heading over to Times Square.

Leaving the subway and entering Time Square was an incredible sight, and I instantly feel in love how busy the area was packed with the locals and of course tourists. I could not get enough with how crazy the area was with amount of advertising boards scattered around flashing their lights onto the street below. And of course we bumped into the Naked Cowboy doing his thing.

Throughout the whole trip we visited the tourist sights of the city; Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Macy's, Ground Zero. To my surprise we didn't partake in some serious shopping, only casual looking around here and there on the way. Which of course I was totally fine with. Before we headed out to New York I searched up some other sights we could visit which aren't typical to tourists, one of these sights was Alice's Tea Cup, where we had a nice pot of tea and cake.

Alice's Tea Cup

My highlight on the trip would have to be the time we spent in Central Park, where we took a horse and carriage right around a small section of the park (due to the ridiculous price). Then finished off with ice skating, it was such a nice few hours spent in that location. Plus the weather was perfect, nice and sunny.

Coming back to London I of course want to back to the city already, I am tempted to look into going every year. Maybe explore different sections every time I go, but of course there is always the issue of money.

Have you ever been to New York?

MH x

NYC Day 1

2012-02-07T02:24:00.001Z

So yesterday me and my girlfriend arrived in New York! We were extremely tired, but managed to plough through and see some of the sights, including Times Square & the view from The Rockefeller Center.

Today we're going lower west side to see things in SOHO, Greenwich Village and Chelsea.

Yep all places you can find in London :-/

MH x

Off to the 'big apple'

2012-02-03T08:00:00.004Z

One of my 10 resolutions this year was to post a new blog entry every day throughout 2012. From the start of January this was of course lowered to every week day, still keeping a big task. With great surprise I have managed this throughout January, however next week (beginning 5th February) this may be a difficult task.

Myself and my girlfriend are heading off to New York for a few nights, and we cannot wait. We have both been over excited since we booked the holiday back in November 2011.

I am sure you can understand the idea of making sure I blog everyday whilst I am out there would be a mad idea, I want to spend the time relaxing and enjoying myself.

However I will be attempting to find some internet access at some stages, to post a picture on here each day with a few words so you can see what I have been up to. No doubt this photograph will be taken from my Instagram profile (I have fallen in love with this app lately).

You can also follow me on Twitter to get more out of me, as may also try and post a few things on there whilst I'm sightseeing/shopping.

Of course all these small ideas are in the maybe category of importance, were only out there for 4 nights, so I don't particularly want to waste time finding Wifi hotspots.

Also....why is it called the 'big apple'?

MH x

Week 4 film I haven't seen [I'm Not There, 2007]

2012-02-02T08:00:00.010Z

This weeks film choice was my girlfriends, so that only means one thing. Her time to review....

I've probably owned I'm Not There for a few years, but have never found the time to watch it. I was very aware of the fact that watching it might take quite a bit of brain power so I think that's why I hadn't seen it until last week.

I'm Not There was made in 2007, and is focussed around 6 characters who embody a different aspect of Bob Dylan's life. The characters weren't meant to be Bob himself, which confused me at first, because I thought it was going to be a film in the style of Control, a biopic about Joy Division's Ian Curtis, just with more actors playing the role of Bob at different stages in his life.

I was impressed by the great actors that were on board for the film (Christian Bale, Heath Ledger etc) but my favourite just had to be Cate Blanchett. I must say, I had doubts of how she'd portray a man successfully on screen, but she absolutely blew me away. She had Dylan and his mannerisms down to a tee, and actually looked very much like him as well. Her character was definitely my favourite, closely followed by Heath Ledger's, which was also pretty interesting, I found. I also really liked the way the film was shot, especially when it was in black and white documentary style.

I think, to fully 'get' the film, I'd probably have to watch it again because I spent most of the film completely confused. But it's definitely an interesting one to watch, just make sure your brain is switched on before you press play!

Week 3 film review

Pulled Apart By Horses 'Tough Love' [REVIEW]

2012-02-01T08:00:00.001Z

In 2009 I was on work experience with Rockfeedback TV and was lucky enough to be cameraman on a Pulled Apart By Horses viral video shoot for XBOX Reverb. Since the shoot, I have been a huge fan of these lads, and have seen them live a number of times. Which will also include seeing them at London, Electric Ballroom in February.

I love and have never got bored of their debut self titled album. So its understandable I was happy to hear they were back in the studio last year and was eager to get hold of the release of 'Tough Love'

Just like their debut album, I don't think I will get bored of this second album. They have developed a new sound, and I will be hesitant to say its a little softer than the first album, but it's still amazing and hard hitting. The album is full of punching riffs which you can't help but nod your head in sync with the rolling drums from Lee Vincent.

Going back to the new sound, its clear to hear Tom Hudson has changed his raw vocals from the rock/gothic/punk sound of the first album. However I think I love these new vocals more, they compliments well with the big riffs from the guitars, with their now more metal influence which is a nice development for them. Better still you can hear Toms vocals more clearly, which is great. As you can hear some for comical vocals.

At the moment my favourite track is 'Wolf Hand'. Its a good example of the all the new developments of the band; new guitar, vocals and drum sounds. Concluding the bigger beefier sound from the band as a whole, and of course the bands comical vocals. Finally like the first album, there are still segments of songs you find your rewinding back to hear over and over again. Reinforcing how you can not get bored of the album.

It just fantastic, don't hesitate and buy the album now.

MH x

Blowing my own trumpet

2012-01-31T08:00:00.003Z

I have been working at the th1ng offices for just over a month now, and last Friday the opportunity had been given to me to work on a pitch with the founder of the company, Dominic Buttirmore. Straight away I stepped up to the offer, as I have been aching to help on pre production work since starting, and I thought this would give me a chance to show off what I can do.

The pitch was half way through completion when I was set to take it over, therefore included a few errors, which resulted in him flipping his lid from the get go. I shrugged off this early encounter and carried on through regardless, I understand and aware he could react like this. After all its his company, and his pitch for an important campaign. Therefore its got to be perfect.

He would return back and forth throughout, with of course making amends to sections here and there. Once the pitch had been completed, and everyone let out a huge sigh of relief, Dominic was kind enough to pass on some praise to me; 'Your good and quick are this aren't you'
It was only a few words, which he could have said to anyone. However I was still very thankful to hear that after all the stress from making the pitch.

I felt as if I was thrown in the deep end, having my first pitch for the company to be for the CEO. But then I took this on as a positive thing, as I believe it is better to start from the extreme end of the scale. Because I think moving forward, working on other pitches with the other producers will be less of a daunting task. As I have already experienced the stressful process with the up most important person of the company. Perhaps this would boost my confidence, with making suggestions with the producers. To show my interest in this industry, and interest to move up the career ladder.

That Friday evening I went home very happy.

MH x

The Weekend [28/29 Jan]

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000Z

My weekend was relaxed on both days, Saturday evening began very successfully with the selling of my guitar on eBay. After all the dumb messages from the bidders, I was very pleased with the winning bid, as it turned out to be far more than I anticipated. This means I can fully pay off my credit card (as I had originally planned) and purchase a new bike. As you may remember my bike was stolen a few weeks back, and unfortunately the Police were unable to help. With the small debt cleared and bike purchase, I will still have some money over. So again, very happy with the winning bid.

The Saturday evening was completed with me and my girlfriend consuming a tub of Ben & Jerrys Cookie Dough ice cream whilst watching the film, 'I'm Not There' - This weeks film choice was hers, so expect the review from her later this week.

Sunday started off with massive excitement from me and my girlfriend, as it is now only 7 days until we head off to New York for a few nights. We can't wait for this, as we booked this back in November 2011.

I'm still looking into ideas we can do whilst out there, please help if you have any suggestions.

eBay members are dumb!

2012-01-27T08:00:00.023Z

I have been buying and selling things on eBay for around 5 years now, and I have only been encountered with one issue in the past when a purchased item disappeared (but thats another story).

On Saturday I listed my Gibson SG Special on eBay for auction, due to me never using the guitar anymore. It has been sat in the corner of my room collecting dust. Since listing this item I have been bombarded with ridiculous questions from eBay members who amongst the bidding. Clearly my in-depth description for this item was not good enough for some eBay members.

I am sure a majority of people would think the same as me, in not wanting pay for postage in the UK or even worse oversea. Therefore I decide to make the item collection only.

However, some eBayers are insisting on asking whether I would consider posting the item to them, I feel like responding with a simple 'read the description!'

Then going further I have been asked if I would consider posting it to Europe.... clearly if I have stated 'Collection In Person' I don't want to be posting overseas.

Now to go even further, don't get me started on people sending messages with appalling attempt at grammar, I know is not always good. However some of these massages have taken me at least 5 attempt of reading through to understand the question.

I am probably just moaning for no reason, and just being horrible. But whenever I log into eBay and attempt to purchase or place a bid on an item, I do read the description, and take note on the eBayers reputation from past sales.

Its just common sense.

What encounters have you made on eBay?

Week 3 film I haven't seen [Blow, 2001]

2012-01-26T08:00:00.001Z

The true story of George Jung, the man who established the American cocaine market in the 1970s.

I picked up this film for two reasons; I heard of it before and been wanting to see it for a while, and I am a fan of Johnny Depp's work. From the opening scene and then throughout the film I was shocked and surprised to see Johnny Depp in such long hair that looked too fake for my liking. However, I managed to not let this distract me from Johnny's performance which of course was spot on.

Throughout the film you believe every piece of the performance, feeling for Georges (Johnny Depp) fortune and then miss fortune, and then naughty mischief. You know some decisions he is making are going turn out bad, but you go along with him as you know its going to be fun along the way, even if there are consequences. You feel as if he has become your friend on screen.

The visuals are also impressive, complimenting with the performances. Some scenes made me feel like they were influenced to or from Oceans 11's visual. Either films could of taken these visual elements as they were produced the same year, whatever the case may be Blow is still great work.

Week 2 film review

MH x

The perfect homemade chips

2012-01-25T08:00:00.004Z

For a while now I have been trying to cook the perfect homemade chips, and during the weekend (I guess could have added this to Mondays post) I finally cracked them.
So if you are currently failing at homemade chips, follow these instructions and you are on the road to success.

What you will need:
Potatoes...obviously (1 large potato for each person)
Mixed Herbs (Optional)
Oil
Baking Tray
Saucepan
Oven (obviously)

1. Turn the oven up to its highest setting and leave the baking tray in there to warm up nicely.

2. Peel the potato(s) and wash off the excess starch that is left. Then cut the potatoes into slices of about 1cm thick. Then cut these slices into smaller 1cm pieces that resemble your typical chip.

3. Place all the potato pieces into a saucepan of water on the hob. As soon as the water starts boiling, leaving them to boil for 3 minutes. Soon as the 3 minutes is up, remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Remove the baking from oven (with oven gloves!). Drain away the water from the potatoes in the saucepan and throw into the baking tray. Smother the potatoes with the oil, making sure all the potatoes are covered, sprinkle on top mixed herbs if desired. Then throw all back into the oven, do not lower the heat. Leave potatoes for 10 minutes, after this remove and shake them about, return them to oven and leave for another 10 minutes.

5. Remove your now, chips from the oven and enjoy :)

MH x

Gil Scott + Jamie XX

2012-01-24T10:01:00.000Z

Last week at work I was able to give a helping hand on a small shoot down at the studio in the basement of our office. They were filming bubbles and ink in water to make particles to add into an animation.

I was interested in helping out as I have always wanted to film this effect to music. So I took home the remaining ink and syringes, and this is what I came up with.

I was quite happy how the video turned out, and I'm thinking of making this a monthly thing. Perhaps add a new video to my Vimeo account once a month, just to see a develop in my shooting and editing skills.

The Weekend [21/22 Jan]

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000Z

Saturday I made the short journey into London to see the 'Yul Brynner: A Photographic Journey' exhibition at The Little Black Gallery. However for some reason was not able to find the damn place, even though I was using Google Maps on my iPhone. I was standing right over the spot where Google Maps was telling me the gallery was, however the gallery was not in my point of view.

At least 15 minutes went by consisting of me walking around in circles trying to find it, eventually stopping my frustration and leaving the area. To brush off my frustration I treated myself to a Boddeans for lunch. If you have never tried Boddeans before, I strongly suggest you do so the next time your in central London and craving some meat for lunch / dinner. Of course if your a vegetarian...stay clear. Next few weeks I'm hoping to try out Meat Liqour which I believe has recently opened up just a few streets away from Boddeans.

The evening was completed through putting my Gibson SG on eBay, as I realised I never use the guitar anymore. And I am need of the quick cash, it could come in handy as spending money for when I head off to New York with my girlfriend in just under 2 weeks time. Following this I found myself watching far too much trash TV for a Saturday evening.

The same followed on Sunday, along with watching the final episodes of Diggnation which I have been a fan for a good year or so, and will definitely miss the show. I need to find a new way to find out my tech news, any suggestions?

And if you know where The Little Black Gallery is please do tell me, I want to go this exhibition before It finishes.

MH x

The Kingston Road Runner

2012-01-21T08:00:00.007Z

Today is Saturday, which of course is a day to do whatever. The majority of the time that involves entertaining yourselves, so here is a piece of online entertainment you may enjoy.

Me and my housemate are easily amused.

The Maccabees - Given To The Wild [QUICK REVIEW]

2012-01-20T09:37:00.002Z

This week my hands were finally in the possession of The Maccabees third album 'Given To The Wild'. I have have lost count how many the album has been played through since transferring it onto my iPhone.

From my first two listens I was a bit undecided whether the album was really enjoyable listen for a Maccabees fan. I couldn't help feeling the true Maccabees sounds had be lost somewhere amongst the 13 tracks. Thinking the stand out upbeat sing-a-long guitar riffs and unique vocals from Orlando were being lost behind the ambience of the album, therefore dear I say it; making the album sound the same the whole way through.

Of course I was just being nuts and this was only my first few listens. After this hurdle was succeeded the album really stands up as a fantastic third album from the guys. The albums pace goes up and down, continuously grabbing you. Hearing different things here and there along the journey.

I really believe this is a perfect third album from The Maccabees everyone knew the album was going to be a tough challenge after the success of 'Wall Of Arms' but I do believe they have succeeded. The development from 'Wall Of Arms' to this album has raised the bar from them all. Their new sound is very mature and additive, you can all tell their talents have been lifted so high over the last 9 years. And I can't wait to hear the songs when I get to see them at Brixton Academy on the 26th January.

If you haven't heard the album yet, just go out and buy it. You will not be disappointed. And if you haven't heard of The Maccabees, well...get all three albums.

Tourist

2012-01-19T10:21:00.000Z

On Tuesday around 12 o clock I had to leave the office, and set up an account at a storage unit centre in St Johns Wood.

Making the short journey and arriving back out into the open from the underground I find straight infront of me a coffee shop simply called, 'The Beatles' full of their official merchandise, I think to myself that its pretty odd and carry on regardless. Whilst getting closer to the center and constantly looking at Google Maps on my iPhone I notice Abbey Road is approaching. Instantly I clocked what should be near by.

I stop for a moment and Google search the location for where the famous front cover was taken, whilst doing so I walk up to a crowd of people taking photos of a zebra crossing. Instantly a slight smile spreads across my face from the realisation of what is infront of me.

The zebra crossing gets another photo taken from my iPhone, then I move onto the store center. Walking back from setting up the account I of course walk back across the crossing with again a smile of my face.

The very small experience for me was a quick bit of fun, and I thought to myself one day I should spend one day during a weekend travelling around London visiting famous locations. It would be an enjoyable and different day out.

I need to make a list though first, any suggestions?

Week 2 film I haven't seen [UP, 2009]

2012-01-18T08:00:00.004Z

This weeks film choice came from my girlfriend, so I thought it was only fair to have her review the choice. I think I may make this a regular thing, I review the films I chose, and she reviews hers.

Before I watched the film, I didn't really know what to expect. I had no idea of what the storyline was, I only knew that the old man (Mr Fredrickson) attached lots of balloons to his house and flew away. As a girl who has a habit of crying during films, I was assured that I would definitely cry at UP.

They weren't wrong! I really didn't expect to be welling up only 10 minutes into the film, but hey ho, it was to be expected really! This sadness was short-lived though, and I was soon engrossed in the story. It was nice to see that the Pixar humour that we all know and love was still present; Mr Fredrickson was the perfect grumpy old man, and I couldn't help but chuckle at little Russell. He really was adorable. The only thing I wasn't sure about was the talking dogs! I did find them funny, I just thought it was a pretty random part of the story. Although, take the dogs out of the story and it wouldn't have been half as entertaining!

I really enjoyed watching UP, it's a lovely story, but it's definitely not Pixar's best work. If you haven't seen it - I would still recommend it! Despite the random talking dogs.

Week 1 film review