Robert James Bone

28 - The Year Of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 21:29:00 +0000

It is so… hopeful, to read back the title of this year’s blog. The others have been depressing (indicative of my usual personality – high highs, and low lows), so to sum this year as being peaceful, marks an emotional state in my life, being over. Time to put big boy feelings away for a while, and just enjoy the day-to-day routines of my silly life. Keeping the flat I love clean, attending my yoga class without fail, rain or shine (when no one else seems to be capable when we’ve all paid £140!), and following my phone alarm clock like it's gospel, always having my 8 hours sleep. A handful around me are getting married, having babies, but I’ve never felt like I needed any of that. The only thing I want to nourish is myself. Now I have the full freedom and space in my mind to do just that.

This is partly due to ex-friends being a distant memory, with the flat I love being their goodbye blessing (I would have never found it without them). It never stays stagnant either – my sofa bed (for free thanks to work!) is now a healthy addition (no use it on it just yet…)

After I felt it weighing on my mind for so long, every weekend and long evening chained to it… my big ethical dilemma at work has come to a close. I’ve done everything I can in my power. It was freeing to recognise that I’d started bringing it up to friends again, as I was (no longer afraid of the possibility of being asked for updates on something which had no ending). The reply is still to come, but that is such a small thing to deal with, negative or otherwise. I feel like the majority of people, naturally, have a greedy self-focus. As we should! But with no sacrifice, ever, using their agency and power to fight back. This journey proves we all CAN have both, and I am proud that this is the type of person I want to be. I gave a year of my time away to my community, and now I am free! Many feel life is short – I feel I’ve lived a million lives already, and could die tomorrow, fully in peace. I have the space to give away my time. That being said, I do feel an innate need to always be growing, feeling uncomfortable in long pauses. But now I can look back and appreciate that it was worth it, and the freedom I have now.

There were other special moments, too, small reminders that my life was still being lived! Having my ear pierced has been part of my big three (hair dye, piercing and tattoo), and yet one day, years after wanting it… the day naturally came. Everything I want arrives in time 😊 Now it feels like an extension of my identity – Kip gave me all of their extras, and so we match when we meet, and Angel gave me my first gift of a pair! I want any extras now to arrive very slowly; only the best for big memories.

I also got picked to be on the talk show panel of Celebrity Big Brother, saw my first opera at my local theatre, which just keeps on giving (‘The Medium’ by Menotti), and I went on my first cruise ever! Now I’m hooked for life, the best holiday type ever. I was nervous to go on a holiday just with Angel, but in reality, it locked in our friendship far beyond hugs in office chairs.

One DL lover that had come to me once before, this time, looked me up and down as I put on my lingerie, and changed his mind. I remember the emotional sequence – shock, then defeat. I drew my arm to the exit like an air hostess, and he scuttled out, never messaging me again. Whilst gutting in the moment, I don’t need him, and it makes me appreciate the men who do want to grow with me, compliment me, and gush over me. Warts, tummy, skin tags and all.

I have more free time in 2025 to think about the lighter goals that have always been there – going to the dentist, writing a song, planning a monumentous 30th. But let’s keep 29 simple. By this I don’t mean my Dad saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” of his pizza express addiction, which takes my eyes on a rollercoaster. I mean starting my gym journey on top of yoga, getting the tattoos I’ve always been dreaming of, and thinking of my career (which feels like the new waiting moment after my ethical problem). With redundancies happening for the first time, it was a stark reminder to never feel fully comfortable. This year is all about me. And… not doing much of significance at all. Life is good. Life is peaceful right now. I wish this feeling on everyone.

How To Be A Good Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:33:00 +0000

For reasons which are now irrelevant, I recently departed from two friends. As you get older, officially not being friends with someone is rarer – most of us will just drift away if something happens. It was a terrifying time, but their departure will not be in vain; they made me reflect on the people who want me to succeed in everything I do. They deserve the best me possible. After some trial and error in practice, and lots of soul-searching, I’m proud to present the most important blog I’ve ever written – how to be a good friend.

Proactivity Is Key

Being a friend involves you creating a space of trust, honesty, and openness. This isn’t just about the laughs and the socialising, but proactively thinking of what that person is like and what they may need. This is the difference, to make a truly valuable friendship.

If your friend divulges to you a problem, for all you know, you’re the only one they’ve shared it with. Be cautious to understand the difference between a casual moan and a real problem (I’ve done this!) and react accordingly. Did they just need an ear to share it with, or do you need to step in? That may be helping them come up with a solution or pushing them to the correct conclusion with a serious tone – I’ve needed this, and always appreciated it. You know their normal behaviour and when that’s changed. Don’t forget to drop in a week later just to see how it’s going, it’s easy for us to drift away from problems and never actually resolve them. Friends bridge the gap.

Distance is also something to consider. Is someone not responding to you in the way they did previously? A couple of times I’ve found this is a friend who has drifted away – and that’s ok. But if it’s because they are struggling, Sue Ryder below says is best. Last year, I just stopped communicating, my brain became separate to me and was the only person I talked too. Constant messages from friends, letters and little presents, brought me back.

@suerydercharity What can you do to be Grief Kind? In this #GriefKind Class, we're reminded that everyone's experience of grief is different, and what is a help for one person might not for another. Watch more on YouTube. #grief #griefjourney #griedandloss #griefsupport #grieftok #bereavementsupport ♬ Je te laisserai des mots - Patrick Watson

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carissa Potter Carlson (@peopleiveloved)

General Friend Maintenance

Something I think we don’t talk about is friend layers. Every friend is in a layer, from your best friend to an acquaintance. That’s not bad, we can’t emotionally involve ourselves with everyone in the same way.

However, some friends will unexpectantly change their layer to you. They won’t respond to your requests to meet anymore, and their messages to you will still be light-hearted, but rarer. On the same wavelength, I’ve sometimes tried to up friendships to a new level, and I do not get a response. Every friend does not need to be bells and whistles. I have one friend who always invites me to things they do but will never indulge in my ideas. And you know what, I’m more than happy with that, as the times we have are still great. Understanding the (changing) lane and layer of a friendship and the parameters of it, will make them more fulfilling, and remove emotional drainage for you.

A Complication Happens (and you want to fix it)

It’ll happen eventually in all friendships – they’ll be a bump in the road. The first thing to consider is the first-time block. So many times, something has happened which made me feel a little odd… but then it was never mentioned again. Likely that person felt silly saying it or read the room, and they don’t need an explicit talking too.

If you feel you’re in the wrong too, I find getting my sorries out quick and fast also helps resolve your own guilt – and most of the time your friend didn’t even clock whatever you’re concerned with. However, it shows that you care about their feelings.

If it’s become a pattern however, it’s time to do something. Let’s face it, in person confrontations freak us all out. I find wording a very casual message (and then sleeping on it to look at it again) which is direct and to the point allows the problem to be resolved quickly. Don’t make a big deal out of it, or your emotions. You’re ultimately just looking for an understanding and acknowledgment that their behaviour made you sad. If the friend retaliates and you realise this is going to get bigger, I cannot STRESS how you really don’t need to reply straight away. What is going to happen if they know you read the message and you don’t reply for 24 hours? Nothing. Take your time to construct a correct response that will make you heard but also repair the friendship.

A Complication Happens (and you want to depart from the friendship)

pic.twitter.com/lhlJmtaDE7
— WholesomeMemes (@WholesomeMeme) November 13, 2021

A breakdown is a breakthrough.

You are the most important thing in the whole world. And as my grandma famously told me when the ex-friends had riled me up once again – “fuck ‘em!’. When it’s over, it’s over. Why give it anymore of your emotion?

If you are in a situation where you are with them for a little more time (a job, a house), this will be more difficult, but you have the knowledge that the end is coming. Make a particular effort to be more distant to avoid more opportunities for conflict. What is your end goal?

If they’re being particularly horrible over text, why not give the reigns over to somebody else? I went crying to my dad and gave it all over, and it really highlighted that he wasn’t emotionally invested like I was. No friend will be. They’ll be able to read through the message, find the core of the problem, and address it in the most emotionally unavailable way to reduce ongoing conflict. Keeping replies as short as possible is good to stop more anger, you don’t need to be angry back.

When the day is done, and you no longer need to connect with them – it’s time to ditch. Set fire to the rain, there’s nothing left to lose! I remember feeling quite shocked at university when a friend left a flat group chat with no explanation when there was conflict with another flatmate. But that’s how it should be. You don’t need to give a goodbye letter or a long rant – it won’t make you feel better (writing one and sending it a friend instead would be liberating though). Block them on everything, give your social media channels a little refresh, and bin some of the things that instantly remind you of them. They don’t deserve closure, but you do.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Selfcare Withwall (@selfcarewithwall)

There we go! That’s everything I’ve learnt. Of course, don’t get me wrong, still learning to practice what I preach (confronting I always struggle to muster), but trying makes every connection in your life, know that they have someone who gives a damn about them. And remember, setting boundaries for yourself is not selfish, and that the reason that you do all of this, is to make your life better. I'm so proud of the decisions I made with these ex-friends. I can’t begin to describe the dreams I’m having, the new routine, the world I’m creating now that those friends are behind me. You can do it too.

“Tonight, was so much fun! Loved hanging out with you. Don’t EVER doubt yourself, you light up every room you enter and are an absolute legend. Back yourself always because you’re a gem 💎 xxx” – My friend Charlotte after meeting during my turbulent time

24; The Year Of Pause

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Every year on a piece of lined notebook paper, I aim to add in monthly the biggest event or emotion that happened. They form these yearly blogs, flooding my mind with the annual ball, each moment choreographed into the whirlwind which is my life. This year I searched high and low until I realised; I didn’t make one. As nothing happened 💭

So many video calls... some with famous faces though!

I could make this blog dramatically dark, as is my default looking at the past two years titles (The Year Of Almosts / The Year I Broke). This cements to me how much of a rollercoaster my psyche is. As my life normally is calm and carefree without weight, any drama naturally exhausts me, and I can’t be bothered. Thus, when a dark moment happens, it is all-consuming. So, I won’t be making this the dominant feature of this years, even though it is during a pandemic. It was cute to start; I’d watch Channel 5 whilst working, and donate bin fulls to charity. But when my time management slipped, I did too. I would be angry, cry at random moments, snap at my managers, and feel weeks go by where I achieved… nothing. I lived to work. I’m happy in lockdown three, the rollercoaster is no longer at double speed 💖

Taking in every single lockdown relaxing before the walls came up again

This pandemic year ultimately gave me space, slowly lining up all the wonderful experiences and friends like dominos of what could have been. As time goes on, however, you learn to no longer keep them standing; they need to fall and shatter, as the future the government has defined is uncertain. So, this now MUST, for your own sanity, and tranquillity, be a time all about keeping yourself afloat 👤

In this moment, some things have (I know, in my heart, temporarily) changed for the better. I’m getting 9 hours of sleep consistently, and so I have no need for daytime naps on weekends. I discovered the beauty of the world on my doorstep, no longer being a space just to get me from the tube and back. I’m now enjoying SO MANY pieces of media, all at once. Instead of just Doctors as it’s easy to consume in a rapid day, I’m now watching When They See Us, The Morning Show, Selling Sunsets, Queens Gambit, listening to The Snow And The Works On The Northern Line and playing Florence on my iPhone. All these characters are walking down my high street beside me, never mingling but still intertwined all the same. It’s so… stimulating! 😁

So many beautiful houses and spaces never me which are perfect for reading!

Creativity was a necessity to connect with lovers, and now some unique roleplay photos I took may be accepted into the Museum of London’s archives… And of course, the shining star was doing the impossible. When all the barbers were shut, my patience snapped, and the kitchen scissors came out. I loved the look. It’s an incredible feeling, and now I have no fear of doing it all over again! 💥

In an impossible time, I did many impossible things. And it made me realise how many times I’ve yearned to do the impossible before, and always let it drift by to focus on the everyday. Well, it’s time to lay down the concrete and not take time for granted anymore 😇

In the next two years (it would be poetic to do them in this 25th year but let’s be realistic), I WILL do these five impossible things:

1) Dye My Hair ✌

It all sounds a bit complicated so I’ve never gone through with it, but silver really is a must.

2) Get Wrist Tattoos ✌

This will form over a series of posts I imagine, but ever since one temporarily tattoo experiment, they’re all I’ve been able to think about. This will be a journey.

3) Ban Connect-4 Games ✌

We’ve all tried one, we all have one lurking on our phones. Of course, I am so happy if they bring you joy. They fill gaps in time and there’s a great feeling when you beat a level you long gave up on. But I’ve always wanted to explore new worlds and feelings in my mobile games. It’s time to ditch the Candy Crush and go deeper.

4) Buy Rubber ✌

Many single kinksters will resonate with the tension between wanting all the latest gadgets, but of course the time spent with others enjoying it being far between. Well, it’s time for self-love. Rubber is beautiful and after testing some in Regulation, I just need to go all out and get a second skin.

4) Go All Out With Friends ✌

One part of life that I always revel in, is the fantasies of the mind. It doesn’t matter if anything comes true, the scenarios of travels, riches and fantastical people prove to me that life has joy. An extension of this is the dream holidays that spark up with friends, but never happen. Well, no more. These two years are going to be mind-blowing:

• Paris with Laurence

• Weekend theatre trip in another city with James

• Legoland with Jayne, Charlie, Patrick and Layla

• Going abroad with the Glam 5

In a cursed year, cackling in its single demand to pause the world… I’ve started moving, more than ever before 💙

23; The year of 'almosts' 🎯

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 01:39:00 +0000

Looking back at my previous years' blog, I'm shocked that I called it 'the year I broke'. But, I understand why now. In my dramatically flamboyant everyday life, the sad moments do feel particularly dark and debilitating. Even if they only last 1 day, it's impossible to be reflective until I'm out of the rut, looking back. And this shows in the moments I've written down throughout the year which I felt were defining for my life aged 23 - they're all sad. It was only looking through my photos and screenshots that happiness comes back. Why is that? 🏝

I suppose firstly, I did 'break' again this year. My probation at work was extended due to my poor time management. Once that was revealed halfway through the meeting, the rest became a blur. Was this new job too good to be true? I didn't tell my parents for months. I've always said that my sister talks too much and I too little, but... it doesn't seem productive to worry them. Still, I worked through it. I did everything that was asked of me... and I passed. My manager commented that I had been very receptive to making changes, which I suppose is always my reaction to tension. I have a couple of days feeling bleak, almost giving up... and then, you just keep going. 6 months on, my appraisal (which lasted over an hour) was 99% positive. It's surreal. I love my job, and I'm certain now it's not just me because all the team verbalises it themselves. I love going to work, and I am actively working towards my objectives. Every day, in many ways, is the same. Yet I'm so happy and content. 🥰

First launch event!

One fact that any close friend would know, is that I'm always dreaming of owning my own brand. I don't actually want one per se, but now that I am fully in a work routine, my creativity is more explosive than ever before. I feel so fulfilled, to just have the free-space in my brain to be to able to transport myself to music videos, concepts, celebrity meet-ups (the current vision is meeting Vanessa for a space-themed roll-on deodorant inspired by her song Party On The Moon). Part of the fun is knowing they'll never happen - my mind is truly open to exploring its own feelings. Some creativity does transpire into reality, however - I was able to shoot a beautiful highlight for the collaboration between Nina Ricci and Amarino, and ever since I casually placed some temporary tattoos on my wrist for Halloween... I've wanted wrist tattoos. I couldn't stop looking at them, thinking how beautiful they were. I'm almost on the edge; I've gotta push myself to get them done. 🌪

Katie Price: My Crazy Life is serious business

This year gave me many conflicting experiences, where ideas or my friends were challenged in their lives, and I'm not too proud of how I handled them. When I see my interests brought to the table at work on the spot... I let them go. That certainly won't happen again. When a friend turns around in a room alone, crying, my first thing to say is 'Do you want to be alone?'...??? Weak. When family needed me during a break-up, did I proactively go out and spend extra time with them? Weak. When a friend is kind to me, but not to others, do I rock the boat? Well, maybe this last one was was the right thing to do. However, they're all almosts, but not good enough. I can't be excused when this happens again. 🗣

Winning a competition miles away from our house, getting wasted and failing to get back home...

This year also had some particularly bolder, fun, moments hidden away, too. Sneaking into a hidden bit of a concert following the confidence of a friend, going out to Disneyland Paris on a complete whim to say goodbye to an attraction which I hold in my heart, winning the monthly award at work for my work on a big client when I WASN'T THERE (typical), trying out a burglar scenario with a lover... it's been fun. 😉 I'm so grateful for my friends, who push me to these new worlds. Friends are the secret to getting away from the almosts - they sometimes feel so far away from my everyday life, but looking back through the year reveals that we did spend so many happy, blissful, moments together. 🎁

I'm putting it out into the universe - next year, even if it won't be particularly exciting, my blog will have a positive title. Of course, negative moments feel more powerful, and so that's why I note them down. But now, I see things differently. The experiences I've had show me how to act when they repeat and my life is full of wonderful moments. Sex has taken a back seat really - as my need for attention from my OG lovers fades, and the ones I want to spend time with cancel on me... I just can't be bothered. My new year's resolution did include spending more time with the lovers on my outer circle - the people I naturally don't go to, but they want to spend time with me. We'll see - when another casual friend said to me 'Roberts like me, he doesn't want a boyfriend', I did perk up - was this the feeling I want to send the world? 🎤

Every day is never almost. It's beautiful. All my boxes, now a year after living in my house, are unpacked. Routine is king. 24 is going to be so calm. I can't wait. 🎀

Cover photography: Angel

We need Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux more than ever 💥

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 21:13:00 +0000

After 17 years, the Russian Space Station could no longer withstand any more meteor showers. So many actors on the same script! Whilst yes, the time has come for a natural conclusion to this innovative attraction, it represents a unique time for Disney that I am honestly humbled to have witnessed. In 2019, are we confident we should have conquered… Armageddon?

Hot Set! 🔥

This first section recalls the attraction narrative (I was compelled to include this as I felt no other article encapsulated the spirit of this experience). If you were not able to enjoy the Armageddon world for yourself, I recommend watching a walkthrough to immerse yourself first.

Disneyland Paris brings to life fantasy, inviting guests to craft stories where they are the star. However, Walt Disney Studios takes us behind the scenes of these stories, offering an appreciation for the creation process. Specifically, Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux appoints budding actors into the world of special effects, celebrating the iconic, constant and flamboyant use of explosions in the steller blockbuster movie, Armageddon.

The attraction is in Studio 7 - a large, metal carrier soundstage, with obstruction barriers saying ‘Hot Set’ letting us know that we are on a movie set (the park was originally designed to be a working studio)! Orange, boiler-suited special effects crew oversee us in the waiting area. We can see the Armadillo (mobile driller) used in the film, alongside movie posters of the characters with their reasons for risking it all to save the world:

Honour ❤️

Country ❤️

Thrill ❤️

Adventure ❤️

Fun❤️

Money ❤️

Love ❤️

Gliding into the pre-show area we are almost ready to film, with sketches and models of the various space vehicles on display. Our director is eager to remind us all about the history of special effects and how far we have come - this means we’ve gotta really prove ourselves for the extra scene we’re filming today for Armageddon! 😱 Utilising the latest special effects techniques, we’re going on the Russian Space Station ‘Mir’, 70 miles above Earth. With the trusty onboard computer and Colonel Andropov, will we survive the upcoming meteor shower?

In the station's main deck, anything can happen. Whilst it all seems calm, once the director shouts ‘ACTION’, everything breaks loose. Meteorite chunks hit, sparks fly, lights flash, windows open exposing us to the debris and harsh rough winds of space (10,00 cubic metres of air is forced upon us)! When everything feels hopeless, the ceiling falls and a meteor shard slashes through the station, causing a fireball explosion! The lights go out… CUT!

“It's a gigantic technical feat” - Paul, Special Effects lead on Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux 🎥

I’m always drawn to this attraction for sheer uniqueness - it was especially made for Walt Disney Studios and had two years of development time. In the waiting area looking at the Armadillo and posters, I love how we are instantly juxtaposed between thinking about whether we would save the world (and why), alongside envisioning just how a mission like this could be brought to the big screen. For me, there could only be one reason to risk it all:

This attraction goes beyond convention with the hybrid of non-fiction (an appreciation of real-life special effects) and fiction (our quickly approved astronaut credentials). This is reflected in the source text, such as with the armadillo being fictional (costing 1 million to create!), but the shuttles seen otherwise being actually prepared for launches by NASA. The attraction’s success with a believable feel, however, is pulled off by neither style being taken fully seriously - it was decided for example that the set should not be reset each time like a true movie-set would, to support guests immersion in space.

Blurring of worlds works throughout the attraction, even in full circle once we leave the space station, seeing models of our ship and the meteorite which destroyed us just moments ago. Also, the fan we see in Bears pre-show instruction video is out for us to enjoy, giving another space to both appreciate (and be involved in) special effects. Even the vending machines outside have become ‘sub zero’, where Perrier, Magnum and Cornetto all receive a frosty themed retouch. This effort to immerse us even when we have left the attraction is impressive and one I feel all experiences should aspire to be like (whilst in their world, we should never disconnect).

Of course, a big push for this attraction’s high quality is the special effects used - the working name for the experience was ‘Armageddon - The Amazing Effects Show’ after all. There are over 250 effect shots throughout the Armageddon film and this passion for cutting-edge technology is celebrated here for many who will never even step foot onto a movie set. The liquid nitrogen for fog and steam for vapours is identical to the process on a real movie set, and the space effect when the station doors open (caused by pulling a vacuum on the room, sucking away the air and smoke) almost didn’t make it past health and safety! Whilst more controlled than a movie set, this is “as close as the audience is gunna’ get to experience exactly what the actors did” (Paul, Special Effects lead). Every element activates at a specific time to carry on the story - truly, this attraction must be applauded even just for the passion involved. This reflects the passion of the original film - the movie took 1 year to make with 2700 staff, and the director had two meetings every day on set with the various visual effects teams.

Could we survive an Armageddon? ☄️

Repeated surveys from guests reveal satisfaction for the experience even recently, highlighting the themes timeless appeal. However, after 17 years with no upgrades, it feels right that Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux in its current state should close. A closure should always be judged by its replacement though - and this will be a high-tech, Spiderman ride. Is this the right choice?

Did you know Armageddon was a Disney film? It was distributed under Touchstone pictures (a label of Walt Disney Studios) to ensure that core Disney maintains a family appeal. Walt Disney Studios becomes the perfect space to celebrate non-conventional Disney stories like Armageddon. Whilst Touchstone is now dormant, Disney recently released ‘Ghost of the Mountains’ (snow leopard documentary) and ‘Queen of Katwe’ (American biographical drama about a Ugandan chess player). These new and unique stories would offer their own powerful attractions which could fit well in a wider, behind-the-scenes park, as Walt Disney Studios is. Spiderman is...safe. Everywhere. Predictable.

Taking a step back from the benefits of giving all movies a space to thrive within parks, Armageddon is powerful on its own. The messages still resonate today. God, I cried so much wondering about what I would do realising that the world was going to die that day. Leaving the attraction knowing that some of the men on the mission don’t come back in the film, is another raw feeling. One movie segment has the Air Force Colonel brashly threatening the space crew with a gun, which could have been enough for the air force to force Armageddon to remove all scenes featuring him - but they felt his choices in that situation... were justified. So it was kept. The choices this movie brings upon us are not easy. The notion that a meteor with the force of 10,000 nuclear weapons will destroy all life (regardless of wealth), and so EVERYONE has to work together - doesn’t that sound like the perfect analogy to today’s climate crisis? This attraction reaffirmed my own role in stopping the world’s destruction, and the power Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux has on me to this day.

A similarly potent theme in the film was the variety of masculinity representation - it’s refreshing to see a group of friends just so truly different from each other come together, all with their reasons for wanting to save the world. Really bold and unique storytelling:

“People always shy away from showing all that much emotion. They’re afraid that if you get really upset that somehow that means you’re not cool or you’re not sufficiently heroic, but I thought Bruce is the hero, really, so I could have the opportunity to do that, and I thought why not”

- The director of Armageddon recalling the ‘I love you’ scene between the main character and his daughter's fiance.

If we mix this narrative focus in with a bigger celebration of special effects (which is developed into the narrative of the pre and post attraction areas), an upgrade could truly inspire the next generation. Changes to the pre-show with a hands-on understanding of special effects such as green-screen suits (so we could watch back our time as astronauts on the big screen) is one exciting idea. Becoming the director yourself, choreographing each effect into your own symphony would also be exciting. Even Nitrogenie replacing the vending machines would offer a refreshing touch. All these ideas would work perfectly for a reboot of Armageddon (showing off new special effects in the process), but any new movie offering a destruction element would work well, opening up an immersive experience which guests would come back for.

As Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux is replaced by Spiderman, Art of Disney Animation fades away for Frozen and Studio Tram Tour is overrun by Cars (I really hope the Armadillo is put here), we are removing the very essence of this park - celebrating the world, behind the screen. This change dissolves the uniqueness of the Parisian offering, making the parks theme much more predictable. Disneyland Paris becomes ‘old’ Disney and Walt Disney Studios becomes ‘new’ Disney. This makes me sad - it confirms that any new attraction will only be made if it has a long-standing, heavily-grossing IP. Original, park-only storytelling will disappear. I know Disneyland Paris has had financial troubles, and I want them to take steps to ensure it doesn't close. But still, it's a grey thought to think that there is no longer a point of inspiration for special effects out there in theme parks and that the aim of Walt Disney Studios is no longer the link between education and fun. Regardless, looking back, I am honoured to have walked into Studio 7, and that I was able to enjoy Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux - a truly one-of-a-kind celebration of special effects, and beyond.

To find out more about the Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux world, you can watch a walk-through, listen to the Magical Disneyland Paris podcast, enjoy the movie soundtrack, read more from the movie commentary on the passion/special effects that went into the movie (including the Walt Disney sound stages), or relive the attractions closing ceremony.

Photography: Justin

22: The Year I Broke

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000

The Taylor Swift year. I don’t know about you, but this song gave me comfort when it was released. Taylor continued youth to 22. A new golden year. Does this mean Robert could keep his prime, his gold? No. The Velvet Rope dropped and revealed the arrogance I…may always hold.

The year started so calmly. I took 2 weeks off term for work experience at Manifest, and am forever grateful for the kindness I received, securing my belief that this is the environment I wanted to be in. Friendships are stronger than ever! Living far away sieves out who is truly special – the feeling of 'looking forward' is sweet and I crave it. Uni too, is also calm – my world is now a galaxy thanks to new international friends on my course.

Exploration of my sexuality grows, meeting new people and feelings along the way. Being part of a kink scene is exciting, but I’m still barely on the cusp of my own desires. Seeing my sister post a picture in a bikini threw me quite aback; she is also an adult now and exploring herself. I just can’t imagine herself like that; always my younger sister. Some things never change, thankfully.

My dissertation for my Masters, was not like an undergraduate. Apart from 2 tutor sessions…4 months were spent alone. I interviewed the most wonderful people. Influencers, fragrance specialists, Paco Robanne, Roja Dove! (perfumer to the stars). But in the end, I couldn’t do it. I would sit for days in my room, doing nothing, my mind blank. Every plan and re-plan shattered, never followed through. What I submitted was appalling. I don’t understand what the life lesson is here, that I failed to focus on the one topic that brings me pure joy. I can’t bear to talk to my lecturers. My dad’s ‘oh’, in the car when I revealed to him I would no longer be getting a first (regardless of firsts on every other module), will haunt me forever. Graduation was not fun, and now the first of my undergraduate feels like nothing. I can no longer grasp onto those happy feelings from learning in Brighton. Each new graduation I see on Facebook only brings me shame, from my own laziness and arrogance that life would sort itself out, that I would still be gold as I have always been when I didn't deserve it. I’m obsessed with numbers, and the reality of my own consequences crashed me.

Within this time, I applied for a handful of jobs, getting slowly better with each interview. I knew the questions that would come along but each rejection was quite nerve-racking (especially when I had taken a masters to excel in the very sector that I was applying in). Then suddenly, a new role appeared. ‘Graduate Scheme at The PHA Group’. At this point whilst I had done many, this was certainly the biggest group of applicants I had seen. I didn’t end up getting on the scheme, but I was recommended for another role in the company…as they remembered me. How? They were tickled at me choosing WKD (alongside the elaborate reasonings that followed), as to why that would be a brand I wanted to work with. And now I’m here. Social Media Assistant. In Soho! Working on wild clients in a wonderful team. My mental health has recovered; the dissertation and Uni overall, did not reveal the world of work to me. At 5:30…I am done. No more 24 hour thoughts. My creativity is loose. Is the Velvet Rope…back up?

My support group when I was accepted for my PHA interview ❤️

22 has been weird. I haven’t unpacked boxes even though I’ve been living in my new place for half a year, and I don’t have a clue about my finances. But other things have come naturally. Leaving Boots did not feel sad, bringing with it only happy and nurturing memories of the women that guided my young life there. Starting lovers have now drifted back into my life. This new year, is old and new and happy and calm. Cheers. To a new year of a new feeling – simplicity. Of no longer setting myself on a pedestal that I only I set myself up on...alone.

Your 2019 Holidays Gift Guide ❄️

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:04:00 +0000

Does anyone else find their feelings for the holidays change over time? 🎄In my childhood, I remember hectic whirlwinds at Grandma’s, full of laughter and subtle nods of support from aunties who saw I wasn't like the masculine surroundings. During university, it was a time of security; going home to the people and the places which never change. Now? A place of true honesty and love. I’m pushing in new traditions (playing Operation / a Boxing Day movie) whilst holding onto one that will never be changed - giving truly, SPECIAL gifts. 😌

A gift should only be given if it has value - if the recipient makes you, feel valuable. Join me in front of the fire as I share some of my favourite gifts for the trickiest of acquaintances. 🎁

The One that needs a New Tradition 🌟

As with all families, mine isn’t always…functional, lol. The Holidays are no exception. How about starting your own signal that sparks the start of the season, something that gets you all talking before the month even arrives? 🌌 A movie, gingerbread house or helping your local charity - anything can be special when it becomes a tradition. Scented Pencils from Smiggle offer the perfect way to write letters to your favourite fat man (in the North Pole or just down the road). But for my mum? The John Lewis Bauble Candle. Available in Gingerbread, Fruit Cake, Christmas Pudding and Candy Cane (pictured). I can’t wait to give it to her; I will make sure it’s the first opened gift and must be lit every year before presents are opened. 🍬

The ‘We need an excuse to push us into meeting’ Friend ✌🏾

Friendships. When you leave home (and then add your uni home on top), friendships are really difficult. Wanting to meet, and you just can’t. It even makes me paranoid and sad, seeing some just drift away. My advice is to think about who has made you feel wanted (may that of been yesterday or a year ago) and offer them a nudge to show that you’re still thinking of them. ❤️

How about with some simple baking? Brownies in a Jar were adored when I gifted them last year, and this time around I’ll be trying Pusheen Cookies – let's hope they’ll come out just as adorable as the famous feline! 🐱

The Slut 🤪

As we drank spiced cider in the incredible pop-up tent outside the South Bank Centre, I asked friends I’ve kept since-childhood the age-old question…have you ever had themed sex? One friend revelled in utterly disastrous shenanigans with some tinsel, but I was thinking of something a bit more straightforward – SANTA! IM READY! 😫💦

What better way to get in his good list than by being a whore? Wait, not just a whore – an independent, local queer whore! Queer Fayre on Instagram is a great start to get connections with lots of artists (who don’t leave you like retailers after pride month), which really helped empower my shopping horizons this season. Cock and Saucer really gets my broodiness across, whilst Fredde Lanka’s butt-pins and ball-baubles are just, well? Iconic. 🏳️‍🌈

The Glamazon on the Go 🙋🏻🙋🏻‍♂️

What do you get the office Secret Santa, or that friend who is just too beautiful to be true? ✨ Mini’s are my go-to this year. They offer both sparkles of personality for any desk, and instant lifts for the most hectic of client meetings. 💅🏽 The Jelly Belly Eau de Toilette Trio and Baubles from Ghost spoke to me as fun ways to instantly offer the glamour feel. 🌹

You 🙂

Through the year I do find it hard to treat myself, but with multi-buys galore I always find there’s one left over which will sadly have to come home with me. 🤷🏼‍♀️The Disney Store offers a range of pins which transcends me to that Disneyland life, and I’ve found the Minnie Mouse Doughnut Pin especially encapsulates how special food becomes when you’re on holiday? A reminder I can take wherever I go, that the next adventure is always around the corner…♥️

Happy Holidays everyone! Now where's that sleigh…🎁

Top Hydrating drinks for Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:12:00 +0000

Everyone loves to bash England, but where else can you have incredible diversity, amazing butter and both blistering snow / scorching heat? Not in Benidorm that’s for sure! The heat is especially wicked this year…but DON’T GRAB THAT COKE! Some liquids encourage water to leave your body, with caffeine being the main culprit! Whilst it may be a temporary feel-good moment, in the long-run you’ll feel run-down.

Luckily, there are a treasure trove of drinks out there that taste good and feel good. Whilst we may have our forever favourites, I’ve found that it’s the hidden gems that spark my curiosity and stick in my mind. Every retailor has its own unique concoction of options, and so I’ve been inspired; here are my 5 best quirky hydrating brands that deserve your attention this summer!

Calm and Collected 😌

Water is soooo 2018 years ago; flavored water gives a buzz which makes them the most refreshing of any on this list. Dash Water instantly stood out for having BEAUTIFUL packaging; something I’m actually proud to hold, a work of art which fits my self-identity. Using British spring water alongside wonky fruit and vegetables (which would otherwise go to waste) for flavoring, this stands out as a brand with British values and a unique sharp test I’d encourage anyone to test.

Sibberi Tree Water blew me away at its unique way of flavouring. I’m not sure if this is a common idea in other countries, but Sibberi water…is not water. It’s TREE SAP! Drilling small holes into Bamboo, Maple and Birch trees 5 liters of sap is collected per day, which offers a selection that have 4x less sugar then coconut water! I’ve tried the maple water and I was hooked; it really tastes like maple syrup!

Sadly as with many of these start-up brands, they have not succeeded and Sibberi is no longer updating its social media. Whilst not as delicious, I have found an alternative Maple brand, Drink Maple, which is well worth a try as the taste is really unique and curious.

Punch Packers 😵

Of course water is an instant choice, but why not add some surprise health benefits in too? WOW are the hipsters of the drinks world; I bet many conservative people wouldn’t even dare to try them. With one collection being black from charcoal and another including the power-house of chia seeds (offering a peculiar texture sensation), Wow shows that there is still innovation to be had, wherever you go – Live life in the wow!

And of course, Wellman is known for being your all-in-one vitamin brand and their carbonated drinks include B vitamins, thus not offering the short term boost caffeine does, but instead a normal, slow energy release which reduces fatigue. Getting its sweetness from botanicals such as Ginseng (which naturally have low caffeine levels) this offers the nearest taste-wise to sugary drinks whilst being positive for your body.

Wild Card! 😱

I emailed lots of drinks companies I was wanting to feature simply asking how they would like me to frame discussion. None got back to me (Evian actually replied with a stock text saying they get many requests for ‘sponsorships and partnerships’, clearly not reading my email at all) – but one did.

And they tick all the boxes.

JustBee is a British start-up inspired by the dwindling numbers of Bees. Using nectar from meadows, gardens and farmland in Britain and Europe, their water is sweetened by a single drop of honey. However, this is not the end of the game – out of all the brands here, this is the one that truly cares about their community. You can request free seeds to encourage wild flowers to grow, and on their website is a template letter you can send to your MP enforcing the danger of harmful pesticides. The drinks themselves are sweet but not heavy, having the instant-hydration feeling of water whilst also being 500ml when many healthy drinks can leave you unsatisfied in smaller portions – making this the clear winner for a hydration kick on this list!

🐝

My dissertation is dragging and I was really worried I had missed my window to talk about this topic – but with the sun smiling non-stop, all these drink gems can have a chance to shine! Have you found any special brands of you own?

Just Bee sent me their drink selection to try, but all thoughts are my own.

Love Simon is so much more than just a rom-com; it’s a catalyst for queer joy

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:40:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to attend a special screening of Love Simon recently; there’s something exciting from this being the first gay teen rom-com from a major film studio (I KNOW. Whilst independent media does keep up with changing times, the mainstream is decades behind). Hushed tones, glancing eyes. For many queer people, this will be the first un-nuanced queer representation they will see, especially with straight friends and family around. We shouldn’t all just bow down however; as queer people, we all gag when we see queer representation; it’s so rare. Is this movie actually special, or just so because it’s the first?

Oh yeah, Pixie Lott was there? No biggie.

* SPOILERS *

Simon is a closeted gay-teenager in Atlanta, with a great life; liberal wealthy family, a gaggle of close friends, and a simple joyous life. Following a weird social network which is like Curious Cat except seemingly the whole town has access to everything all the time (including his younger sibling and the principal), he meets another anonymous gay kid, where the narrative unravels into an emotional who-dunnit with a beautiful and simple ending.

[The soundtrack is so FUN!]

Simon falls in love with a stranger online, and that’s that, together forever. Similarly, many queer people of this generation will find their first queer experiences, online. I remember being on Shelfari (think Facebook with books) and becoming ‘boyfriends’ with someone on a fantasy comment thread. And this is where the beautiful, ironic cracks appear in this film; queer people in reality, find this online representation and realise it is not perfect. You do not fly away in the Car in Grease. And so starts a narrative where the complexity of queer realisation is brushed aside.

We lose the moment when Simon tells his Dad that them doing macho things in the past wasn’t a mistake. We lose the moment where Simon becomes a big brother for his youngerr sister, and shows he will always be here for her. And most damingly, we lose the moment where Simon’s friends take responsibility for the months that Simon has been an outcast and alone. So many random jumps. This loss in understanding clearly shows when the straight cast cannot offer the deep, emotional answers that queer people need to hear in their interviews.

Katherine on why everyone should watch #LoveSimon [via nwmag] pic.twitter.com/OoAPF1BHhR
— Katherine Langford (@LangfordUpdates) March 18, 2018

This movies hero’s are not the youth; they are the teachers. Whilst sometimes lacking and sometimes awkward, making yourself here for queer kids is a lifeline. You’ll know what I mean when watching. Adults need to see this film as a starting point to understand how to handle queer oppression; to stop it, instantly. Thankyou; Teachers made me blossom, too.

The most worrying and frustrating part of this movie for me, was a scary and damaging new trope that I feel will flourish in mainstream cinema. One kid is already out in school, and is stereotypical, and bullied. But don’t worry because Simon is a (patent pending)...

* COOL GAY *

Conventionally attractive, you can have a record player, drink iced coffee and lovveee those limited edition oreos! The stereotypical gays have to just come out with no fanfare, but when YOU come out it inspires a whole movement of everyone being honest with themselves! All the fun of the straight fair, just with a dash of gay! The movie may be gay, but it is still normative.

There was meant to be a Snapchat filter in the venue....but this is what we got, lol

Yes, this film is utterly simplistic and truly problematic. But, news flash – that’s what all rom coms are! This is a fun, HAPPY movie which gives hope that everything will be ok in the end; queer films so far, have not had happy endings. Yes, this movie isn’t one I imagine picking once we have many; but for now, this is groundbreaking. How about next time we get a actual queer to tell it though? (two minor characters are queer in real-life btw). You come out; then what? Tell me that, queer cinema. I can’t wait. 7/10

Love Simon is in cinemas NOW; find tickets here.

Thankyou to great friends Jayne, Tom and Layla for coming with me and being open with your discussion on queerness which inspired me to write this piece.

21

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Am I an adult now? My dad made a really big fuss of this being a special year, trying to organise as much family as possible to come to a really fancy pub with a billion spirits I had no desire to try (Thankyou for the effort though Dad; you make me so happy these days, especially with buying me the femme Christmas present I asked for). Why does 21 have this construct of being an adult? In reality, this year had the same amount of emotional spears that I hope will never decrease.

Going back to Brighton always lets me get me queer fix I haven't been able to find in London yet

I graduated from the University of Brighton, and I still can’t believe I can add this… with a FIRST. I’ve just always seen myself as a B, 7/10 guy. Robert Bone doesn’t end up on top?! Every 4am library sesh, meetings where my lecturers were worried about how anxious I was, CRYING with dread, taking part in every single society and ‘thing’ when everyone else wanted to take it slow... makes me so PROUD that I am different. I left no stone unturned. My dissertation is truly the biggest achievement of my life; seeing it be utilised by the museum I worked with, shows it was all worthwhile. It was ME that did this, not luck. And oh yeah, did I mention I balanced this with going to KENYA on my course?! (a whole other post haha). I can do anything I want to; I am unstoppable.

Even with this success though, it doesn’t mean life has been plain sailing after moving to London for my Masters. I’ve realised this an experience city; TimeOut is my boyfriend, and I want it all. But…this no stone unturned attitude, just isn’t reciprocated in anyone else. And so I send out lots of messages, don’t get much of a reply, and end up being sad. I can happily go to lectures and movies by myself, but it’s the brunches, the pop ups, the 8am Store-Opening-Pusheen-keyring-handout-BUT-you-might-win-a-jumbo-plush moments that you need someone to share it with. On one hand I am really happy about moving to London; the groups of people I used to hang out with have trailed away, leaving the most special to rise to the top who I now adore even more. And I’d give them my all. But they aren’t here. And so in one way, I’m lonelier than ever.

I'm now racking up a list of privledged gays who see criticsm as hate [and thus block it out].

So what does 21 mean? A year of new beginnings for sure; being able to get a job in store 1000 (yes, VERY glam) in Boots at Piccadilly Circus through a FAVOUR where I now work the fragrance counter all by myself feels like a dream come true. It was also the year of beginnings which have never ended; I feel so, so, HAPPY taking the train back to Brighton and seeing all the LGBTQ society gang again for their various parties. It’s as if I never left, a family which will grow but never change; I’ll always have a space in the Brighton Pride parade too as an alumni too. But…it was also the year of beginnings I wish had stayed at the beginning. Why can I not get over the one man I adore, but doesn’t adore me back. Why do I put myself through this torment, thinking of so many ways to get him to notice me whilst knowing I am never his best, or even just as equal to all his others. I always say that if you aren’t adult about having sex (and friends with benefits), you shouldn’t be having it. Yet here I am. I am the soup of the day.

Being able to experience a first EVER christmas pudding / christmas cracker with one of my international student friends was something I never thought about before, but now will cherish forever!

Feels so GOOD that this wasn't the road I took, and instead became friends with all the newbies!

Age is a construct. Youth is a construct. Being an adult is a construct. 21, meant nothing and everything. As hopefully, will every year of my life. Even now as I’m sat in work experience at Manifest, I’m missing lectures. But its incredible, everyone has been so welcoming and Its made me content that this is what I want to do. I never make easy decisions. I’m not easy. I love this fucking weird concoctions of emotions I am; may it never, ever stop.

A letter to my 40 year-old self: You’re a Creep.

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 22:29:00 +0000

You’ve truly lived a life of luxurious privilege, Robert. You’re young and white, and you’ve gone to University in Brighton AND London for pete-sake. It’s been a beautiful journey. You’ve made a best friend for life, cried to the NHS at 5am… and left Brighton with a first. You’ve left no stone left unturned. I’m so PROUD of who you are. The stories you can tell. And even now, at 21, you are still learning new kinks about yourself; maybe, life will always be this perfect. This pure and unwavering, growing just like the straight-forward chapters of a book.

There’s one fear I have for you though, 40-year-old me. Being gay is a young man’s world. Older men are designated for when we want to look at the past, and we thank them and respect them. But they are not there for our friendship, they are not there for us to love, to appreciate in any deep connection. But of course, that doesn’t worry you now. You have all the power. You can easily sprout love wherever you go, as it doesn’t matter if you win or fail in your attempts to change others; you still have privilege.

You love all men, but let’s face it, older men have been your awakening. You owe it ALL to older men. They’ve shown you different opinions and places and feelings. They could face true judgement from the illogical societal connotations that occur if they were seen with you, but they still did it. I’m forever grateful. Thankyou Lee. Thankyou Laurence. Thankyou Gary. Thankyou James. Thankyou Damon. Thankyou Hugo. Thankyou Andy. Thankyou everyone. I would not be the same gay without so many incredible moments with older men. I open my world to them and they make me happy, and I make them happy too.

The Dilemma

You walk into a museum, see crayons and colouring sheets, and use them, aged 21.

Young: Adorable! Young at heart.

Old: Weird. Confused.

Someone is looking over a crowd in a club, on their own.

Young: Ignored.

Old: Commented on. Pervert. CREEP. [I hear creep all the time. It chills me].

You want to be friends / have sexual relations with someone of a wide age gap.

Young: Whenever they're brought up, people seem to think there's an ulterior motive, they can't grasp it. You are asked 'How old are they?' in the middle of a conversation in some weird sly, gossipy way.

Old: Exactly the same. Though sometimes its celebrated (while other times... not so much).

It seems that growing older changes the connotations of actions. You have to change what you like, how you interact with people. I regularly feel frustrated about poor-diversity around gay representation in magazines etc, but what happens when I become part of the group that is invisible? Whenever I see someone refer to someone older as a creep, it feels as if I’m being shot into the future; and I’ll be on the receiving end.

You are young. Rob. You can defend the world, as the world is before your feet. You have unlimited options. This truly isn’t an attempt at summarising the power of the older community; of course, the older community made me. You love them, they are so strong. I admire them greatly. I just feel so much of the confidence you feel lies in your youth. As you see yourself less represented as time goes on, will your voice lessen? Will you feel less empowered to be….yourself? You won’t stop enjoying the things you do now. I just worry that you will feel wrong… and conform. I am weak. Your privilege gives you so much, I fear. I'm terrified you will be alone; a creep. Perhaps I might have a re-awakening, by a young person! But the Grindr profiles asking for ‘my age or younger’ will never disappear; my life will have to change.

I don’t know what to do. I honestly have no clue how your life will lead. I really hope you laugh off this piece, and can re-create all the photos in it to show yourself how ignorant you were at 21. I’m just so scared of the future, because today, is so perfect. The carousel can only stay high for so long; at some point, you need to get off.

Photography: Saachika Jain & Rashika Ganesh

Derren Brown's Ghost Train: Rise of the Demon at Thorpe Park: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 20:25:00 +0000

Halloween is here! Whilst I always go for the same iconic ripped shirt I bought from ASOS covered in fake blood each year, it’s really not the season unless you’re truly spooked! Me and the bestie Laurence recently went to Thorpe Park to try out Derren Brown’s improved Ghost Train, Rise of the Demon, and so what better time to write a review? We certainly left feeling unnerved…

With an original delay of 2 months there’s a lot to live up too, but I can certainly say overall there is NO attraction currently like this in the UK, a whole new type of experience. Derren specifically asks to reveal no spoilers, to maintain the fun and shock of the attraction, so don’t worry, this review will contain NO MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS. Even so, maybe you should keep the light on reading, just in case…

The fast-track for this ride is a hefty £85, but I really did enjoy in the queue trying to grasp where we were going and why we were getting on the train. The Victorian-era brick building is plastered with propaganda-style messages about fracking; are we frackers, is the station a safe space? This certainly made my brain whirl, and I was especially impressed by the pre-photo-op which kept your senses on alert. However, being able to meet Derren, makes one thing clear; this isn’t a ghost train, this is DERREN BROWN’s ghost train. It really is frustrating just how much giggling and screaming happens from guests in this first segment (staff really should say to be quiet before it starts), but Derren soothes you, noting that it’s OK to be afraid, and that you are allowed to close your eyes and talk to each other after the entire experience has finished. Thus the plot, and being scared, blur into the background…

Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, is like no other. On this train, your senses play tricks. Reality and fiction become blurred. You lose track of yourself and our always on edge…the real game, is trying to stay sane.

Going to see the train for the first time is truly an in-awe experience. The big queues outside disappear, and your small group can barely even touch the cavernous station. However, it was very disappointing to see how quickly this image was destroyed. Staff were not in character and weren’t focused on you, which was especially shocking when no-one offered to help with the VR-headsets (one rider complained she saw nothing the whole journey). Even using the VR whilst it was working, was a struggle. For a reported budget of £13 million, the graphics are not industry-standard, and the 360 perspective VR allows was never utilised; all the action happens in one direction. The shifting realities between segments loses the sense of making you on edge, to simply being confused. Whilst the VR does blur with reality and the train itself really well, the storytelling is broken. You leave knowing that there could have been more! Thus, the horror gets lost in your frustration.

Whilst I didn’t ride the original, from what I’ve seen this version is a real improvement. Even though I I’m harsh on the VR, the whole experience is so much more than this, and highlights the thought needed to create an experience that leaves people talking and wanting more. It’s exciting to think this ride can be continuously updated as new technology and trends are introduced. Even now, there is one moment that makes this a MUST-RIDE. I was left stunned (you all won’t stop talking about it), and Derren Brown should be proud to have his name attached to an attraction that is the first in using new techniques.

However, there’s already signs the train has already been de-railed (signage hasn’t been updated signalling there’s no longer a bag drop for example). Will Derren and Thorpe Park be able to solve the problems of non-effective connection (and then dis-connection) with the audience? Can I stay unnerved throughout? Its future is not clear now, but as me and Laurence seemed to have different experiences when we talked about it as we left, I’m not sure the final destination has been reached just yet…

3/5, but could be 5/5 with more love and new ideas constantly tried.

Find out more about Derren Brown's Ghost Train: Rise of the Demon, here.

My experience on Superfoods: The Real Story

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 17:05:00 +0000

As my undergraduate life drew to a close, I thought I'd completed, life. There was nothing else for me to do. Well, how about being on prime-time television, which was a disaster for me when filming?! Catch-Up on the episode here, then read on to reveal a behind-the-scenes look at how television is made; editing can change EVERYTHING.

Say yes to every opportunity you get!

I've been on TV once before for a few seconds on BBC2, for a Documentary called 'Britain in a Day' in 2012, which showcased the diversity of life in Britain. This experience, however, was based in a video-production company I had already attended work experience for; Ricochet. I worked on a program called 'Cowboy Builders and Bodge Jobs' and completed sheets detailing individual shots, listened to potential applicants and checked the credibility of builders. I wasn't able to attend an actual shoot whilst I was there, so two years on when my course's placement team announced Ricochet needed volunteers for a new show, I couldn't miss it! Especially when I have some great friends from the LGBT+ society along for the ride;

Motion Sickness Development Questionnaires (MSSQ) have been introduced and continually revised in academia since 1968, to highlight that motion sickness is individual for all of us; we feel sick in different situations, with different stimuli. We were asked to all fill one out, and it made me realise that on all transport I'm fine, but rides? Another story. Whilst it would never stop me going on one, there's something about being jiggled about (Star Tours for example) that doesn't make me feel 100%. Well, if anyone tells you Chessington World of Adventures doesn't have any thrills, ask them to ride this monster 4 times...

Dragon's Fury is unique in that each car has 4 seats which can be weighed evenly or with bias so each ride will have a different amount of spin; my worse nightmare! During the show, it appears that everything runs very smoothly but I was quite surprised during filming at how many pauses there were that were very...calm. We arrived before the park opened and the production crew did have many staff, but everyone always knew what they were waiting for. On top of this, there were very few retakes! We were only told to repeat something twice if that, but editing made a product that was very different to what we expected...

The Power of Editing

Only two of the cars had go-pros on which filmed us during the ride, and it became clear that I was chosen for this car as very few people had said they felt sick on rides on their questionnaires. What I didn't realise was that I would become the central character in the whole ginger narrative! As the only person being sick, I became the most expressive; the slow-motion was especially jaw-dropping.

> data-lang="en-gb">

'Robert you were sick in slow-mo!' 😂🎢

Still recovering from my #Superfoods adventure 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/B4fx1uAGHv
— Robert James Bone (@RobertJamesBone) 12 September 2017

Feeling much less queasy after the rollercoaster half-an-hour later, we filmed the numbers and conclusion segment. In the most unimpressive of embarrassments, I had put sun-cream on, ending up with some in my eyes. Whilst filming, we had to divide into our ginger/control groups and ask questions. I really couldn't keep my eyes open. The director (an amazingly kind woman) actually pulled me aside, and said I should go to the nurse - whilst I thought the show MUST go on! It took me a while to recover and filming was finished in my absence. I wasn't forgotten though, as my friend filmed the presenter giving me a shout-out:

Kate Quilton, The Presenter

What I imagined would happen is that the group would be shown from different angles so it wasn't obvious I was missing, but clips of me were used! Me looking so ill actually worked in the show's favor, as it made it appear that there wasn't a gap between the ride and the reveal; I was simply still queasy, from the ride! We filmed so much more than was actually seen, especially with intriguing questions and longer explanations from the researcher. We were also looking very tired at the end of the day, so overall, the editors are the real heroes to keep in the time limit and create a story from something that wasn't there to start!

After filming, we had a great day in the park; my first time here! Hocus Pocus Hall was my favorite experience, so much uncertainty and mystery on what would happen next. Overall, this was a great experience, and now with a better awareness, I'm up for filming anything now. Maybe I should have a few more than ginger biscuits to calm my nerves to start though...

Hanging out with all the poorly patients

Catch the full episode here

20

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 08:00:00 +0000

I hate the idea of adulthood, and what that means I have to leave behind. It seems only like yesterday I was 17, resonating so deeply with ‘Dancing Queen’ by Abba, being completely in the prime of life, feeling the tambourine and being in the spotlight. But I have changed. And that’s good.

Last year was a time of uncertainty, unsure of my place in the world, not being able to understand the workings of other people and why they don’t see the world I do. Now, I feel a great sense of calmness. Going to university has been the best thing to ever happen to me. It’s chewed me up, made me terrified, made me sad and confused, and now I have come out knowing of the workings of life, and I feel better prepared. It does feel right when I talk about dramas that my friends are having who are in years below me; it’s their time. And it feels right for me to go. Christmas was good, my friends are good, I am content. But that means I'm no longer growing; I need to move on.

The main thing that I have learned this year, is just how much power I actually hold over people, and I need to take responsibility in that. I’ve never wanted a boyfriend at university; this is time for me to grow, alone. And whilst I can proudly and confidently say I never lead people on with that possibility….people do want love, when I haven’t. And this can lead to awful consequences. All I want is for everyone to be happy, and the way I have been treated when all I have ever been is nice, is wrong. But it’s time to move on from Grindr into a new sense of relationship maturity; what do I actually want now?

If you aren’t in a friend group, there is probably a good reason why you are not there. You shouldn’t be jealous of others being close together, as you have the same closeness with your friends; you can’t win everyone. Trying to barge my way into another group was bold, and I am proud that I went out of my comfort zone, trying to befriend someone I always admired; but what I found made me appreciate who I already have. Thanks to my friends, I am seeing more clearly now when people have wronged me, and I need to stand up for myself more; if I don't care about them, I shouldn't be wasting time trying to make amends with them. But I still have long to go on this road. If people leave you, you’ve also left them; and there’s a reason why. My second year was bold, but also filled with boredom. My third year is so, SO much happier. I sometimes wonder where they’ve gone, and I never hear from them – I’m way ahead, honey.

As I start applying for masters, I have no clue what the future holds. I’ve been in this safe bubble for three years now, and I’ve never had to leave it. Being in Kenya for the last two weeks has showed me my life isn't at a creative and transformative standstill; I'll always keep growing. The future, is now exciting! Here’s to a new city. Here’s to new experiences, and new people. Here’s to a whole new me. The adult me. What will London do to me?

It’s time for others to find themselves in this crazy, beautiful city. I love you Brighton; you made me.

Rob X

Thompson Hall, Home Away from Home: Review

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Mon, 23 May 2016 20:21:00 +0000

There are many opportunities to experience culture and art in Brighton. However, that doesn’t mean the quality and innovation of new works ever falters, a case in point being the raw emotion showcased in Thompson Hall’s latest paintings now being shown at Regency Town House.

The paintings showcase Hall’s feelings about the claustrophobia of London, in comparison to the open spaces and sea air of Brighton. His observational sketches are presented on the top floor and we can see his thought process as he decides what to emphasise in his abstract, colourful works. The use of various sizes of canvas shows the dedication taken to make every ‘home’ imagined, unique, allowing us to gravitate to the ones we feel are like our own homes, especially as the Regency Town House is empty. We want to find the home Regency Town House cannot provide.

A motif of windows symbolises a portal into, and out of, these other homes. Large, various windows of the yellow-stained homes are reminiscent of the community only just outside, whilst tentacles forcing themselves through windows in other paintings, is haunting. Homes are sometimes only houses: they can be places of fear, of sadness, and the sheer mass of paintings on display makes you realise these two terms could switch at any moment. The paintings are seemingly unfinished, with white patches towards the bottom of some and brush strokes obvious, but this only adds to the abstract nature of these houses, reminding us that everyone in the room around us will relate to one of them, making us appreciate our own lives (or the desire to dream about a window we want to go through). He commented at last nights ‘In Conversation’ event at the Old Market, that this was an especially rewarding commission as this year’s theme of ‘Home’ was his most ambiguous project yet.It can be proudly said that the artist truly explores the term (and proves his worth), making us ponder as to what exactly turns a house into a home.

Thompson’s Halls artwork, along with the other two commissioned works, are open now until 29^th May in various locations. The full brochure for the festival can be found here, whilst the most recent updates can be found on Twitter, through #ThompsonHall, @HOUSE_Festival, and @OutsideIn_UK. The piece is part of the HOUSE 2016 Visual Arts Festival, which has been running since 2008 with the aim of offering commissions for contemporary artists (and for the public to experience more contemporary art too). This year saw a collaboration with Outside In, who provide a platform for artists who normally face barriers to the art world for a wide variety of reasons. Through Outside In, Thompson Hall, as someone with a learning disability, was commissioned for this work.

Thankyou to Laurence Hill for editing.

19

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Here we are again.

Every year I think I've hit my peak, that surely I can't have any more wild, singular life changing moments that change my whole perception of life and make me not recognise the person I was one year. But they do.

This year, life has certainly slowed down. It's time for the new first years to experience all those amazing rushes of new emotion, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was utterly jealous of them. I loved my halls (we may fight, but we always came back together), I loved the bus, I loved saying yes to everything as I just couldn't bear to miss out. Everything has now changed: and I'm less happy.

In fact, there was one moment this year that was utterly terrifying (and new! - so pros and cons). I remember being so cool-headed and logical about this problem, yet when I called up the hotline relating to it, and the woman saying 'are you worried?', it all became a reality and I broke down in public. It was at that point I realised just how alone I was in this city. The people I can truly count on no matter what the situaton I can count on one hand. When I think of things I want to do I truly struggle to think of people who think like I do, and would want to do it as-well. Heck, for the 2nd time running it's highly certain I'll be house hunting by myself. And this time I have even less hope. I just can't find anyone who thinks just like me.

I have no clue what I'm doing, I just befriend everyone and say yes to everything. All I know is I'm loving every minute of it. 💚 #LoveLife

— Robert James Bone (@Bone_Rob) September 21, 2015

It's so weird seeing this tweet, that I pinned on my account for so long. In first year, I literally did everything. I was course rep, I joined every society. Now, I am so much more flippant saying no to things. I've left the food co-op as I can't spend the love it deserves on it, andI won't go on club nights if I have a lecture the next day as I know I just won't get up. Yes, I am more logical. But I've lost my drive for the new and the exciting. I feel like I now need to move on. Think I'll be one of these people who changes job every 2 years, counting down the days.

With this logic has also brought me greater attention in lectures. My folders stay up to date and I'm finding time to do readings now. Even so, this has come at a huge cost, because the things I am being educated about are utterly saddening. I'm learning about the corroption of the the enforcers of law, how journalism isn't fighting for justice anymore, and how me, the individual, is totally powerless to change anything. And what makes it all the more worse is I really don't feel like anyone else cares. I carry this huge guilt weight on my shoulders all the time while everyone else can happily not vote and not divide out their recyling. I feel, as a world, we are truly doomed.

I have started 2016 on a high though. I'm currently on work experience in London, and while the work itself is quite dull, London is amazing. I'm having so much fun finally conquering the tube system, having time to myself in the evening where all I have to think about is what I'm eating and whether I can stay awake until the end of the current Celebrity Big Brother episode I'm watching. And I have time write on my BLOG, on here! I'm really enjoying it. I think it's the new experience that has drived this new curiousty, and new emotion. Every street is a new opportunity. I always need new.

Also, I've finally started recognisng the little pleasures more and more. A sunny day, finding a song you love and putting it on repeat, or just seeing a new advert and spending some quality alone time thinking about its messages. I can always rely on these small things, and they always make me happy and confirm that I love my body, and who I am. I still get excited by the little things, which I'm really glad has carried on from last year. So, for now, this is my new pinned tweet:

You can always rely on the simple pleasures 🌞💛 pic.twitter.com/6s83ygDbdp

— Robert James Bone (@Bone_Rob) January 20, 2016

I've left my teenage years behind me. And I wish I had still had them. I'm meant to have grown up now, to know who I am and what I believe in. But really? I'm more uncertain then every before. Happy Birthday me.

Lynx: A new era?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 15:21:00 +0000

One of the reasons I became passionate about Media (and has made me currently study it at university) was Lynx. Anyone who studies gender will have heard of Lynx. Hell, I remember one of my most heated discussions with one of my friends was over them targeting heterosexuals for a project which factually has no sexuality, and whether gay people would be offended if they were targeted a product. Everyone knows their ethos. I can still remember my pure disgust and anger for the video of the Lynx Excite campaign. This anger still stays with me everytime I see their name. And this anger, like others, won't change for a unless they do something bold.

Even so, Lynx today released a new advert on their Youtube page. It's a complete turn-around, and has already had coverage from The Mirror and Magnate supporting how Lynx has 'grown up'.

I for one, am not going to be so easily pleased. This is a company which needs to recognise just how damaging they have been. After doing a quick analysis, these are some of the key pros and cons I have found: So

Video Statement and Analysis

Yes, we must celebrate this advert and the brand for a change in identity. Normalising outcast groups is bold and important, which encourages individuals in real-life to be proud of themselves and live more fulfilling lives.Even so, this advert is still subtly endorsing many things which are still damaging.

1) 'Cmon, a six pack?' - Very interesting that this is the EXACT message they have been endorsing for all of Lynx's identity before this point. If they truly recognised they were wrong in the past and they want to move on, then why not include one of their own adverts on those buildings? Playing it SAFE.

2. Out of all examples which include a man interacting with a women, there are 5. There is one gay couple. Where is the bi-sexuality, the transgender, the no gender? Clearly a token gay couple, used because homosexuality is the mainstream. Playing it SAFE.

3. Notice the final shots in front or bathroom mirrors. We see 4 men. YET, the ones that have a 6-pack and athletic bodies are the only ones we see topless. What a joke: 'really, a six pack?' becomes such a hypocritical statement as no other body is seen to be celebrated. Where are the chubs, the older men, the AVERAGE bodied men. So in fact, their old, damaging message is still intact. Playing it SAFE.

We must recognise that barely any other brands carry a inclusive message actively, and so Lynx must be recognised. I do particularly like the men who are confident, but aren't around other people: they don't need to be in a relationship to be happy. Even so, It's clear that Lynx then are NOT a ambassador for change, but more a brand that goes with the flow, instead of looking to the future. Really not impressed. I still won't be buying their products.

So, this is what I feel. They haven't won me over yet. They need to do so much more (though their partnership with the Bigger Issues campaign is a great start). They have seemed to actually take a back turn with their Twitter account, no longer having any unique voice (we had a great conversation about gender in my college years I just have to find one day), now being completely and utterly bland. It's not a easy road. What do you think?

#LondonLunchBreak - No. 8

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:44:00 +0000

For the last few days as I’ve been venturing further out to try new places for lunch (hoping over the weekend to google new places, and actually use the tube!), and every-time I do I walk past this peculiar statue that always catches my eye.

It doesn’t fit in with its modern and symmetrical surroundings. It’s fat, and lumpy. As you walk round it you see new bumps oozing all over. Its holes give bite-sized glimpses into the world just around the corner, but I feel like that special looking glass could slop and reform, meaning you would constantly have to be on your guard. Does it move when I’m not there?

It turns out that it’s called No. 8, was made by a man called Steven Gontarski. I can’t find out very much about him or the sculpture which stands in a cute mini hipster village of restaurants near Premier, called Central Saint Giles. Even so, what I DO know is that he graduated of the University of London. I feel like I’m part of Brighton now where I go to university, but feel odd this connection has only been made out of 1 and half years there so far, yet it’s so strong. Love that Steven (and London) have made a connection to, and he wants to show he’s proud of being associated with it. What will my mark be on Brighton?

From others comments, there seems to be a feeling that it’s an object which is ‘recognisable but not identifiable’. It’s been linked to clouds, oceans and smoke rings. I wonder what that says about me that I feel its fat, something that sloops and oozes rather then something light and majestic. I have a great image of it standing proudly in conjunction to the mid-day sun which I think makes it look very defiant. It can be looked at in so many ways.

Sat with the great No. 8 for my lunch briefly (so cold!) with some edamame beans I bought from Pod, another great health chain (a trend I really want to see in Brighton!). What will #LondonLunchBreak bring next week?

#LondonLunchBreak

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:11:00 +0000

I’ve had a wonderful winter break filled with everything last years did: bitching about unimportant things at work, battling with my sister over the money of our mums Christmas present, and plenty of time just laughing with the bezzies. It won’t always be this simple: I can’t believe how lucky I am.

Now I’m back, and very excited as I’m just about to start the module that was one of the main reasons for picking this entire course: work experience! No other course would allow a whole month off (including paying £300 travel expenses) with no other assignments to worry about. It’s all very exciting and grown up: my first commute at peak time! Eep!

I’m working in London at a PR firm called Premier (all very professional, I’ve heard lots of jargon already that’s gone over my head, and the staff talk so casually about traveling around the world for events in areas I could only dream of going). It’s exciting, it’s new, who knows what will come of it?

Anyhow, the reason I’m back on this blog (oh I’m so happy to have an hour each day just to myself with no Wi-Fi, where all I can do is type) is because of another bonus luxury of this module: lunch break. Will (a member of the team I’m on) described me so many places to eat he’s been before today, and it started me pondering. Think about it: I’m a tube away from the centre of London, I have a whole hour each day for the next month to explore new and wonderful things I couldn’t normally.

I hope to have this as part of a mini-series entitled, #LondonLunchBreak. J I’m aiming to do at-least four fun things: a museum, find out about a statue, go to an independent lunch bar or even meet up with a kind face off Grindr who can show me his favourite spot. Anything’s possible!

Today is what inspired me. On one side of the street: easy, predictable, western Subway. On my right, Itsu, somewhere I knew I’d like to eat, but had no clue of the etiquette or how to order. Whilst it’s a mini victory, I had a great detox soup (dumplings, mmmmm) in Itsu, and I’m really excited to see what I’ll uncover next!

18

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 08:00:00 +0000

What a ride.

This year has changed my whole world. Basingstoke was once all I knew, and I was in bliss. I knew everything, everyone knew me and I sat in bed every night with no negative, swirling thoughts. My I knew my best friends, and they called me their best friends back. I was content.

I discovered the end of something. The end of my time in Gangshow. Something that swept me up
in open arms. Whilst I may have cried in the final performance of the first show, not this time. I have to move on. It's for others to enjoy now. But the world around me didn’t change, so it was OK.

I discovered passion. Music now has new meanings I understand.

I discovered pure, utter dread as I stormed out of my media class in tears, terrified I would never win, no matter how hard I may try in these evil exams. The world was stacked against me. This would be the end.

And then, one day, I woke up to an email: 'Congratulations, you have been accepted into Brighton University'. My spirits soared. I laid back and let my bed soak me up; the life that I wanted was guaranteed and my perfect life would continue. No worries.

My dad and his girlfriend drove me 2 hours down to Brighton; a hug and a goodbye.

My life, from that moment, would never be the same.

What makes it so surreal is that I never expected this at all. No book told me, no friend who had gone to university warned me. The experience hit me instantly, and a new feeling that I have never felt before presented itself in a terrifying fashion.

I was alone.

I sat in bed, feeling alone. No matter who I saw, I could never shake the feeling. I didn't belong in this town. No matter what I joined and how many people knew me, I didn't connect with anyone like a best friend would, not a group of friends to call my own, like back at home in simple, beautiful Basingstoke. My purpose in life had been shattered and nothing had taken its place. Who was Robert Bone anymore?

When I went home and had to leave again, I would look at my dad straight in the eye and give him encasing hugs, which we had never done before (he’s a handshake guy). I constantly told my Basingstoke friends in our group chats how much they meant to me, describing the various wacky things we were going to do when I saw them again. I was trying to cling onto the old, simple days. Even though I went back with a clearer mind in January, the loneliness still came from time to time. The feeling of the unknown and the scary.

I didn’t know how to spend my last day of being 18. I got on the bus and tried my arsenal of my most moving and inspirational tracks, but I couldn’t focus on the task ahead of me: to think about how I feel. Around midday, I went to the pier. The waves crashing slowly drifts any thoughts that come into your mind out again: perfect. I went to Zoltar, a wise man who I had seen before for guidance when I had a fishing in Brighton. His wisdom came blunt and true.

‘Be happy and live for today, for you will be dead a lot longer. Treat yourself.’

I followed his guidance. I bought the hugest value pack of chocolate and chips from the pier and sat on the pebble beach. I knew I’d end up here today, so I wore 3 layers (a usually huge no-no for Robert) but that didn’t stop my fingers and toes going numb. It did help with how I was feeling though. I wanted to write my feelings for this blog on the beach. But the coldness made me cuddle up, indulge in the food quickly until there was no more and stop me from expressing these scary opinions just for that little bit longer.

No more food.

I’m alone on the beach. I’m alone, again.

What is really odd for me, is that regardless of how I’m feeling, I will never miss anything. I can’t imagine for example if I didn’t like a module I wouldn’t go to it. I'd feel even worse if I haven’t checked my emails for a few days and realise that I’ve missed a amazing opportunity with the student newspaper. The fear of missing out is stronger than anything. I think I’m right in thinking nobody has worked harder than me to try and start presenting on radio at university, when our radio station currently doesn’t exist, but I’m in talks to present on two other stations. In fact, I have already gone to two meetings about other societies today and had to schedule in this blog post. My life doesn’t stop.

It’s so odd, I don’t know what I’m feeling! I applied for Brighton with no consideration of other universities: this was the place for me. I wanted to experience a cultured landscape, and the chance to meet new people with new opinions in a wonderful, welcoming place!

And you know what? That is what happened. I’ve gone on club crawls and befriended random people, new masculine straight men wanted to welcome me with open arms, so many restaurants, so many opportunities! I’ve always been jealous of my friends going to Royal Holloway but the more and more I get involved in the town, the more I know this is the place for me!

Those earlier paragraphs about loneliness? It’s still there. But now, only at this moment, I’ve realised something:

Being alone doesn’t mean you're lonely.

I received birthday cards this week from my two best friends in the entire world back home. What makes it so lonely here is that you forget your life at home: you are on your own here, to make your own path. They were brimmed full of memories we had together, and reminders we’d be friends forever. This reminded me of the people I knew here: the LGBT club, the newspaper writers, my flat-mates. I moved from being lonely to having a group of new people who care about me with a whole new range of personalities. Yes, I may still be alone a lot, but I can handle it. I am independent, something I’ve never been before. I write my own path.

I was alone with the sea: just me, and the waves. Suddenly my friend Amy calls me, asking if I was actually at the beach after tweeting I would be here. She met me and we had a great evening together in town. I’m never lonely: somebody (or something) is always there. It just took me a long time to realise.

18 was the year Robert Bone was broken down. Everything that I knew changed. But I’m rebuilding into something I never realised I wanted to be, and I am definitely becoming a better person than what I wanted to be before. One day at a time. I am proud of what I’ve become. And now its time for others to have a go. Go to university. It’s magical. You'll change for the better.

Hello 19. What will I become?

Bang Bang: 2014's Feminism Power-Anthem

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 21:51:00 +0000

"I asked her name, but she turned away. As she walked, all that I could say was Mmm Yeah Yeah" - objectification. Austin Mahone - Mmm Yeah ft. Pitbull [March 2014]

"Oooo that does smell nice, is it mens? Oh I can't have that" - a female customer whist I was working at a fragrance counter [December 2014]

"If she's intelligent, even better. You can copy her work and stare at her boobs all day!" - Dapper Laughs, Episode 1. [September 2014]

For someone passionate about media, it does get boring. You really do get bored. You see the same thing happen again, and again. You roll your eyes. Why should I write to company's complaining, why should I be a mini role-model on social platforms making people aware, when in the end, it's just going to happen again and again? Creative Bankrupcy at its finest.

In this hard battle, you take pleasure in the small bottles of hope, which hopefully open new ways of thinking. One example is the 2014 August release, 'Bang Bang', and I will discuss why it is a positive example for feminism, and hopefully a better future thus altogether.

Here we have 3 women we would NEVER dreamed of coming together, as they are all branded so differently. Ariana is the bedroom having a slumber party flicking her hair looking into the camera and blushing, excited for whats to cme, while Nicki in all her Diva glory is on top of a skyscraper, with a helicopter in the bacground. And then there's Jessie, who well, is Jessie. Yes they have been mediated so we only see a single-personality, but it is who they are. And what are they connected by? Their sex. The sister-hood. The bond of being women, and celebrating this fact. Whilst many other songs may 'feature' another artist for 20 seconds, they are all equals here, with the song not being able to be completed without all 3 being there: the bond. Not by men, not by sex, but by each other. In the end scene where all 3 are together we see pink flushing down the streets of the city shown, a viusal symbol of feminitiy flowing, uncontrollablly enoering everyone.

What is so percularit about the song and the video as a whole is its premisis: Bang Bang. "Bang Bang into the room, Bang Bang all over you. Wait a minute let me take you there". What is this Bang Bang? In fact, what is so much of these lyrics? They are so vague: " I'mma show you how to graduate" "It ain't karaoke night but get the mic 'cause I'm singing" Is it a physcial gun shot? Highly unlikly. Or what many people think of, ejculation. Men never surround the women in this video of their group live performances and do all their dancemoves by themseles [and a few lyrics are obviously explicit], with the only one shown being batted off by his friend, so this again seems improbable.We must not forget though the enjoyment of ejaculation by yourself: yes, all of them dance provoactily, but so do I and I love it. It is a part of life to love your body, and I may dance provocatly but thats not because I want others to enjoy me: I want to be happy in myself.

I take the hint from Arianas microphone, with the word BANG written on it. I use this microphone as a metaphore for the 'bang' of something new in the air: words. expression. Freedom for women to be who they want and to do what they please.

'Bang Bang into the room' - the room of the world. I am here, feminism is here.

'Bang Bang all over you' - it effects will effect us all you. In the post-feminist world, your views wil be destryoed easily

'Wait a minute let me take you there' - Do you not understand? I will teach you. [Or if we are going down the sexual route, this could also show the women being in charge of her own ejaculaioion, not by the say so of the man]

I understand there is the problem of sexualisation: all 3 women have sexualised themselves and our provocative, implying that feminism and equality can only move forward if we feel more open to show skin, but of course only in these stereotypical body shapes. This is of course not a problem: I would love to sexualise myself, but as I have already said, for me, not for anyone else. This would be best addressed by not making any of these artists change, but instead by including a larger range of representations

2013: A look back

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:17:00 +0000

2013 has been an incredible year: yes, of course there's been downs, but looking back, it has been really perfect. I love life, and I love everything that's come my way. It just leaves me to wonder: will the years ahead be filled with the same?

2013: 10 magical moments

Jan: Birthday Dinner

My birthday is the 31st, and whilst I have so many friend 'groups', the friendships bonded in Primary and Secondary School will last for eternity, as those friends have been to hell and back with me: they know my fears, my dreams, and are always there. I invited them to Eds Dinner for a birthday dinner, which is this really cute american dinner in town which has put so much effort into its branding and also sells proper chunky sweet potato fries, which apart from swede, are my total vegetable crush! The restaurant even had a little jukebox, with the music going through the actual speakers of the whole building (and the money paid went to charity!). All my friends surprised me at the end with a awesome cake, which I really didn't see coming (even though thinking about it, it DOES happen at every birthday, so it shouldn't be surprising!). My 18th is probably the last time we'll all be together probably, and probably as-well it'll be a dinner date if I can't think of something better, which is beside the point anyway: I won't see these people at all when I go to Uni, so, its almost as if its a goodbye. Not for ever of course, but still. Love them all X

Mar: Exam Results

In March I got my first set of Exam Results for my AS Year, and they simply weren't what I was hoping for at all.

Results - (these are final results overall, not in March. In March I had a E in Media)

My media grade was not what I was hoping for at ALL: it was supposed to be what I was going to Uni to do, and this letter told me that what I loved, was actually, not what I was good at! Even so, I remember seeing my media teacher in the corridor and completely breaking down. She took me to one side and told me 'this letter does not define you' - I retook the exam a few months later, and I got a A. I never give up on anything anymore X

Apr: My First Shoot

This shoot only feel's like it was yesterday, the photo's are constantly being circulated by my friends and being complemented: even if I don't ever do a shoot again, I'm very, very happy that I've done one. Steve, who is a incredible photographer (hats off to him for turning into a brand and his career!) asked me on twitter to have a photo shoot. He came to my local town and we shot in a really gorgeous local park, which has a huge lake and is just stunning when all facilities etc are functioning in the summer. One of my friends is great with make-up, and for half of the shots taken had half of my face being one big rainbow: just, incredible! He was very skillful and very knowledgeable about how I should position myself in the frame. You only need to look at the finished products to show the pride he takes in his shots, and I would recommend anyone to hire him. Hopefully one day in the future I can meet him again - it would be a understatement to say that I have ideas for themes!!

May: Lara's Party

The GSA in my first year at college had been such a special part of my life, which I can certainly never imagine not having: to think, if it wasn't for my friend Alice (who is now Co-President with me this year) who said she was going as I was on my way back from giving UP going, I would never have experienced such a inspiring place. Lara was one member of the GSA and invited all of the members along to her house for what was a incredible party in May. Her house was actually stunning in such a cute, seven dwarfs style chic way, filled with some incredible people, who I really saw all together for the last time. It was certainly a drama filled year...but I would never change it.

June: My First Pride

Oh god, THIS is the BEST part of the year. Firsts are always the best, and I will NEVER, EVER forget this. It's become tradition that the last thing the President(s) of the GSA does before passing on the duty's when they go to uni, is organise the whole group to go to London Pride. It was such a beautiful day: the parade had so many companies I now admire even more, and believe me, you will NEVER understand how many society's you can join, which just so happen to be gay only! xD May it have been one man asking me to borrow my sun screen (and never forgetting that complete instant friendship - this was a time when there was no fear from anyone, where you could be and talk to anyone you liked), or us all having fits at getting all the free crap being thrown our way (and a man realising how giddy we were, mocking us in a high pitched voiced saying "FREE SHIT OH MA GOD FREE SHIT!"), I just know it was a place for me. After sitting down to watch the stage, I am just so excited that 2 awesome guys persuaded me to take off my shirt, and then continue to write 'London Pride 2013' (a note to everyone: if someone takes your picture at a pride, ASK where its going - so many pics of my back out there, yet I have no clue where! xD) - after that, I was gone! Snogging up all the men - oh, did I mention I had my FIRST EVER KISS!?!!! I could write down the whole magical event, but its much more fun when I say it out loud, and revive it to you through my eyes <3 Let me tell you now, tongues IS the way to go...and oh god, put your hands on my neck while you kiss me I will be yours forever <3 Gay Pride is a staple of my youth.

and oh yeah, I don't think many can say their first kiss was with a guy with a six pack ;) heheheheheh

Aug: A surprise video

It really does suck that I don't have time to make videos on my youtube channel - its just that I don't want to put up something, knowing that I haven't put my full effort into it. One of my really big dreams is to save up my money, and hire so many professionals - professional photographer, pianist, cameramen and editors, and make my own cover of a song.

Even so, I was actually very, VERY delighted to find that whilst I was round Alice's house one night, one of her friends was filming us, and actually making a video for her youtube! :)

Gem

Sep: Uni Choices

This year for every 17 year old in England, university is the only thing on their mind. When you apply for Uni there are so many steps to go through, and there are actual staff who's job description involves them getting students through the process at my college - not a easy one! I remember in one Student Union meeting Alison who helps with UCAS and made a casual joke to what we were talking about saying "I might be able to help you if everyone submits they're applications before the last day" - and to that, every cackled with laughter! The hardest part is the personal statement, a 4000 word essay where simply you sell yourself (tehe) - why you are best for the course, and what you have done outside of your courses to prove you have a passion. Hmm, I did sped a seriously long time on it (7 drafts?) I might put it up on here! It took me a look time to write this statement, but even longer to single down 5 University I wanted to do Media Studies at. Currently these are the offers I've received from my Uni's

Anglia Ruskin (Harlow) - No reply

Brighton - BBC

Portsmouth - 160 points

Sussex - ABB

Oxford Brookes - BBC

I'm predicted to get ABC, and I'm thinking Brighton is the perfect Uni for me. I've still got to go and have a look, but I dunno, I just have a good feeling about it :) We'll have to see!

Oct: C/W Deadlines

Anybody who followed me on Twitter in October I'm sure will remember this. Coursework is normally completed in the Winter Term, and then January-June is spent focusing on the exam. I had 2 subjects which had Coursework due: a 4000 word essay for English, a controlled assessment essay, another essay AND a 3 minute film for media. I was absolutely lost, and can remember just physically breaking down in the student Union, crying from my absolute terror of simply not knowing what to do! My tweets became increasingly sad, and I really didn't know where to turn. Luckily of course, it's now Winter, and it's all done! I'm a great believer in the Wheel of Fortune, a idea that any person, regardless of being good or bad, will have good and bad moments in life. And look, I waited, and now its over! Glorious, just glorious. To think, all that pain, was just a moment - its gone :) Hmm, maybe I'll put up my essay's on here!

My media teacher asked me one day during coursework how I was feeling and I said "happy, as always!", with him replying that "you cant be happy ALL the time. You cant live up to peoples expectations ALL the time". So yes world, please remember - I do have bad times too. But I always get through them X

Nov: Co-President in Full Swing

In November me and Alice (the other Co-President) were in full swing creating meetings each week for the new GSA. Every year I can vouch for every President everywhere that the biggest fear you have is attracting members - I am so proud (and lucky) to say we have around 7 members who come every week, so we know that the one free we both have each Friday before the lunch meeting where we make the power-point is worth it. And I can also proudly say that I think we've created a real positive image, not only in the college, but also regionally! We had a bake sale for a local LGBT charity, and met up with LGBT representatives not only from local college's, but also the University of Winchester! I have done myself and QMC proud :)

(I am so pumped for London Pride!)

Dec: Presents!

What can I say? It was great! So many awesome presents, as always :) Highlights included a Recipe Book for Uni and some incredible home made Gingerbread cookies from my gorgeous long-time freind Jasmin. And oh, the sales! This was my first time in the sales and I got some incredible stuff, including a top man shirt and fragrance worth £25 for £4! I do have to admit I will have to go and pay for the shirt to be slimmed (slim-fit or nothing for me!), but still, I'm very happy :) I also went round to my Grandma's to have her classic gorgeous home-grown vegetable and pig Christmas dinner, on top of her stunning pavlova (the secret is nuts) which I always forget to get the recipe for. Next stop, Birthday in January! I'm hoping my wishlist gets some love haha ;)

And also quickly, here's 1 honorable mentions to the list :P - Robyn's Party :) (I would show more but god Blogger has a fit with videos that last longer then 10 seconds)

So, 2013 was incredible, what will 2014 have in store? Gosh, I'll be at Uni! 1 year from now, isn't that crazy? Gosh, what a awesome life I lead :D #LoveLife

17

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 12:36:00 +0000

Whilst I don’t hide that I adore pop music and all its connotations [the power of youth (not just being young keep it mind), the uncontrollable emotions that only music can conjure etc], the lyrics of this genre seem to always obviously fit into 2 extremes of either general and repetitive, or the personal – with the personal always being much more beautiful. Songs such as Nicola Robert’s Take a Bite and probably the majority of Lily Allen songs (recommendations to 22 and Hard out Here) are visual proofs of artists who can work their mind, and give out messages which you are assured are, so, real.

Mika is an example of these ‘hidden artists’, (Joe Mcelderry, Leona Lewis etc) who had that one insanely high peak on the wheel of fortune, but sadly couldn’t sustain it in the mainstream. Even so, this doesn’t mean they aren’t still popular, and continue to express desires and feelings in smaller settings – it’s sad to think that only the ‘outrageous’ can ever be talked about. As I was listening to his 2^nd album The Boy Who Knew Too Much for the first time a few days ago, one song made close attention to relating to me:

“Hey you what's a good girl like you
Doin' in this crazy world?
Where's the good gone girl?

Dance, dance to the life you wanted
When you were only 17
With your good girl dream”

- Good Gone Girl

Whilst this song could be interpreted in many ways, I thought that it was mainly the frustration at the same type of girl appearing into Mika's life ever year (“I’ve heard it all before”) who have a completely distorted perception of love, ignoring its core message. The women featured go out with a “solider”, or someone who can play “guitar”, purely because of this singular, desired quality. We are left with a sad, never ending path of doom for the women (“she’s got nothin’ left to lose”) who just can’t seem to understand why their men won’t stay with them, or why they become bored – the movement between men is never told, but my 2 theory’s are not very positive for mankind at all. We must remember that Mika doesn’t have a grudge against women: you can see his gender 'fluidation' in his songs, constantly referring to men and women, boys and girls, and their changing behaviours (rightly so!). Even though I will probably never know the thoughts behind the song, but Mika is bisexual, so we can assume that he doesn’t feel this way about all women – but damn, we can all think of some who feel like it!

I find it curious how much I can write informally, but my flow of ideas doesn’t stop. Going back to my lyrics shown, these actually show a reflection on the women’s past: Oh, 17, that beautiful in-between age. The “Good gone girl” who had so many ambitions, had such a beautiful outlook on the world – you have youth, you have money to spare, you don’t have a care in the world. This feeling is an exact replica of Abba’s “Dancing Queen” –

“You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine”

You’re the Dancing QUEEN. No one can beat the feeling of euphoria being young gives; feel the beat of the tambourine! Forget all your worries, because you have none: follow that tambourine!

Simply, this blog post will now be a celebration of the incredible age, 17. Whilst Taylor Swift has increased these ideas to the age of 22, I hope that artists will increase this age continually upwards – as we know that feeling young can last forever, but there’s till that nagging thought in my head that music’s predictions will have the final say. (e.g Phillip Larkin’s poem, Love Songs in Age)

I will always count my awful memory as a blessing, as it means I have countless diaries, photos and so much more to remember my lifespan as a whole. As a expansion of what Mika and Abba are saying, I’d add to the list by writing simply why being 17 is so wonderful – why it has been ecstasy, that nothing has gone wrong, that I am young and dumb, and not ready at all for the world and young enough for the law to say ‘its not my fault’ and go to jail – I am the Prince, the dancing Prince <3

And also more darkly, from fear that these feelings will be lost, in years to come.

So, background over, this is more a symbol of the era, and a kind and fond memory for me, of why being 17 has been so incredible. So many times at all these moments, I will look up, and thank god, knowing that one day this will end, knowing that one day may be so much worse than today’s. Thankyou God, for my youth <3

(Note I’ve had to shrink down these paragraphs so many times, there’s just so much to cover):

- Work. I work as a Customer Assistant at Boots, which is such a adorable company: every shelf must have so many rows of an item showing down to strict instructions, billions and billions of food items are trashed every day, and I am in such a low position on the chain that I’m constantly asking for advice (I do prefer it that way!), but the knowledge that I am surrounded by people and a brand who really do value and care for me, makes my job, fun! It truly is fun! I’ve learnt so much about Fragrance as well: I’ve learnt everything about it from work, I now don’t leave the house with something on (I feel like it’s an extension of my personality). Not being able to cut Cardboard so getting Jacob to do it, Beccas ‘good will gestures’, constantly being asked where the water bottles are (you don’t even realise), and the WHOLE gang and their missions to get me a boyfriend. It’s a 2^nd home.

- Gangshow Gangshow reminds me of a blanket. I could cry and cry, and gangshow's warm arms would never let go: I truly can imagine when I close my eyes seeing all these people in later years, and catching up with no awkwardness. It’s just so much more than a sing and dance show – its everything ELSE that makes it wonderful. A true family. I hate how I can’t remember anything of the 2012 show, and I’m terrified how being at Gangshow makes me feel will just disappear when it finishes again. A dome of protection. Drunken, hilarious stories. Simon’s manly angry voice when everyone’s too loud. Joy’s tattoo, EVERYONE with their driving tests, the whole wacky group photo during the prom number, being put in the dance number complaining to EVERYONE I can’t dance, that picture-perfect shot of when I told everyone I was blocked from facebook and they laughed and laughed …oh, just so many things. Gangshow, an incredible part of my youth.

-Love – A long time ago I decided to give up on love at this age, every relationship I've seen has broken so far – why do I want to break my heart with someone petty? If I break up I want to feel the heartbreak, feel the sorrow of knowing I've lost a piece of me, not a ‘oh well’. And because of this, I have been so much more focused on work – I just don’t understand how people in relationships at college do it to be honest! Also the fear that I will never find the man I've concocted in my mind is one I reason I don’t go out and look. Gosh, it just terrifies me.

-Explorers The camping ground for stereotypical masculinity. Even so, during my last camp, the last thing I said to my leader was ‘thankyou for respecting me’ – he replied ‘you’re a good kid’ and ruffled my hair. XxXx

-College. Once again, it’s not the main idea of the activity, but everything extra, which makes it so memorable. Oh I hate generalising, but I just feel incredible there! Yes I seriously doubt I’ll get the grades I want (ABC), but the actual journey has been a whirlwind of pleasure. Making a whole new posy with the student union, the drama of the old GSA and finding complete Bliss by being Co-President this year, being allowed to just enter rooms without knocking because the people in their know me, staying late so many days I come to the doors and they’re just locked, running late so having to do such a huge power walk (and whilst I’m on time for the lessons, others would be late even though we came off the same bus), my old, glorious AS psychology class who so many people I don’t see for very long anymore, but for the times I do I treasure, and overall the glorious, glorious friends and teachers who I can literally list one by one, and remember and tell you why they individually mean the utter and pure world to me. Remove exams….and it’s my heaven.

-Music. The feeling of Ecstasy. Knowing that when I have those headphones in, I can dance, I can twirl, as I am the centre of attention, and all eyes are on me. I am the star for that 3 and a half minutes. I may not have the future I want, but my mind, that’s something (hopefully) that can’t be taken away.

Thankyou 17, I’ve felt the beat of the tambourine, and I’ve danced to the life I want for the future. You’ve made me feel so pure, so innocent, just so….perfect. #LoveLife Nothing, could, and ever did, break me. But, will I become a Good Gone Girl?

For now, Thankyou. Thankyou.

Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 01:06:00 +0000

I can't figure out which is which!

A lot of people mention my eyes, and how 'blue' they are. I've always adored them, always been great to me. And that's all I thought I would ever know on the entire subject. Until today!

I had my annual evaluation at work a few weeks ago, and my manager wanted me to complete some E-Learning for me to obtain a No7 Mini Badge (a badge that's a visual sign for customer's to let them know you know about No7, even though you may not be a specific beauty advisor). No7 is officially the best selling cosmetic range in the UK (woop woop Boots!), and I was terrified at the challenge: not only do I know NOTHING about make-up etc, but why would anyone go to the 17 year old boy for advice!?!

I've always been afraid of change, I just hate it. I'm very happy with routine, as long as I love it then I could routine for the rest of my life! Replying to every tweet in order, writing post-it notes and lists, it's just who I am. This is (of course) because of the fear of change (and the unknown): why do you change something if it works? Youth is the most powerful of all the change fears, and there's always that chance that the change doesn't work, and terribly backfires. If it's small like this, or big (choosing a Uni), one change can change a life, and that terrifies me. Still, here we are.

Now, the Boots ELearning department is the cutest thing I've ever seen - in fact, Boots in general is just incredible behind the scenes, so much community. (Get random kindness myself from time to time too!)

For this badge I simply had to complete several modules/tests about the brand, and the first one was eyes. No big deal, right?

Wrong. Oh sooo wrong.

My favorite isle to look after is dental, and for pure simple example, there are 3 main overall types of Toothpaste: Overall, Enamel and Whitening. And then every frikin company puts their spin on it. Make-up is a COMPLETELY NEW ball game.

There are around 20 companies all begging for your attention, grabbing you with the slightest change to a original product (e.g mascara), even though they ALL DO THE SAME THING. It's just a cat fight, a whirlwind of trouble. (and of course it's the most fiddly products in the entire world, testers collide everywhere and I don't even have the most basic application experience! One 3rd of the store, nothing!)

I started my learning alone in the back office, utterly anxious, but still really
excited. There's such a big emphasis in Boots on the customer knows what they want, and its all individual (we sell so many variants of items) - everyone has their needs, and different levels of confidence. With my theory complete, I went out in the big bad scary world.

I would never see my colleague's as staff: friends every time (more talk on that another time). I got to the No7 Counter, blurting out facts: I had learnt the differences between the products from the theory (and some nifty new stuff, like how base coats should be applied to eyes too :P), but of course application tips? How would I know? What colours go with what skin tones? How would I know?!? Whats a lash line?! HOW WOULD I KNOW!?!?

Some incredible staff (S/O's Shayla, Laura, Lauren!) helped me through it all, took as much time as I needed. This hands on part isn't part of the course - I asked if I could get help: If I'm going to do something, I'm
going to do it well! It's incredible actually how many looks you can create - ladies, I am telling you know, no man will realise you have done ANYTHING with your eyes unless you make it stand out - look at any women around you, did you even notice they were wearing mascara? No, you didn't men of the world, don't worry, your're not trained ;)

Application is obviously the hardest part for me, as I haven't grown up doing it on myself! As part of a new campaign to semi-relaunch The No7 Make-up (its mainly really effective, love it) 4 women have been photographed in No7 Make up, and we shelf complete how-to guides of how to copy the looks! - destiny, just what I needed! Shayla was my model, and whilst Lauren did one eye, and then I copied on the other! The eyes skin is so incredible delicate, so I did have some trouble, but I kept going and here's some pics of the look I created (I decided I'd make myne a bit more 'out there' :P)

How to!

Lauren's Eye

MY EYE :D
(Involves 4 products)

I really wanted to write this as a simple example of diving in... and trying! Just because it didn't sound great to start with doesn't mean I wasn't going to give it my all, and look at me now! I'm giving makeovers, and I'm even tempted to try out eye colours on myself! xD Life has been incredible to me so far, and I really am so thankful for my feeling of perseverance - just getting things done (properly!) in the long run makes the ride so much more enjoyable, and really shows I've spent my time well. I'm off to Uni soon, and only destiny will tell me how that turns out!

Looks like when they said 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder', they weren't kidding!

X

P.S My store and work overall have been incredible part of my teenager-hood. When I leave, I'll be writing, don't you worry!

Good Afternoon

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bone) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:38:00 +0000

Good afternoon, Blog, how wonderful it is to meet you!

For a long time I've wanted somewhere to write utterly random things, my opinions, my memories, my hopes and my dreams: and here we are.

Of course (as is my curse) you will be updated basically never as I never have time to myself, but you will always be here, and when the time comes, I will be ready.

Good Afternoon Blog, may many afternoons be on here writing for you (or for me, as it may be!