What's all this Fuzz?
Current mood: worried
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

There has been a slight lapse in my blogging due to a nasty bought of gastric flu which has dominated my life for pretty much the whole of the last two weeks. This is a shame as I have had some good things to write about.

These include Hot Fuzz, Studio Ghibli, Cast Away and The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets.

The first is Hot Fuzz, filmed in Somerset's very own Wells. Until now nothing much has happened there and I never thought they could make it seem entertaining. Simon Pegg and co managed it though.

That's not the only thing they achieved though. This is a brilliant funny, innovative, enthralling film and I recommend it to everyone.

I'm currently reading The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, which was one of my recommendations on Amazon. I don't normally go in for this sort of chick lit and I now remember why.

I'm over half way through and I don't have that "I can't put this down" feeling. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect to get that on the first page as in Dan Brown books, but I do like to get it within the first hundred pages. Oh well, I'll persist.

I saw Tom Hank's Cast Away for the first time the other day and was pleasantly surprised. I seem to remember hearing negative things about it when it first came and so never rushed to watch it.

Sure it's a bit different but I think they way they portray his time on the island is brilliant. The ending's a bit annoying but hey. This is definitely worth watching.

Other films I've watched over the past couple of weeks include Studio Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart and M Night Shyamalan's Wide Awake.

Whisper of the Heart is not quite as surreal as some of the Ghibli films but it was still good, although in more of a girly, Disney sort of way. It's the prequel to The Cat Returns and in that respect is quite interesting.

Wide Awake was the film that Shyamalan wrote and directed before Sixth Sense. Although it wasn't as instantly brilliant as his other films it was still good in a child-like, developing style sort of way. Don't rush to watch it though.

On Sunday I'm going to a preview of Freedom Writers, a film about which I don't know so it'll be in at the deep end for me on that one. I'm also off to see Music and Lyrics next Tuesday. I know it looks like your average chick flick but I happen to like those so I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

I'll fill you guys in on all that next week but until then take care.

Lauz xx

PS I love my doggy Bonnie loads and loads and hope she gets better soon

Photo by r@chel*

Currently reading : The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets By Eva Rice Release date: 2006

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You got to get your face on Facebook
Current mood: sleepy

I've been exercising like a crazy bean this week so I haven't had too much time free for media consumption. I have watched You've Got Mail, listened to Mika and Gossip and been learning about Facebook.

I hadn't bothered to watch You've Got Mail in the past because I thought it seemed extremely predictable. Of course it was predictable but I didn't even find the story all that good and Meg Ryan was particularly annoying in it. It was ok for an evening to turn the brain off but I don't think I'll be watching that again in a long time.

The Mika album is strange. It's kind of a cross between Robbie Williams and The Scissor Sisters. There are a couple of nice tracks but I could happily live without listening to most of it ever again.

Gossip's current single is great but the album unfortunately is the sound of a one hit wonder. The sound, although funky, is very monotonous.

This weekend the boy and I went over to Swansea for a trip down memory lane. We had a really lush time and it was great to catch up with some old faces and places (thanks a lot peeps).

On a professional level though one really interesting thing stood out from the trip... Facebook is most definitely the social networking site of choice. The number of people who asked, "Are you on Facebook?" was shocking. When I said, "No just MySpace," the looks I got were generally those of disbelief.

This turn around seems to have happened extremely quickly and it seems that MySpace are going to have to do something drastic if they are to keep up.

The other cool site I learned about this week is Flixster. It's another social networking site but it revolves around your taste in films.

You can see how your opinion on films compares to that of your friends, find new films to watch and they are developing this site all the time. Apparently this site currently has the new media industry in quite a stir so it definitely seems to be one to watch.

I hope you guys are all ok.

Take care,

Lauz xx

Currently listening : The Score By Fugees (Refugee Camp) Release date: 13 February, 1996

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History of Love, Cold Mountain and Harry Potter
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Back in the land of normal time zones thankfully. Only a couple of things to write about this week due to the fact that I've been travelling load. This week I watched Cold Mountain and read The History of Love.

Cold Mountain was ok. It had loads of big names in it (Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger and Natalie Portman) and was a good story. However it was too depressing for my liking.

History of Love on the other hand was brilliant. It was beautifully written, a great story and very inspirational for the writer within me. It's right in the vein of Time Traveller's Wife and I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed that book. Plus a film is being made of it so it's best to get in there before they ruin the story.

One very exciting thing about this week is the fact that the release date of Harry Potter was announced. I really can't wait. I know it's a bit sad but I booked the Monday after it's release of work so that I can make sure I finish it before someone ruins it for me. It'll be three days of solitude for me!

I'm really looking forward to seeing Hot Fuzz. It looks brilliant plus it is filmed in a village near where |I grew up. To be honest there are far better places they could have set it but never mind.

Hope you guys are all ok. Let me know what entertainment stuff you're rating at the moment.

Best wishes,

Lauz

Currently watching : My Name Is Earl - The Complete First Season Release date: 19 September, 2006

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Maaary Pouppins
Current mood: crappy

Well we ended up being in ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New York for an extra day. Although we were due to fly home last night, when we phoned to confirm our flight the airline said they had no recollection of our booking. Great. ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

We managed to prove that we had made a booking but they said the earliest flight they could put us on was Monday night (tonight). They've said they'll pay for our extra night's accommodation as they clearly made an error somewhere along the way. Joy.

All that aside, what are my thoughts on New York?

If you come in the winter you need to bring lots and lots of layers. It has been cold beyond belief here. However this has meant that we've been able to do things without queuing, as no other nutters are doing them.

When we went out to the Statue of Liberty for example. We just waltzed through the areas that had been cordoned of for queuing. Same with the Empire State building.

Incidentally I was very impressed with the value of those two attractions. To get a ferry to Liberty island, climb the statue, get a ferry to Ellis island, go round the museum there and then get a ferry back to the main land cost a mere 5 pounds. Bargain.

Similarly it cost us just 9 pounds to go to the top of the Empire State. Baring in mind that these are both ultimate American tourist spots I think that's great value.

We've had a few interesting experiences on the Subway. Whereas on the London Underground it's hard to end up stuck in unsavory residential areas, in New York it's not quite the same.

The Subway doesn't have the zone system like we do, nor does each platform explain where the next train is heading. This means that it's quite easy to end up in a place you don't want to be. Like Brooklyn or Harlem for example.

When we got of the train to find ourselves in Harlem we knew that wasn't good, mainly because this station alone warranted the presence of three police officers. We were so clearly out of place but for some reason my Mum seemed oblivious to the fact.

Whilst I tried to tell her to not make it obvious that we were English tourists, she was there asking in the Queen's English, "Do you want one of my mints?" Every one glances at us. I shake my head subtly and mouth to her not to talk. "Why won't you talk to me? And what's wrong with my mints?"

God. Mothers! Finally we make it to Central Park and from there head down Fifth Avenue for some shopping.

I never thought that I'd say this but I'm sick to the sight of Starbucks. If you go an entire block without seeing one I'd say you should probably go get your eyes tested.

Not only is there one on every block but it seems they're inside many of the tourists spots too: Trump Tower, Empire State, Macy's, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It seems America is indeed sponsored by Starbucks.

Thankfully though it seems to be much cheaper here. We seem to be paying about 2 pounds for two drinks. You pay double that at home.

Another thing that made me laugh here was the Broadway production of Mary Poppins. Don't get me wrong it was brilliant, but also funny. Mainly due to their English accents.

"Just a spoonful of sugar helps the mediciiiiiine go douwn," pronounced just like that. It was cringe worthy.

However, the stage management was brilliant and I strongly recommend seeing a version of it. Be it Broadway or West End. Although bare in mind that it sticks more to the book than the film.

Right, I'm off back to the room for a bit now.

Best wishes,

Lauz

Currently reading : The History of Love: A Novel By Nicole Krauss Release date: 01 May, 2006

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New York, New time zone
Current mood: confused
Category: Music

..Well I'm in the hotel's internet cafe because although it's 5am here my body thinks it's 10am. So, I thought, what better thing to do than blog?

This week I have been listening too Jojo's new single, reading A Spot of Bother and watching Big Brother, Ugly Betty, Almost Famous and Friends. I have also been enjoying driving our new Mini and arriving in New York.

Now I know this is a bit sad but I really like Jojo's new single. As R&B headed pop it is cookbook but that's not always a bad thing. It's good to have a nice fresh sounding track like this every now and again and the production on this latest one is top notch. Although has anyone else spotted that she looks quite a lot like Lindsay Lohan?

I've just finished reading Mark Haddon's A Spot of Bother, another tale in which he explores the mind and life of someone with mental health problems.

Although the book does not incorporate all the random drawings and diagrams of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime (his previous novel about a boy with asperger's), it still documents the lead characters road into insanity in an extremely colourful and real way. He is a writer who will go into the finest detail, normally to make you realise how extremely horrible things can be.

It's a well-written and well thought out book that is both a quick read and an extremely satisfying one. I look forward to more from this fresh thinking and bold writer.

I won't dwell on Big Brother very much as I can't say anything that hasn't been said in all the column inches and pixilated ponderings that have already been written elsewhere.

I just want to beg you all to not buy a single thing that is going to lead to Jade Goody getting money. We just have to ignore her like that mad man on the bus so that eventually she'll get the message and go away.

Ugly Betty on the other hand, I now really like. I was a little unsure at first on account of the fact that it seemed like it was going to be exactly like Devil Wear's Prada, which I've already seen and don't need to see again in a drawn out 24-episode version.

However the characters are beginning to blossom and the relationships between Betty and the Mode crew are starting to improve. I don't think I'm have been able to cope if each episode saw the loveable misfit being bullied.

It's no My Name is Earl but it will do.

I really enjoyed Almost Famous, mainly on account of the fact that I know the feeling of trying desperately to crack into the world of music journalism. I also really like it because it has Kate Hudson in it and by a rule of thumb I love everything she's in. Except may be Le Divorce; that was terrible.

I watched a lot of Friends this week in preparation for this trip to New York. God I love that show. Although it's not actually filmed here being in New York still feels like a Friends pilgrimage.

They do a Friends tour here but I can't understand where it takes you, as, like I said, it's not filmed here. I think I may just do the Sex and the City tour instead. Bring it on!

Yesterday we wondered around Central Park where I squealed with excitement when I saw places I knew from both Sex and the City and Home Alone Two. It's like being on a pilgrimage.

After that we wondered down to Rockefeller Centre where we took the lift to the Observation deck on the 67th floor. Just thinking about it now makes my hands go clammy but it was really amazing up there.

Obviously there are loads of tall building to climb in New York, and the view it pretty similar from each. The best thing about this one was the fact that you could see the Empire State really clearly as it's not too far away. Clearly this is something you can't do from the Empire State itself.

Today we're going to take a bus tour around Downtown Manhattan. We're going to get off in Greenwich Village to do a Lonely Planet walking tour. Then we'll take the bus again down to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

It's set to be the coldest day of the year here today, and on account of the fact that I lost all feeling in my face yesterday, I'm quite nervous about that!

But this is New York so you're never far from somewhere warm.

Before I wrap up I just wanted to say we got our Mini last Saturday and she's lush. We spent all of last weekend driving her and just couldn't get enough. Man those cars will go if you want them to. Not that I want them to. But she's great fun to drive and very cute.

One final thing. My mate Dave Cornthwaite this week completed his 5000+ miles skate across Australia. It was on the Beeb and everything. Well done to him. To find out what possessed him and how to give some last minute sponsorship see the Boardfree website.

I'm going to either hit the gym now or get some more kip. Take care of yourselves guys,

Lobby dwelling Lauz xx

Photo by boxercab

Currently reading : A Spot of Bother By Mark Haddon Release date: 05 September, 2006

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Real life Sex and the City (kind of)
Current mood: tired

Today's entertainment hot topic has to be Celebrity Big Brother. The disgusting way in which Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Mara have been treating Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty has got EVERYONE talking, including politicians in both the UK and India.

I can only hope that with their behaviour, those three have kissed their careers goodbye, not that either of them had much of a career before they entered in the house.

The Perfume Shop has removed Jade's perfumes from its shelves and Carphone warehouse has withdrawn its sponsorship, which is bound to upset Channel Four greatly.

I've just started watching Almost Famous, which so far seems pretty cool, and something I can greatly relate to. I love Kate Hudson in general, mainly thanks to Raising Helen and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, so I was always going to like this film.

I also watched What's Eating Gilbert Grape on Sunday. I'd not seen this before but having nicked it from Boston Tea House's copy of The Guardian I thought I'd give it whirl. Great cast, great story, generally great. Can't believe I'd never seen it before.

Music wise I'm quite liking Mika's new single Grace Kelly and The Klaxon's. Their single is quite different to their other material so it will be interesting to see how they are marketed from here.

The rules for the chart have changed. This is making things a bit more interesting. Now any song that can be downloaded can enter the charts, which means that the songs record labels choose to put out as singles could enter the charts lower than other songs on an album.

The changes also mean that a song that was released a long time ago, could now go back into the top of the chart.

Hopefully the rules in general mean that X Factor contestants and novelty songs will be a thing of the past.

On a more personal note, we bought a Mini. Yay! It's silver and gorgeous and we pick her up on Saturday. It's going to be a weekend of driving for us, as we've both wanted a Mini for ages.

Also I go to New York next Thursday, which is very exciting. I've been reading my Lonely Planet and watching Sex and the City and Friends and feel suitably excited. If any of you guys have any tips please let me know.

So I'll report back on the in-flight entertainment upon my return. Over and out.

Currently watching : Almost Famous Release date: 05 December, 2006

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How do you get through three Sex and the City series in one week?
Current mood: sick

..

Answer: get flu.

This is my third day of being bed-ridden and I'm bored and fed up with feeling ill. It has allowed me to whip through the last three series of Sex and the City.

I hate it when you get to the end of a seris, but it seems that for Sex and the City that happens half way through series five. Why Carrie decides to go to Paris for the Russian I don't know. He's a boring muppet. And all the other stories are a bit harsh and real, it's no longer the Sex and the City that we know and love. Why couldn't they string the formula out a little longer?

Also similarities can be drawn to the end of Friends: Paris, adopted babies and relocation are all involved. And I now feel gutted that it's all over. Thank god I'm going to New York in a few weeks to top up the essence of both those great shows.

I'm also still wading through The Vicar of Dibley, prompted by a great documentary about the making of the show last night on BBC 1. Richard Curtis is a genius!

In other news, my car died. And after lots of umming and ahhing Dan and I decided we would buy a Mini. We're very excited and are off to view some on Saturday.

Time for a Mini Adventure of our own.

Photo by leonboot

Currently watching : The Vicar of Dibley - The Divine Collection Release date: 21 October, 2003

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What's Entertainment?
Current mood: exhausted
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Happy New Year. No doubt 2007 will bring some great new sources of entertainment. At the moment however I'm currently wading through entertainment of the past.

I bought the Sex and the City boxset over Christmas and also the Vicar of Dibley boxset. Seeing the last ever episode over Christmas made me thirsty for more.

I know it's sad but it's Richard Curtis and therefore I love it. As far as films are concerned I've seen loads over Christmas, both new and old.

Last night I saw Ben Stiller's latest film Night at the Museum. The film also stars Ricky Gervais, Owen Wilson, Robin Williams and Steve Coogan. It's essentially a kids' film but it's a good one that seemed to satisfy the auditorium full of adults, me and the boy included.

I also watched The Life of David Gale and The Holiday over Christmas, both starring Kate Winslet. I had meant to watch David Gale for a long time and it didn't disappoint. Clever and thought provoking and topical, it's well worth a watch, as most things starring Kevin Spacey are.

The Holiday was good to but for different reasons. While some of the cast members were not natural born rom-com stars, it was Christmasy and lovely. Plus it had Jude Law in it which is never bad, Jack Black entertains well in it too.

As for music I am very excited about the next few months, mainly thanks to the likes of Jamie T and Just Jack. Both are great new male artists making original new music. You should check both out, like, now.

I have just finished reading Vernon God Little. It was most definitely in the same vein as David Gale and with it rather depressing. It reminded me a lot of We Need to Talk About Kevin.

It was ok but not particularly gripping. I prefer my books to be either heart-warming, clever or both and to be honest this was not really either. It was written with an original style though.

I also currently really liking The Feeling's Twelve Stops and Home album. It's melodic pop-rock at it's finest. My biggest wish for 2007 regarding entertainment is simple: I really hope that Christmas TV is better than 2006's. Totally shocking! What were they thinking?

Please comment...

Currently watching : Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset) Release date: 01 November, 2005

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It's nearly Christmas
Current mood: bouncy
Category: Travel and Places

First of all remember our Christmas party on 16th December in Bath. I can't way to see loads of you!

I've had such a cool weekend. Mum and I went to London for some Christmas shopping. That in itself was great but we did some other cool things.

The first was that we went to see Sound of Music the musical and it was amazing. Although it was made great by the fact that Connie Fisher was lead after winning How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, there were loads of other great things about it. The whole cast were brill, including of course, Lesley Garet. The sets were awesome too. This is one of the best musicals I've seen so I can't recommend it enough.

We also went on the London Eye which was fantastic. I've been wanting to do it for years and was not disappointed. Again, if you haven't done this make sure you do.

Anyway, I'm now getting very excited about Christmas and have convinced Dan to let me put our decs up today. Can't wait!

Hope you're all well and hope to see you at our party,

Luv and hugs,

Lauz xx

Currently reading : Vernon God Little By DBC Pierre Release date: 15 June, 2004

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Beyonce and My Neighbour Totoro
Current mood: calm

Well it's Saturday again and I don't really have too much to report this week. Not heard any new music that I haven't written about before. Although I have decided that Beyonce's new album is really good.
This week I watched My Neighbour Totoro (by the Spirited Away dude). It was really cute and also a little bit wacky:perfect. It is certainly a predesessor to Spirited Away.
I'm hoping to go and see Little Miss Sunshine at the cinema next week so I will provide a review of that in next Saturday's post.
I hope that you guys are all well, keep in touch.

Lauz xx

Currently listening : B'day By Beyonce Release date: 05 September, 2006

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