Where did six weeks go?

Hey to the reader,

It's reflection time. I guess that many of you have been asking that exact same question. At the beginning, summer seems like such a daunting prospect. I mean, six weeks in which you have to do whatever you want. Initially, that concept drives me mad. What the hell am I meant to do? What if friends are all abroad? What if I'm just left bored at home?

Well, this summer has proved all of that rubbish wrong. I have had what could potentially be a contender for the best summer ever. As you've seen no doubt, I've been on holiday twice, got up to a lot of antics with various friends. I've just generally had a blast. The past two days have been two of the best. It seems that best is saved til last.
Yesterday I caught up with a friend who recently moved away, and me and some other guys just had great fun. We went down to the local park and played some games-stuff like Cricket, Football and another random game we invented on the spot, which we really should copyright or something like that. What we did that day was really simple, but just so much fun. All you need is a great group of friends around you, nothing else is needed to guarantee a great day.

Today was brilliant as well. But on a totally different level. I had one of my best friends, Steff, over today to watch a movie and have lunch. We both had a great time watching the movie, and having lunch. Then we got to talking, and talking, and talking. Although we are on msn to each other a lot, it was just so amazing to have all that time to talk so deeply and sensitively. It feels like I can still remember every single thing we discussed.

I bet you think I'm gonna tell you what we talked about now. Sorry to disappoint, but all of it's strictly confidential. I'm sure you guys can understand though.
I definetly want to do the same sort of thing again, cause I'm sure it'll be twice as much fun.

This post has also got me thinking. Where would we be without friends? I know for certain that I'd be a very different person without all the great people who put up with me and just love me for who I am. Major thanks to all my friends, they're some of the best people in the world and I don't think they hear that often enough.

I hope you all can make the most of these last few summery days.
Love and best wishes,
JoeMI6

They're not all that bad...

Hey to the reader,

Some of you may know that I've been on holiday in France these past couple of days. I was staying with my french exchange family who I met last october. Despite what misconceptions some of you (you know who you are) may have about the French, they are wrong. They are a nice, welcoming people-or at least, the family that I know are.

I stayed in Versailles, a beautiful little suburb of Paris, with the main city of Paris itself only a 20 minute journey away. There are plenty of oppurtunitites for brilliant sightseeing, with the Palace of Versailles not too far away, Hamau de la Reine (a nice little area of country) and of course, Paris right on your doorstep. We visited Monet's Garden, Hamau de la Reine, and Paris twice (once by day, the other by night). I enjoyed all of it thoroughly, and was totally comfortable with all the french speaking, as I seem to have improved vastly since last year.

Ironically, I recieved my French GCSE results whilst in France (if you don't know, I was in a fast track set and took the exam two years early). I got an A, which I'm extremely pleased with, it means that I'll probably get a nice reward for all my hard work too. I heard that noone got below a B, so well done to everyone!

Another great thing about France was the food. Absolutely delicious. I didn't refuse a single thing that was put in front of me. If the French know one thing, it's like the Italians, they know how to cook. Aruguably I didn't have any frog's legs or snails, but I have no desire to try those anyways.
Both our families got on extremely well together, and it turned out to be a better holiday than we all hoped it to be.

I guess we'll probably meet up in the future. However, for now, a big shout out to the Espitau family in Versailles, their hospitality is first class!

Love to all you guys,
JoeMI6

P.S Thanks to Steff for all her kind words and help recently.

Brotherly Love

Hey to the reader,

As the penultimate week of the holidays looms, I've been making the most of this week's end. My brother Merlin turned up this weekend, and I have spent some time catching up with him. As a person who has explored the world almost twice, we're never short of things to talk about. Even though he's actually my half brother, I never call him that. The age difference between us is almost non-existent. He's one of the best brothers I could ask for - that leads me to my other brother, Josh.

He's very similar to Merlin, but also different in many respects. Today for example, at the stables my sister goes to, a roof had a hole in it. Being a Tree surgeon and all round nice guy, Josh is called up to climb up there and fix it. Mad I know, but he's so comfortable with the height, he can just get on with the job. After some hoisting up of cover material and gloves, the task is done and dealt with. No more rain is coming into that barn. No broken limbs and only a bit of dirt. Now if that isn't cool, I dunno what is. Then again, some say there is a short line between bravery and stupidity...
Meh, whoever listened to what 'some say'?

In a way, the fact that my brothers are older (the oldest being 31) and live away from home is a blessing. It means that there is no petty squabbling and just a great relationship. We could probably talk for literally hours. Also, their interest in what we do (my sister and I) is just phenomenal. They'll come and see a play I'm in even if it means they have to travel back up home in the middle of the night. That's dedication.
Both Merlin and Josh also put up with my off the wall craziness at times. It's all because they know exactly what it's like to be 14. They went through the same stuff I am. It's all great.

This post is a chance to say thanks to them for, well, everything. I couldn't imagine my life without them. Best wishes to everyone's siblings really, be they big or little. Keep up all the good work.

Love and Best Wishes to you all,
JoeMI6

Exhilaration

Hey to the reader,

Exhilaration-Dictionary Definition: The state of being stimulated, refreshed, or elated.
Well, what do dictionarys know? I experienced the real feeling of exhilaration today; I went out cycling. After getting onto the main open pathway, I went along, taking the swerves as they came and riding out the small bumps. Soon I reached the large slope on the trip. It's one of those slopes, where you cannot see the top, but it looks not very challenging all the same. Then you actually start riding up it.

The overwhelming feeling hits my legs; fatigue. I quickly change a gear or two. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. The pedalling isn't as tough, but now my limbs just can't keep up the same motion. As the sun beats down on me, I wonder whether I can make it. Following the fence that's ahead of me, the path turns slowly into a straight. I make it. Tired legs just about carry on.

At the top of the hill on my cycle route there's a ruin of an old hall, which is a nice place to stop and rest by. I like to take off my helmet there and feel the cool wind in my hair. I check my watch and see it's time to head back. Filled with a new energy, I power along the curvey straight, bouncing over some speed bumps. Then I see my old foe, the slope. A familiar beat begins to pump through my headphones. The Who-Baba O'Riley. I set my feet to two o'clock and start down the slope. Then comes the ultimate reversal.

All the time I spent going up the hill, feet fixed to the pedals. I had forgotten what waited for me. The ride back down. Through the frustration, I forgot why I went up the hill in the first place; the exhilaration that waits.
As I roll down the slope, I feel myself gain momentum. A thumping rhythm only spurs me on more. Wind billows through the random holes in my helmet's structure, I hear the faint sound of the two wheels beneath me spinning continuously. There is nothing to compare it to, I feel like I'm the fastest thing on earth as the surrounding countryside swirls in a blur around me. The vibrations from frequent bumps rattle through me, but I hardly notice. Pure adrenaline flowing halts almost all other thoughts and feelings. Apart from those of pure fun.

Arguably, many other things could give you such a feeling. But working for it makes it all the sweeter. A few weeks ago a friend exclaimed to me 'How can you go cycling in this weather?' Well, with exhilaration along for the ride, it doesn't really feel like cycling. It feels more like flying.

I never really liked dictionarys, much better to find out the meaning yourself.

Exhilarate yourselves,
Yours,
JoeMI6

One film connoiseur, so many films.

Hey to the reader,

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a strange fascination with cinema and film. It's so strange that something you know isn't real, can appeal to you on so many levels. As a form of media, it assaults your senses. Everytime you rewatch a film, or even a TV programme, you notice something different. Like how the music might accentuate the way a character is thinking or feeling, or the beauty of that landscape; shot from that exact angle.

As an aspiring actor, I have been drawn to films that would not normally interest me. I now watch films, not necessarily just for entertainment, but to see why the actor recieved the Oscar, or even why they didn't. Pictures such as Jurassic Park and other action films that thrilled me as a young child, I now see through different eyes. I notice that the acting in it may be close to painful, yet I can still see why I did enjoy the film as a whole.
Now I'm going to give some reviews of films that you may not have heard of, but I heartily recommend that you watch. Whilst you may not feel the same way I did about them, I'd appreciate it if you just gave them a chance, watch them with no expectations from what you might already know.
Lost in Translation
Starring: Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson
Brief plot rundown: A movie star with a sense of emptiness, and a neglected newlywed meet up as strangers in Tokyo and form an unlikely bond. (Thanks to IMDB.com for all these plot outlines)

Initial Thoughts: Before watching this film, I had heard brilliant things about it. Almost nothing but brilliance. Which of course, led to suspicion. This film wasn't a blockbuster, it had no action as such, no special effects of any kind. So why was it so popular in this day and age? It's not a traditional romance, it's not a rom-com. So I questioned it. But then I started watching the film.

You are eased in with some nice little jokes, Bill Murray-Bob Hoskins in the film-portrays his silent frustration at the height of the shower head, and the difficulty of communication with a bossy photographer. We soon meet Scarlett Johansson in her role as Charlotte. Today, Scarlett is considered a woman of stunning beauty, who no man would pass up a night with. However, in this film, her beauty is much more subtle and delicate. She shows us a master of her craft beyond her years. And we soon realise, that the despite obvious differences, and a shared smile in a lift, Bob and Charlotte are not so different after all.
As we follow them through their journey of discovery, we see some beautiful cinematography that throws you into an awe-inspiring view of Tokyo. Bob and Charlotte's time together is limited, the viewer sees the dilemma, and we all begin to wonder whether both the lost souls can find themselves in time.

The end result is a film that can mean many different things to many different people. It all depends upon who you are, and what time you watch it in your life. The tagline for this film is 'Everyone wants to be found.' I think if you watch this film, you may find yourself as well.

The Truman Show
Starring: Jim Carrey
Brief plot rundown: An insurance salesman/adjuster discovers his entire life is actually a TV show.

Initial Thoughts: As with Lost in Translation, I had heard many a great thing about this film. With Jim Carrey in the starring role, I expected nothing short of excellence. In short, this film blew my expectations out of the water.

In our world of today, reality TV has become what some might call a phenomenon. No longer must we be bored with actors who don't really feel. We can instead watch real people, real emotions, reality itself. This is, in essence, what The Truman Show is about. Truman Burbank has the perfect life, a nice wife, good friends, and no real problems, or does he? As a viewer, we are enthralled by Truman's inner torments, and he slowly begins to figure out what his life actually is. Flashbacks show slow reveals of a woman that he can never be in love with. We forget that Carrey is usually a comic actor in one of his best dramatic performances to date.

This film really gets you thinking, could we live like this? Could anyone? The frustration from Truman's character is rooted firmly, because we are just the viewers of his life, only we can see the bigger picture. We become truly engrossed, wanting to know what happens to this one man, fighting against the forces of a fully artificial world. The film ends on a questionable note, we are not sure to be happy or sad for Truman. It is a question that is left to you, the viewer, and everyone will probably come up with a different answer than they would have at the beginning of the Truman Show.

Spirited Away
Starring:Rumi Hiragi(voice), Miyu Irino (voice)-As this is a japanese animation film, the voice actors will have obviously changed for the English dub.
Brief plot outline: In the middle of her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and monsters; where humans are changed into animals; and a bathhouse for these creatures.

Initial Thoughts: I have been a fan of lots of animation over the years, with countless amounts of Disney videos and DVDs filling up the shelves. I had also been intrigued by the world of Anime. With programes such as Digimon and Pokémon pioneering a new and different art style. This film is probably Anime's breakthrough. Hayao Miyazaki (director) has been hailed as the new Walt Disney, although his provocative and enchanting stories have an edge that stop the cutesy image of most animation stereotypes in it's tracks. When I ripped this DVD out of it's casing and began watching, I was full of both excitement and bewilderment.

Drop what you are thinking right now, rid your mind of questions, and enter a world like nothing you've ever seen. This film puts you back inside a child's mind, you stop thinking 'Why is this happening to this person?' you are just filled with amazement. The quality of the art is stunning, it gets to a point where you wonder-'how is this hand drawn?'. This wonder fades quickly, as you are too engulfed by the brilliance of the story and sense of awe. Dragons, demons, witches, spirits, talking frogs! You name it, it's probably in this film. As well as being a masterpiece film, you come away with one thought, you will never underestimate animation again.

I have read some people complaining about the changes made from the original Japanese version. I can see why they do complain, but why quibble. It is of amazement to me that we are even watching this type of film in our own homes now. I consider it a privelage that companies like Disney saw the bigger picture, and were wise enough to release this film.

I hope that these reviews have opened your eyes, and wised you up a bit about what you might be missing out on. I apologise if these reviews haven't been that good, I'd be happy for any constructive criticism. With the current weather, I can see that some might struggle to stay inside and watch a film. But hopefully when that rainy day does come, you'll have a film sitting on your shelf that can scare, entertain, inform, and touch you in a way you never thought possible.

Yours, a film fulled,
JoeMI6

It's all about the fun!

Hey to the reader,

I've had a great second holiday week, with my fair share of relaxing and excitement. Back last Saturday, I went to see the film Cars with a friend, which we both throughly enjoyed. I'm too lazy to review it myself, so here's a link to my mate's review of it; http://www.the-t-files.blogspot.com/. He shares the same feelings I do about it, but he does a better job reviewing it than I would. Hope you enjoy it (his blog is good too).

After a few days of watching films and generally lazing about, I got a very kind invite from a friend. I spent Tuesday night at his house then set off for Legoland Windsor in the morning. Brillaint weather and a great sense of fun ensured we had a great day. I managed to try a lot of the rides, including getting wet on Pirate Falls, slaying a beast on the Dragon coaster and admiring the brilliant sculptures along the way. Thanks to the generosity of my friend's family, I had a very nice lunch, and more importantly, an amazing day out. I definetly owe them one.

Here's some pics of the day:






Tackling a giant spider. Luckily, we weren't eaten.

Me trying to upstage this posh guy I met. It's pretty obvious I don't stand a chance.

There were a few close shaves...













...some funny moments...









...some scary moments...

...and some plain awesome ones...

As you can probably see, we had a wicked time. It's a great day out for the little child inside everyone. If you've never been, GO NOW, or as soon as you can.

I think I've thoroughly proven that there is no reason for anyone to get bored this summer, there's too much fun to be had. I'm sure there's bound to be some more great stuff waiting for me around the corner (maybe even some romance).

So, until next time:"Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!"
JoeMI6