Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Big Garden Birdwatch: Count the birds!
If you have time,take an hour out this weekend (29 or 30 January) to help the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to count bird numbers in your garden or wherever you like - your local park for example.
Once you've finished the count, submit your birdwatch results to the RSPB.
You can also chat with others about the birdwatch on the RSPB forum.
Big Garden Birdwatch
This is my result from watching my garden during an hour this morning:
1 Blackbird
3 Blue Tits
1 Chaffinch
1 Goldfinch
2 Greenfinch
3 House Sparrows
1 Magpie
2 Pigeons
9 Starlings
It's rather more than I expected to see in an hour but I was watching after I had refilled the feeders and the bird table so that might have something to do with it!
Once you've finished the count, submit your birdwatch results to the RSPB.
You can also chat with others about the birdwatch on the RSPB forum.
Big Garden Birdwatch
This is my result from watching my garden during an hour this morning:
1 Blackbird
3 Blue Tits
1 Chaffinch
1 Goldfinch
2 Greenfinch
3 House Sparrows
1 Magpie
2 Pigeons
9 Starlings
It's rather more than I expected to see in an hour but I was watching after I had refilled the feeders and the bird table so that might have something to do with it!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Twitter: Follow Friday (Jan. 28, 2011)
These are my recomendations for Follow Friday on Twitter today:
Follow @WestWingReport for interesting and informative tweets by Paul from the White House Press Room. #FF
#FF If you need creative inspiration, follow @NoahScalin http://makesomething365.blogspot.com/
#FF Rajul @londonhoteltips tweets useful insider tips about visiting/staying in London. Also has a fab site: http://londonhotelsinsight.com/
#FF @Trooping tweets about the Changing of the Guard and other London military ceremonial events http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
Don't forget to use the hashtag (#) symbol because it means it becomes a clickable link which makes it easy for everyone on Twitter to access.
Follow @WestWingReport for interesting and informative tweets by Paul from the White House Press Room. #FF
#FF If you need creative inspiration, follow @NoahScalin http://makesomething365.blogspot.com/
#FF Rajul @londonhoteltips tweets useful insider tips about visiting/staying in London. Also has a fab site: http://londonhotelsinsight.com/
#FF @Trooping tweets about the Changing of the Guard and other London military ceremonial events http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
Don't forget to use the hashtag (#) symbol because it means it becomes a clickable link which makes it easy for everyone on Twitter to access.
West Wing Week: Jan. 21st - 27th
West Wing Week: "To Build Stuff and Invent Stuff"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President delivered his State of the Union address, focused on jobs and the economy, and he took those ideas on the road traveling to Upstate New York and Wisconsin.
via The White House Blog
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President delivered his State of the Union address, focused on jobs and the economy, and he took those ideas on the road traveling to Upstate New York and Wisconsin.
via The White House Blog
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hollywood consider censoring The King's Speech
Hollywood considering censoring The King's Speech
Hollywood is considering re-editing "The King's Speech," the British film nominated for 12 Oscars, in order to remove coarse language for US audiences.
(link via telegraph.co.uk)
I've seen The King's Speech and yes, there is some "coarse" language in the film but it is an important part of the storyline about the stammering Duke of York (who eventually becomes King George VI) when he is treated by the unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The expletives are uttered by Prince Albert, the Duke of York (Colin Firth) to show how he doesn't stammer when he swears.
Apparently, the reason the film might be re-edited for US audiences is so that the rating can be changed. In the USA, The King's Speech was given an 'R' rating (Restricted) because of the swearing. The restricted rating means anyone under 17 has to be accompanied by an adult to see it. This means the audience numbers aren't as high as they could be if the rating was less restricted. By contrast, The King's Speech is rated 12A in UK cinemas.
I think if the expetives are removed, it would take away a vital part of the story and also would remove one of the funniest scenes from the film!
What do you think? Have you seen The King's Speech? Were you offended by the swearing? If you haven't seen the film yet, are you bothered by the fact that it contains swearing? Do you think the film should be censored in the USA?
Related link from my blog:
The King's Speech - movie review
Hollywood is considering re-editing "The King's Speech," the British film nominated for 12 Oscars, in order to remove coarse language for US audiences.
(link via telegraph.co.uk)
I've seen The King's Speech and yes, there is some "coarse" language in the film but it is an important part of the storyline about the stammering Duke of York (who eventually becomes King George VI) when he is treated by the unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The expletives are uttered by Prince Albert, the Duke of York (Colin Firth) to show how he doesn't stammer when he swears.
Apparently, the reason the film might be re-edited for US audiences is so that the rating can be changed. In the USA, The King's Speech was given an 'R' rating (Restricted) because of the swearing. The restricted rating means anyone under 17 has to be accompanied by an adult to see it. This means the audience numbers aren't as high as they could be if the rating was less restricted. By contrast, The King's Speech is rated 12A in UK cinemas.
I think if the expetives are removed, it would take away a vital part of the story and also would remove one of the funniest scenes from the film!
What do you think? Have you seen The King's Speech? Were you offended by the swearing? If you haven't seen the film yet, are you bothered by the fact that it contains swearing? Do you think the film should be censored in the USA?
Related link from my blog:
The King's Speech - movie review
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hilarious British Animal Voiceovers (Walk on the Wild Side)
Walk on the Wild Side is a comedy sketch show produced by the BBC for BBC One. The first series aired in 2009 and series two aired in 2010.
The series features hilarious British voiceovers (from a group of very talented comedians!) added to BBC Natural History footage.
Here's a clip from the programme:
The series features hilarious British voiceovers (from a group of very talented comedians!) added to BBC Natural History footage.
Here's a clip from the programme:
The 2011 Quality of Life Index: The 10 best countries
The Quality of Life Index results for 2011 via International Living magazine.The countries are chosen by calculating scores using these nine categories: Cost of living, culture, economy, environment, freedom, health, infrastructure, safety and climate.
These are the top ten countries:
1. U.S.A.
2. New Zealand
3. Malta
4. France
5. Monaco
6. Belgium
7. Germany
8. Austria
9. United Kingdom
10. Japan
Click here to see the complete final scores for each country in every category.
International Living’s Quality of Life Index 2011:
Where the Numbers Come From
It's interesting to see how very different this list is from 2010.
Related link from my blog:
The 2010 Quality of Life Index: The 10 best countries to live
I'm pleased (and rather surprised) to see the United Kingdom is in the top ten. I have to say though, that I'm surprised Australia isn't in the top ten this year. From everything I've heard and read about Australia, it sounds like an ideal place to live. It seems odd that last year Australia was in second place and this year it has slipped to thirteenth on the list. And the USA was only seventh on the list last year whereas France was number 1 last year but dropped to fourth place this year.
What are your thoughts about this list?
These are the top ten countries:
1. U.S.A.
2. New Zealand
3. Malta
4. France
5. Monaco
6. Belgium
7. Germany
8. Austria
9. United Kingdom
10. Japan
Click here to see the complete final scores for each country in every category.
International Living’s Quality of Life Index 2011:
Where the Numbers Come From
It's interesting to see how very different this list is from 2010.
Related link from my blog:
The 2010 Quality of Life Index: The 10 best countries to live
I'm pleased (and rather surprised) to see the United Kingdom is in the top ten. I have to say though, that I'm surprised Australia isn't in the top ten this year. From everything I've heard and read about Australia, it sounds like an ideal place to live. It seems odd that last year Australia was in second place and this year it has slipped to thirteenth on the list. And the USA was only seventh on the list last year whereas France was number 1 last year but dropped to fourth place this year.
What are your thoughts about this list?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Twitter: Follow Friday (Jan. 21, 2011)
These are my recomendations for Follow Friday* on Twitter today:
#FF Barb Alexander @tudortutor "Your cheeky guide to the Tudor dynasty" fun & interesting tweets! http://tudortutor.com/
#FF @makeitandmendit "Make things, mend things, inspire and be inspired to make more and use less" tweets about creative sustainability
#FF @britfood "Lover of Great British Food photos and stories.Dedicated to busting the myth that British food is dull." http://bit.ly/dcH0fE
#FF @visitlondonweb useful info about London. Visit London is the official visitor organisation for the capital http://www.visitlondon.com/
#FF Laura lives in London & shares very useful tips/info @AboutLondon Her tweets are always friendly and fun too! http://golondon.about.com/
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
The hashtag (#) symbol is important because it means it becomes a clickable link which makes it easy for everyone on Twitter to access.
#FF Barb Alexander @tudortutor "Your cheeky guide to the Tudor dynasty" fun & interesting tweets! http://tudortutor.com/
#FF @makeitandmendit "Make things, mend things, inspire and be inspired to make more and use less" tweets about creative sustainability
#FF @britfood "Lover of Great British Food photos and stories.Dedicated to busting the myth that British food is dull." http://bit.ly/dcH0fE
#FF @visitlondonweb useful info about London. Visit London is the official visitor organisation for the capital http://www.visitlondon.com/
#FF Laura lives in London & shares very useful tips/info @AboutLondon Her tweets are always friendly and fun too! http://golondon.about.com/
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
The hashtag (#) symbol is important because it means it becomes a clickable link which makes it easy for everyone on Twitter to access.
West Wing Week: Jan. 14th - Jan. 20th
West Wing Week: "A Rather Large Painting"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Watch as the President welcomes the presidents of China and Pakistan, serves the D.C. community in observance of Martin Luther King Day, speaks in remembrance of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and President John F. Kennedy, and more.
via The White House Blog
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Watch as the President welcomes the presidents of China and Pakistan, serves the D.C. community in observance of Martin Luther King Day, speaks in remembrance of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and President John F. Kennedy, and more.
via The White House Blog
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The £1 room sale at The Hoxton Hotel: 27th January
The Hoxton £1 Sale is back!
The sale starts at noon (UK time) on the 27th January.
On offer: 500 rooms at £1 available only on the Hoxton website for dates between the 1st February - 30th April.
You are only allowed to book one room, for one night at a £1. Once made, £1.00 bookings cannot be amended and are not refundable.
The £1 sale is an on-line ONLY offer.
Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern Street
London
EC2A 3HU
Hoxton Hotel in the City of London
Good Luck - this sale is extremely popular!
The sale starts at noon (UK time) on the 27th January.
On offer: 500 rooms at £1 available only on the Hoxton website for dates between the 1st February - 30th April.
You are only allowed to book one room, for one night at a £1. Once made, £1.00 bookings cannot be amended and are not refundable.
The £1 sale is an on-line ONLY offer.
Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern Street
London
EC2A 3HU
Hoxton Hotel in the City of London
Good Luck - this sale is extremely popular!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The King's Speech - movie review
My husband and I went to see The King's Speech today. I've been eagerly waiting to see this movie and it has finally (!) opened in the UK. At last I know why everyone who's seen it has been raving about how good it is! It's true. It's simply splendid.
The King's Speech is a wonderful feel-good movie based on a powerful (true) story about how Prince Albert (known as "Bertie" to his family) or the Duke of York, had to overcome his speech impediment (stammering) so he could make all the necessary speeches to the British people, particularly after his brother David abdicated the throne, and he (reluctantly) became King.
Colin Firth is perfect in the title role and IMHO it will be a crime if he doesn't win an Oscar for Best Actor in the 2011 Academy Awards. His portrayal is amazing. His stammer is very realistic, and he shows such raw emotion in every scene that it's hard not to be moved while watching his character struggle to speak. A real class act.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, the Australian speech therapist hired to help the Duke of York (and eventual King) is equally as good. I should think he will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor and could quite possibly win it. His acting, as always, was fabulous but he really made this role his own.
Helena Bonham Carter is spot-on as Elizabeth, wife to King George VI. She plays the devoted wife and shows so much emotion in a simple gaze or the way she tilts her head. An outstanding performance.
Jennifer Ehle portrays Myrtle Logue, the wife of Lionel Logue. Most people will remember Jennifer as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice in which her co-star was Colin Firth. This time Jennifer does an Aussie accent instead of the flawless English accent she did in P & P.
The child actors who portray Princess Elizabeth (Freya Wilson) and Princess Margaret (Ramona Marquez) are also wonderful.
The movie also stars Derek Jacobi as Archbishop Cosmo Lang, Michael Gambon as King George V, Claire Bloom as Queen Mary, Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill, and Anthony Andrews as Stanley Baldwin.
The movie portrays the royals as real human beings and puts an interesting slant on the events that rocked the monarchy when King Edward VIII (David) abdicated the throne so he could marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) is portrayed in the movie as a selfish, weak and immature man, and it's easy to see, if the characterization is true, that he really was unsuited to be King anyway.
At the heart of the movie, is a story about friendship and overcoming adversity.
It really is a fabulous movie. I can't say enough good things about it. Superb acting by all especially by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Go see it.
Related posts:
The King's Speech ruled at the Academy Awards!
BAFTA: The King's Speech won seven awards!
The King's Speech is a wonderful feel-good movie based on a powerful (true) story about how Prince Albert (known as "Bertie" to his family) or the Duke of York, had to overcome his speech impediment (stammering) so he could make all the necessary speeches to the British people, particularly after his brother David abdicated the throne, and he (reluctantly) became King.
Colin Firth is perfect in the title role and IMHO it will be a crime if he doesn't win an Oscar for Best Actor in the 2011 Academy Awards. His portrayal is amazing. His stammer is very realistic, and he shows such raw emotion in every scene that it's hard not to be moved while watching his character struggle to speak. A real class act.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, the Australian speech therapist hired to help the Duke of York (and eventual King) is equally as good. I should think he will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor and could quite possibly win it. His acting, as always, was fabulous but he really made this role his own.
Helena Bonham Carter is spot-on as Elizabeth, wife to King George VI. She plays the devoted wife and shows so much emotion in a simple gaze or the way she tilts her head. An outstanding performance.
Jennifer Ehle portrays Myrtle Logue, the wife of Lionel Logue. Most people will remember Jennifer as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice in which her co-star was Colin Firth. This time Jennifer does an Aussie accent instead of the flawless English accent she did in P & P.
The child actors who portray Princess Elizabeth (Freya Wilson) and Princess Margaret (Ramona Marquez) are also wonderful.
The movie also stars Derek Jacobi as Archbishop Cosmo Lang, Michael Gambon as King George V, Claire Bloom as Queen Mary, Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill, and Anthony Andrews as Stanley Baldwin.
The movie portrays the royals as real human beings and puts an interesting slant on the events that rocked the monarchy when King Edward VIII (David) abdicated the throne so he could marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) is portrayed in the movie as a selfish, weak and immature man, and it's easy to see, if the characterization is true, that he really was unsuited to be King anyway.
At the heart of the movie, is a story about friendship and overcoming adversity.
It really is a fabulous movie. I can't say enough good things about it. Superb acting by all especially by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Go see it.
Related posts:
The King's Speech ruled at the Academy Awards!
BAFTA: The King's Speech won seven awards!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Twitter: Follow Friday (January 7, 2011)
These are my recomendations for Follow Friday on Twitter today:
#FF Follow Blair @Flipbooks because his (numerous!) tweets are informative, fun, and thoughtful. Always worth reading.
#FF @DailyBrainstrm for tweets with links to inspirational posts on http://www.thedailybrainstorm.com/ "A Blogazine to Rock Your Mind!"
#FF @helpthebees "Raising awareness of the plight of bees and what we can do about it." http://www.buzzaboutbees.net/ #bees #environment
#FF Follow Blair @Flipbooks because his (numerous!) tweets are informative, fun, and thoughtful. Always worth reading.
#FF @DailyBrainstrm for tweets with links to inspirational posts on http://www.thedailybrainstorm.com/ "A Blogazine to Rock Your Mind!"
#FF @helpthebees "Raising awareness of the plight of bees and what we can do about it." http://www.buzzaboutbees.net/ #bees #environment
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year! London Fireworks 2011
London Fireworks on New Year's Day 2011 - New Year Live - BBC One
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
