Spooks Thursday + Cultbox Chooses Lucas North as One of Five Top Spooks Characters + Zelda Thornton's Beautiful Artwork

  Thanks to http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/ for link: 

Relevant excerpt:  Lucas North

(Richard Armitage)
Surely the most ambiguous character in the show’s recent history, Lucas North first appeared at The Grid after eight years in a Russian prison. Covered in gang tattoos and finding huge difficulty in adapting to life back in MI5, Lucas’ eventual promotion to section leader was Harry’s riskiest decision even at the time. He managed to win everyone over with his gambler’s instinct and ability to think on his feet.

However, his past caught up with him spectacularly, when it turned out that he was an imposter. It was revealed that he had put his life on the line time after time to assuage the guilt of what he had done when he met the real Lucas North. His final confrontation with Harry Pearce on a rooftop was one of the most memorable series finales in the show’s history.

http://www.cultbox.co.uk/features/countdowns/1691-spooks-top-5-characters

Current results follow of their poll asking "Which is your favourite 'Spooks' generation?" I couldn't decide between Lucas,Ros,Jo,Tariq or the list now in second place...finally chose the first(shorter list) Both mentioned my two fav characters Lucas and Jo.  Of course, my Spooks viewing only began with series 7.  After being introduced to the Jo character, I did search out her previous series at youtube in order to learn how she was recruited for the grid.  Here are their current poll results:

Adam, Ros, Zaf, Jo
137 21.5%
Ros, Lucas, Jo, Ben, Connie
122 19.2%
Lucas, Ros, Jo, Tariq
82 12.9%
Tom, Danny, Zoe, Helen
66 10.4%
Adam, Ros, Jo, Ben, Connie
61 9.6%
Tom, Danny, Zoe, Christine, Sam
61 9.6%
Adam, Fiona, Zaf, Jo
45 7.1%
Danny, Zoe, Sam, Adam, Fiona
38 6%
Lucas, Beth, Dimitri, Tariq
25 3.9%
Number of Voters : 637
First Vote : Thursday, 11 August 2011 11:23
Last Vote : Tuesday, 30 August 2011 17:04

Still chuckling over the following news story out of Wellington, NZ..

Wellington NZ: Solace in the Wind statue:

                                        http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevex2/4869984281/
Apparently someone took pity on his nekkidness in the recent snowstorm and found a solution:)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5539988/Wellington-statue-found-in-state-of-dress

Another of the artist's RA character renditions - Guy of Gisborne...can already hear the squeeing from all you Guy gals out there:)

                
  

Spooks Past Posts + Link to Sunday Express Comments(see below) + RA's Thank You + Catching Up on Birthday FanVids

NEWS:  RichardArmitageNet website(see below link) reports today the complimentary remarks included in a UK Sunday newspaper about RA's Lucas North performance... 
Quote: 28th August

David Stephenson of the Sunday Express has reviewed Strike Back series 2, with a few paragraphs discussing Richard's career. "Armitage has now moved to films in the form of The Hobbit but we look forward to him appearing in a spy drama again on TV. He is strangely more believable and effective than the real thing."
Read entire article at:   http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/pressreviews/137.html
                 

Spooks 9 Past Posts: both commenting about a recent Spooks 9 episode…

Oct, 2010: (just had a good chuckle upon rereading my reference to Maya working in a ‘topless bar’, when in fact it was deciphered sometime later that Lucas had said in a ‘tapas’ bar..*teehee*
http://allthingsrarmitage.blogspot.com/2010/10/guardian-writers-comment-about-ln.html
Sept , 2010:
http://allthingsrarmitage.blogspot.com/2010/09/richard-armitage-as-lucas-north-random.html

                              

                 
[Ricrar note:  See mis-spelling of Italy:) Proof his keyboard skills have improved but charmingly not yet at the tell-tale, error-free jaded professional level...here's hoping that never happens]

Dear Friends,


I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for all the kind gifts which have been sent to me over the last few weeks, for my birthday; so many gifts, cards and emails of good wishes from all over the world. (Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Russia, Germany, Korea, Itlay, USA, Canada, Netherlands and all over the UK)

I will be so 'well read', drunk, fat, warm and sweet smelling thanks to your generosity.

I am particularly excited to let you know that the "Just Giving" donations to our four charities has reached an amazing £11,933! In addition to donations to Oxfam and Christchurch Earthquake appeal, which I find both thoughtful and moving.

I am afraid there may be some delay in remitting thank you letters and any requests for signing photos, as I am in New Zealand for the rest of the year, but am working on a system to remedy this.

So middle age has arrived and apparently 'life now begins'. I look forward to the next chapter, there is nowhere I would rather be at this moment than exploring "Middle Earth" with my new family of Dwarves, Elves, Men, Wizard and Hobbit. What a gift to be here, in this place, at this time. I can't wait to share it with everyone. I am a very fortunate man.
Much love
RA

Message provided courtesy of RAonline website:

http://www.richardarmitageonline.com/

Past post: June 22

http://allthingsrarmitage.blogspot.com/2011/06/spooks-vid.html

              

                          

Packed 7 Days of Fun into 5..Thanks to Lovely People of No Carolina! Stay Safe from Literal Damper Irene! + HAPPY BIRTHDAY RA!! + SB2 Article Mentions RA + Back Soon!

 

Following reminds me of hubby & I, plus extended family,  fleeing the powerful forces of hurricane Irene yesterday.  We lost 2 days of vacation but are forever grateful the storm did not pack as lethal a punch as had been advertised.  I'm certain there will be plenty of property damage and our thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful people of NC.  Also with all those along the northeast coast of the USA.  Stay safe!

Thanks to Musa for the following heads up re complimentary remarks about RA's John Thornton interpretation plus thoughts on his upcoming Thorin.  Reference is made to a 'dwelf' instead of a 'dwarf'.  Have recent photos of RA as Thorin quelled all Tolkien purists' fears the leader of the dwarves might've been given a middle earth makeover?

http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_printable;post=385893;guest=42360375

QUOTE: 

Strike Back, based on ex-SAS sergeant Chris Ryan’s bestseller, caused quite a stir when it debuted last year thanks to the casting of Spooks heartthrob Richard Armitage in an action-hero role. Armitage played hunky soldier John Porter, oozing sex appeal in his khakis and two-day stubble. For the second series, Strike Back: Project Dawn, Armitage appears only in the first episode — as a hostage.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2027713/Strike-Back-Amanda-Mealings-new-role-didnt-mean-play-hero-mugged.html#ixzz1VcVOMqzA

Musa aka Fabo posted a link to the following obviously infallible way to measure your compatibility with RA.  It's remarkable how much they can discern by comparing both our birthdates. *wide grin*

Before posting this *in depth* analysis of our prospects for a lasting relationship, I'm sorry to have to inform dear RA that there's a major obstacle to that ever happening

(other than the fact we'll never meet in the first place...stop snorting out there - let a girl hold on to her dignity:) and that is - one of us is married - and it's not Richard.  Happy to say that particular obstacle is not negotiable *cough,cough* since dh is also a keeper. Although, I would be happy to consider polygamy if both guys agree to it. *dream on woman* As dh asks whenever I've been extra silly - "have you been into the cooking wine?" :) hic,hic

Ann and Richard Armitage  [whoa! we're already off to a great start]

Numerological Compatibility
Compatibility level: 75% - A relationship that is usually compatible, and easy for the partners to get along.

This is an excellent combination, but because the partners are so compatible, they sometimes enhance each other’s less desirable traits as well.

Richard Armitage is upbeat, expressive, creative and playful. However, as a Life Path number 3, Richard is not always focused and the results of Richard's productivity are not always useful. [sheesh! tell that to all the Guy gals and Hobbit enthusiasts}

Ann's life style is dynamic and, if the decision is in Ann's hand alone, this life style will involve lots of travel. If they happen to share a home, Richard and Ann will have little trouble creating a living environment and a life style suitable to both.  [wibble, dribble]

Both Richard and Ann communicate well. They both thrive on playing center stage, both want to be in the spotlight, and this may cause an uncomfortable competitive atmosphere.

Ann can, at times, say things on the spur of the moment that reveal an underlying problem in the relationship. Richard would do well reading between the lines, because, whatever it is, Ann probably would not spell it out. Similarly, Richard likes to skim over the deeper issues in life, especially those in the emotional sphere. Ann needs to be aware that, even after being close to Richard for many years, much about Richard will never be revealed.[Up for this imaginary challenge:]
Richard and Ann get along very well. Richard likes the way Ann acts and talks. Ann has a wonderful time with Richard's wacky sense of humor and upbeat nature. It is a good combination that can last a lifetime. [or to be realistic - her fangurl condition could last a lifetime]

If problems arise and reach the kind of proportions that put this relationship in jeopardy, it is usually because the partners did not listen carefully to each other. Both Richard and Ann have a tendency to keep emotional problems on the back shelf instead of dealing with them. Then, once the turbulence reaches the surface, it is too late.
Richard and Ann have to pay attention to each other.[Guarantee I'd hold up my end] Watch for subtle signs of discomfort or anger, and deal with it immediately. That is the key to sharing an inspiring, creative, lively, happy life. [Oh yeah, I'm not paying enough attention to him - that's the problem..right:]
http://www.celebrities-galore.com/celebrities/richard-armitage/ann.411716/compatibility-01C8/

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Richard-Armitage-Robin-Hood-New-Colour-MUG-/290368077886

            

                             

Nigella's Cheesecake & Carrot Cake + Yesterday's Wellington Snow + Strike Back 2 Theme Song + Interview:Writer/Producer SB2 Mentions RA + Very First MCM(including RA) on Twitter

Snow yesterday in Wellington, NZ..

Snow on Cuba Mall in central Wellington (HD) from Ro Tierney on Vimeo.

What's really lovely and amusing is seeing people so absolutely amazed to see snow.  We'll have  humungous amounts of the white stuff in a few mos :)  Here there are 3 things you can definitely count on - death, taxes and deep annual snowfall...

NZ Dominion Post asks for votes on 10 photos taken during their recent snow storm. I chose #6...what about you?

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5458821/Vote-for-your-favourite-snow-photo
                                              Vandals manage to spoil snow’s magic…
        http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5464381/Snow-crime-Cable-car-tagged

Here she is..the 'domestic goddess'(that's the title of her bestselling cookbook)  During an interview RA said he'd enjoy kissing her after she'd eaten chocolate cake.  A food critic said "men watch her cooking programs because they want to be with her, and women watch because they want to be her."  First recipe is a cheesecake.  Although that type of dessert is hugely popular in the USA, it's not my first choice.  That would be carrot cake...moist and filled with tons of ground nuts and shredded carrots(makes it seem almost healthy, doesn't it;) - topped with a fluffy-cream-cheese frosting...*double yum*

                            

                           
                                                           
                                                                    ****
Dezz at the Hollywood Spy website(see link in post below) declared RA as the winner of his 'Your Fav Hobbit Character' poll.  He added interesting comments about the actor's fan base...

Quote from Dezmond:  "Richard Armitage's ladies have shown once again that no poll around the world escapes them, and they brought him victory in our YOUR FAVOURITE THE HOBBIT STAR poll with 75% of votes. Cate Blanchett took second place with 6%, leaving behind her Luke Evans (5%), Lee Pace (2%), Aidan Turner (2%), Benedict Cumberbatch (2%), Stephen Fry (2%), Evangeline Lilly (1%) and Martin Freeman who, ironically as the lead character in the film, took last place with only 3 out of almost 350 votes

Richard Armitage is the actor you've seen in BBC's ROBIN HOOD, also known as the owner of probably the strongest fan base I've ever seen for a relatively unknown actor. This year you've seen him shortly in CAPTAIN AMERICA and he also appears in British TV shows MI5 and STRIKE BACK. This dashing fella will play Thorin Oakenshield in both THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and in THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN."

                            Put the above photo puzzle together - what's your best time?:
                            http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=152a7d9630f9

                   

Interesting interview with the American writer/producer who worked on SB2 - he mentions RA.. 

EXCERPTS:

--With the ever-changing world of American television getting more complicated and competitive, one prolific American writer/producer has up and moved across the pond and is now producing television in the United Kingdom where things are done quite a bit differently than in the States. Frank Spotnitz, best known for his work during the majority of the television run of "The X-Files" …

First, he helped shape Cinemax's new series "Strike Back," premiering tonight, and currently he is busy at work writing the spy thriller series "Morton" .. While Spotnitz is definitely not turning his back on American television, he welcomed our Jim Halterman into his London home earlier this year..

--‘Strike Back' just kind of fell into my lap. I wasn't looking and then there it was. It started out as a series for Sky but now it's season 2 and it's been picked up by Cinemax so it's a British/American series. Part of why they asked me to come onboard is they needed to reimagine the show because they needed it to work without Richard Armitage, who had been the lead in season one but left the show to do 'The Hobbit' in New Zealand

--JH: Are there things you're finding in your writing of 'Morton' that maybe you couldn't do if you were writing it in America?

FS: I anticipate that this will be like 'Strike Back' as an American/British series so the exact same hour you're watching here will also be the same in America. In another way I will say it is different because what the BBC is looking for is so different than what most broadcasters in America start out with. But at the end of the day I think it's going to be not quite like anything the BBC has done before either so it will be a hybrid.

--JH: How has the web changed your job as a writer/producer? Do you think about that in your process?

FS: I think economically it's challenging because the web has taken away a huge amount of the viewing audience for television but I think it's an incredibly exciting and an amazing opportunity. I thought about the Internet in the creation of ['Morton'] and how to use the Internet not as a marketing tool but as another layer of the series so I think it's really exciting and obviously allows you to be very, very close to your audience. I have a website [www.BigLight.com] where I'm in constant contact with fans so you'll see when this series in the air that there's a huge online component to the show; it's built into the design of the show.

Read more: Interview: "Strike Back" Co-Executive Producer Frank Spotnitz
TheFutonCritic.com http://www.thefutoncritic.com/interviews/2011/08/12/interview-strike-back-co-executive-producer-frank-spotnitz-507102/20110812_strikeback/#ixzz1VCyJIuSZ

Following is the theme song for Strike Back 2 with lyrics "this ain't no place for a hero" to which my initial reaction was "obviously not!"...
                            

RA sings (as Clarissa’s Lovelace)..

                           

Past post from July - Tudors bloopers and interesting comments on that series plus The Hobbit
http://allthingsrarmitage.blogspot.com/2011/07/varied-sundry-game-of-thrones.html?showComment=1313603423726