RA interview Quote: I always look for good within bad and vice versa. That’s what appeals to me about Richard III. The villain, the hunchback, child murdering, usurping monster – I want to try and find the man who loved Anne Neville, passionately, from childhood until death, who was inconsolable at the loss of his only son and who put in place the ‘even handed’ judicial system, which we enjoy today; and then have him ‘slaughter’ the Princes in the Tower. It’s all about contradictions" http://vulpeslibris.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/in-conversation-with-richard-armitage/
Definitely a rockin' New Year with this one from bccmee -- don't get literally blown away ;)
Is it morbid or a fine way to memorialize those who lost their lives? Cruise ships are recreating Titanic's itinerary - even dinner menus - for the 100th anniversary on Apr 15, 2012..(see poll)
So my feet are finally on UK soil, back in Blighty, nose to tail traffic and the usual Heathrow drizzle. But it's good to be home for Christmas. I think the jet lag might give me a sneaky glimpse of Santa this year as I am wide awake at 2am!
It's been one of the most memorable years I have ever experienced, the big birthday (which I tried to ignore, by sleeping through it!) and the privilege to be in NZ working on The Hobbit has make this year unforgettable. The places we have been to and the things we have seen, have surpassed all my expectations. I was very choked up as the plane left Wellington on Weds, it really has become home and to all my new friends there and my old friends here I would like to raise a glass for the festive season.
Thank you for the continuing support which you all lend as part of our community of 'friends', it really has an impact on me personally, I feel very much supported and I hope that waiting for the film isn't too frustrating. I haven't quite had the time to attend to all the signed photos that people were requesting as Christmas gifts for family and friends and I apologise for dissappointing them, I will get on the case as soon as I can.
I think next year will be like that last turn of the corner when you think you have reached the summit, only to find you are miles from the top and the climb is even steeper, but we are gearing up for an exciting ride. I even might step off the treadmill and put my dumb bells down briefly to scoff some turkey on 25th!!
Thank you all for the continued generosity on the Just Giving pages which in total comes to more than £14,000.
I would like to say Happy Christmas to everyone who drops in to catch up on the news and further across our online 'party' of friends, have a great holiday, and a cracking New Year. Just think this time next year, we'll all be crossed eyed from all the 3D movies we will have watched, and by 2013, technology will have advanced so much, we won't even have to go the the cinema, it will be transmitted directly into our imagination by a WIFI/Bluetooth microchip which we will have all had installed into our Hypothalamusesl! (Hypothalami?)
Enjoy the typos!
Peace and goodwill (and I really mean that, be willingly good, extra good, extra peaceful and extra forgiving)
Following fanvids seem very appropriate after reading *willingly* good above...will you make a New Years resolution to be "extra good".*winks* You know who you are out there..is this your prayer *wide grin*
Some have more to ask forgiveness for than others *cough*
DAILY WORKOUT: New year is almost here, as with most people, I've been pondering what would be a good resolution??...hmmm...hubby and I try to hike (actually more like a vigorous long walk) at least 3Xs per week. BUT, after all the holiday feasting it feels as though something extra needs to be added in order to work off those holiday goodies. Perhaps a daily workout is in order - decided to post a new one here each week until we find the perfect daily routine.
Regular workouts are just a matter of finding the right incentive. See zumba vid in latest post.
LISTEN to THORIN: If, like me, have already watched The Hobbit trailer about a dozen times and would prefer to cut straight to the chase, or more to the point, to RA singing the Misty Mountains Cold - clever and kind onemorelurker has provided the way:
A huge Thank you to @Julischka80 for capturing RA's name on Twitter's worldwide trends list - sometime after The Hobbit trailer was released. See latest poll asking if you were fortunate to notice it at the time, or were you, like me, distracted by re-watching the fantastic trailer for about the fifth time:) We get to see it after the fact due to her quick fingers..
RECENT POLL RESULTS: When asked during an interview which tv shows he watched,RA mentioned an American series then said "I wanna be in it!" 51% of you chose the correct show - 'DAMAGES'.
62% of you naughty females*winks* admitted that you enjoy RA's naughty characters most.
Perfect time to mention this fan effort to help RA achieve his dream of a remake of Richard III. The details:
EXCERPT(See below link)
"To revise this king’s negative and ill-deserved image in popular culture and pay tribute to his legacy, the famous British actor Richard Armitage has expressed interest in developing a major film/television project that is envisioned as a prequel to The Tudors, a television series that aired on Showtime and BBC. This project is a deeply personal one for Richard, who was born on the day that Richard III died (August 22) and named after the king by his father."
In his own words:
As an actor, it’s a project I would love to achieve. I believe it is a great story, a socio-political thriller, a love story and a dynastic tragedy. My challenge is to convince commercial producers to see beyond ‘history lesson’, but I strongly suspect that this will be a long way off, probably outside of my ability to play the role, but I wouldn’t rule out playing another role, I may even be producing by the time someone wakes up and realizes the potential for this project.
King Richard III (Source: Wikimedia.org)
The literary character of Richard III in William Shakespeare’s play has long overshadowed the historical life and reign of King Richard III of England. He was a loving husband and father, a fierce soldier and fighter, a just governor of his people. As an effective and influential government leader for change, Richard’s economic, legal, and social contributions to society continue to have an impact on England to this day.
Significant Accomplishments
the creation of the Court of Requests for the legal representation of the poor (in 1483)
the introduction of bail to protect suspects (in 1484)
the ban on restrictions for printing and book sale
the translation of the written Laws and Statutes from French into English
Judging from the size of his name in my newly generated 'tweet cloud', seems I may be coming repetitive on one particular topic:) *teehee*
Some people enjoy seeing a new movie over their Christmas holiday - here are a couple reviews. First one is for WAR HORSE. The writer mentioned being in tears more than once while watching the film, which led me to wonder who 'she' might be. When I saw Rex Reed's byline it explained everything.
He also reviewed THE IRON LADY in which he gushed over Meryl Streep and excoriated Maggie Thatcher. In truth Ms Streep's films, and style of acting, put me to sleep - at least they did when I gave them the chance. And, I'm shouting from the blog tops that I've found historical figure, Mrs Thatcher, to be an admirable woman. She does not deserve the beating she receives from the liberal side of the political spectrum. Those who refuse to ever make difficult, courageous decisions, but instead manipulate their liberal voting bases with condescending class warfare - shrink in comparison with a person
of strong character such as Ms Thatcher .
Next film reviewed by Reed is SHAME...OMG! Can’t believe the reviewer had the b…err.. boldness to use the following review title - but, then again it is Rex Reed (whispering..whom I’d thought was no longer with us because he’s been no where to be seen for quite awhile) Mr Reed is *flamingly* unique, which is evident when reading his reviews.
The Review:
"Michael Fassbender and His Big Swinging Flick Know No Boundaries in Shame
So why does such a fascinating portrait fall so flaccid in the end?
Review from ibtimes.com..EXCERPT: “it's nice to see the dwarves have some serious moments, especially during the "Misty Mountains" song and in the brief glimpses of them in battle action.
And while some of the dwarves had rather unusual hair and costumes in the posters, it seems to work on screen, with the actors looking both slightly menacing and slightly comic by turns. Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) is especially convincing. He has the arrogant majesty of a deposed king and the underlying steeliness of the dwarves Tolkien fans know.
Suddenly really interested in a particular cooking program - it features Hugh Jackman. Who knew he lives in Westchester, New York state - certainly not me..what a surprise! Apparently his neighbors have a cooking show on Create TV and Hugh sometimes joins them. http://www.createtv.com/CreateProgram.nsf/vProgramsByNola/KIMC?OpenDocument&Index=#
What about the BBC's most recent Guy of Gisborne? Did his image receive a fatal blow at the hands of an excellent actor? Did he have the misfortune to be played by someone with powerful acting chops, who would thereby forever seal the leather-clad knight's destiny to be remembered as a ruthless knave? *wide grin* Here's the incident that prompted the question...
Yesterday I received a thank you note from my older sister saying she really appreciates their Christmas gifts from us, which were Spooks 7 and RH2. However, she apologetically returned RH saying they already purchased it after watching last yr's gift from us - RH1. This is the same sister who sent N&S a few yrs ago at this time of year. That frequently-watched present had triggered the whole fangurl adventure for me (and hundreds of thousands other females around the globe).
I had to chuckle when reading in the same letter - "as to Richard Armitage - we loved him in North & South & The Impressionists, but he played his part too well in RH and I kept wishing he & Keith Allen would get it right between the eyes. He's a good actor, though." Then she added "We really enjoyed RH Series 1 but when they eliminated Lady Marian, I lost interest in the series. We watched it through to the end of S3, although it was never the same without her."
Next poll will ask if you believe Sir Guy deserved to "get it right between the eyes" or rather as RA himself said "in the neck".
See first 10min of Downton Abbey season 2..scroll..
Someone who has already seen The Hobbit trailer described an ominous tone to the song(led by Thorin). Which one might it be?.....Thank you Musa for providing the link..
Following might've been where the term "handsome devil" originated ;)
The holly bush growing in our front garden(see below) is now about 10yrs old. It didn't start to display berries until 4yrs ago...this year's crop seems to be a brighter red and more plentiful than usual. Just the sight of it makes me start to hum the tune to the ancient carol "the holly and the ivy"...
From Wikipedia..Lyrics
The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown. Refrain: Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our sweet saviour Refrain The holly bears a berry as red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good. Refrain The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn. Refrain The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all. Refrain
European Holly (Gaelic: cuileann) was sacred to druids[3] who associated it with the winter solstice, and for Romans, holly was considered the plant of Saturn[4]. European Holly has always traditionally had a strong association with Christmas. Henry VIII wrote a love song Green groweth the holly which alludes to holly and ivy resisting winter blasts and not changing their green hue "So I am and ever hath been Unto my lady true" [cough,,,cough..ahem..sorry..the irony is breathtaking:]
NEWS: Details of The Hobbit trailer, including the fact Thorin speaks:
