DeLarge

[SIZE=1]Thank you so much, [B]jigglyness[/B]. To tell you the truth, I had all but lost faith in this request being completed. I really appreciate it :animesmil [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I'm a massive fan of Doctor Who - it's basically the only thing on television that I insist on watching - anything else is just a bonus. I was fond of Christopher Eccleston, but as soon as I saw the first Christmas Special with David Tennant I knew that he was going to be something spectacular. He's incredible at being this quirky genius-type character, while also being able to make his performances incredibly tear-jerking at times. I think Russell T. Davies was absolutely the right person to begin the series anew - he has this extraordinary mind with which he can plot out an entire series, leaving little clues all the way through to the season finale. And in series three and four there are some serious heart-wrenching moments for the Doctor, without giving too much away. I'm also a fan of Torchwood, the spin-off with Captain Jack Harkness - although it is more based on the paramilitary side of things. There are some great characters in it, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed both series of it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]1. I no longer believe in a God or gods - I used to, but with age that belief has waned somewhat. 2. While I personally have no belief in God, I understand that for a lot of people faith is incredibly important - it helps them through bleak times in their lives, the loss of loved ones and the like. I imagine it could be a great comfort to people to know that supposedly everything happens for a reason. 3. I accept evolutionary theory, and have no qualms in saying that people who don't simply haven't read enough. However, I think that belief in evolution doesn't mean that you must renounce your faith - if you look at a lot of "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking there is a lot of suggestion that once we reach the limits of human understanding (science etc.) then we are forced to admit that there could be some sort of divine influence out there. If a man that clever can accept that science and religion live side by side then I think it's worth a shot. 4. The pain and suffering that has been done in God's name. Suicide bombers claiming they are doing God's will. Israel and Palestine. The Crusades, for goodness' sake. 5. Is something it's a little too early to make a cogent response to. 6. N/A [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Right now I'm reading [B]White Night [/B]by Jim Butcher, the 9th in the series of the Dresden Files, which, as you could probably work out by the fact that this is the 9th one, I am a huge fan of. For those of you who don't know about the series (which was made into a totally unfaithful but really rather entertaining TV show), it's about Harry Dresden, a professional wizard working out of Chicago. He's basically a private detective but with magic thrown in, and there's a huge depth to the central characters and the world the books are based in itself. There's some fantastic witty dialogue, such as one section where someone asks Harry if he's "always this annoying," to which Harry replies: [B]"Sometimes I'm asleep." [/B]Now, it's not often that something can make me laugh, but I was in stitches after reading that. The books also have a big ol' dastardly plot running through them, and it seems to be building up to a ridiculous level by this book. I'm hoping that loose ends start getting tied up soon. If you want a basic overview of the books, all you need to know is the proposed title of the first book in the series, which was: "Semiautomagic." [/SIZE]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][SIZE=2][quote] [FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]Also I forgot to mention earlier, with regard to press... press passes will not grant access to all ares of the ship by any means. The lowest deck is off-limits to all passengers and crew (including, quite possibly, the Captain himself).[/FONT][/quote][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]Don't worry, I never for a second believed that Adam would be able to get to all areas of the ship. I was thinking more of the press pass allowing him to get onto the bridge. Although Adam does have a talent of getting in places people don't want him to...[/FONT][/SIZE] [/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=2][FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif][B]Passenger Name: [/B]Adam Kristopher Azure [B]Age: [/B]29 [B]Identification: [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/avatar7_guest.gif[/IMG] Occupation & Background: [/B]Adam is a reporter with the [B]Washington Prime Herald[/B], and a good one at that. He rose quickly to become their best field reporter, covering stories across the country. He was assigned to write a series of seven articles about the maiden voyage of the Von Braun, along with his photographer Jamie King, with whom he has been working for several years. As such, he is expected to move around the ship almost constantly, getting information and interviews with passengers and crew members alike. The Herald, one of the top newspapers in the city of Washington Prime, has secured him an all-important "Press Pass," not only allowing him access to areas of the ship which would otherwise be restricted, but also giving him a free trip on this most important voyage of all. While Adam has made a name for himself for being persuasive almost to the point of being rude, he also has the innate charm and wit that any good journalist must have in order to form a rapport with those he is interviewing. He also tries to be as honest as possible when writing his articles, in an attempt to avoid the stereotype of a corrupt, lying media, although these attempts are often censored by his editor, much to Adam's chagrin. [/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Laughter. It's a cure for the blues, a way to unwind after a long day at work or school, and it's a fantastic way of connecting with people. But what really makes you laugh? Is it one of your friends who can make you laugh no matter what? Is it a popular comedian? Dumb comedy movies? Intelligent comedy movies? Internet cartoons? Share your cure for the blues right here. As for me, when I've had a bad day, I love watching stand-up comedy, whether it's on TV, DVD or even live on occasion. [B][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bailey"]Bill Bailey[/URL][/B], [B][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Howard"]Russell Howard[/URL][/B], [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Izzard"][B]Eddie Izzard[/B][/URL] and [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Lee"][B]Stewart Lee[/B][/URL] are just a few of my favourites, and all with very different styles. They're all about on YouTube in various forms, so check them out if you enjoy that sort of thing. I also enjoy various comedy shows - Scrubs is a favourite, Family Guy and American Dad are very funny too, and there's some British comedies which I'm a huge fan of - [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced"][B]Spaced[/B][/URL], [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_wing"][B]Green Wing[/B][/URL], [B][URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peep_Show_%28TV_series%29"]Peep Show[/URL] [/B]and [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_books"][B]Black Books[/B][/URL] to name but a few. And, of course, the British cult hit that British people either love or hate, [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mighty_boosh"][B]The Mighty Boosh[/B][/URL]. So now it's your turn - tell us what makes you laugh. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I should be seeing this movie sometime in the week, partly because I love the superhero movies and partly because I'm a huge fan of Robert Downey Jr. I was never a huge fan of Iron Man comics, however, but I am familiar with Stark's character and I think that if anyone can do it justice, Downey Jr. can. I was expecting this to be a movie that was so bad it was good, but from the rave reviews it's getting here, I think I should be safe in spending my money on a ticket. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I quite like this idea so far - the story initially seemed a little contrived, but I can sense a certain originality to the idea that could freshen it up. The Prologue was written in a style I'm not entirely familiar with - it was as though you were giving us the information we needed in a sort of movie voice-over (it's the only way I could think of to describe it), and then it slips into being straight prose, with dialogue and stuff in it as well. It threw me slightly in the first place, but I think I managed to get my head around it. The first chapter was very well-written in comparison. One tiny thing that niggled me slightly, though, was this: [/SIZE][quote][FONT=Times New Roman] "It's a pleasure to meet you, Silandu. My name's--" "John," she interrupted. "I know." "How...?" "I'm slightly telekinetic. A gift found only among the women of our world. Although the men have energy." [/FONT][/quote][SIZE=1]There's nothing wrong with it, technically, but as something of a superhero nut I should tell you that you're not thinking of telekinesis here. Telekinesis is the power to move objects with your mind: you're thinking of telepathy, the power to read thoughts and communicate with your mind, etc. Otherwise, very well done. (By the way, apologies if all this seems a little jumbled - it's quite early and I've only just woken up.) [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Thanks for your interest, everyone, it's really good to see so many people so keen on this idea. To answer some questions: [B]Sandy[/B], Graham was very young when Lazarus and Joanna married, and as such his mother decided to change his name to encompass her husband's. [B]Muse[/B], I just wanted to point out that not all the characters are going to be related - the heads of department are all part of the Kensington family, but players are free to create characters outside of the family, and are encouraged to do so. [B]James[/B], in answer to your question, I have ideas about the general direction of the plot, and some major events within, but how and when we get to those events and how quickly we progress through the story is very much up to the players themselves. I don't want to keep a stranglehold on the players' creativity, so I'm not going to create a rigid story which we all must stick to. And [B]Raiha[/B], Lazarus was one of two people - either a beggar given great reward in the afterlife as opposed to a rich man named Dives who got nothing, or a believer in Jesus whom Jesus decided to resurrect. Jesus was a showoff. [B]EDIT: [/B]The backstage thread is now up. It can be found [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=59040"][B]here[/B].[/URL][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Excellent. I shall continue to work on the idea when I can.[/SIZE]

[center][SIZE=1][IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/hughferriss.jpg[/IMG] [SIZE=2][B][U]Kensington[/U][/B][/SIZE] [B]April 14, 2010 New York City The Kensington Building[/B] The vast double doors, hand-carved from the finest European oak swung open, revealing the most luxurious private office money could buy. Deep-pile shag lay on the floor, the walls painted in deep, rich colours, with velvet drapes hanging delicately over the windows, but the figure rushing towards the dark mahogany desk at the far end had no time to take all of this in. He was a relatively young man, pale blue eyes, tanned skin and dark brown hair, which was not too long but not too short, arranged with great care into a neat style. A fairly large, but well-maintained goatee beard covered his chin, and as he walked he rubbed it with a large manicured hand, the index finger of which held a solid silver ring. His dark, pin-striped suit was of finest silk, tailored especially for him by a great Italian tailor. His left hand was empty, but the right contained a large manilla folder, packed tight with documents, which he gripped with great determination. As he approached the desk, he raised the folder and threw it down on the surface, gaining the attention of the man in the huge leather swivel chair behind the desk, which was currently facing the enormous window that the desk was placed in front of. The chair swivelled to reveal an aging man, most likely in his mid-sixties, wearing a plain black suit, his white hair thinning on top of his head. He placed a sheet of paper he had been holding down onto the desk, and wordlessly took up the folder, pushing his wire-framed glasses back up his nose. He sat in silence for a number of minutes, reading and absorbing all the information within the folder, before calmly looking up at the man who had brought it in, still standing patiently in front of his desk. [B]"Is it serious?"[/B] he said, finally. [B]"We've managed to contain the leak, but one of the workers was affected when the container exploded,"[/B] replied the younger man, [B]"He's in a critical condition in one of our medical facilities, and his family have been informed."[/B] [B]"How could this have happened?"[/B] the man behind the desk asked, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and squeezing his eyes shut. [B] "We're not entirely sure at this stage, sir, but our safety officers are going to be looking into it as soon as it's safe to get into the area." "Could it be sabotage?" "That's one of the possibilities we're looking into, sir, but at this stage it doesn't seem likely." "Good. Good. Report back to me as soon as you have any further information." "Thank you, sir,"[/B] replied the younger man, turning on his heel and striding towards the door. [B]"Oh, and Alexander?"[/B] said the man behind the desk, prompting the young man to turn back. [B]"Tell your mother I need to see her."[/B] Alexander smiled and nodded, replying: [B]"Yes, dad."[/B] --- April 13, 2010, and an incident occured in one of the Kensington Industries chemical plants outside New York City when one of the secure storage containers holding any number of dangerous chemicals exploded. One man, Daniel Asherman, was severely injured in the explosion, but he is being taken care of in one of the finest Kensington pricate medical facilities. It comes down to Alexander Kensington, son of CEO Lazarus Kensington and head of the PR Department, to work out what happened and resolve the issue. However, he will need to work closely with each different department of Kensington Industries, no mean feat when the head of every department is related to him in one way or another and, like all families, the Kensington family have their issues with each other. This is a tale of corruption, treachery, corporate greed and conspiracy. Join me if you will. --- All relevant information is contained in the Backstage thread, which can be found here. What I will need from each of your characters is a personnel sheet, much like this one: [B] Name: Age: Gender: Position within the company: How you got there:[/B] please explain, in no less than two detailed paragraphs, how you ended up working for Kensington Industries, and from there how you ended up in the position you are in. [B] Psychological Evaluation:[/B] please state any personality defects you may have uncovered as a result of your psychological evaluation. [B] Company Photo Record:[/B] please attach a small, portrait image of your face only. [B] Any other information:[/B] if there is anything else you think it may benefit us to know, please establish it here. I will be playing Alexander, mentioned in this thread, and will post my character sheet once I have a few replies. [/SIZE][/center]

[SIZE=1]Hey there, artistically talented peoples. I know it's only been a week, but once I saw this movie was coming out and saw some of the promotional material, I couldn't resist. So, could someone please make me a banner and avatar using the attached picture? Just use the figure's head for the avatar, and as much of the picture as you like (although I'd love to have the red tie in) for the banner. As for text, I don't really want any on the avatar, but if you could put the words "My City Screams" on the banner then that would be fantastic. If you can get a font similar to the second attached picture then that would be perfect, but if not then something similar would be just fine. Thanks so much. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Just a quick question about characters - I'm just having a personal brainstorm about the kind of character I can create. Basically, I was wondering if there was a possibility of being able to play a reporter who was assigned to write an articel (or a series of articles) about the maiden voyage of the Von Braun. I just thought it would be a good way to interact with as many characters as possible - getting interviews from passengers and various members of the crew. Let me know if it's a duff idea and I'll continue thinking. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Alright, guys, the Backstage thread is now up and running. There's more information about the company in there, so please continue any discussion in that thread rather than this one.[/SIZE]

[center][SIZE=3][SIZE=1][URL="http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/?action=view¤t=hughferriss.jpg"][IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/hughferriss.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [B]Art by Hugh Ferriss and Raymond Hood - New York Modern[/B] [/SIZE][B][U] Kensington Backstage [/U][/B][SIZE=1][B][U][SIZE=2]Kensington Industries[/SIZE][/U][/B] Founded in the early 18th Century by Robert Kensington, Kensington Industries quickly grew from a single, small business dealing with the acquisition of products brought into the country by foreign merchants into a global corporation. As the company spread, they assimilated other, smaller companies into the whole, creating a brand which was recognisable in thousands of different products. Through quality craftsmanship and affordable products, Kensington became one of the most popular brand names in history - bigger than Nike, bigger than McDonalds, bigger even than Coca-Cola. Now, in 2010, Kensington Industries has branches across the globe, and has opened many different subsidiaries, each specialising in the production of different quality products. The current CEO is Lazarus Kensington, by all accounts a good and moral man, who has begun to focus more attention on the charity work that he feels it is his duty to carry out. However, this has made him enemies within his own company. Many people are dissatisfied with the amount of money that Lazarus is pouring into charitable work, believing that it is the company's job to make money rather than throw it all away. But Lazarus' own influence spreads further throughout the company - he has placed members of his own family in positions of authority, ensuring that any disloyalty is spotted immediately. Every member of the board of directors is related to Lazarus in some way, so the man himself can keep an eye on the entire company. But this can't work forever. --- [SIZE=2][U][B]Divisions of Kensington Industries[/B][/U][/SIZE] [B]Kensington Technologies[/B] - this subsidiary includes Electronics, Entertainment Systems, Communications, Medical Systems, Biotech and Weapons Research, and is headed up by Lazarus' eldest son, Marcus Kensington. [B] Kensington Commerce[/B] - including Shipping, Oil and Steel, headed up by Lazarus' only brother, Jonathan Kensington. [B]Kensington Chemicals[/B] - including Ecology Studies and Pharmaceuticals, and is headed up by Andrea Dillon, Lazarus' only daughter and wife of Gregory Dillon, a Kensington TV News Reporter. [B]Kensington Military[/B] - includes the private security force of Kensington Industries and the paramilitary wing. Headed by Major Alan Kensington, Lazarus' eldest nephew, and a high-flier in the military. [B] Kensington Media[/B] - Kensington Industries control a large portion of the world's media - this subsidiary is closely tied with the Entertainment Systems division, producing televisions, DVD players and recorders and other entertainment-related products. They also have their own TV channels, and license a lot of film and television. Headed up by Prometheus Kensington, Lazarus' second son. [B]Kensington Trust Foundation[/B] - the current apple of Lazarus' eye, the Trust Foundation is in charge of all charity outgoings that the company undertakes. Headed up by Graham Kensington-Griffiths, Joanna's only son from her first marriage. [B]PR Department[/B] - this department includes personnel and marketing, and is the part of the company which ties the others together. Headed up by Lazarus' youngest son, Alexander, an ace spin doctor. [B] Management[/B] - the nerve centre of Kensington Industries, which includes the Accounts department, and headed up by Lazarus' wife and mother to all his children, Joanna Kensington-Griffiths. --- [SIZE=2][U][B] The Board of Directors[/B][/U][/SIZE] As Lazarus heads the company as CEO, the Board serves to relate the inner workings of each subsidiary to Lazarus himself, and is made up of the heads of each department. Lazarus is trusting enough that he believes every family member he has in a position of power and authority will be loyal to him. However, other company members in lower positions of authority feel resentment towards their CEO for this, accusing him of being an exponent of extreme nepotism. [SIZE=2][U][B] Locations[/B][/U][/SIZE] Kensington Industries has branches in every major country across the world. The following is a list of cities which hold a Kensington building (all of which are built identically, save the original in New York City, which is a lot bigger): London Hong Kong Los Angeles Paris Singapore Mumbai New York Amsterdam Melbourne Nairobi Munich Moscow These are the major branches, however, there are smaller offices in other locations across the globe, from research stations at the South Pole to retail outlets in towns, and even as far as the upper atmosphere, where the revolutionary space station Kensington 1 is located. --- I believe that this is everything I need to put here at this stage. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding this RP within this thread. Every character mentioned in this thread (except Alexander and Lazarus) are available to those signing up - I have specifically left out any real detail about them so that the characters are open to be fleshed out by the individual players. However, not all of these positions need to be filled - those that are not will remain as NPCs. This first post is where I will be posting all important information regarding the RP, so remember to keep checking back in as the story progresses.[/SIZE] [/SIZE][/center]

[SIZE=1]I'm really pleased at the amount of interest this has managed to work up already. I shall endeavour to do this idea justice - I have a basic outline just about worked out, but it's going to take a day or so to flesh out fully. As for when it is set, I think that it is going to be a near future thing. So, for instance, there could be some medical advances (a lot of them would probably have come from Kensington Industries themselves), but no flying cars, for example. So, much the same as the present, but with a few things different. That said, Kensington Industries are going to be very much at the forefront of industry - as I've mentioned before, they have divisions specialising in many different things. For want of a better example, think [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Enterprises#Batman_Begins"][B]Wayne Enterprises from Batman[/B][/URL], but much, much bigger, and spread further over the globe. I imagine there may be some less-than-legal activity going on behind the scenes as well. So, there will be a large number of different roles for people. So, as you can see, I've got a general idea of the internal structure of the corporation, but I'm still working on the central storyline. I hope I can do this swiftly enough to keep your interest! [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]A few more, brief reviews this time: [B]The 39 Steps: [/B]This was an interesting Hitchcock film in that it didn't have all that many of the elements that his films are classic for. [B]Dial M for Murder: [/B]More characteristically Hitchcock than 39 Steps, and an entertaining film. [B]Kung Fu Hustle: [/B]This film is fairly insane and cartoon-like, but I enjoyed it all the same. [B]300: [/B]How manly can you get? Paper-thin plotting, but gorgeous visuals and that's all I was really expecting from this film. [B]Serenity: [/B]Another one of my favourite films of all time - the dialogue is great, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is fantastic as the Operative. [B]Atonement: [/B]A real tear-jerker, I saw this at the cinema last year and watched it again on DVD recently, and still found it as good as the last time. [B]Michael Clayton: [/B]A different side of George Clooney as an insurance company clean-up man. They managed to make a shot of Clooney staring at some horses in a field chock-full of emotion. [B]3:10 To Yuma: [/B]I went through a Western phase a while back, and this was a very good one, if not as good as some of the classics. Russel Crowe and Christian Bale had good, solid performances. [B]Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: [/B]I could see straight away why this was a classic - funny, poignant, tense, it had it all. [B]The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: [/B]The dramatic tension in this film was really intense, and the music is some of the most classic to come out of a film in history. [B]True Romance: [/B]I really have a soft spot for this movie - I love all the performances, especially Gary Oldman very much cast against type as a pimp. Others I'm too lazy to review: [B]Freaks X-Men 2 X-Men: The Last Stand Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny Blade 1,2&3 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Casino The Prestige Reservoir Dogs Death Proof Total Movie Count: 40 [/B][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Thank you for all your speedy feedback, guys. I'm really impressed with the rate of response here. Anyway, to answer your queries, Sandy, there will be plenty of participation in this RP for everyone involved - I just haven't mentioned much of anything in this thread because I didn't want any potential interest to peak too soon. I don't have a concrete version of the story written up yet, but as soon as I do I'll post a proper Backstage thread for it, and leave it to generate interest before putting up an Auditions thread. Also, Allamorph, that South Carolina town meeting comment [I]slayed [/I]me. You've got a gift right there, sir. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I've had this idea floating around in my head for a while now, and it's only just come to a point where it's formed enough to reveal, but also a point where I have an outlet to create it. I just have a few concerns, and was hoping there may be some people out there to give me some feedback as to whether they're grounded or not. Basically, the RP is tentatively titled "Kensington," and without giving too much away, it is based entirely around the New York headquarters of Kensington Industries, a multi-national corporation, with it's fingers in many different pies, including weapons technology, and ecological studies. There are branches across the world, from London to Nairobi, and it is one of the largest and most well-recognised companies on the planet. The characters would all be member of staff working for the company, whether it is in PR, weapons manufacturing, or accounts. They could even be members of the wealthy and prominent family that owns the corporation, the Kensington family, headed up by their patriarch Sir Lazarus Kensington. Again, I don't want to give away too much, but while the stories of each character would be very different to begin with, each strand of the story will eventually come together around a central plot. It would be fairly intricate, and involve a lot of organisation on my part and that of anyone who wishes to be involved, but I think it would be ultimately rewarding. However, I have a few concerns. Firstly, does this seem like too much of a mammoth task for someone who has only just joined the OB? Will it be too much for me to handle without the assistance of other, more experienced members? Also, from reading around before I officially joined the 'Boards, I noticed that my idea, in setting if not in style, bore some alarming resemblences to The Almagest Legacy, from what I can gather a very popular and successful RP. Is it too similar to said RP to begin at this time? If not, is it worth waiting and releasing after Almagest fever has worn off a little? If anyone has any feedback they would be willing to give then I would very much appreciate it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Thanks, 8bit, they look great. And I prefer to think of it as "simplicity" rather than blandness. I don't think I'll be needing a banner, at least not at the moment, but thanks for the offer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Almost definitely not a complete list, and in no particular order, but here goes: [B]Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street: [/B]I enjoyed this film in as much as I enjoy Tim Burton's whole gothic style, however there were a few parts which jarred slightly for me. I felt that with Burton's cinematic style [I]and [/I]the musical element, everything was almost jostling for space, and it felt a little crowded. But good solid story, and I thoroughly enjoyed Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall as real nasty pieces of work. [B]Velvet Goldmine: [/B]I loved the whole culture that went behind this film - the glam rock lifestyle really entertains me. Very strong performances from all the central actors, namely Christian Bale, Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and I enjoyed Eddie Izzard's role as well. [B]Boys Don't Cry: [/B]Depressing as hell, but Hilary Swank was incredible in this film. The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the use of a cover version of the song "Boys Don't Cry," not the original Cure version. [B]21: [/B]Disappointing - glitzy and glamorous but with a paper-thin plot and a frankly fairly irritating central cast. It was pulled back from the brink of being total shite with Kevin Spacey and Lawrence Fishburne saving the movie. [B]Fight Club: [/B]Violence, sex and a great plot - what more could you want from a movie? [B]American Beauty: [/B]I couldn't quite believe it when I realised I hadn't seen this film before. Funny, sexy and with an incredible performance from Kevin Spacey. [B]Die Hard 4.0: [/B]Definitely not as good as the others in the series, but still a good fun film to watch on a dull Sunday afternoon. Explosions and car chases - a great manly film. [B]Hot Fuzz: [/B]One of my favourite comedy films of all time - I've followed Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright and Nick Frost from their very early careers and I'm still an enormous fan. [B]High Fidelity: [/B]I. Love. This. Film. It's the film that makes every man want to own a record shop and start making top 5 lists - I'm amazed that it can do it to me every time. [B]A Clockwork Orange: [/B]Massive fan of this film and Kubrick in general - as my screen name suggests. Others I'm too lazy to review: [B]Juno The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (the original) Baseketball The Bourne Ultimatum Shooter Stardust Dead Man's Shoes Evil Dead 2 This Is Spinal Tap [/B][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I mixed myself a CD to play in my car when driving to and from college, and it's got some pretty mixed stuff on it. I tried to pick reasonably upbeat songs, to make sure I stayed alert enough to drive. It includes the songs [B]Swagger [/B]and [B]Kiss My Irish *** [/B]by [B]Flogging Molly[/B], [B]I'm Her Man[/B], [B]241[/B], and [B]Cheer Up [/B]by [B]Reel Big Fish[/B], and [B]The Real Me [/B]by [B]The Who[/B]. I also whacked on some stuff by the [B]Red Hot Chili Peppers[/B], including [B]Naked in the Rain[/B], [B]Rollercoaster of Love [/B]and [B]My Lovely Man[/B]. At home to relax me while studying for my upcoming exams, I've been listening to [B]Complete Clapton[/B], an album which I've fallen in love with recently. It contains Clapton songs from all his different groups, including [B]Cream[/B], [B]Derek and the Dominoes [/B]and a whole truckload of his solo stuff. It seems to really put me in the right frame of mind to study. However, to blow off steam after studying, I listen to various old rock bands, [B]Thin Lizzy[/B], [B]Led Zeppelin [/B]and [B]Pink Floyd [/B]to name a few. I tend to play along to a lot of these songs on my bass as well. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Happy belated birthday to James and Adam! I don't really know either of them, but it's always nice to have a birthday message. As for mine, it's on the 10th January, which is a little too close to Christmas for my liking, but I can deal. Usually I'm at college on my birthday, so I have maybe a couple of presents in the morning, then the rest when I get home. This year was my 18th, which is a pretty big one in England (it's the legal drinking age), so I went and celebrated with my brother and my parents. Then a few days later when it was the weekend I went out for my first legal drink with a few friends. I didn't really do anything special, as my birthday came slap bang in the middle of the exam period at college, so I didn't have a gap to have a really big blowout. All my friends are turning 18 this year as well, so we've had a rush of big birthdays recently - it was my best friend's girlfriend's birthday today, so we're going out celebrating tomorrow. We have this tradition in my group of friends where someone has to send the person who's birthday it is a text message exactly on midnight to wish them happy birthday. I was the one who sent the message this morning, which meant I had to stay up, but High Fidelity was on TV, so I had something to occupy myself. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I don't generally need a caffeine fix first thing in the morning - I find a shower and a decent breakfast wakes me up plenty. But if I'm really in need of an energy boost (for instance, if I've been out late the previous night) then there's a drink we get over here (it might be available in other places around the world, but I don't live in them so I can't really say) called Relentless. No doubt it's incredibly bad for you, but I find that a single can of that stuff can keep me awake through my college lectures. I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I will drink the occasional cup (more to be sociable than anything - if I'm in a coffee house with my friends then I will probably drink coffee). Going on to the subject of so-called medical "common knowledge," there's a lot of stuff that is bandied about without any real medical grounding to it. For instance, there's been no medical or scientific evidence that salt increases blood pressure, much less causes strokes, but there has been a ridiculous amount of media hype that has made the opposite become "common knowledge." Salt is incredibly good for balancing out the sugar levels in your blood, and for bone structure. And the ones the guys might be more interested in than anyone are two relationship points - salt stops you drooling in your sleep and is vital to the maintenance of sexuality and the libido. Same with obesity - it's technically better for you to be overweight than underweight, especially once you reach the age of around sixty-five - being overweight actually increases your life expectancy quite dramatically. I know that's a fair ramble for a thread about caffeine, but all I'm saying is that it's important not to get too hung up on what's "common knowledge." [/SIZE]