Cinematic problems make Barbie a grumpy girl

I used to be a big cinema-goer.  Recently however, I only go when there is a movie that I REALLY want to see on the big screen - this is partially due to the rising costs and partially due to the fact that many movies I'm not that fussed to see in the cinema, but to be really honest the main reason for my growing disdain towards the cinema is...other people.

Today was an epic example.  I've just come home from watching Avengers:Endgame, we went during the day on a weekday to avoid the cinema being mobbed, however, that still didn't stop the two people in the seats directly behind talking the entire way through the film.  I'm sure the movie is as wonderful as many people have thought but my experience of it was thoroughly ruined by these two.  I found myself getting increasingly annoyed to the point that I was pretty irate by the end of the film so I don't think I got the full effect of what should have been a fairly emotional ending to such a long run of movies. 

I'm not going to pay to see it again, I'll wait for it to come out on DVD to watch (and hopefully enjoy it more!) in the peace and quiet of my own home instead. 

Best review ever

I'm planning another trip - whilst I'm off work I may as well, right?

This time, we (Mr B and I that is) are going to Amsterdam.  It's not somewhere we've been before and we are both looking forward to it.  We have some friends there who we plan to visit as well as seeing some of the sights.

So, as usual, I am doing my bit on the planning and looking in advance for things to do during our trip.  Tripadvisor is always one of my first stops for reviews on activities and tours etc so obviously I headed straight there.  One of the recommended attractions is the sex museum, so I had a quick browse through the reviews and spotted this absolute gem (only the title and the first line are relevant)....

I do love how people can draw comparisons against absolutely nothing.

Headline Smashers

I'm bored already, so I'm spending a crazy amount of time in front of my computer randomly surfing the net.  That means I'm coming across some amazing stuff though

My two favourite headlines of the week so far...

Man rescued after getting stuck in hole he dug himself

and

Angry swinger can't enjoy "a cup of tea and BDSM" due to club's new sex rules

I've linked them but the actual stories don't do those headlines any justice!

Barbies Chocolate Conspiracy

I've noticed something - don't panic, I'm quite astute when I think about it - but listen up - chocolate makers are trying to sucker you into eating more. 

They might argue otherwise but on the majority of bars now they show a portion size...

Looks good right?

Helping you to know how many pieces count as a portion and what the calorie intake is...The problem with this is shown in the following photo....

So, 3 pieces is a portion...but there are 4 pieces in a strip....


WHO THE HELL BREAKS OFF ONE STRIP AND THEN LEAVES A SINGLE PIECE?!?!

No one.

 So to know how much you've eaten you need to either do maths (Hard option!) or eat 3 strips to make a total of 12 pieces (or 4 portions).  (Easy option!)

The chocolate companies are trying to make me fat!

Streamworld

No, it's not a new place to visit.  Recently (thanks to Mr B) I have been watching quite a lot of streams. 

Our platform of choice is Twitch, and there are lots of options there.  Like I said, lots of gamers for all types of games - some awesome ones and some not-so-awesome too.  There are some massive streamers out there who EVERYONE has heard of (the likes of Shroud and Ninja) but its fun to watch the smaller guys, who are working themselves to the bone to build up a fan base and entertain people. some of my top picks - in no particular order - would probably be these...

Jimb0 - plays various games and has some brilliant effects that chat can play with

Rovefogle - PUBG gamer who really should be better known than he is 

 ^^^^  this dude is an awesome shot!

RTGameCrowd - Insane guy who loves making his Sims miserable.  Simply hilarious!

Mostly people play games n stream, but there are some other channels too - its a little amazing what people put out there.
There's a whole selection of IRL streams - mostly people chatting/opening new stuff/chilling in front of a webcam...

IRL stream selection 

These guys are streaming breakfast. Yes, breakfast.

 and of course...there's a Bob Ross channel

Bob Ross - the legend!

What you can't really see in the photo above is just how many people were watching when I took that shot......

7pm on a Sunday and 1,725 people are watching a Bob Ross Marathon.  That number in grey is total views.

So next time you're bored of watching the same old TV, or you're looking for some inspiration why not go and have a peek at the wonderful streaming world you probably didn't realise was there.

Barbies Forest Addiction

I play quite a lot of computer games - it is generally what I am doing when I'm not at work.  I'm also quite fussy about which games I play.

I'm not very good at first person shooter (FPS) type games (although I do find them fun as well as infuriating) I like co-op versions most but I usually end up shooting my team mates more than any enemies!  Single player FPS are fun too but I have no sense of direction when I'm playing so I find it really frustrating when I get lost or swamped by enemies and continually die at the same point.

I usually prefer strategy or simulation games.  Probably because I can't get lost!   There's been a game lately however that goes against the norm (kinda).  Its called The Forest and is a survival game where you find yourself stranded on an island following a plane crash.  Unlike most survival games there is a big storyline as well as the challenge of simply surviving.  It's quite difficult as the island is not uninhabited... there are 'dudes' everywhere who beat you up at any opportunity.  They are much easier to deal with in a group!

This game has me a little bit hooked...especially as there is a peaceful mode in the single player where you are truly alone (no bad dudes to kill).  That is probably as freaky as having enemies around, its atmospheric and lonely...but somehow still a lot of fun!

Sometimes it bugs...the fire isn't meant to do that

You can hunt food...or sometimes it comes to you and jumps on the fire

You can build a new home

Holiday watching

I'm on holiday.  Due to a poorly cat I can't go away at the moment so I'm spending a couple of weeks at home.  I've played a lot of computer games and watched dodgy daytime TV. 

I'm fussy about TV (although sometimes it might not seem that way!) I don't watch any soaps or stuff like that and I have a hatred for most reality TV.  I say most because there are a few shows that I enjoy - Masterchef and shows of that type of format can be quite entertaining.  Mostly because I like seeing disasters.

Like this one of obliterated sugar work just before judging...

Bake Off Professionals disaster

Because I don't want to watch This Morning or other daytime talk shows I'm often found browsing the documentary channels.  That basically means I have watched every episode of Ancient Aliens, every Stonehenge or Egyptology documentary and a decades worth of Time Team.  

Over the last couple of weeks I've spotted a 'new' show (new to me - there are several seasons!) called Forged in Fire.  It is that familiar Masterchef format but what amused me most was the sheer abundance of beards.  Honestly, have a look through, it seems to be part of the entry criteria (until you spot that there are a couple of ladies in some of the seasons so they must have loosened the rules for them)  I might watch some of it, I do like weapons and the stuff they make looks quite cool from the 5 minutes I've watched so far.  I will also be giving the contestants additional points for beard/facial hair and styling though....Lets see if the same ones win ;)

There's always a drawback..

I've not been well this year...since my trip to India in January where I caught a nasty bout of india-belly I've struggled to regain any appetite or eat more than a small child in any one sitting.  Those of you who understand my love of food will know just how terrible this has been for me!  Many people have commented on the plus side of it however...that I have dropped about 4 stone (and still counting at present) without even thinking about it. I've even taking to eating higher calorie foods in order to take in a decent amount!  It's not been a  fun and healthy way to lose weight but it has had that outcome. 

So, I'd be happy about that right?...Surely thats every womans dream, to be able to eat chocolate and still lose weight..

Kinda.

Theres always some huge downsides to losing weight like this...

1. I've had to buy new clothes...OK so to most women this isnt a chore, but I'm terribly picky and have a very specific style, so clothes I like aren't always that available (or cheap!)...and I'm still shrinking so the ones I bought six months ago are already a size too big.  That sucks when you do get something you really like!

2.  It's baltic all the time! I just can't get warm and stay that way, I've been wrapped up like a yeti since the weather turned and everyone around me thinks I'm crazy...I also haven't gotten around to buying many winter clothes that fit me yet either so more shopping required! (boo hiss!)

3. I have bones...they stick out and hurt when I bump into things.  I'm pretty sure they were there before but with a helpful squishy covering to soften the bumps!

Don't get me too wrong, I'm not completely hating the weight loss, I do have a nice figure thats emerged from beneath my old insulation...I'm just writing this post as a warning to all those people out there desperate to lose weight thinking that it will be the answer to all their problems...just remember, once the weight has gone you have more fun to look forward to!

Barbie WIN!

 

A score like that just couldnt be kept quiet!!

Good cover or Good song?

I like music.  I don't like to be elitist and stick to the same genre constantly, instantly shunning any other forms however. (some people may have gleaned this from my previous music related posts!)

A few days ago I found myself humming along to a strangers ipod on the bus.  People leaking music from their headphones is a huge annoyance usually, but this time I recognised the song...kinda.  I only realised on my way home that night that what I'd heard was a cover of a song I quite liked performed in a different style.  It made me think of other good covers and I thought I'd share some here...If you don't know the originals I'm sure you can look them up!.....

First, the song that started all this...(Although I still prefer the original!)

Seven Nation Army


and a selection of what I think are some pretty good covers!...

Creep


Smooth Criminal


Sweet Dreams


This could go on forever...you get the idea!

Weightloss extreme?

In today's usual Internet wanderings I came across this article.  For those who don't want to read it for themselves, its basically about a new extreme diet...ironically called KEN.  It's not something that this level headed barbie would ever try though...the "diet" is that you stop eating for 10 days and feed yourself special nutrients through a tube.  I've tried some crazy things in my time to lose weight but that's not a diet. That's more like torture. 

Unfortunately there are people out there mad -or desperate- enough to try this but its basically a crash diet and they have never been considered a good idea...and if you really think about it, who really wants to cuddle a stick figure?

Some of those odd thoughts

A friend of mine got married at the weekend. I couldn't go, but have had reports from other friends who could. The first thing anyone commented on was that he song the bride walked down the aisle to was the imperial march (not the original star wars version but the family guy elevator music instead) For those who haven't heard it here is it...




This got me thinking though, if I were to marry then what would I have to walk down the aisle to myself? I think the traditional wedding march isn't quite my style to be honest so I'd have to come up with an alternative. Oddly although its something I've never truly thought about before, what I actually would want.... So far my favourites have to be...

The haunting classical choice



The cliche goth bash



although this would have to be a close second..just to get the audience clicking along!



for the late bride...



or finally the romantic option..

Twins!

Watching Family Guy tonight they did a "joke" (It wasn't funny) about a chap called Conway Twitty.

What I found more amusing was the striking similarity this chap bears to Paul Merton..

Nostalgia strikes

I had a very short conversation with B-Man today about Dick Dastardly and Muttley trying to catch the pigeon...it was very short because he has no recollection of the cartoon and thought I was losing the few marbles that I have!

So to prove that I'm not completely insane and just watched some very dodgy TV when I was young here is Dick Dastardly and Muttley in their Flying Machines...

On the bandwagon

Last weekend everyone seemed to be far, far, far, far more interested in the royal wedding than me. (I do know of a few others who didn't partake in any celebrations, but truly not many.) I'm not a fan of weddings to start with, I'm not a monarchist, and I despise pomp so this was never going to be a thing of excitement. I was quite pleased to get an extra day off work however ;)

As soon as the wedding was announced everyone who paid even the slightest amount of attention was talking about the dress, and the flowers, and what the after party would be like and on the day itself every channel (with the exception of E4 - thankyou E4 you saved my life!) was showing approximately 6 - Yes 6! - hours of footage of the events. Thanks to a combination of E4 and the lovely internet I did manage to see exactly zero of said footage. *phew!*

The news over the last few days has obviously also been filled with stories about the wedding. There have been wild theories thought up as posted by the wonderful B-Man, but it seems that the biggest star to erupt from the wedding has been not the bride or groom, or even the brides mother, but a hat....

The hat worn by Princess Beatrice to be exact....


Ugly huh? The hat amassed fans (or rather haters) on facebook within minutes, spawned blogs and websites such as Princess Beatrice and her Hat and Princess Beatrice's Hat and countless news articles.

I think that this hat looks very much like the type of mirror used by the evil queen in Snow White... maybe she was trying to ensure that she was the fairest in the land?


others however have had their own ideas....


Then again, there no such thing as bad publicity...all the media interest must be great for Beatrice....She'll get offers for reality TV next...

Stolen! Part 2

OK to complete my song challenge from my previous post...

16. A song that you used to love but now hate (rather a song I used to love but now think ...Meh.)



17. A song that you hear often on the radio (I've not listened to the radio in years...last time I did this was played incessantly!)



18. A song you wish you heard on the radio



19. A song from your favourite album



20. A song to listen to when you're angry



21. A song to listen to when you're happy



22. A song to listen to when you're sad



23. A song that you want to play at your wedding (I've always joked this should be my first dance...)



24. A song that you want played at your funeral



25. A song that makes you laugh



26. A song that you can play on an instrument (although I imagine I might need a little practice to do so again now!)



27. A song that you wish you could play (because however much I practised I'd never be this good!)



28. A song that makes you feel creative and inspired



29. A song from your childhood (don't judge me!!)



30. A song that makes you want to save the world, the environment, stop poverty, ....

Barbie First Book

Boys in Makeup

This post is courtesy of the following thought: Men wearing makeup...If bald, how far back should they go?

I really can't say where this thought originated from. I don't remember seeing any men in makeup recently but my brain obviously spat it out at some point. Probably when I was half asleep on my morning commute to work.

So what do you think? should a bald or balding man powder his head as well as his nose? I know many would laugh at the thought of men in makeup but it is a growing phenomenon following quickly in the path carved by the uptake of men using moisturisers after shaving and under eye creams. Theres even how to videos on the web....



If you watched it till the end, the poor chap does look better...but also a little like a Ken doll...

My Odd Brain

I think I have a very odd brain sometimes. I'll explain why...

I keep a notepad on my phone (its an app, not an actual notebook glued to a mobile!) where I write reminders for errands I have promised, and notes of random thoughts that I consider bloggable at the time. I often look through this notepad when I get home and wonder what on earth those notes mean! I recently found one that said; "Parental Blame" Eh? Another read; "Money and Things...Important?"

I've just come across one from a few weeks back that's my best so far... and you'll see in my next post...

All Lushed out

I am a secret fan of Lush cosmetics. Everything I've ever had from there has been very lovely but unfortunately I do find them a bit on the costly side for everyday use so I consider them a special treat from time to time. I popped onto their website to browse today only to remember that they recently suffered an "attack" from a hacker and are having to investigate possible card misuse because of that. Due to this they have temporarily closed their site, so the page that came up was a simple explanation that they are still trading, just not online at present. Further into the page I noticed this fab sign....


Nice one Lush!