Can Men and Women Be Friends?

We are often told that it is impossible for a man and a woman to be friends. Like in When Harry Met Sally for instance. But why do people think this? Because either individual will feel something more than friendship. Is this really true? Can a man and woman not simply be friends, enjoy each other's company and support one another emotionally when needed? When people with common interests are found, we should be pleased at the prospect of being able to share our passions. But in a world where people settle for less, are we looking for a spark even where there is none? It seems that we do. Friendship is like a wingless bird. But what purpose does a bird serve if not to fly?


Women can be bad at reading signals, finding suitable boyfriends and it may explain why we desire the unattainable ones; gays, celebrities, superiors at work, husbands, etc. It makes them fascinating because they can never be ours and we can never know them as intimately as we would like. We are curious about these creatures; what secrets do they hide, what are their eccentricities and so on.

In a sense, a friend is unattainable. After all, despite the fact that you are close and discuss the most intimate aspects of your life, there is a distance between you. Yes, there can be sexual tension. But while watching soap operas together? While chatting about the uneventful Sunday you spent vacuuming your apartment? Friends will listen to us whether we say something newsworthy or not. It's part of the deal. But a friendship that is rooted in humour and chit-chat is far removed from a romantic attachment. How do you even transition from cooking tips to bedroom trips? With strangers, the rules are clear. You ask each other out, go on a date and if all goes well, you get a kiss goodbye. Easy-peasy.

But it's a different story all together when you're attracted to a friend. How do you know if someone is romantically interested in you or just needs someone to talk to? He laughs at your jokes, touches you, keeps in touch. But all friends do that. It makes perfect sense that we fall for our friends. We get along famously, have the greatest laughs and make each other happy. So isn't it a very small step then for admiration to turn into attraction? Yes. And yet, it doesn't make it any easier to start a romantic relationship. If the relationship is not a success, you may your friend forever and be sorry. But if you never even take a gamble, you will be the sorrier.

So how do we know if it's worth the risk? We don't. We can only hope. So, considering our friendships seduce us with a comfort that cannot be easily matched by a stranger, it is no wonder we wish to date our friends. We are at ease around them, know their character and have been acquainted with their darkest secrets. We feel safe. And that is a feeling worth preserving. So we go on the prowl. But our friend might have hidden qualities you did not know he possessed. He could be a horrible lover, a terrible grouch in the morning or, worst of all, possessive. So perhaps it is not so safe to date a friend after all. Because you can never know someone perfectly. Now we have determined that many friends are attracted to each other, is it possible to feel only regard and no passion? Yes.


Even for attractive people. Even if someone makes you laugh, treats you with kindness and would never forsake you it is quite possible neither of you wishes to cross the boundaries of friendship. But does it happen often? Probably not. And then there's friends with benefits. Where do they fit in? More often than not, you lust for them but love does not enter the equation. So what is that then? A human's need to get physical to someone they like. Primal, sporatic and lost between friendship and romantic attachment. Relationships are never white or black. Usually, they have several shades of grey and that makes them so complicated. 

Sixties Sophistication: Mad Details on Mad Men

Count me among those who have yet to see Mad Men. Although the show looks undeniably stylish and has been lavished with numerous awards, I've yet to see one episode. After a long day at the office, I lack the time to watch series after series. Having recently finished my Supernatural S1 - S4 DVD box, I've now continued with House (S1 - S6). I can squeeze in one or two episodes a night before I go to bed and manage a few more on the weekends. Even so, you do the math. It'd take me another few months before I have time to immerse myself in the sixties world of Mad Men.

But that doesn't mean I'm not interested. You might think it's the costumes that are beginning to draw me in; pictures of pretty ensembles appear frequently all over the internet. Or you might think it's the billboard charm of Don Draper that piques my curiosity and honestly, he knows how to wear his suits with style. Or you might think it's the time period in general that puts Mad Men on the top of my to-see list. Nope. My mind was made up when I read an article about the props. Yes, you read that right. The reason I want to see Mad Men is because of the details rather than the big picture. Mostly the perfume bottle holder. It's a gorgeous piece that really completes the scene.

I'll show you what I mean. Click the link at the bottom to view the article and images in their original size for better viewing.

CLASSY: Characters Roger Sterling and Don Draper in a bar scene

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1315217/Revealed-The-incredible-attention-TVs-stylish-period-drama-Mad-Men.html#ixzz1C3K6hzV6

Fashion Fantastic: Christian Dior Chique

Modern fashion can be fabulous. But judging from these photographs, you have to be a millionaire to afford any of it. Nevertheless, let's sit back and enjoy the beauty of John Galliano's creations. Some bold choices with Fifties chique make-up and hairdo's.

The colours from the show greatly varied from pastels to bright reds. Volume seemed a key word as there was an abundance of flowing gowns coupled with dramatic headdresses and detail.

Note all the red flowing designs and the exaggerated puff sleeves. To say not everyone could get away with this look would be an understatement. That being said, some of the models look seriously underfed and in need of a dozen Happy Meals. 

My personal favourite. This one actually seems relatively wearable as far as designer clothing goes. I love the big fluffy shoulder. Would certainly leave that black face scarf home.

Here come the headdresses. With their fierce red lipsitck and classy do's, they could star in Mad Men and not look out of place. Save for the red eyebrows perhaps...

The Joys of Being Single

What's so bad about being single? Nothing, really but we are constantly manipulated to think that something is wanting when we are without a partner. We but need to turn on the radio to be bombarded with the latest pop sensation crooning a love song. What's all the fuss about? Is love really so indispensible? I don't think it is. Yes, relationships have their perks - someone to share your life with, to discuss your hopes and dreams with. But apart from the occasional romantic gesture on Valentine's Day, love is not all it's cracked up to be. Do we hear a John Williams soundtrack when we lock lips with that special person? Do we overcome all obstacles and get back together at the very end? More often than not, we don't. Not even close. Our princes would rather play a game of football with some mates, play poker or hang out at the local pub. Hardly romantic, is it? And then there's some of them who just sit around the house all day playing computer games on their playstation because there's this ''new, awesome game out!''. How many men actually buy us flowers or take us out to dinner? Not many. Besides, do you really want to sacrifice your spare time to babysit a 30-year old little boy? Probably not.

For one reason or another, relationships usually don't work out. Whether it's because we simply have different goals or don't get along anymore, no man is worth crying over. After all, life as a single woman has many advantages. We can do whatever we like! If we want, we can belt out all our favourite pop songs without disturbance. We can hang out with our girlfriends every night or call them every hour. We don't have to feign interest in his day-to-day sports conversations anymore or suffer through tedious chats about work, computers or cars. We can just sit back with a large tube of ice-cream and have a chick flick marathon without pesky boyfriends trying to feel us up or making us feel guilty for eating something with calories. We can flirt with whomever we like and it doesn't come with any consequences. We can have brief, meaningless flirtations just for the fun of it and go shopping without a comment about how ''you plundered another store!'' All those little habits of ours we try to hide to appeal to men can come to light again and even be celebrated. No more boys nights with rude friends we can't stand.

Singletons live life from moment to moment. They don't need anyone's permission to move to Spain if they feel so inclined. When in a relationship, it limits you. When single, you are free. And it's a great feeling. No responsibilities, no rules and regulations. You live life as you want and if anyone doesn't like it, they can go to hell. Really, is a romantic stroll on the beach worth all the trouble? When romance is so hard to find, why do we keep looking or even worse, settle for less? Let us be free and let romance come to us. And if it doesn't come, do we really need it?

Reading List 2011

Enough already.

I'm sick of buying new books only to display them on my shelf. I'm sick of starting to read a book and then abandoning it with equal enthusiasm.

What is the point of having a bookshelf full of books if they're only there for decorative purposes?

I've made myself a promise this year: I will not buy any new books before I have read every book on the shelf.

I'm writing this at work so the list below may in incomplete. First draft:

THE LIST OF DOOM:

READ:

Pride and Prejudice
Northanger Abbey
Persuasion
The Painted Veil
Masterclass in writing fiction
The art and craft of storytelling
Bridget Jones's Diary

STARTED READING:

Wuthering Heights
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Emma

UNREAD:

Mansfield Park
Sense and Sensibility - part of my Reading Challenge
Victorian Life
A Journal Of the Plague Year
Ulysses
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Middlemarch
Anne of Green Gables (not yet received)

I'm happy about one thing: that most of my books are still back home so I can't possibly read those (excuses, excuses...).

After that I should move on to my e-reader. That's still chock-full of partially-read books. But that'll come later. Let's start reading! Once I finish one of them, I will write a review.

The Actual King's Speech

If anyone, like myself, is interested in hearing the actual King's Speech that inspired the motion picture, take a listen below. Colin Firth sounds very much like the real king. And no stutter in sight (ear)!

Very impressive, Bertie! Funny how such audio fragments from yesteryears have retained their magic. Just listening to his speech, I am transported to that time of unrest and uncertainty.

"In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself.

For the second time in the lives of most of us we are at war. Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict. For we are called, with our allies, to meet the challenge of a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilised order in the world.
It is the principle which permits a state, in the selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges; which sanctions the use of force, or threat of force, against the sovereignty and independence of other states.

Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that might is right; and if this principle were established throughout the world, the freedom of our own country and of the whole British Commonwealth of Nations would be in danger. But far more than this - the peoples of the world would be kept in the bondage of fear, and all hopes of settled peace and of the security of justice and liberty among nations would be ended.

This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the world's order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge.

It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm, firm, and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God's help, we shall prevail. May God bless and keep us all".

Review: The King's Speech

When a movie is surrounded by buzz, it invariably disappoints. Luckily, The King's Speech, a costume drama revolving a king with a stutter, escaped this tradition. Much has been said about the performances of Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Colin Firth, most famously known as Mr. Darcy from both Pride and Prejudice and the Bridget Jones films has often suffered criticism regarding his craft. They accused him of being cold and distant - a very English characteristic. Although I didn't agree with them (just remember the passion of Mr. Darcy or even the unexpected frivolity he displayed in Mama Mia), he wasn't considered one of Britain's great actors.

But fresh on the heels of last year's Best Actor nod for A Single Man, a film that might have breathed new life into his career, Colin has finally silenced his critics with a performance that encompasses many different emotions. At times, Bertie is vulnerable and insecure - convinced he is no king. At other moments, his angry outbursts remind us of what lurks beneath the surface. He portrays a man never meant to be king but thrust into the limelight by circumstances. When his brother, a very unlikeable fellow played by Guy Pierce, abdicates in favour of his American divorcée, Bertie suddenly finds himself king.

Naturally, kings are expected to deliver speeches and having a stammer can be a rather embarrassing business. It is evident in the beginning of the film, that many options have already been explored and none of the methods proved particularly effective. The therapist who asked Bertie to speak with a mouthful of marbles comes to mind. His wife (Helena Bonham Carter) seeks out a more reliable speech therapist and finds the eccentric Lionel Logue. At first resistant to his methods, the king eventually succumbs. As Bertie settles into his speech therapy sessions with Lionel, played brilliantly by the great Geoffrey Rush, we learn to laugh at swearwords and witness some unusual muscle exercises. 

As we witness Bertie's growing confidence, we see (or should that be hear) great progress in his speech. But there are always those who make him nervous. He continues to struggle around his brother and whenever an official event presents itself, his stutter returns with a vengeance. Taking all these things into account, it is an unnerving moment when, at the end of his journey, he is handed The King's Speech. We care about these characters and I held my breath when Bertie began his speech. And that's just how it should be. The King's Speech is a film well worth seeing with good performances all around. Notable mention to Jennifer Ehle for her commendable Australian accent in a very underused role. If Colin Firth wins Best Actor at the Oscar's this year, it will be a very well-deserved honour, indeed.

5/5 stars

Dating and the Workplace

Is it morally acceptable to date a colleague - or even worse - your boss? At work a certain standard of professionalism is to be maintained. Colleagues rarely turn into friends. It is a different kind of relationship. One that ends with your shift. Or does it? Once you allow a colleague to step into your private life, confusion ensues. That professional relationship between two colleagues or a boss and an employee is easily disrupted when business and pleasure amalgamate.

A drink, a dinner, a breakfast in a foreign house. The start of a new relationship is exciting enough without the complications of being involved with someone from work. Couples usually separate after their morning routine and are reunited after a busy day at the office. But for the work place love affair it is only the beginning. It is the ultimate test. To be around each other constantly, intensely.

Hour after hour. Breathing in his perfume as he leans over your desk to clarify an issue beyond your expertise or walking past him on the hall way as your eyes meet and you reminisce the magic of the previous night. Your conversation is light - casual. ''How are you? Are you busy today?'' No sign of the passion you know is slithering underneath the surface. It is a convincing mask of good behaviour. It is tempting to glance at his desk every so often. Your favourite distraction. Just to catch a glimpse of that smile.

But you are different people here. Not lovers, holdings hands and an embrace of souls. But two people reaching for the brightest star of the career ladder. Working together, sleeping together. Yay or nay? One might argue that a tension arises after that first night. How are we to act at work? Will we reveal our romantic attachment to one another or will it be a clandestine love affair? Who are we to tell? Friends? Maybe. Family? Maybe. No one? Might be best. Who do we trust? Many opt for secrecy over honesty. Why? They might not understand. They might disapprove. They will talk.

The more important he is the more they will gossip as if you were characters from a soap opera or the next door neighbour known for her promiscuity. So a distance is created between the two lovers. For the sake of work. The truth is covered up with an indifference that can be confused with estrangement. At least one of the two will be unhappy with the neglect that follows. Whether it is worth it, is another question.

What is more important: your relationship or your job? And then there is the inevitable finding out. No secret can be kept forever. There is always that one chance encounter with a colleague one cannot avoid. And then it's all over. ''You'll never guess who I just saw at the cafe.''

And how will you deal with the fact that your relationship is the hottest topic of conversation amongst colleagues? The whispers, the looks. Your private life exposed. Do you even want to know what they think? Probably not. But a small part of you cannot help but be curious. And what if the boss is the man you love? Some might consider it inappropriate to date a superior. They might wonder if it is that promotion you seek rather than love. And it is somewhat unusual for your lover to correct your mistakes, not to mention awkard. But a necessary evil. The day ends and the embarrassment fades.

When the two lovers walk home after work, chatting about difficult customers or issues that had to be resolved, they switch roles upon entering the apartment. Work leaves the conversation and more often than not, the conversation makes way for passion. He unbuttons your coat and nuzzles your ear as you clumsily remove your boots and sit upon the bed, waiting for him to join you.

Gone is that common interest that dominates your discourse: Work. It's dating by association. All that remains now is the will to be close to him. For his hands to explore your body and keep you warm. For the night to stay so morning will not transport you back to that workplace of indifference. But it will. Ready yourself.

Creating your Own Vintage Wardrobe

I'm sure I'm not the only one who admired the wardrobe of Downton Abbey. I've always had a thing for historical clothing - they're classy, sophisticated and unique. Back in the day, the rich had tailors and fashion was still an art. Ladies put in the effort to be stylish and sleek. Sometimes, their style became a part of their reputation and attracted men. That has become a rarity.

In today's world, we all dress alike. Not many still design their own clothes or peruse vintage stores for that one jewel. Sadly, classy isn't en vogue anymore. Quite the contrary. Tacky is. Ironically, Dita von Teese is an exception. Although I don't condone her lifestyle or profession, I greatly admire her fashion sense. Vintage can be beautiful and it makes us stand out.

                                                          Edwardian fashion in Downton Abbey

Nowadays, pencil skirts and fishnet tights have become the norm. Sure, the secretary look can be sexy, even pretty. But not nearly everyone has the figure to pull it off. Many women suffer from chunky ankles and flabby thighs. Modern clothing does us few favours. So, how can we get our hands on vintage designs with their long, flowing gowns and puff sleeves? Every now and then, Victorian influences creep into today's fashion. But most of the blouses are transparent. What do you wear with that? Other tops have an unusual cut that doesn't flatter us. I've given up on high street stores (well, with some exceptions as listed below). So I've turned my attention to other resources instead.

Class, accessories and style are united in this striped number

As I like to say: Google is your friend. Many websites are dedicated to vintage reproductions to fulfill our every need. If it is an antique're looking for, Ebay might be the answer. I spent a large portion of this morning searching for Victorian and Edwardian items and stumbled upon over a dozen original outfits - some dating back as far as the 1880's. And of good quality, too! So, I put in a bid or two and fingers crossed, I will soon be the owner of an antique Victorian jacket. Naturally, they cost rather more than a reproduction but they're certainly worth it.

Another alternative is Etsy - more suitable for those who, like most of us, live on a budget. You'd be surprised at the amount of vintage inspired clothes and accessories people have made and put up for sale. It is relatively cheap, innovative and you'll be hard-pressed to run into someone wearing the same outfit.

                                                          Ruffles galore in Anne of Green Gables

Fashion tip: Notice how in Anne of Green Gables a simple blouse and waistcoat combination instantly gives you a classy, vintage look. I'm sure everyone has a white blouse somewhere hidden in the corners of their wardrobe. Waistcoats are easy to come by in regular stores. Try different styles for different results. Experimentation is key so start mixing and matching! Couple it with a long skirt in neutral tones and you could end up with a Victorian/Steampunk looking fashion hit on your hands. Notice how in the picture below Anne has a small watch on her waistcoat; you can also try a small brooch or pin. Adding that little accessory will liven up your wardrobe and keep things fresh.

                                                          The classical blouse/waistcoat/straw hat combination

Accessories:

Try adding a choker to your dress for a little extra sparkle. See how Mary spruced up her dress by accessorizing. Otherwise, a subtle string of pearls might do the trick. Pay close attention to period drama to see just how effective a well-placed necklace or headdress can be. Gloves are also a real eye-catcher. Nothing says elegance like the evening gown - elbow-length gloves combination. For outside strolls and picnics, you should give a straw hat a try. They come in many different styles, with all sorts of ribbon, feathers and even fruit. 

                                           Mary's choker might be recycled but it's a stunner.

Links:
"Edwardian" search results on Google
"Vintage dresses" search results on Google
Edwardian dresses on Ebay
Regency dresses, hats and patterns on Ebay

                                               The very definition of puff sleeves.

A Regency Scene - A Mischievous Scheme

A continuation of: part 1 and part 2

The only person in the county to share her opinion was her best friend, Amelia Warren, whom she had known since childhood. Miss Warren, who was three years her senior, acted the part of her adviser in all matters of importance; it was mainly through her influence that the Hamilton family lived with economy and good taste. Amelia frequently with her brought the latest news from Paris in terms of fashion and the occasional gossip. Thanks to her great wealth and title, Miss Warren could do whatever she pleased and had taken a lover rather than a husband.

The only reason society still acknowledged her was because her promiscuity was a private affair only Audrey could confirm. The lover had to her even been introduced; Mr. Dawson, a gentleman’s second son and therefore heir to nothing except an allowance of a meagre 500 pounds per annum. This display of shocking indecorum initially repulsed Miss Hamilton. But once she saw the freedom the arrangement provided and the many pleasures her friend was privy to, she began to envy her situation rather than condemning it.

“You should take a lover, Audrey. Disinterested as you are in marriage, you should still allow yourself access to the pleasures of matrimony,” Amelia imparted as they were drinking tea in the drawing room.

Audrey’s eyes grew dilated and she shifted in her seat and fidgeted with her dress.

“That is impossible. I should fear being discovered. Besides, I have not completely despaired of men; after all, Catherine found herself an excellent husband so it can be done. We are to organise a ball next week at The Crown. Mr. Sharpe has engaged me for a dance and I am promised an introduction to the elusive Mr. Beckham.”

The man featured in their conversation with some regularity and both were anxious to make his acquaintance to find out his true nature. “Oh, I forgot to mention – my mother lately stumbled upon Mr. Beckham at her tailor; she told me he is excessively handsome and exceedingly obliging.”

Miss Hamilton could not but laugh at her theatrical language. “Which does not account for his treatment of us. I shall believe it when I experience his kindness myself; I do not trust another’s opinions. Our neighbours are too impressionable to be relied upon for any sort of valuable information.”

“And does my mother fall in that category?” Amelia teased.

“She’s certainly knowledgeable compared to mine.”

Amelia smiled. “Oh, high praise, indeed! But let us speak in earnest. Are you on the lookout for a husband?”

Even Audrey herself did not know her heart. “Only a very great man can tempt me to accept him. I have not seen a worthy suitor yet. But mama has set her sights on a visit to London so that might remedy my predicament.”

Miss Warren adored London and had long wished her friend to spend the season there; she knew Audrey to be a hopeless romantic and no romance could be found in the country at present – all eligible bachelors had gone away to Town to catch an heiress.

“I think it a very good development. You stayed away too long – such country grudges sully one’s reputation. Besides, I have a great acquaintance in Town and I shall endeavour to introduce you to every single one of them.”

Audrey sipped her tea and indulged in some quiet reflection; perhaps she had stayed away too long, indeed. “I am much obliged, Amelia. My only worry is that no one shall notice me when you stand next to me.”

Although the two friends were equal in beauty and wit, Amelia’s wealth and prospects were superior. Audrey, though respectable and rich, could offer no title or grand estate.

“Nonsense. I have made it perfectly clear I do not wish to marry. No gentleman would willingly subject himself to a rejection by making me an offer. No, I am quite resolved to promote you as the most beautiful, angelic and sweet-tempered girl in the country. You shall have all the attentions that you deserve. You may rely upon it.”

But Miss Hamilton, having endured only one proposal and one season in London, flushed at the notion of such relentless attentions to her person. She hoped that those vying for her notice would be well worth the effort. “They shall abandon me once an introduction to my mother has been made.”

Ever since returning to the country since her disastrous first season, her mother had scared away any potential suitors; her persistence was infamous, her methods questionable.

“Do not make yourself uneasy. The gentleman in Town are far too worldly to be so easily discouraged; but, perhaps I should include a warning in my promotion of fair Miss Hamilton. It might arouse their sympathy, rather than their abhorrence.”

But the idea sickened Miss Hamilton. “No, pray don’t speak of my mother. I will invent some scheme to keep her home. I might apply to the generosity of my aunt and uncle in escorting me to events. They are sociable creatures and very fond of me. They often write to beg me to come visit. I shall make my apologies to my mother and explain. To do so without injuring her shall be my only difficulty.”

“Can we not send you to Town under some pretext? Surely, your relatives have need of you. Otherwise I will take it upon myself to devise a reason. At any rate, I could accompany you so your arrival would cause the necessary alarm and curiosity.”

“Oh, yes. Mama dotes on you. She thinks you a very good influence (ahem). I am certain of her acquiescence if we were to travel together.”

Amelia’s eyes glistened with mischief. “Now all we have to do is tell her.”

At such times of emotional trial she turned to poetry: John Keats was her current favourite, after a brief time of Wordsworth. It was in poems a gleam of life with all its promise and potential revealed itself to her. "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," she recited to herself to give her courage. Taking in a sharp breath, she entered her mother's room and thought to herself: what would Jane do? Jane, of course, being Jane Austen.

Movie Spotlight: Bright Star

                                                                                                                              John Keats portrait
Bright Star is unlike most period films. For one, anyone familiar with John Keats his life can reveal the film will have no happy ending. If the lovers do not live happily ever after, then what is the strength of the film? It has first-class acting, beautiful poetry, colourful costumes and lovely scenery. The film starts as Keats moves next door to Fanny Brawne and is far from successful as an author. Reviews for his poem ''Endymion'' are bad - humiliatingly so. But his fashionista neighbour, who makes a living designing clothes, sees his potential when she hears the first passage:

A THING of beauty is a joy for ever:

Its loveliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.       

To say that their relationship soon blossoms into a passionate romance would sell the affair short for they did not immediately get on well. However, once they ceased to dispute, it allowed them to form a friendship which transitioned into a life-altering love affair. As lovers, they corresponded and never consumated their love as circumstances prevented them from getting married.

After a long night out in the cold, Keats grew weak and sickly and soon began to exhibit the symtoms of consumption. Despite her best efforts, Fanny is unable to cure him and he is sent away to Italy to test the warmer climate. Unfortunately, it is too late and Keats quickly dies, leaving Fanny heartbroken and reciting the poem he dedicated to her in between sobs:

Bright Star

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art--
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever--or else swoon to death.

Excerpts from the film:  

     



Costumes in the film:

Fanny Brawne, a budding fashionista, designs all her own costumes. As such, the picture is filled to the brim with interesting costumes and experimental designs. It gives the film a unique look that sets it apart from its fellow period dramas. Below you see a few of Fanny's lovely outfits as seen in the film. Some of them are plain outrageous, while others catch my attention due to their simplicity and elegance.

That is some collar, Fanny!

Regency Barbie?

Possibly the most beautiful image in recent film

Interviews with the Cast and Crew:




 

The Audition of Life

                                              Auditions in TV-show Glee

Do you think auditions are only held in showbiz? Think again. To quote a very wise man: "All the world is a stage and the men and women are merely players. There are exits and entrances and a man plays many parts." That's your daily dose of Shakespeare right there. And how right he is. Let us contemplate this concept for a moment. What events might warrant the label audition? A date, where there is but one judge and a picky one at that. The tiniest error can be rewarded with the real life version of being voted off. Something stuck between your teeth? Your laugh gets scary when you're nervous? It can all be the last straw. But at least a date is a mutual audition. The power is divided 50/50. That's not too bad.

Other auditions might let you be judged by several people. There's round one, two or even three. It's Working Girl Idol without the catchy theme song. In a way, it resembles a pageant. You're asked questions and the answers you so nervously and tremulously provide might not be the ones they're looking for. A job hunt is a merciless process. The job market is a dangerous jungle where evil predators lurk in every corner. Sometimes you mistake a tiger for a squirrel and end up being stomped on and bossed around for weeks on end. And that is assuming you get the job you thought you wanted. The interview itself is mostly a reminder of how many candidates out there are better than you, more experienced than you, prettier than you or more confident than you.

So what's worse than a job interview? That question inevitably leads us back to where we started; in showbiz. Dancers, actors, singers. They've all been there. There's a room full of people, making notes (or drawing stick figures more like...) and looking important. In films these scenes always contain different kind of ''judges'':

* The nerdy judge with glasses who must've accidentally wandered into the audition room since he's either a math professor or computer wiz.
* The friendly looking female, young, pretty and with a huge smile plastered on her face.
* The grumpy old man looking forward to his retirement or Ibiza holiday.

In films, the audition scene is the conclusion of years of struggle and training. Will he/she make it? In real life, the audition is only the beginning. What happens when a date goes well? Is the relationship any easier? Is it not too a test? And if you get that job, how will you get on with your colleagues? Every relationship is an audition. Sometimes we reach round two and sometimes we don't even make it to the start button on the stereo, indicating it has begun. Judges are always around. Sometimes they reward us with a raise at work. Other times we get a plate thrown at us like a faulty boomerang. A compliment will help us fit in. And we know how certain behaviour will make us popular. How? Secondary school never ends. The audition for popularity continues.

Picture the cafeteria. All those tables. All those social classes. Geeks, preps, stoners, class clowns, jocks, intellectuals, gangsters, etc. We think that the social class system ends on graduation. But does it? Is the workplace really that different? Just think back to lunch hour. A man walks in and instantly he is beckoned to join several others. Why? Status, reputation. Whatever you prefer to call it. Some people are likable. And those inferior to him would like to surround themselves with such people, hoping it will rub off on them. But what even makes them inferior? In my experience, they mostly lack the sense of humour a truly popular employee needs to maintain his position. They are the preps of the workplace. Talkative, loud, chuckling men who don't shy away from R-rated humour. And those men/women more reserved and silent who'd rather read than chat...they could be called the adult equivalent of geeks. Shy individuals with a lot on their mind. Not friendless, but not the centre of attention. And to them, that's just fine.

Books vs. E-readers

I bought the Sony Pocket Edition E-reader a while ago and have been using it for months now. As such, I would like to discuss the advantages of e-readers and compare them to those of regular books so potential buyers might make up their mind more easily.

E-reader:

* Light and relatively small. Makes it easy to carry and enables you to read without getting in anyone's way.

* Modern, pretty design. Will make it look as if you are up-to-date on technology. 

* Room for up to 300 books so you only need one device to keep yourself entertained.

* Automatically keeps track of your progress. No need to use bookmarkers.

* The eBook library allows you to transfer PDF, Word and other text files to your e-reader.

* When you order an e-book, you don't have to wait for delivery. You can download it instantly.

Cons:

* New product so not all books are available yet as e-books.

* Don't come with bookcovers.
* Not the same as a rare first edition on your bookshelf.

Books:

* Have a lovely cover that looks good on your bookshelf.

* Are available in different editions that can be quite valuable.

* More books available than e-books.

* Give one an air of intellect (also a potential con when viewed as a bookwurm)

* Perusing a bookshop can be a nice experience, looking for the purchase that's just right.

Cons:

* Heavy and usually quite big.
* Books take longer to be delivered when ordered online.

* More fragile - can tear rather easily. 

Conclusion:

The e-reader clearly has the advantage in terms of storage space and comfort but books still hold a certain charm. You don't really sit down with an e-reader and a glass of wine so books have the edge when it comes to ambiance. It's fun to visit a stuffy bookstore or read a book at Borders with a cup of coffee. The e-book market is one that is limited to cyberspace and that is not a very welcoming or friendly environment. Practical? Yes, certainly. But I understand why some readers are hesitant to make the switch.

Any thoughts? Anyone agree or disagree? 

In the Footsteps of Cleopatra

So I went to Egypt this last August for a week. It certainly was an interesting holiday - the kind that makes you rethink what you know. Although it only lasted a meagre 8 days, it felt like an eternity. I've learned to appreciate the strange Muslim chanting to announce prayer and the funny guttural language that surrounded me. It was my first visit to Africa and it definitely left an impression. I thought it interesting to stand face-to-sand with the pyramids and crawl down the stairs into the empty treasure chamber. The crowds, the smells, the emptiness. It's nothing like in the movies and that's how it should be.

Hot is another word that comes to mind when describing Egypt in August. 46 degrees hot one unfortunate afternoon. Also, camels, not a very comfortable means of transportation. Those creatures are in desperate need of a seatbelt up there to stop you from gliding down again. We travelled in a luxurious cruise ship complete with paddling pool (advertised as a small swimming pool) and hunky Egyptian crew in hormone overdrive.

While there, we engaged in many excursions to the ancient temples built by the Pharaohs of Egypt. Luckily, we did not encounter any mummies (except in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo). The holiday had many highlights and few low points, most of which were self-inflicted (we arrived a tad late at the airport and had to have our luggage sent after us on a later plane which forced us to borrow someone else's clothes for several days) so all in all, the experience was very satisfying.

The only real nuisance on the trip were the pesky salesmen one met with all over the place - mostly at the tourist hot spots, admittedly. We found ourself cornered, chased and tempted with phrases such as: "Beautiful girl! Everything is free here!" Many seemed to think that complimenting our appearance would open up our wallets but they were out of luck with our group. We rarely even acknowledged their request with a response and simply soldiered on. Ignoring them seemed the best solution. The locals themselves were all friendliness. The children, from a young age, happily greet the tourists with a bubbly "Hello!" and an old man helped us cross the street in a busy area.

We discussed religion, marriage and relationships with the crew of the boat (not with the hormone-driven ones mentioned before) and learned to put aside our differences and become friends. In a sense, this holiday taught me that no matter where we come from, what we believe in and how we dress, we're all the same in essentials. I now look at the Muslims in my country through new eyes - more critically than before because my expectations are raised due to the decent Egyptians I met and befriended. Maybe we all need to travel to different continents once in a while - to get out of our comfort zone and expand our horizons. Plus, it's a nice excuse to dabble in exotic fashion, try to learn a new language (they will undoubtedly teach you the bad words first as the rules of language acquisition dictates) and meet new friends in unexpected places.