My Magical Place: The Sky Does Fall

"We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." - Tennyson

 

My earlier predictions concerning the falling of the sky turned out to be rather modest because Skyfall is without a doubt the best James Bond movie to date! I've seen less than 10 out of the 23 of them but I say this with the utmost confidence. I know the lore and that's enough on which to form my conclusion. The movie is aware of its 50 year-old heritage and smashes it only to rebuild it and thus reinforce it. Skyfall goes through some pains to emphasise change in the franchise but also goes out of its way to reinforce tradition - it's a fun struggle to watch before it settles on a balance between the two. The re-introduction of Q and Moneypenny is seamless. Both Ben Whishaw and Noamie Harris play their 'modern' updates of the characters very well.

Aside: Whishaw is really doing the rounds and making a name for himself. I also think that Britain is at a place where their seasoned actors are at their peak and the new generation is very talented, which worked well for Skyfall. That tug of war between the old and the new is always at play.

Daniel Craig is amazing! He's the perfect James Bond: highly athletic, intelligent, brutal, witty, murderous and looks damn good in a suit.

Dame Judi Dench delivers her most hands-on role in her Bond movie career and plays it to near perfection. Bérénice Marlohe may be the official Bond Girl but M is the real Bond Girl in Skyfall, or Bond Mom if you're looking to be more accurate. The relationship between her and Bond runs deep and the manner in which Sam Mendes explores it is heartfelt and genuine. There’s a scene in which she reads from Tennyson’s Ulysses and it wrenches your heart out of your chest.

Javier Bardem as villain, Silva is another of the many highlights of Skyfall. He is a lunatic. He is amusing and very disturbing at the same time. He is not over-the-top like many classical Bond villains though. You get what his agenda is and you can sympathise with him.

Keep an eye on Ralph Fiennes' character, Gareth Mallory. He is quite periphery but makes an impact.

The script is all about the small things and how they lend to the overall picture and the dialogue is as crisp as fresh lettuce.

The real Bond Girl

I could nitpick and point out that the movie does get silly in some places but I choose not to because I'm a terrible critic and because the silliness ads to the 007 tradition.

During the final credits I was texting a friend of mine telling her how the opening theme to Bond movies is usually the most tedious part for me and that it was not the case this time around, even after having heard Adele's Skyfall to death prior to seeing the movie.

So folks if you've not done so go and see Skyfall. Stop whatever it is that you are doing and go to the cinema. Now!

Alien Vision: 99EERAKD9QN7

I'm having alien visions. You, faithful reader, can just ignore them.

99EERAKD9QN7

That is all.

Letters to God #6

'Please, I want so badly for good things to happen.' - Sylvia Plath

Pieces of Letters to God

Hi Big G,

How are You doing today? I'm going to gym in a bit, which is pretty much the only thing that's working out for me. I spend most of my days pretty much looking forward to gym - it's a cool drug to be addicted to as far as I can make out. It's much better than my addiction to coffee.

Tell me, Big G, what's Your workout routine like? It must be hard finding a sparring partner or someone to spot You. No one can claim to understand #GodWorld problems, You're pretty much on Your own. If You ever want to grab some ice-cream we can do that and I really don't mind listening.

Mother's sick and she's quite stubborn in her ways - which are unhealthy ways. She doesn't look after herself and that's not working out well. I'm worried and don't know what to do. I'm not the best son at the best of times. It's like that dude who wrote Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Edward Albee is it? That guy. He said that his adoptive parents weren't good at being parents and he wasn't good at being a son and so they parted ways. I don't think I want it to come to that. I like my people a little bit. May I please have some guidance in this area. Thanks a lot.

'I wanna be the best who ever did it

Don't know if that goal is feasible, or it isn't

But if it is then God, if you're listenin'

Please grant me the strength to crush all competition

You can't blame me for dreaming, I'm a dreamer

And if I'm coming off brash please forgive me

But, that's all I want'

- Eminem on Slaughterhouse's Our House

I'm working that inspiration angle like a geometer! I'm in my writing lab everyday now, working on a mixture of words that matter and carry enough weight to uplift hearts. I'm trying to discover the God particles that make up the words that will bring contentment to my soul. I even got a tattoo that reads: Imagine on my wrist to inspire me to sit my ass down and imagine new, shiny horizons on my keyboard. I've mucked up a lot and continue to do so - it's a hard tangle to get out of but I want to flip that shit and become a laptop toting media ninja, killing folk with sneaky insights into everything nerdy entertainment. Please keep giving me the mana potions to blast down media doors and write well.

'I am over 25

And I can't make a name for myself

Some nights I break down and cry'

- fun., One Foot

I don't even know what to say about my other pursuits hey... Life, love, money, drugs, beer and all the rest. It's a murky puddle I frown upon every morning. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold. I frown. The other night I thought about killing myself with a shoe or something. My sister says You're against that sort of thing though. So no shoes then?

'Oh my God! Have you listened to me lately?

Lately, I've been fucking crazy...'

- fun., Some Nights (Intro.)

I've also let some very good people down lately and I'm sorry for that. It's not my intention to ever hurt people so please send them all some good vibes if You can. Well, I know You can. I guess I mean if You think it'll help. I'm sad about this.

I'm re-visting Middle-earth and that's nice. It's like that Mandela 27 years thing where I imagine he felt every inch of his struggle and it all felt very righteous. The Elves make their sorrow in their struggle against Morgoth seem cool, they make it matter more than everyday pain. My sorrow always just feel lame - just like my life sucks and that's it, there's no other purpose there. Anyhoo, Middle-earth is a nice escape from the day-to-day crap of my so-called real life. If You're in that sort of mood please send me a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe sort of adventure. I'm too old, I know but it would be nice. Or You can send me my ex-therapist, Ursula. She was cool.

"Please keep giving me mana potions..."

It's always pretty rad-ical talking to You and telling You about all the strange things that befall me. I imagine our creator/creature relationship in the image of a puppy bringing its master a stick because masters love sticks - it's cute. Have Yourself a great evening and and say hi to the Heavenly host for me.

Love,

b3an_Champ

Audio Slave: fun. Some Nights Album Review

@b3an_Champ:

I like music as much as the next fellow... I've never really understood this saying but I mean to say that I like music a great deal but my physical being isn't that way inclined. I have little to no rhythm, three left feet (and I'm not even left footed) and I can't sing my way out of a paper bag. I like listening to music though, a lottle. Music affects my soulstuff in a subtle manner that makes me smile. This review (or commentary mayhap?), thus, is based on how fun.'s Some Nights makes me feel, which ranges from squishy inside to tears.  Joining me is @NthAsia, whose wisdom in this matter exceeds mine and she's more qualified to make judgement. She'll be adding her voice to mine.

And. Here. We. Go!

"It's all fun. and gay 'til someone loses their rights."

I've never heard of these dudes before stumbling on their single, Some Nights. I was at gym when I heard the song and I knew that the more I hear it the more I'll love it - sort of like seeing someone for the first time and knowing that you'll share a portion of yourself with them in the near future. I downloaded the single and let it make itself at home on my phone and gradually got into it and one day on the bus it broke me when the song's tone changes about halfway through and Nate Reuss sings: 'My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she call "love" / When I look into my nephew's eyes... / Man, you won't believe the most amazing things / That can come from some terrible lies'.

Some Nights turned out to be an odd sort of album for me... I like most of the songs on the album in general but I fully love half of songs like Some Nights, Carry On and Stars. Ruess starts off jokingly enough on serious or semi-serious matters and whilst you're bobbing your head, having a good time the song would transcend its jovial tone and break your heart: 'Well, some nights I rule the world with bar lights and pretty girls / But most nights I stay straight and think about my mom / Oh, God I miss her so much'. I'm still confuddled by such wizardry. It’s the sort of magic that makes you feel sorrow and makes you smile at the same time. I like how fun. blends emotions like sorrow and joy, it makes me feel like I can have a good time no matter how shitty my life gets.

I love all the songs on the album but the three that stand out for me are: Carry On, All Alright and Stars.

I’ve always been a big fan of acts from record label, Fueled by Ramen and fun.’s Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost and Nate Reuss are more than worthy to share space on my playlist with stable mates like Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard, Paramore, Panic! At the Disco and Gym Class Heroes.

"...some nights I rule the world with bar lights and pretty girls..."

@NthAsia:

I discovered FUN with their first single from Some Nights: We Are Young. I thought it was bold and, dare I say, fun. Who thinks of “set[ting] the world on fire”? I knew I had to get the full album. I did. And just like how @b3an_Champ says, it gives a sense of sharing a portion of yourself with someone, it does. Except in this case, Nate uses his voice to share the band’s portions and stories with you. I am hoping it is not just his stories he is telling, being the lead singer and all. Because, as much as the album sounds very connected, it’s also a lot for just one person to have gone through. Nate’s unique and somewhat raspy voice captures me in a way a sad story always has hope in it. Like how your heart will choose to love a drug addict. You are overwhelmed and hurt constantly by the need to save them, and are aware of the need to walk away, but the love pulls you in. Like honey and a swarm of stinging bees. I hope this makes sense to you somehow. This album is beautiful. People have called FUN the Queen of our time. I am not old enough to know much about Queen except the popular songs like I Want to Break Free and We Are the Champions. I cannot fully grasp what their sound was. But I do know FUN does make you travel back in time and into a space where your soul is fondled with great sadness. One of the few albums where I do not skip a single track, Some Nights will make some of your nights.

Some Nights I Chat to the Interwebs

22/11/2012

Some time in the evening, on a couch.

"Have you listened to me lately / Lately I've been going crazy!" - fun.

 Good evening Interwebs,

I trust that you’ve been well behaved and kept the shenanigans and tomfoolery at a minimum. I’m coming at you from the couch at the home front tonight – just to share a thought or two with you and a whole lot of imaginary vodka. Don't worry, I'm buying.

Me: Good evening Interwebs.
Interwebs: Good evening Charlie.

I'm just sitting here listening to some fun., Dia Frampton and The Mysterious Traveller radio drama, you know, a typical Thursday night for a cool cat such as myself. Dude, I gotta tell you. I straight up got to meet my future self the other day. Future Charlie was hanging out at a dingy bar and everything... I must say he's an oddball. He was feeling all kinds of suicidal and crap and had travelled to the past to kill himself. Sheesh! The nonsense future selves get up to. If I could travel back in time I'd fix things... No, wait, I've watched enough TV to know that doesn't work. I guess a spot in the past is an interesting place to kill oneself. Hmm... Go future Charlie. He was probably singing, 'I don't need a new love or a new life, just a better place to die.' Anyhoo, he still didn't have a beard so let's not pat him on the back too much. Before we parted he left me a letter that I’ve not opened yet but as soon as I do I’ll let you read it. I just hope it’s not as morbid as he is.

"I’m coming at you from the couch at the home front tonight..."

Aside: Daniel in Dia Frampton's song about him sounds like a really cool fellow, very quirky and all. He sleeps without pillows in a house on Cherry Street.

Tell me stories, Interwebs, what's been happening with you aside from all the illegal downloading and porn? Ah, people on social networks annoying you. Alas, you actually have to deal with everybody on social networks, you can't just unfollow them or unfriend them. Anyhoo, speaking of unfriending, how does one do that in real life? Some people just don't get that I don't want to hang with them, even after I'd said it. A tazer you say... I like the way you think. Have you thought about acquiring one for yourself to give those people who annoy you a little jolt? Google one that would deliver a fatal charge if administered correctly. It's a good thing we're friends, you and I, so my constant whining when I'm sad or jumping up and down when I'm happy doesn't annoy you. I'm a pretentious prick but you love me. I'll buy you more imaginary vodka if you say yes... Some nights (snicker) I sit here and tell you the biggest load of crap and act like it matters to the world at large and you listen, Interwebs, you listen to the stories about me killing my neighbours with paper planes carrying tiny nuclear explosives and you don't call the police folk. I like that about you.

Remember BB guns? I'm sure you do, what with your vault of infinite intelligence. Those were cool and would come with all the instructions about not shooting people or animals, your only allowed target of living things was plants and that was probably because everyone simply forgot to add them to the list. The guys who made BB guns wanted to sell children guns that are fun because you could shoot your friend’s eye out but at the same time wanted to promote non-violence. They should've added a tagline that reads: 'Enjoy BB guns responsibly. Don't shoot people, animals or plants. The only BBs we’re interested in now are of the RIM kind and they just aren’t as much fun as shooting your friend in the head and laughing whilst he cries.

Askew: Isabella should run away to Cherry Street and hook up with Daniel if he's not averse to the fact that she's a sleeping tiger come awake. The dude sleeps without pillows so I don't think he'd mind.

"equal opportunity brain cell destruction"

I’m tired now, all this imaginary vodka is going to my head and I need to lie down to evenly distribute it to all of my brain. I’m all about equal opportunity brain cell destruction after all. Listen, it was really nice talking to you and even though both of us deserve certificates for lunacy to proudly hang on our walls I think we’re okay. I’ll hit you up again soon and we can feed our imaginary alcohol habit. Be cool my slice of home.

C. S. Lewis Blog: Happy 75th Birthday to The Hobbit!

C. S. Lewis Blog: Happy 75th Birthday to The Hobbit!

“All I remember about the start of The Hobbit is sitting correcting School Certificate papers in the everlasting weariness of that annual task forced on impecunious academics with children. On a blank leaf I scrawled: ‘In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.’ I did not and do not know why.  I did nothing about it, for a long time.”

String Theory

I’ve not been living up to my Writer’s Creed from the very moment I penned it. That’s not a great start to being the best writer I can be. I landed a proper adult job that gets in the way of what was already a rather sporadic writing schedule and thus over the last five weeks or so my writing’s been a matter of strings – tiny little vibrations of ideas that would make up grand mindscapes if someone would make the effort to braid them together. I’ve had some moments of inspiration that I imagine could’ve turned out well if I’d taken the time to nurture them. My overall excuse is that I don’t have time, but that’s not true, all the weird other shit I get up to considered. I’m writing this on the bus home right now because this long trip right here is time that I can use for writing instead of looking out of the window for half an hour. Even though it's the first rain of Spring and the view is gorgeous.

‘…over the last five weeks or so my writing’s been a matter of strings – tiny little vibrations of ideas that would make up grand mindscapes if someone would make the effort to braid them together…’

Since my writing’s been reduced to the quantum level of strings and all things very small it’s best that I make plans to conquer the dimension that is Time first before moving back to Space. I’ve never been all that great with my Time management but that has to change if I’m to get all the things I need done out of the way, things like:

·         Work (sustaining engine of my life and all)
·         R.E.D. October (pretend you know what that is)
·         Reading (I've been reading Toll the Hounds forever!)
·         Writing
·         Gym
·         People (I need to cut down on people I don't like though, they're bad for my health or 

          something equally sinister) 
·         Family
·         Movies
·         Series
·         Gaming
·         Eating (a very pleasurable pass time this)

The rain outside is distracting me quite a lot – it's transforming the ugly CBD to something quite lovely. Anyway, Time, I'm addressing you personally now. No, don't try hide behind your impressive silver beard! This thing we've been doing you and I, it needs to have some sort of a structure that benefits us both, you know. Even if it's a floppy sort of structure, I don't mind, as long as we get through 24 hours of you and we can look back and nod satisfactorily that we didn't waste all that much of you staring at the ceiling, although, it must be said, it's a very beautiful ceiling.

I'm not sure how one goes about the whole setting up a schedule business so we'll need to find out how that's done and do it. Any ideas who we can consult? Or am I doing all the research again? For all your ticking and tocking you're a lazy bugger.

'No, don't try hide behind your impressive silver beard!'

(Aside... askance…? Askew…? That sort of thing. Nthabiseng said to talk to 5 and ask 5 to come sooner. Around about half past 4 will do. So, hi, 5, b3an_Champ here. Could we get that done please, the whole half past 4 business and all. Thanks. I'm busy working with your father to conquer him so you know, family friend and all that. Cool.)

Once I conquer Time I can focus on the dimensions of up and down, backwards and forwards, left and right and inside out.

***

Skip forward a week; add some days and nights and here I am in a hospital waiting room. My mom has a standing (more likely sleeping though) problem with her liver – failure and what not. She had an episode tonight and here we are. I'm scared a little but she seems okay right now. Since I'm here I decided to go over the ol' writing pad on my phone and saw this. I'm quite disappointed in myself. I let a whole week and some days and nights pass without doing much of this writing business save for two middling poems. Really? It takes a goddam hospital room to get me trying. That's just wrong. I want to do better than that, be better than that. I want to be my own muse.

That is all.

"Fool," said my Muse to me, "look in thy heart, and write." 

Sandton Princess in an Advertising World...: Once Upon a Time I used to Read Books

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