For a long time now I haven't felt like I wanted to post an entry and there is no one reason for this. All I will say is, I haven't been all that happy. I started this year full of hope: I had decided on a new direction career-wise, something more fulfilling and congruent with me as a person and less empty and vacuous than I had found the world of television to be. It hasn't been an altogether successful move so far, and certainly not very lucrative, but, as a hero of mine once said, these things take time. I didn't take into account the kind of personal issues this kind of move would raise and I end the year somewhat wiser and happier, but most of all thankful. Thankful for things I had, until this year, taken completely for granted.
These days it's so easy to get caught up in the superficial trappings of popular culture. It's everywhere and almost impossible to escape. There's no denying that the world of "celebrity", social networking, technology and personal image all have a place in our ever changing society, but as our fascination in these things grows and grows, it becomes harder and harder, I think, to remember what's really important, and what's important are people.
My three closest friends, whose identity I will protect (two of whom I met, ironically, whilst working in telly) have, in the last two years, been through the most terrible and traumatic events you could imagine. All three have dealt with them with such dignity and love that I am in total awe of their strength, courage and selflessness. It is they who have moved me to write this post and I do so in their honour.
This year I have learnt things about people I considered to be friends, that have surprised, hurt and disappointed me. I'm sure this is the natural order of things, as we are, after all, only human and therefore fallible creatures. But equally, it has never been so apparent to me to keep hold of the people who continually give everything they have to everybody else, even though they, themselves, are dying inside. Such strength I can hardly compute, but these people are so rare and beautiful and I give thanks every day that they are in my life.
I am lucky too, to have a supremely loving family who continue to support me unconditionally in whatever I do. They never lecture, judge or make me feel like I should be doing the conventional things most people my age are doing. They respect me as a person and know that I will not necessarily conform to a traditional lifestyle. They believe, as I do, that if it's right, it will happen on its own and when I'm ready, but they don't spoil or wrap me in cotton wool either. How many people can say the same?
So, to sum up, I may not have the job, the house, the car, the money or the relationship but I know that I love, and am loved by my family and my friends and what more do you need, really?
After all, as a wise man once said, "No man is a failure who has friends".
Saturday 11 December 2010
Monday 15 February 2010
Me and Uke, Uke and Me
Well , I feel slightly more cheery than I did last week as it has become evident that I do indeed have some readers! AND they comment! sometimes they share a little too much but as long as it's not nasty I can deal with it. (see Daniel Kitson post if you are confused)
It has been an enlightening week to say the least. I have learnt that,
a. Men of 22 do not like being spurned and have the capacity to then get in a total grump.
b. When drunk I am able to sing in front of 250 people.
and
c. Cosmic ordering doesn't work on MacBook Pros.
Actually I'm feeling pretty ropey today, full of cold and overpriced Crouch End soup.
The other day whilst at Bush Hall I found myself picking up a ukulele and decided that I would try and learn to play properly. I have now learnt 3 chords (had to stop as policeman neighbour came upstairs to complain...oops) Not sure yet what I will do with my talent but perhaps I will sing something too. Which brings me to another highlight of the week; On Thursday night I went to Karaoke Circus at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club run by the lovely Martin White and Danielle Ward (had only been here once before for a John Waters Theme night and loved it) I had been aware of KC from working at the Albany where I believe it originated from Robin Ince's Book Club, but had never attended one.
What a great night! Andrew Collins (always entertaining and gentlemanly) was brilliant pogoing to the Ting Tings, so too was Robin Ince whose love was torn apart by a Smithsian interlude. Forgot that I had signed up to sing until my name was called (actually thats a complete lie, I was cacking it and drinking red wine to combat my fear, although there was no guarantee of being chosen) However, when I got up there the crowd was so lovely and supportive that my fear dissipated and I ended up drunkenly swaying along to Dream a Little Dream. It can't have sounded too bad to the mysterious Baron and the very handsome and hirsute Daniel Maier as they made me the winner.
So my first foray back into the world of live entertainment has occurred a mere 5 and a half years since my one and only Edinburgh outing with Alexs MacQueen and Kirk.
http://www.itsalrightforsome.com/page.php?pageID=acts&acts_id=22
Who knows what will happen next. Perhaps I will become Georgina Formby.
TURN-ONS What's going on the Thong Stereo
1. Black Cab - Jens Lekman (my brother introduced me to him and I cannot stop playing it)
2. Listen To The Band- The Monkees (celebrating Mickey Dolenz's arrival in the West End)
3. The Trapeze Swinger- Iron and Wine
4. First Train Home- Imogen Heap
5. Central Reservation- Beth Orton
Later on dudes.
It has been an enlightening week to say the least. I have learnt that,
a. Men of 22 do not like being spurned and have the capacity to then get in a total grump.
b. When drunk I am able to sing in front of 250 people.
and
c. Cosmic ordering doesn't work on MacBook Pros.
Actually I'm feeling pretty ropey today, full of cold and overpriced Crouch End soup.
The other day whilst at Bush Hall I found myself picking up a ukulele and decided that I would try and learn to play properly. I have now learnt 3 chords (had to stop as policeman neighbour came upstairs to complain...oops) Not sure yet what I will do with my talent but perhaps I will sing something too. Which brings me to another highlight of the week; On Thursday night I went to Karaoke Circus at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club run by the lovely Martin White and Danielle Ward (had only been here once before for a John Waters Theme night and loved it) I had been aware of KC from working at the Albany where I believe it originated from Robin Ince's Book Club, but had never attended one.
What a great night! Andrew Collins (always entertaining and gentlemanly) was brilliant pogoing to the Ting Tings, so too was Robin Ince whose love was torn apart by a Smithsian interlude. Forgot that I had signed up to sing until my name was called (actually thats a complete lie, I was cacking it and drinking red wine to combat my fear, although there was no guarantee of being chosen) However, when I got up there the crowd was so lovely and supportive that my fear dissipated and I ended up drunkenly swaying along to Dream a Little Dream. It can't have sounded too bad to the mysterious Baron and the very handsome and hirsute Daniel Maier as they made me the winner.
So my first foray back into the world of live entertainment has occurred a mere 5 and a half years since my one and only Edinburgh outing with Alexs MacQueen and Kirk.
http://www.itsalrightforsome.com/page.php?pageID=acts&acts_id=22
Who knows what will happen next. Perhaps I will become Georgina Formby.
TURN-ONS What's going on the Thong Stereo
1. Black Cab - Jens Lekman (my brother introduced me to him and I cannot stop playing it)
2. Listen To The Band- The Monkees (celebrating Mickey Dolenz's arrival in the West End)
3. The Trapeze Swinger- Iron and Wine
4. First Train Home- Imogen Heap
5. Central Reservation- Beth Orton
Later on dudes.
Sunday 7 February 2010
DUMBO
No posts for a couple of weeks although I doubt anyone has noticed. The truth is there's stuff that happens that I can't really blog about. Part of me really wants to as it would be cathartic but I'm not ready to put myself in the public domain in that way just yet.
One of my friends mentioned that my blog might be more interesting if it had more sex in it. Stay tuned, Glyn, stay tuned...
I am writing something though. This was my promise to myself in December: I made it the night I saw Daniel Kitson at Sydney Opera House. My sister and I came home from the Opera Bar and my brother-in-law was watching American Beauty. I had studied this film in a screenwriting class I took a few years ago and seeing it again reminded me what a near perfect film it is. The thought of coming back to England and trying to find work in TV filled me with dread, so I decided there and then not to, and it felt right. I'll talk more about what I'm writing next time but for the moment I need to sleep. I'm too old to be getting home at 3am.
TURN-ONS What's going on the Thong stereo.
1. Tidal- Imogen Heap
2. Car Song- Madder Rose
3. Interesting Drug- Morrissey
4. One Love- Massive Attack (can't wait for Heligoland)
5. Need One- Martina Topley-Bird
Silent non-existent people, in case you're wondering about the title. It's a new area in New York. An acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Didn't have a title see, and New York trivia is always interesting, I think.
One of my friends mentioned that my blog might be more interesting if it had more sex in it. Stay tuned, Glyn, stay tuned...
I am writing something though. This was my promise to myself in December: I made it the night I saw Daniel Kitson at Sydney Opera House. My sister and I came home from the Opera Bar and my brother-in-law was watching American Beauty. I had studied this film in a screenwriting class I took a few years ago and seeing it again reminded me what a near perfect film it is. The thought of coming back to England and trying to find work in TV filled me with dread, so I decided there and then not to, and it felt right. I'll talk more about what I'm writing next time but for the moment I need to sleep. I'm too old to be getting home at 3am.
TURN-ONS What's going on the Thong stereo.
1. Tidal- Imogen Heap
2. Car Song- Madder Rose
3. Interesting Drug- Morrissey
4. One Love- Massive Attack (can't wait for Heligoland)
5. Need One- Martina Topley-Bird
Silent non-existent people, in case you're wondering about the title. It's a new area in New York. An acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Didn't have a title see, and New York trivia is always interesting, I think.
Wednesday 20 January 2010
The xx
It has come to attention that I have been using the word, cunt, a lot more than ever before. It's not very ladylike, is it? It could be that I have used the word fuck so much it has become meaningless in my vocabulary or maybe it's just that I have met a lot of cunts recently.
Last night I went to see a screening of Mo at Bafta with a Q & A with the creative team afterwards.
I urge everyone to see this when it comes on Channel 4.It is an extremely emotive piece of film-making documenting a slice of the life of that rarest of things, a popular politician. But it is much much more than that: It is a window on her personality, her personal life and most importantly the bravery with which she dealt with her terminal brain tumour. Julie Walters does not disappoint.
The Q & A unfortunately did.
The interviewer seemed to ask badly researched, inappropriate and embarrassing questions which the team struggled to answer. In short it was cringeworthy for all involved.
I sat behind Neil Kinnock who started the vigorous round of applause as the piece ended, but then promptly left before the Q & A.
Popcorn Comedy on Friday with a rare appearance by Graham Linehan. Oh, and also Dave Hill at the Hen and Chicks tomorrow. Very exciting!
TURN-ONs this week.
What's going on the Thong stereo
1. Ambling Alp- Yeasayer
2. Heaven Can Wait- Beck and Charlotte Gainsbourg
3. Paradise Circus- Massive Attack feat. Hope Sandoval
4. 5 Rebbeccas- The View
5. anything by The xx
Laters
Last night I went to see a screening of Mo at Bafta with a Q & A with the creative team afterwards.
I urge everyone to see this when it comes on Channel 4.It is an extremely emotive piece of film-making documenting a slice of the life of that rarest of things, a popular politician. But it is much much more than that: It is a window on her personality, her personal life and most importantly the bravery with which she dealt with her terminal brain tumour. Julie Walters does not disappoint.
The Q & A unfortunately did.
The interviewer seemed to ask badly researched, inappropriate and embarrassing questions which the team struggled to answer. In short it was cringeworthy for all involved.
I sat behind Neil Kinnock who started the vigorous round of applause as the piece ended, but then promptly left before the Q & A.
Popcorn Comedy on Friday with a rare appearance by Graham Linehan. Oh, and also Dave Hill at the Hen and Chicks tomorrow. Very exciting!
TURN-ONs this week.
What's going on the Thong stereo
1. Ambling Alp- Yeasayer
2. Heaven Can Wait- Beck and Charlotte Gainsbourg
3. Paradise Circus- Massive Attack feat. Hope Sandoval
4. 5 Rebbeccas- The View
5. anything by The xx
Laters
Thursday 7 January 2010
For the love of Daniel Kitson
Sitting in my bed on this freezing cold morning I am, for first time, enjoying being out of work. From my bed, I can see a snow covered Alexandra Palace, a pure white garden and a couple of tits feeding on my window sill. I could be in a Disney film!
Still, back to reality for a second.
The past couple of days have allowed me to sample the cultural delights the capital has to offer,the first being La Clique at the Roundhouse.
I've never seen anything of this ilk before ( closest being Monkey at the O2, which I thoroughly enjoyed )and it's not something I would necessarily book to see were it not for having some friends involved.
It was bloody great! you are encouraged to be vocal and take part, like an upmarket, more dangerous panto. In a series of ( sort of ) death defying acts that thrilled the audience, you never knew what was coming next. My friends, The Wau Wau sisters opened with their rock chick, beer-swilling fag-smoking trapeze act which gets me every time. They are true New Yorkers and I don't understand how they do what they do without killing themselves.Respect is most definitely due for these girls as they work ridiculously hard and the results are phenomenal.
During the show I recognised one of the ushers as an ex from the 2003 era.It was a particularly unwelcome sight as it ended badly and the last time I bumped into him on a bus I had shouted, "As if my day couldn't get any fucking worse!" Mature I know.
Anyhoo, this time I was decidedly more genial and actually just had no feelings for him whatsoever. We were able to chat for quite a lengthy time after the show about our mutual love of all things New York and my recent ER visit whilst on holiday there! Only downside was I hardly spoke to the Wau Waus. I felt purged though, and a little bit grown up. There haven't been many people I have felt such utter loathing for in my life and I was glad I no longer did.
Last night I went to see the wonderful Daniel Kitson, a comedian I am proud to say I have followed since doing his lights and sound at the Hen and Chickens in 2002. I walked through 2 miles of snow covered road, fell on my arse twice and nearly got run over, all in my quest to see him at the Union Chapel where he was performing his latest stand-up show "We Are Gathered Here" for the last time.
It was totally worth it. The man is just a natural comic.
( However, I have a risotto in my fridge that I am no longer able to eat because I keep imagining his shit swirling through it.)
My best friend, Katie, gave me some lovely Christmas presents on Tuesday, including a lovely bottle of Bollinger! I almost cried when I saw it as it was a kind of Champagne karma. I had had a bottle of Bollinger given to me by an actor I dressed that I had saved for years for a special occasion. I finally decided to drink with my then boyfriend only to go and meet him at his house and find that he had drunk three quarters of it by himself celebrating that his football team had won the double!
Right I'm off to the shower and then possibly Clapham later, for more comedy.
Seeya Bye
Still, back to reality for a second.
The past couple of days have allowed me to sample the cultural delights the capital has to offer,the first being La Clique at the Roundhouse.
I've never seen anything of this ilk before ( closest being Monkey at the O2, which I thoroughly enjoyed )and it's not something I would necessarily book to see were it not for having some friends involved.
It was bloody great! you are encouraged to be vocal and take part, like an upmarket, more dangerous panto. In a series of ( sort of ) death defying acts that thrilled the audience, you never knew what was coming next. My friends, The Wau Wau sisters opened with their rock chick, beer-swilling fag-smoking trapeze act which gets me every time. They are true New Yorkers and I don't understand how they do what they do without killing themselves.Respect is most definitely due for these girls as they work ridiculously hard and the results are phenomenal.
During the show I recognised one of the ushers as an ex from the 2003 era.It was a particularly unwelcome sight as it ended badly and the last time I bumped into him on a bus I had shouted, "As if my day couldn't get any fucking worse!" Mature I know.
Anyhoo, this time I was decidedly more genial and actually just had no feelings for him whatsoever. We were able to chat for quite a lengthy time after the show about our mutual love of all things New York and my recent ER visit whilst on holiday there! Only downside was I hardly spoke to the Wau Waus. I felt purged though, and a little bit grown up. There haven't been many people I have felt such utter loathing for in my life and I was glad I no longer did.
Last night I went to see the wonderful Daniel Kitson, a comedian I am proud to say I have followed since doing his lights and sound at the Hen and Chickens in 2002. I walked through 2 miles of snow covered road, fell on my arse twice and nearly got run over, all in my quest to see him at the Union Chapel where he was performing his latest stand-up show "We Are Gathered Here" for the last time.
It was totally worth it. The man is just a natural comic.
( However, I have a risotto in my fridge that I am no longer able to eat because I keep imagining his shit swirling through it.)
My best friend, Katie, gave me some lovely Christmas presents on Tuesday, including a lovely bottle of Bollinger! I almost cried when I saw it as it was a kind of Champagne karma. I had had a bottle of Bollinger given to me by an actor I dressed that I had saved for years for a special occasion. I finally decided to drink with my then boyfriend only to go and meet him at his house and find that he had drunk three quarters of it by himself celebrating that his football team had won the double!
Right I'm off to the shower and then possibly Clapham later, for more comedy.
Seeya Bye
Tuesday 5 January 2010
A New Hope
Whilst wandering through the West End last night handing out CVs (I've decided to resume my dressing career in a bid to buy me more time for my artistic endeavours)I realised how long it has been since I'd spent any time there. My last job was based in Farringdon and so I didn't head to W1 very often.
I am surprised at how much has changed in just a few months. A large chunk of it seems to be decimated! I barely recognised Tottenham Court Road/Charing Cross area.
Having spent most of last month in the warmth of Sydney and it's suburbs it was a real shock to my system to spend a long period outdoors while the British winter is in full throttle and not for nothing did I find myself taking sanctuary in various coffee establishments (and, right at the end...MacDonald's, dreadful I know but soooo good)
In the middle of Brewer St I came across "Vegan Routes" a novel new Vegan cafe in a Routemaster bus! that sight alone made me fall in love with London all over again. Even when things seem rubbish and everything is uncertain I can take comfort that I live in what is quite possibly the most exciting city in the world. Now I didn't get all that from the Routemaster but it made me think as I wandered through Soho that rarely have I been in such an eclectic, multi cultural, vibrant and stimulating city and I've travelled a bit.
This morning I have been listening to my new Congo to Cuba cd which arrived in the post yesterday- not everyone's taste I appreciate, and actually not usually mine but I heard it playing in a shop in Coogee and it's heat just won me (not quite the same in my little Crouch End flat but you get the idea)
Anyways, I'm off to see La Clique at the Roundhouse tonight. A couple of my friends from New York are in it. Check them out here,
http://www.wauwausisters.com/
I worked on their show at the Pleasance in Edinburgh 2005. Happy Days!
I am surprised at how much has changed in just a few months. A large chunk of it seems to be decimated! I barely recognised Tottenham Court Road/Charing Cross area.
Having spent most of last month in the warmth of Sydney and it's suburbs it was a real shock to my system to spend a long period outdoors while the British winter is in full throttle and not for nothing did I find myself taking sanctuary in various coffee establishments (and, right at the end...MacDonald's, dreadful I know but soooo good)
In the middle of Brewer St I came across "Vegan Routes" a novel new Vegan cafe in a Routemaster bus! that sight alone made me fall in love with London all over again. Even when things seem rubbish and everything is uncertain I can take comfort that I live in what is quite possibly the most exciting city in the world. Now I didn't get all that from the Routemaster but it made me think as I wandered through Soho that rarely have I been in such an eclectic, multi cultural, vibrant and stimulating city and I've travelled a bit.
This morning I have been listening to my new Congo to Cuba cd which arrived in the post yesterday- not everyone's taste I appreciate, and actually not usually mine but I heard it playing in a shop in Coogee and it's heat just won me (not quite the same in my little Crouch End flat but you get the idea)
Anyways, I'm off to see La Clique at the Roundhouse tonight. A couple of my friends from New York are in it. Check them out here,
http://www.wauwausisters.com/
I worked on their show at the Pleasance in Edinburgh 2005. Happy Days!
Saturday 2 January 2010
Prologue
Hello.
I'm not really sure how to start this as I've never done anything like this before. I suppose I should tell you a little bit about me to start with in the vague belief that someone will actually read this.
My name is Nina and I live in north London in an area seemingly filled with comedians and actors (they're everywhere!) But that's the way I like it. I myself had acting ambitions in the late nineties and early 2000s and even went to Edinburgh alongside some very well-respected names, but it didn't happen for me then and I left for Australia where I lived for a year with my elder sister. On my return I started to work behind the scenes in TV. I loved working on a comedy show with Danny Wallace and also a year long interactive documentary with young people but then I had a bad experience. I started working for a company that epitomised everything I hate about telly and it went tits up.
I went tits up.
So, I went to Australia again just for a few weeks this time and now I am back and determined not to be sucked into that vacuous media machine again. I have decided to leave television for the time being and concentrate on some rather more personal ambitions of which I'll tell you about tomorrow.
At school I used to read the NME when it didn't have staples. They had a section called "TURN-ONs-What's going on the NME stereo" and I used to recreate this in my bedroom on my noticeboard and update it every week. They might still do it, I don't know but I thought I might do it on here as music is a big part of my life. And so...
TURN-ONS- what's going on the Thong stereo
1- I know your girlfriend hates me- Annie (because it's fucking great)
2- Help, I'm alive-Metric (thanks to my big bro and biggest music influence)
3- Sexy, No,No,No- Girls Aloud
4- Blue Moon- Cowboy Junkies (thanks to Andrew Collins on 6music)
5- Sweet Jane- Velvet Underground (Skins used this in a sex scene recently. Bloody great, Skins)
I'm not really sure how to start this as I've never done anything like this before. I suppose I should tell you a little bit about me to start with in the vague belief that someone will actually read this.
My name is Nina and I live in north London in an area seemingly filled with comedians and actors (they're everywhere!) But that's the way I like it. I myself had acting ambitions in the late nineties and early 2000s and even went to Edinburgh alongside some very well-respected names, but it didn't happen for me then and I left for Australia where I lived for a year with my elder sister. On my return I started to work behind the scenes in TV. I loved working on a comedy show with Danny Wallace and also a year long interactive documentary with young people but then I had a bad experience. I started working for a company that epitomised everything I hate about telly and it went tits up.
I went tits up.
So, I went to Australia again just for a few weeks this time and now I am back and determined not to be sucked into that vacuous media machine again. I have decided to leave television for the time being and concentrate on some rather more personal ambitions of which I'll tell you about tomorrow.
At school I used to read the NME when it didn't have staples. They had a section called "TURN-ONs-What's going on the NME stereo" and I used to recreate this in my bedroom on my noticeboard and update it every week. They might still do it, I don't know but I thought I might do it on here as music is a big part of my life. And so...
TURN-ONS- what's going on the Thong stereo
1- I know your girlfriend hates me- Annie (because it's fucking great)
2- Help, I'm alive-Metric (thanks to my big bro and biggest music influence)
3- Sexy, No,No,No- Girls Aloud
4- Blue Moon- Cowboy Junkies (thanks to Andrew Collins on 6music)
5- Sweet Jane- Velvet Underground (Skins used this in a sex scene recently. Bloody great, Skins)
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